 While many companies profess to having air conditioning knowledge and expertise, there are few that can match the track record and experience of Sunderland-based 21 Degrees Ltd. Although the company only started trading four years ago, its two directors Steve Redhead and Vince Noble have over 40 years' air conditioning experience between them. They were previously senior managers of the air conditioning division of HC Troldahl, one of the first and most prominent companies to have worked within the sector. 21 Degrees has grown rapidly over the past four years and now employs 24 staff who work in teams throughout the country installing and maintaining a wide variety of AC equipment in both industrial and commercial applications. This mix of different applications gives the company its edge, according to Steve. He said: "With even B&Q now selling AC equipment, potential customers need advice as to exactly what systems they do need to meet their individual requirements, which manufacturer's equipment will do the job best and what options are available for service and maintenance. "From the very outset, we've been completely independent from any manufacturer and provide a complete service from design and installation to service and maintenance. We've always believed in listening to our customers to find out exactly what their needs and expectations are and only then going to the drawing board to design a system which will fulfil these needs, rather than try and sell them a system off the shelf which may not be exactly what they require - it's all about building long term relationships where customers keep coming back. "Our applications range from small offices, financial institutions, restaurants IT and Communications Rooms with equipment ranging from single split systems to complex critical equipment such as process chillers in industrial applications. Whilst the systems may vary, they have in common the fact that they have all been designed and installed specifically for that customer." The company places great emphasis on the training and high skill levels of its staff with engineers CITB certified for the safe handling of refrigerants, qualified up to the 16th Edition IEE Wiring Regulations and Corgi registered. Similar emphasis is put on staying abreast of the very latest technology and environmental considerations with heat pumps, heat recovery and energy efficient control systems being used wherever possible. With a client list including such blue chip accounts as Harrods, JD Weatherspoon, Conoco Phillips, HBOS, Abbey, Idexx, Siemens, Newcastle University, Northumbria Police, Nationwide Building Society and the Gateshead MetroCentre, 21 Degrees are set to capitalise on a first class reputation for ensuring customer satisfaction as a priority as demand for AC continues to rise amongst many businesses. Steve said: "The demand for air conditioning is rising, possibly as a result of the warmer temperatures we now experience, but, as an industry, we are critically aware of our environmental responsibilities. It is important to ensure that systems are designed in accordance with Part L of the Building Regulations and that refrigerant gases are only handled by qualified personnel." | 
