Energy Local is a Community Interest Company (a type of not-for-profit). Mary Gillie is a director.
Dr Mary Gillie - Founder and Director
Mary Gillie Founder of Energy Local, Mary is an applied physicist by training but her career has been as an engineer. She loves new ideas and has run numerous field trials and feasibility studies to make our energy systems more efficient and to connect more renewables. She enjoys working with science and people to make our society and environment better for everyone. She has been bringing together the different components for Energy Local for a number of years.
After gaining a first class masters in applied physics from the University of Edinburgh and her PhD at the University of Strathclyde, she has managed, led or been a team member in high profile technical innovative energy projects from a few thousand to millions of pounds.
Her main area of expertise is the development of smartgrids for the electricity distribution system to increase efficiency and to easily integrate renewable generation. Notably she lead Low Carbon Network Fund (LCNF) ‘Smart Village project’ working with Ashton Hayes, been technical engineer for LCNF Customer Lead Network Revolution and My Electric Avenue. She managed Ashton Hayes ow Carbon Communities Challenge (LCCC) Project and Local Energy Assessment Fund project and worked on Elexon funded investigations in local energy markets.
Amy Charnley-Parry - Operations Director
Amy is our Operations Director. She has a background in business and communities, including running an events business and developing a community wealth building business. She has always had a passion for working with communities and developing innovative approaches.
David Simmons - Head of Business Development
David’s is based in Culcheth, Warrington and his background is in building and expanding businesses through the development of their skills, technology and Intellectual Property.
He has been the founder and business development lead behind a wide variety of businesses from a company that turns basalt rock into high strength composites to a company that invented a trackable long life pallets to drastically reduce supply chain landfill waste. His work in renewable energy covers financing the roll out of smart metering and solar PV deployment in rural parts of the UK.
David has a MEng in Systems Engineering from University of Manchester (UMIST) and an MBA from Imperial College, London. On his days off he enjoys gravel cycling, swimming and hiking as well as helping run the Lymm RFC Junior Colts rugby team.
Paula Woodman - Regulations, Markets and Operations Manager
Paula oversees the growth of our local energy clubs, as well as engagement with key sector stakeholders and energy regulators.
She is an experienced professional with a track record of creating new policies, networks and support systems to enable social and community enterprises to thrive, both in the UK and internationally. In the last few years she has focused on sustainability both in her work on low-income housing innovations at Habitat for Humanity's Innovation Center and through her MSc in Renewable and Sustainable Energy Transition at Heriot Watt University, Scotland. Her work earned her a WISE100 award, which recognises the most inspiring and influential women in social enterprise, impact investment and mission-driven business. She also holds a Senior Executive Leadership certification from the Saïd Business School, University of Oxford.
Paula is based in Bath where she can be found enjoying the wonderful local countryside, walking her dog Rose or running with friends.
Temi Omojola - Club Development Manager
Temi joined Energy Local after completing her MSc in Renewable Energy Systems Engineering at the University of Surrey. She has experience working with community-led energy projects and non-profits, supporting local groups to better understand and benefit from renewable energy.
Her role focuses on helping new and existing Energy Local Clubs grow, from engaging residents and local partners to ensuring each club has the support it needs to thrive.
Temi enjoys bringing people together around shared goals and finding creative ways to make energy feel more accessible to everyone. She’s based in London and, outside of work, loves a good Sudoku puzzle, film, music, and all things art.
Luke Farrar - Software Development
Luke lives in Bethesda and has been involved in the Club there from the start.
He is working with Megni to develop systems to give people a helping hand to schedule appliances for the best times of day. As well as working on Energy Local's bespoke app to help users save money and make the most of being a member of their local energy Club, Luke can offer tech-based energy solutions for your household.
Tom Radley - Junior Software Developer
Tom is from Bethesda and will be working alongside Luke to improve Energy Local's app & website. He has a background in engineering, and has a love for photography, music & vintage computer keyboards.
Jo Sparke - Administrator
Jo lives in Chester and will be working as our administrator. Jo is a chartered accountant who is keen to use her skillset to support small social enterprises like our own, here, with Energy Local. Having worked previously with small, innovative businesses, she is a real asset.
Kate Rimmington - Operations and Communications
Kate supports Operations and Communications, including helping with club development, community engagement, and communications.
She is a communications professional and former BBC Wales programme producer/journalist, who lives in the Vale of Glamorgan. Having worked as a journalist covering business and economy issues, she is excited about the potential for local renewable energy projects and passionate about helping communities benefit from them.
In her spare time, Kate loves visiting the Vale's beaches and parks in a vain attempt to calm the family cocker spaniel.
Tor Cavanagh - Admin and Marketing Assistant
Tor is based in Preston. As our Administration and Marketing Assistant, she has whipped us into shape, taking on the role of organising the team, overseeing the Social Media accounts, writing blogs and a spot of translation on the side. She has extensive experience in administration and it currently developing her skills as a Project Manager for Energy Local.
She is an avid CrossFitter and loves open water swimming.
David Beasley - Software Engineer
David is a software engineer who builds and maintains websites for environmental, educational and non-profit organisations. He has been working with Energy Local since 2017; he built and continues to maintain the Energy Local Portal website.
David is a long-time supporter of renewable energy. He lives in Sheffield, and in his spare time enjoys cycling, hill walking and dancing.