Meet the team

Tony Armstrong

Warehouse Operative

Tony joined the warehouse team in 2024, following a long career in the manufacturing and production industry in Carlisle. Prior to that he worked for 10 years as a forklift operator within a busy warehouse. 

When he’s not whizzing around our warehouse on the electric forklift he remains a loyal season ticket holder for Carlisle United and plays snooker and billiards in the Carlisle & District Snooker League.

Frances Bailey

Sales Executive

Frances has worked in various roles in the building sector for 10 years after graduating from Bolton Street D.I.T as a Quality Surveyor. She then emigrated to Canada and, after 15 years, has recently returned to Ireland.

With a strong interest in natural therapies and natural remedies, Frances is focused on sharing information on naturally better building solutions.

In her spare time, Frances is a mother to three children and is studying for a degree in Medical Herbalism. She enjoys gardening, hiking, reading and is a big rugby fan.

Des Bellew

Technical Sales

Des is a qualified Architectural Technician and has worked in various architectural practices  before branching out into the glazing industry. Des was instrumental in developing and bringing 3 new brands of aluminium window systems to the Irish market and has extensive experience in specification and design detailing. Outside work Des enjoys golf, gardening and silversmithing.

Annie Benton

Technical Specification Advisor

Annie has just recently completed her MSC in Green Building and has a passionate interest in building physics and improving the built environment. She is well acquainted with fabric first principles through completing her Passive House Designer Certification and Family Eco-Cocon straw panel home. 

She has skills in measuring in-situ building performance of materials and completed her dissertation in this topic. Annie has practical skills in plastering with natural based plasters and experience of spraying natural insulation materials. 

Annie’s background is in education having worked in Neuroscience research and been a Secondary Science Teacher for 10 years across London and East Anglia. Annie enjoys walking with her two labradors, growing her own food and enjoying the outdoors.

Glenn Blackie

Digital Content Administrator

Glenn has worked in website content creation for over ten years. He strives to make the incomprehensible understandable and to breakdown the most technically detailed content into bite sized chunks.

In his free time, Glenn enjoys writing and has several novels published with one currently in progress. Living close to Hadrian's wall there is already a new series brewing in his imagination.

Alex Burn

Director 4Site Engineering & Construction Ltd

Andy Cook

Technical Specification Advisor (CEPHC)

Andy is based in Scotland and joined us in 2023. His keen interest in fine woodworking and construction developed while growing up around his family business. He trained as a joiner, gained qualifications in Architectural Technology and Quantity Surveying, and moved into construction management. With a passion for high-quality, fabric first construction, he is also a Certified Passivhaus Consultant and Tradesperson. He built his first certified Passivhaus in 2011. When not working, he is playing guitar, in the gym or in the Scottish hills with his family and pup.

Niall Crosson

Technical Director (BTech, MEngSc, MIEI, CEPHC)

Niall was Ecological's first employee! He holds a Bachelor of Technology and a Masters in Eng.Sc. Niall has provided technical guidance on many award winning low energy projects and his knowledge and expertise has led him to being asked to speak at numerous conferences as far a field as Canada. Niall is on the Board of Directors of the Irish Green Building Council and is a certified Passivhaus Consultant. He has recently built his own Passivhaus for his family. 

Adrian Crosson

General Manager Ireland & Director

Adrian qualified as a Building Services Engineer and joined Ecological in 2006. After 11 successful years, he was promoted to the role of General Manager for the Irish division. Adrian’s spare time is about to be filled building a house for his family, but he will always find time for his passion - playing Gaelic football!

Tiffanie Dawes

Sales Office Administrator

Tiffanie, having just moved to the area, brings an abundance of experience from working in retail and a large-scale event organisation. With client communication, logistics planning and project coordination skills, to name a few, Tiffanie enjoys providing exceptional all-round customer service and support.

In addition to exploring Cumbria, Tiffanie enjoys travelling, paddleboarding and trying to complete the Wainwrights with her husband.

Kym Elliott

Executive Assistant

Kym joined the sales team in 2023 with over ten years administrative experience in both the construction and, more recently, transport industries. In 2024 she gained an internal promotion to Executive Assistant, supporting the senior management team. Outside work Kym is an avid reader, baker and has re-learned to ride a bike so she can try to keep up with her dogs: Ronnie and Reggie.

Bernie Ennis

Accounts Administrator

Bernie joined the sales team in MacCann and Byrne in 2021 and has since moved to Ecological Building Systems as the Accounts Administrator. Bernie is an Accounts Technician with over 20 years of experience in customer care and accounting roles. In her spare time she likes to walk, bake, read and play tennis.

