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

MacQueen crowned at Scottish dinner

UK: David MacQueen, the former owner of one the UK’s most influential air conditioning distributors, was recognised for his contribution to the industry at last night’s Scottish IoR dinner.

David MacQueen received the Kooltech Award in front of over 350 guests at last night’s dinner at the Crowne Plaza, Glasgow. The event was hosted by television presenter, radio DJ and former Pop Idol winner Michelle McManus.

In a further award, John Thompson, the Turner (Dundee) apprentice, who has been making a habit of winning awards recently, was named Apprentice of the Year.

MacQueen Air Conditioning, was founded in Glasgow in 1980. As one of the big five independent Daikin distributors, the company went on to make a significant contribution to growing the UK air conditioning market and establishing Daikin as the largest brand in the country.

By 2004, MacQueen Air Conditioning had achieved a turnover of 16m and established offices in Edinburgh, Leeds and Maidstone to support its 20,000ft² Glasgow headquarters. It was then that MacQueen was acquired by Daikin for a reported £3.5m.

David MacQueen went on to serve as a director of Daikin UK before leaving in 2008.

Apprentice of the Year

Recently named Refrigeration & Air Conditioning Apprentice of the Year by contractors’ body BESA, John Thompson followed up that success by taking the IoR Scottish Branch Apprentice of the Year. A student at Glasgow Kelvin College, Thompson is the College’s former apprentice of the year, and also won the Bronze medal in the national SkillFridge competition 2016.

Latest News

11th March 2026

Carel’s 2025 revenues reach €629m

ITALY: Carel, the HVACR controls manufacturer, has reported consolidated revenues in 2025 of €629m, an increase of 8.7% compared to 2024.
11th March 2026

METUS CEO Kuntz to retire

Mark Kuntz (left) is set to retire, being replaced by Andrew Kelso (right) USA: Mark Kuntz, the CEO of the Mitsubishi Electric Trane HVAC US joint venture (METUS) since its…
11th March 2026

Commission backs electricity tax reduction

BELGIUM: The European Heat Pump Association (EHPA) has applauded the European Commission’s recommendation for member states to reduce electricity taxation. The Citizens’ Energy Package unveiled by the Commission, yesterday, aims to…
10th March 2026

US HVAC sales down 5.9%

USA: Sales by US HVAC distributors were down 5.9% in January, compared to last year.
10th March 2026

Euro refrigerant prices remain stable

EUROPE: Refrigerant prices in Europe remained relatively stable or even decreased slightly in the fourth quarter of 2025, while the price of reclaimed R404A rose again compared to Q3.
9th March 2026

Daikin extends Altherma 4 R290 range

BELGIUM: Daikin has added a smaller range of its Altherma 4 EPSKS series R290m heat pumps in 4kW, 6kW and 7kW capacities for mid- to highly-insulated houses.