World News

Industry news and insights from Europe and around the World

UK News

Latest news and developments in the United Kingdom

Products

Keep up-to-date with the latest new products and technology

Features

General articles, applications and industry analysis

BESA salutes former president Edgar Poppleton

UK: The Building Engineering Services Association (BESA) to its former president Edgar Poppleton, who died recently at the age of 87.

The former MD of ductwork manufacturer and installation contractor E Poppleton & Son, he served as president of what was then the HVCA in 1986/7, receiving the association’s distinguished service award in 1999.

Born in Colwyn Bay in 1934, Edgar Poppleton was the grandson of the founder of the family firm, now branded as Poppleton.

He served as chair of numerous committees and his local region, contributed to many technical publications, and became a board director of several HVCA subsidiaries. A Fellow of CIBSE, he was also a recognised ventilation expert beyond the UK and took inspiration from many of the ideas shared with like-minded engineers in Europe and the US.

“BESA and the ventilation industry have both lost a true champion and distinguished innovator,” said current BESA president Neil Brackenridge. “Edgar was respected, but also widely popular. He gave tirelessly and selflessly of his time to help improve our industry and his fellow engineers.

“He leaves an amazing legacy that lives on through the ongoing success of the company and the Association to which he gave so much.”

Former BESA chief executive Robert Higgs OBE said he would remember Edgar with great fondness adding that he should have been extremely proud of all he achieved.

“Without doubt, he elevated the position of his company, the ductwork sector, the HVCA, and the industry,” said Higgs.

“Whilst being highly regarded for his professionalism, commitment, preparedness, and attention to detail, members and staff will remember him as being amongst the most genial, supportive and effective of the association’s presidents.”

Latest News

9th July 2025

IOR invites responses to EN378 revision

UK: The Institute of Refrigeration says it will be developing a coordinated response to the proposed revision of EN378 standard and has urged input from the UK industry.
9th July 2025

Systemair to acquire Indian fan manufacturer

SWEDEN: Systemair AB has signed an agreement to acquire NADI Airtechnics Ltd, a leading Indian manufacturer of industrial fans.
9th July 2025

AIT brings low-charge R290 heat pump to market

GERMANY: The Kasendorf-based manufacturer AIT-Group has launched the first refrigerant-reduced R290 heat pumps based on the scientific work of the Fraunhofer Institute’s LC150 project.
8th July 2025

Work begins on expanding heat pump facility 

DENMARK: Johnson Controls has broken ground on an expansion of its Holme heat pump and chiller facility in Aarhus, Denmark. 
8th July 2025

Nordic Climate acquires Dutch firm Climanova

SWEDEN/NETHERLANDS: The Nordic Climate Group has continued its expansion with the acquisition of Climanova, a company offering cooling, climate control, and heating solutions with bases in the Netherlands and Belgium.
8th July 2025

Eurovent guidance on incomplete deliveries 

BELGIUM: Eurovent has released updated versions of its guidance for manufacturers, distributors, and end-users of refrigerated cabinets.