Like a caterpillar transforming into a butterfly, Gilberts is in a constant state of evolution. Each stage of our journey brings new opportunities to grow, adapt and refine who we are. This idea of metamorphosis became the theme for our Annual Sales Conference 2025, where our sales, marketing and R&D teams came together at the Boulevard Hotel in Blackpool to celebrate success, reflect on the past year and look ahead to what’s next.
A Day of Reflection and Change
The day opened with Sales Director Ian Rogers, who spoke about transformation and how every stage brings its own lessons, challenges and rewards. He reflected on a strong year for sales, sharing highlights from 2024 and outlining the opportunities ahead. It was also a moment of transition, as Ian prepared to hand over the reins of leadership and begin a new chapter in his own journey.
Next, our new National Sales Manager, Martin Malyon, took the floor. Having been part of Gilberts for more than a decade, Martin’s session had a relaxed and collaborative feel. He invited Area Sales Managers to share stories of recent successes, covering everything from projects in the Scottish Highlands to complex heritage refurbishments. The conversation highlighted how Gilberts’ combination of technical expertise, bespoke engineering and Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) modelling gives clients confidence that their ventilation challenges will be met with precision and care. Whether it’s a school, prison or data centre, the message was clear: Gilberts continues to be the trusted name in air distribution manufacturing.
Innovation at Our Core
That same sense of confidence and curiosity carried through to the session led by Technical Director Roy Jones and R&D Manager Kevin Owers. Together, they offered an inspiring look at the new developments underway within Gilberts’ research and development team.
The spotlight was on two major innovations: the A2 High Performance Weather Louvre and the enhanced High-Capacity Floor Grille. Both products have been designed to meet the growing demands of modern buildings, particularly within the data centre market, which continues to expand as the UK invests heavily in AI infrastructure. The A2 Louvre features subtle curvature to improve aerodynamics and a sleek 50mm pitch blade design, achieving an impressive A2 weather rating up to 3 m/s intake velocity. The High-Capacity Floor Grille delivers over 1000 l/s of conditioned air and has been tested to BS13264:2001 heavy duty grade, ensuring durability even in high-traffic data centre environments. It is also fully compatible with all major modular raised-floor systems.
The team revisited the launch of the ThermAstute® range, our intelligent series of thermal products that sense air supply temperature and adapt quickly, optimising clean air and comfort. Kevin also shared several examples of CFD projects, demonstrating how Gilberts supports clients with complete ventilation strategies from initial design through to delivery. The session concluded with a glimpse of a new project currently in development, which promises to revolutionise the way air distribution is established within the HVAC industry.
Passing the Baton
In the afternoon, the theme of metamorphosis took on a more personal meaning. After 11 successful years with Gilberts, Ian Rogers formally passed the baton to his successor, Dave Harding, who now steps into the role of Sales & Marketing Director.
Ian’s leadership has helped shape the dynamic, high-performing team we have today. His contribution has been pivotal in building the strong relationships and reputation that continue to drive Gilberts forward.
Dave’s appointment marks both continuity and renewal. Having previously worked within Gilberts’ senior sales team before leading other major commercial operations in the HVAC industry, Dave returns with a wealth of experience and a clear vision for the future. He spoke briefly about his approach to leadership, his belief in collaboration, and the opportunities that lie ahead. There was a genuine sense of optimism in the room as the team looked forward to working together on the next phase of growth.
Marketing, Sustainability and the Road Ahead
The next session, presented by Head of Marketing, Amy Melling, explored how Gilberts continues to evolve in the digital space. Amy shared details of the upcoming website redesign, which will become the digital home of the Gilberts brand. The new site will provide customers with easier access to technical resources, product information and case studies, whilst offering a more engaging user experience.
Sustainability was also a key theme. Amy discussed the company’s ongoing work towards Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) and how these fit within Gilberts’ wider decarbonisation strategy. This conversation built naturally on the earlier R&D presentation about reducing plastic use in products, showing how each department plays a part in making Gilberts a more sustainable business. The commitment to transparency, innovation and responsible design is something the entire team is proud to stand behind.
Looking Forward
The conference concluded with an address from Managing Director, Chris Clarke, who reflected on the company’s progress over recent years. He spoke with pride about the strength of the Gilberts team, the unity across departments, and the resilience that continues to underpin our success.
Chris presented this year’s sales awards, recognising the exceptional contributions made by individuals across the business. He also outlined the company’s outlook for 2026, highlighting the importance of embracing change and maintaining the momentum that has defined our growth. His closing message was clear: it is through change that we evolve, and through teamwork that we thrive.
As the day came to an end, the atmosphere was one of pride, motivation and shared purpose. The 2025 Sales Conference captured exactly what Gilberts stands for… transformation, innovation and the people who make it happen.
Just like the butterfly at the heart of this year’s theme, Gilberts continues to grow stronger with every transformation, ready to take flight into another exciting chapter.