Kieran Fellows

Technical Specification Advisor

Kieran has a background in Technical Sales, most recently in the Communication and Technology sector. After developing an interest in architecture and construction, he went on to develop a passion for Passive House design and energy-efficient building techniques.

Kieran subsequently chose to retrain and transfer his technical sales expertise to the building industry, working to support the UK in its decarbonisation goals through both Retrofit and New Build projects.

In his spare time Kieran also enjoys travelling, especially taking an interest in local architecture, culture, and food, whilst keeping fit by walking, swimming and some occasional yoga.

Alda Finnegan

Marketing

Alda holds a Postgraduate Diploma in Digital Marketing, a Certificate in Marketing and Media Management, and is Google Certified in Search and Display Advertising. She has worked in marketing for over 9 years, with experience in leading marketing campaigns and developing online marketing strategies. In her spare time Alda enjoys cooking, reading, and days out with her children.

Joe Fitzgerald

Technical Specification Manager

Joe is a Passivhaus Contractor with Degree qualifications in Sustainable Construction and Energy Management. He also completed Postgraduate Diplomas in Green Engineering and Advanced Thermal Modelling and a Postgraduate Certificate in Hygrothermal Risk Assessment. Outside of work Joe keeps a close eye on sports.

Fergal Flatley

Insulation & Ventilation Specification Advisor

Fergal is a qualified Passive House Contractor, trained construction project manager and a Certified City & Guilds Ventilation Validator. Graduating from Sligo I.T with a degree in Advanced Wood & Sustainable Building Technology, he then went on to then attain an Honours in Construction Project Management before joining the team at Ecological. Coming from the west of Ireland, Fergal enjoys spending time fishing along the scenic coastlines of County Sligo.

Terry Gargan

Marketing

Terry graduated from D.I.T with a Degree in Construction Technology and worked in the building sector for a number of years before moving into marketing. Since joining the company in 2019, he has gone on to complete a Postgraduate Diploma in PR & Communications, and an MA in Cultural Heritage. Outside of work Terry enjoys Judo, playing guitar and watching Meath win in the championship.

Martin Gillmeister

CEO, Wellhöfer Treppen GmbH & Co. KG

Peter Gorman

Warehouse Operative

Peter has over 23 years experience working in warehousing. He used to love playing football, but feels he is too old now, so he gets his enjoyment watching his son play football and GAA. In his spare time, Peter loves to watch Man Utd, play golf, and go to the gym.

Lorna Graham

Deputy General Manager UK

With a background in Business Development and an interest in sustainability, health and well-being; Lorna joined Ecological as Sales and Marketing Executive in 2017.  Since then Lorna has become very involved in all aspects of the business and was promoted to the role of Deputy General Manager in 2022.  Away from work, Lorna enjoys competing with her horse, kayaking with her son, and walking in the Lake District with her family and Fern, the Cockapoo.

Steve Graham

Warehouse Operative

Steve became a permanent member of the team in November 2023 following a temporary period with us.  Having been hands-on in building renovation and refurbishment, often in older properties, he is interest in sustainable energy and low carbon footprint housing.  Outside of work, most of Steve's time (and money!) is taken up with his small sailing boat. He also enjoys listening to jazz and eating pies.

Nuria de la Guía

Marketing Executive

Nuria joined us in 2025. She is a Spanish Economics graduate with certifications in Google Analytics, Email Marketing, and Digital Marketing. She has worked in the UK for over 8 years and built her career in marketing, sales, and e-commerce in Carlisle. 

Nuria enjoys camping in the Lake District, reading, and visiting family and friends in Spain.

Emily Hannon Rubotham

Training & Events Co-ordinator

With a degree in Business with Music Tech and an H.Dip in Business Content Creation, Emily brings to her role of Training & Events Co-ordinator a wealth of experience across industries, including Student Ambassador, Retail, Customer Service, Supply Chain & Distribution, Administration, and most recently Marketing in the Construction Industry.

Emily is an avid supporter of the arts & a multi-genre loving music fan, and spends most of her spare time attending concerts, events & festivals, big and small. She also enjoys reading, swimming, and sea swimming when feeling brave.

James Harrison

Sales Office Administrator

James joined us with a wealth of sales and business development experience, having worked in HR services and before that in property and retail sales. James is a people person who genuinely cares about delivering outstanding customer service and will provide all aspects of Sales Office support.

As well as being very family-orientated, James spends time looking after Sam his dog, travelling, photography, socialising, going to the gym and has a passion for music.

