By Press Release
My life has led me on many adventures, to all corners of the world, but I feel so fortunate to be able to call the Isle of Wight my home.
I grew up in a farming village in Nottinghamshire, where my ancestors lived since Viking times. My father was a serving officer in the Royal Engineers, and I too opted for a military career rather than farming. After attending Welbeck College, I spent two years at the Royal Academy, Sandhurst, before being commissioned into the Royal Signals in 1965. In 1980 I commanded my regiment before returning to the army staff college as an instructor. My service took me all over the world, with the Ace Mobile Force, 249 Signal Squadron, with deployments to Turkey, Canada, Italy, Denmark, and Norway as well as four years with the Gurkhas in the far East.
I was fortunate to be appointed as an MBE in 1972. It was all an incredible experience, but my life soon took a turn in another direction after being head hunted by a large multinational company, with me leaving the army and embarking on my second career as sales manager for Marex Technology, a software company based in Cowes, and eventually moving up to the position of managing director. Under my stewardship we sold the company to the Japanese, now known as Yokogawa Marex.
I discovered the Island through my daughters’ school, Upper Chine. I bought a house in Ashey in the early 1980’s to spend half terms and holidays on the Island. Although I took an early retirement putting my feet up was never going to be my style, and I was delighted to be appointed High Sheriff of the Island in 2005 and served as a Deputy Lord Lieutenant of the Island for several years. I have even squeezed in the challenging roles of chair of the IOW NHS Primary Care Trust Board, chair of the IW Agricultural Society, vice chairman of the IW College, chair of the IW Economic Partnership and director of Cowes Yacht Haven.
However, my career path was to take yet another interesting turn, and I became the proud chairman of Pure Green Energy, the Isle of Wight’s most established renewable energy company. We have been the premier supplier of sustainable energy solutions for 18 years, empowering our customers with cutting-edge technologies, from solar photovoltaics (PV) ground source heat pumps, air source heat pumps, solar thermal, and underfloor heating.
We have many customers who have transformed their homes and businesses into eco-friendly powerhouses. Our team of engineers, all government-accredited and extensively trained, are passionate about bringing renewable energy to the forefront of sustainable living.
While we serve a diverse range of commercial and industrial customers, our focus remains on providing tailored solutions to our valued domestic users. Combining different technologies, such as heat pumps and solar PV, allows our customers to maximise their return on investment and achieve optimal energy savings.
Unlike many early adopters in the industry, Pure Green Energy has successfully weathered the fluctuations of government tariffs and incentives. Our team of experts are well versed in the latest incentive schemes and government regulations ensuring maximum benefits available are received.
With a wealth of experience, and an impressive portfolio, we guarantee unrivalled expertise and a track record of success. There has never been a better time to invest in renewable technology, unlock energy-saving potential and secure a greener future for yourself and the planet.