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 With bright yellow signage and vans bearing a cute cartoon logo, Penguin Air Conditioning has been catching attention since opening for business a year ago.
Fast-following this recognition comes a solid reputation: this is a company that wants to be noticed - and delivers what it promises. “We set out our stall with a policy towards service“, says Chris Blackburn, one of Penguin’s partners, “and this has struck a chord in our favour. There are numerous air-con businesses in the Algarve but few seem motivated to offer a reliable, fast-response maintenance service. So that‘s the gap we went for initially, and in doing so we develop trustworthy relationships with clients and pick up new installation work as and when it arises. Nowadays we‘re probably handling as many new installs as servicing jobs.”
With the summer heat wave has come a surge in demand for air conditioning services from sweltering property owners, management agents and even hoteliers. “We’re so busy keeping people cool at the moment, our phones are red hot!“, quips Chris. Having moved from a hectic London life to the Algarve with his wife four years ago, Chris - a former telecoms systems consultant - wasted no time putting his natural business acumen to good use. With strong branding and a commitment towards service, Penguin was born, specialising not only in air conditioning but in year-round heating and renewable energy solutions for the home - solar heating, underfloor and pool heating.
“Penguin provides an Algarve-wide service and a comprehensive range of products,” Chris explains. “We’re currently a team of eight, with over 30 years’ collective experience in our specialist fields.” Turning to Penguin‘s solar energy services, he comments: “The new legislation regarding energy-rating for properties, coupled with the greater efficiency and cost-effectiveness of today‘s technologies, is all combining to bring about an increased demand for solar systems - ideal of course in the Algarve‘s year-round sunny climate.”
 Technical Manager and Guru of the company is David Thirlwell, a fully-qualified commercial electrical engineer with many years’ experience in the Algarve. His background is in large-scale refrigeration projects and with an unsurpassed knowlege and experience there is no job too large or too complex for him. Overseeing a technical team of five, he brings an unrivalled and very rare consultancy ability to cover the range of Penguin’s products. David constantly surprises and always delivers.
Ensuring that all operations run smoothly is Office Manager, Patricia Nortista; whilst Penguin’s promotion and sales are managed by Tony Elwood, with over 10 years’ marketing experience in the Algarve.
Penguin’s Account Manager is John Hogan. With a successful sales background all over the UK for much of his working life, John has now settled with his family in the Sao Bras area. “I joined Penguin six months ago“ he explains, “as they share my ethos of quality products and a commitment to service. I love the East Algarve - its healthy environment, charm and culture - so I’m delighted to be working in the region, promoting Penguin’s services. Although air conditioning is our mainstay - and we’re offering some excellent summer discounts with Panasonic and Mitsubishi right now - there’s also great interest in solar heating for domestic water or pools. Penguin are now offering solar systems at substantially reduced prices, due to government grants which we obtain at source from suppliers and can pass the saving direct to clients. Adapted from our feature article appearing in East Algarve Magazine, August 2009.
East Algarve Magazine
Publisher & Editor: Richard Bassett
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http://www.eastalgarvemag.com
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