As part of the joint venture, designed to increase the competitiveness and effectiveness of both businesses, AUK staff will be based at Secon in Sunderland, with the company also retaining its existing base in Newcastle.

In a joint statement, Secon managing director Kevin Carling and AUK managing director Darryl Smith, said: “There has been a working relationship between Secon and AUK for over two years now and this new partnership takes it to the next level.

“It will provide the opportunity to supply AUK’s customer base with a vast range of complementary products such as air to water heat pumps from a number of quality brands, along with a range of ancillary stock items such as buffer tanks and pump sets, as well as opening up AUK's extensive product offering to Secon customers.’’

Secon says the move will allow it to grow business in the commercial air conditioning and chiller markets, taking advantage of its partner’s experience in those areas, while AUK aims to build its presence in the renewables sector.