Air conditioning distributor DYSK, which is currently celebrating 10 years in business, has unveiled ambitious expansion plans for the future.

Developments include the appointment of new staff, diversification into fresh areas, and the creation of a new air conditioning training centre.

The Toshiba distributor began trading in 2004 from modest offices in Harpenden. Since then, it has grown into a multi-million pound business and moved to new, larger premises at Allied Business Centre, Coldharbour Lane, Harpenden.

The firm says that one of the keys to its success has been its expertise in the retail sector, supplying air conditioning and supporting some of the best known retailers on the High Street.

DYSK's founder and managing director, Andrew Skelton, said: 'Our single best-selling product over the years has been the Toshiba ceiling-mounted cassette, reflecting the importance of this iconic product for the UK retail market.

'While it remains important, we are expanding into new sectors and this requires the full armoury of VRF systems, heat pumps, splits and multi-splits - and related control systems.'

Growth areas include air conditioning for local authorities, schools, commercial offices and hotels. The company also reports continuing strong development in the premium domestic market.

Mr Skelton said: 'London is on our doorstep, and we have seen tremendous growth in upmarket apartments in recent years. Overseas buyers, in particular, have high expectations of indoor environment and comfort. With the prices now being commanded by premium apartments in the capital, air conditioning is considered an essential part of the specification.'

To cater for expansion, the company has appointed two new sales people, David Cooper and Mike Perks, who will look after their own dedicated sectors.

On the training front, DYSK has just finished equipping a new air conditioning training centre at its Southern office and HQ at Harpenden. It includes examples of the latest Toshiba systems and will offer engineers a full range of courses on installation, commissioning and servicing.

Headed by technical manager Martin Zealey, the training centre will open its doors next month.

Recent notable DYSK projects include supplying air conditioning for the new Polish Embassy, a multi-storey development equipped with Toshiba's high efficiency SHRM-i VRF system, and the completion of a huge R22 replacement project involving hundreds of New Look stores across the country.

www.dysk.co.uk