Mr Gibbard joined Coolair in 2001, becoming regional director in 2004 and assuming responsibility for the Midlands-based arm of the business.  As managing director, he will manage the day-to-day running of Coolair’s Manchester HQ and Midlands office, with the Southern office in Maidstone, Kent, remaining under the control of regional director Mark Garstang. Mr Gibbard will also work alongside Mr Otterson and finance director Helen Sharratt to ensure Coolair achieves its long-term financial and strategic targets which will secure the longevity of the business.

Mr Gibbard said: “I am both very proud and delighted to be undertaking my new role as Coolair’s managing director and taking the company forward through all the challenges thrown at us by Covid and into the future.

“It is the hardworking, knowledgeable and committed team at Coolair that makes the company so great to work for. It is through them we continue to provide the high standard of installations, backed by our partnering equipment manufacturer’s long-term warranties and maintained by our dedicated, in-house Aftersales team, that our clients have come to expect from us.”

Chairman John Otterson said: “Having joined Coolair 36 years ago I’ve seen and been a key part of many changes in the equipment we sell, the services we provide and the clients we serve. One of the real pleasures has also been seeing so many younger people join us over the years and grow to become key members of the Coolair family.

“Neil has made an outstanding contribution since joining the team in 2001 and fitted in right from the start. His professional, friendly attitude has won the respect of staff, suppliers and clients alike, and myself and the whole management team are delighted to be helping him lead Coolair into a strong and secure future.”

Coolair Equipment operates across the UK with offices in Manchester, Cannock and Kent. It offers tailored air-conditioning solutions to a range of clients, including shopping malls, office schemes and football stadiums.