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.