Managing Director for Outlook Energy Ltd.
What does your company do?
We specialise Solar PV installation, helping to reduce energy bills with a return on investment through the Government’s Feed in Tariffs.
What do people think that your company does?
We certainly don’t do Solar Farms. We enable agricultural, commercial and industrial business and property owners to make use their roofs.
What’s your day-to-day job?
Generally liaising with customers, project managing installations, and overseeing the general management and development of the company. My colleagues think I spend all day drinking tea with farmers or sunning myself on rooftops.
What was your very first job?
Working with my best mates in Heligan Gardens’ kitchens for three summers. I have to confess it equalled low productivity but a massive amount of fun. Thankfully, it also taught me about becoming self-aware.
Can you remember what was in your very first pay packet?
My first 40-hour week yielded £180.00… it made me feel I was Bill Gates!
What advice would you now give to your 16-year-old self?
Learn from your grandparents; see how little they have but how happy they are.
How long have your been in your current job and what was your previous role?
I’ve been at Outlook Energy for about a year. Prior to that I worked for three years as a Sales Manager for St Austell based Fluid Branding.
What does your company most pride itself for? And how does it deliver?
The Solar PV market has been the victim of some bad press through companies who interested in turning a quick profit rather than deliver a quality and prolonged service. As a local business, and a proud Cornishman, we take great pride in positively delivering professionalism, friendliness and a quality service from start to finish.
What improvements is your company currently making?
The renewables industry is moving fast so it’s important to keep on top of the latest and evolving technology so we can pass these benefits to our customers.
What recent successes have you, or the business, had that gives you reasons to feel proud?
We’ve been lucky to win some great contracts over the past year. We recently equipped Kittows Butchers and the Merlin Centre with solar systems. We worked with local farmers and we’re now installing solar systems on Sticker, Polgooth and Trewoon Village Halls.
What top three qualities do you look for in the people you employ, or work with? Integrity, a good sense of humour and an ethic to work hard.
Is your business currently recruiting?
We hope to recruit in the near future for an admin position and anyone with experience in the renewables for a field sales post.
What’s your journey to work?
I drive to the office in St Austell but I’m also out on the road a lot.
What would be your dream way of commuting?
On horseback.
How do you like to unwind and relax after a busy week in the job?
I find running very therapeutic, almost as therapeutic as a glass of Pinot Noir.
What’s your best quality?
I’m Cornish
What’s your worst?
I never feel fully content
What did you want to be when you were a kid?
Selling carpets at Trago Mills because I loved the smell!
If you could change one thing about your work environment, what would it be?
To have an office dog.
In your mind, is St Austell a great, good, or not such a good place to do business?
St Austell is my home so I will always love this place and we are excited to be part of the business community. There is a lot of positive potential here and it’s a great base from which to work. I hope the future for this area could be a really positive one.