Robin Hillier

Technical Specification Advisor

Robin joined in 2024, and brings over 30 years of architectural experience of environmentally-friendly new build, community self-build, refurbishment and retrofit projects - both domestic and non-domestic. 

He has always focused on minimising up-front carbon and the use of “close-to-nature” building materials, with an emphasis on fabric first and detailing to ensure moisture safe construction and healthy indoor environments. 

When not working, Robin enjoys travelling, cycling, making bread and beer, and spending time with family.

Martyn Hornsby

Sales Manager

Martyn joined us in July 2024 and brings 20 years of Sales Management experience from a wide range of sectors including Retail and the 3^rd sector. Martyn champions the personal and professional development of individuals and strives towards exceptional customer service.

Outside of work, Martyn enjoys spending time with his family and dogs and most weekends finds himself on a lake or up a fell providing there is no Football or Formula 1 on the TV!

Sam Horton

Videographer and Photographer

Sam has created video and photography content in a wide variety of industries and settings. From healthcare settings in London, to remote railway sites in rural Scotland, he is comfortable with a camera in hand and able to adapt to work in most environments. Sam joined Ecological in 2023 to further the scope and quality of video and photography projects. In his free time Sam enjoys rock climbing and taking his camera out into the Lake District.

Diane Hubbard

Director, Green Footsteps

Ilias Igoumenidis

Technical Support Engineer (MEng Civil Engineer, CEPHD)

Born and raised in Greece, Ilias graduated from the Polytechnic school of Civil Engineers of Patras University and for many years ran his own Design and Construction company prior to joining Ecological.  Since 2013, he has been heavily involved with low energy consumption in building projects.  He was the first person in the Hellenic Passive House Institute to gain the International Certification of a Certified Passive House Designer.

Dave Judd

Technical Specification Advisor (BSc Hons, MSc)

Dave has extensive experience with energy efficiency retrofits and is well acquainted with the “fabric first” principles of integrating airtightness and insulation in both new-build and existing buildings. He has also worked within the domestic renewable energy sector. He has a Degree in Environmental Science and an MSc in Architecture: Advanced Environment & Energy Studies and recently qualified as a Certified Passive House Tradesperson with the Passive House Institute. Outside of work, Dave enjoys trail running and cycling, growing vegetables and being sociable.

Conor Kavanagh

Sales Executive

Conor has a degree in Event Management & PR from GMIT and a Professional Diploma in Marketing, Sales & Advertising. He has over 4 years of sales experience working in the paint & decorating sector as well as over 10 years of experience working in sales, retail and hospitality industries, both in Ireland and abroad.

Conor has a love for sports, books, movies & travel. He plays a bit of Gaelic football and has an unhealthy obsession with coffee.

Cronan Kennedy

Technical Specification Advisor

Cronan has over 15 years experience in the construction sector across multiple technical roles, working with architects, engineers, county councils and local building merchants as well as providing technical installation training to contractors on site.  In his spare time Cronan likes to go walking with his family and their dog Susie. Horses and rugby are his other passions.

Declan Loane

Technical Specification Advisor

Declan has over 20 years’ experience in the construction sector, working closely with architects and other stakeholders. He has a background in people management and training and holds a BA (Hons) and MA in Human Resource Management. Outside of work he enjoys family time, opportunities to escape with them to Donegal, managing his Zwartbles sheep flock and coaching underage Gaelic Football at his home club.

Phil Martin

Web Solutions Manager

Phil worked many years in software development and ecommerce, designing and developing user-friendly transactional websites and web apps for businesses and organisations of all sizes. He always focused on user experience, conversion optimisation, content strategies and digital marketing.

When he is not enjoying rock climbing, he often produces tasty Neapolitan style pizzas in his wood-fired pizza oven in the garden.

Leanne McCusker

Sales Administrator

Leanne joined us with a wealth of experience within the building industry, having worked for a timber merchant and glass manufacturer, helping people improve their homes. Leanne enjoys establishing rapport and is skilled in providing the best possible customer service.

In addition to spending time with her family, she enjoys being creative by drawing, dancing, singing and cooking. Leanne has a passion for dogs and has been trained in Canine First Aid and Canine Behaviour training to help owners handle their pets.

Paul McGovern

Purchasing & Sales Manager

Paul has been working here for over 7 years and is responsible for Purchasing and Sales. Paul graduated with a BA in Management, after which he gained over a decade of experience in the paint sector in management and technical positions before taking the reins with our Auro natural paints department. Paul spends most of his spare time with his young family and keeping active in the gym.

