Daikin introduced a host of benefits and a fresh new look to its partnership programme at the recent D1 Partner conference in London.

Attended by more than 500 installers, the event provided an overview of the company’s latest developments as well as market insights and the chance to network.

The conference, which took place on 17 May at the Park Plaza Hotel in Westminster, included several presentations from Daikin experts, a keynote speaker from BISRIA and a live interactive polling session. 

Also joining the seminal event were Frans Hoorelbeke, chairman of Daikin Europe NV and Toshitaka Tsubouchi, vice president sales, Daikin Europe NV. Continuing on into the evening, delegates were entertained by a live band, stand-up comedian and a football pundit panel session hosted by BBC’s Mark Chapman and featuring footballer legends Paul Merson, Stuart Pearce and Kevin Keegan.

The new-look Daikin D1 Partnership programme, includes changes to partner titles, with D1 members renamed D1 Business Partners and D1+ members now known as D1+ Premium Partners. This change is reflected in the rebranded logo, which places more focus on the partnership with the contractor. 

In addition, the new D1 portal has been designed to provide quick and easy access to all core reference items for partners such as business development fund balance, company sales figures, and accreditation records. Other features of the portal include a marketing and literature section and an exclusive new hospitality zone called the D1nner Club, offering members an exciting schedule of events and trips. The D1 portal links seamlessly with the My Daikin portal, which contains a full library of technical drawings, manuals and more.

Changes have also been implemented within technical support, reporting and training to improve the experience and level of service for partners. After feedback from members, Daikin UK has decentralised its service team into three regional centres. This offers greater and more localised support for installers no matter where they are based. 

There will also be a greater range of training courses offered, with one new training course added per season and four new courses being offered in 2016 alone. 

The conference also enabled contractors to learn more about Daikin’s new Bluevolution R32 air-conditioning range.

Finally, the D1 Conference provided the first opportunity for new managing director, Martin Krutz to meet D1 Partners. Taking over the role from Dirk Slagmulder, who is returning to Daikin Europe to take up a senior management position, Martin officially began his tenure as MD of Daikin UK at the beginning of April 2016.

He has worked for the company for more than 25 years and previously held senior management and directorial roles in Daikin Poland, Daikin Air Conditioning Central Europe and Daikin Europe HQ.