Meet the Team
Across our staff team, board of directors and external advisors, we have a wealth of experience and knowledge to make our PEC Home's ambitions a reality. Click on each image to read more about each of us.
Staff Team
Alistair Macpherson
Since 2013, Alistair has led PEC’s development from a council initiative, into a big-thinking multifaceted venture delivering targeted support to the fuel poor, and community-owned alternatives to fossil fuels. With a degree in Geography, Alistair has a background in biodiversity and sustainable development projects for local authorities and third sector organisations in the UK and overseas. He was named ‘Community Energy Champion’ at the 2016 Community Energy England Awards and ‘South West Sustainable Energy Champion’ at the 2017 Green Energy Awards. In 2017, he attended the Queen’s Garden Party in recognition of his contributions to the sector.
Justin Bear
Justin coordinates PEC’s Energy Team to install simple energy efficiency measures and provide advice. He also works behind the scenes to develop new opportunities. With a Natural Sciences degree from the University of Bath, he excels at communicating technical information in an uncomplicated and engaging way. He previously used these skills delivering fuel poverty projects at the Centre of Sustainable Energy in Bristol, and worked for Good Energy.
Justin Bear
Project Manager
Jon Selman
Jon has been with PEC since the beginning and was involved in the preparatory work leading to the establishment of PEC and PEC Renewables, including overseeing business plans, governance and delivery of various project programmes. He has ongoing experience of dealing with energy related issues in a planning capacity, from policy through to negotiations including with district heating, onsite renewables and solar master planning. His background is in urban design, planning, and as a chartered landscape architect, with over 20 years’ experience of negotiation and project delivery of environmental projects.
Jon Selman
Project Manager
Cat Ansell
Cat provides communications and engagement services for all of the companies under the PEC banner. Her role involves management of the website, social media channels, member communications and governance, marketing of specific services and campaigns, community engagement and event organisation. She previously developed these skills working at the University of Plymouth. Cat has a degree in Marine Biology and a Masters in Marine Science, with research that focused on climate change; she is passionate about engaging the public with environmental issues.
Cat Ansell
Communications and Engagement
Board of Directors
Ian Hutchcroft
Ian has over 25 years’ experience of working to deliver low carbon energy systems, has brought over £20m of innovation investment into the local energy sector, and has won two Ashden Awards for sustainable energy innovation. He was previously Energy Saving Trust’s Head of Delivery in England and Devon County Council’s Sustainable Prosperity Manager, and is currently working with Energiesprong UK and Regen to develop new ways of delivering net zero energy homes. He is leading ground-breaking delivery projects in the UK, including the Zero Energy Buildings Catalyst (ZEBCat) Project in Devon, and developing a large volume deal with leading social landlords and industry partners.
Ian Hutchcroft
Director
Barbara Hampson
Barbara is a qualified teacher, with experience in educational settings for 30 years, and has a keen interest in energy, the built environment and climate change. She has a BA in Architectural Technology and the Environment and Business Officer Information Systems from Plymouth University, and is currently studying part-time for an MA in Architectural Conservation. She is an active volunteer and community activist with numerous organisations across Plymouth.
Barbara Hampson
Director
Duncan Tringham
Duncan is an experienced projects lawyer who specializes in property development and energy schemes. Duncan’s recent experience includes advising Cornwall Council on the Langarth Garden Village Scheme; the collaboration with the People for Places for the development of a ‘living village’ at Higher Newham; and on the West Carclaze Garden Village, an eco-town with electricity supplied by two solar farms utilising a ‘smart grid’. He has also worked to deliver a ground breaking affordable housing and social care scheme with Ivybridge Town Council, advised on the UK’s first private wire industrial wind turbine scheme and a pioneering scheme involving wind and solar developments on five complex sites, which was nominated for ‘Best Renewable Energy Scheme’ at the REGEN awards.
Duncan Tringham
Director
Greg Wotton
Greg is currently working in the construction sector designing environmentally conscious and Passive houses for communities. He has worked in the sector for a few years and specialised at university. This is where he designed a high-speed rail network to connect the South West and was nominated for the RIBA Bronze Medal. He has also been part of a community catalyst group call Inter:change, with the intention to inspire people to take ownership of building projects, seeing when it’s appropriate for the community to make a decision and creating socially sustainable projects.
Greg Wotton
Director
Clive Turner
Director
Hilary Kolinsky
Director
Peter Warm
Director
Michelle Virgo
Director
Chris Penberthy
Councillor Chris Penberthy is the Cabinet member for Housing and Cooperative Development. His portfolio includes or has included, housing, social enterprise development and support, community safety, neighbourhood working, child poverty, welfare policy and financial inclusion. He has spent most of his working life in charities, and was awarded a fellowship of the Royal Society of Arts in Recognition of his contribution to the voluntary and community sector. He has also held a variety of trusteeships and directorships in charities and social enterprises.