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

Seeking former employees of Barnet Refrigeration and BRD

UK: Former employees of Barnet Refrigeration or its air conditioning distribution arm BRD are being sought for a planned reunion. 

Established in 1953 as Barnet Refrigeration Services in London N12, the company grew to embrace air conditioning in the early 1960s and added ac distribution with the formation of BRD in 1980. During that period, and up until the company’s purchase by HRP in the 1990s, so many names passed through its doors, some of whom would go on to assume influential roles in the UK industry.

The company’s premises became a landmark in Summers Lane N12

Rachel Wales, now regional sales manager at Panasonic distributor AMP, is one of those who cut her proverbial air conditioning teeth at BRD. 

“BRD/BRL were so influential in the industry during their time, and it was a springboard for so many still in the industry,” she told the Cooling Post.

Talking of the plans for a reunion, she said: “We just feel the time is right and we are eager to get it together after years of talking about it. We have set up a WhatsApp group linked with around 30 ex-employees so far, but would ideally like to reach out to more ex-employees.”

A possible reunion is being discussed for early next year. Any ex-employees wishing to renew contact should email Rachel Wales or Kevin Reynolds.

Early days at BRD

Latest News

9th July 2026

Epsilon Zero R290 heat pump from Swegon

ITALY: Swegon has introduced Epsilon Zero, a new range of R290 air-to-water heat pumps designed for light commercial applications and multi-family housing.
9th July 2026

Nordic Climate buys Meridian Cooling

UK: Swedish contracting group Nordic Climate is continuing to make inroads into the UK with the acquisition of Poole-based Meridian Cooling.
9th July 2026

Chiller company Smardt appoints new CEO

CANADA: Oil-free centrifugal chiller technology company Smardt has  appointed Sandeep Nair as its new CEO. He succeeds Albert Yam, who transitions to executive director on Smardt's board.
9th July 2026

HPA UK appoint governing body committee

UK: The UK heat pump association, HPA UK, has set up a new governing body committee to steer the Association’s strategy and direction. 
9th July 2026

Six through to WorldSkills UK final

UK: Two apprentices attending Glasgow Kelvin College and two from training provider Total People are amongst the six competitors who have won through to the RACHP WorldSkills UK final. The six…
8th July 2026

Trials of refrigerated trailer using liquid nitrogen

SPAIN: Spanish logistics company Primafrio has concluded a pilot project to integrate a cryogenic system using liquid nitrogen and solar energy in a refrigerated trailer.