Stephen McGrath

Technical Specification Advisor

Stephen has over 25 years in the construction industry after qualifying as a Surveyor from Trinity College and later obtaining a Diploma in Project Management in the Built Environment. He has formed strong relationships with all stakeholders in the Industry from Design Teams to Contractors and Suppliers. In his spare time, he enjoys reading, trekking, badminton and watching all sports, and is involved in GAA training for children

Gus McMinn

Technical Specification Advisor

Gus joined us in 2025, bringing a unique blend of building knowledge and experience to the team. He gained a broad knowledge of buildings from spending many years at BRE Watford Timber Centre. He then spent 16 years managing domestic property maintenance in London before learning to manage new build sites. His focus is always using the correct materials for the job in his fabric-first approach.

When not working, Gus likes to spend time exploring on his motorbike, walking and making things.

Brian Monaghan

Guest Speaker - UK Sales Director, IndiNature

Stjepan Palfi

Sales Executive

Stjepan spent over a decade in the building sector and has a further 10 years’ experience in client focused roles in the commercial retail sector. In his free time, Stjepan spends time playing with his daughters, playing the trumpet and representing Navan table tennis team. He also loves nature and outdoor activities such as mushroom picking and fishing.

Penny Randell

General Manager UK & Director

With over 20 years’ experience in the sustainable building products industry and an education in business management, Penny joined Ecological in 2008 as General Manager and became a Director in 2015. Her interests outside work include preserving and developing her family’s herd of native Cumbrian fell ponies, a responsibility that she has enjoyed with her family for generations.

Peter Smith

Technical Support & Certified Passive House Tradesperson

Peter joined the team in 2004 and is a certified Passive House Contractor and Diasen special advisor. Peter is an expert on building conservation and retrofitting and delivers informative presentations to heritage groups and architectural practices around Ireland on proven conservation methodology. He now works just four days a week which gives him more time for his passions which include old buildings in general, playing guitar and singing with friends and other musicians, often in his local pub in Co Kildare, as well as having a lifetime interest in vintage cars and machinery.

Pat Smith

Warehouse Manager

Pat moved to Ecological Building Systems in 2013 after working with McCann and Byrne, Ecological's parent company, for the past 20 years. Pat looks after the orders as they come in and deals with storage and transport logistics. Pat follows anything to do with motorcycles (from racing to touring) and is a huge Liverpool fan. He also plans on winning the lotto someday soon.

Mark Sykes

Warehouse Supervisor

Mark joined the team in 2020 as Warehouse Operative.  He has a background as an auto electric diesel technician and during this career moved to Cumbria from the North East.  He then began working in the warehousing and logistics sector. When he’s not packaging parcels and pallets and keeping all our stock in good order, Mark sets off with his partner in their touring caravan to explore and enjoy the Lake District. He’s also an avid rugby fan.

Krzysztof Szuba

Purchasing & Site Manager

Working for over a decade in sales, marketing and customer service in both the European and domestic market along with a degree in Marketing and Management, Krzysztof joined Ecological Building Systems in 2013 and looks after various aspects of business including sales, stock, logistics and customer service. Outside of work Krzysztof enjoys playing squash, basketball as well as watching other sports, reading and spending family time.

Zoe Threlkeld

Sales Office Administrator

Zoe joins us with a wealth of experience in a variety of sales and administration roles. With a passion for providing outstanding customer service, Zoe will be assisting with general enquiries, order processing, logistics and lots more as part of our busy Sales Office team. When not in the office, Zoe enjoys going on holiday, spending time with family and friends and most importantly walking with her pooch.

Katy Trotter

Accounts Administrator

Katy joined our accounts team in 2022 to focus on purchase ledger.  She has a wealth of experience within accounts and has worked in the construction sector. Katy's young family keeps her busy; they have recently taken up camping holidays and stepping out into the great outdoors.  She also likes cooking and sampling new cuisines from around the world.

Neil Turner

UK Technical Manager (BSc Hons)

Neil has a wealth of experience in the natural insulation sector, his technical expertise has led him to be involved in a number of technical approval bodies, this included him developing CEN (Comité Européen de Normalisation) European standards. He enjoys spending time walking with his two dogs, Missy and Teddy.

Joey Wadding

Technical Sales

Joey has over 16 years of experience in sales and developing client relationships, including over a decade in the construction industry. Joey is a former inter county footballer, serving ten years in the purple and gold of Wexford. Joey still plays for his local GAA club and is an avid sports fan who likes to play golf and keep fit while spending time with his young family.

Jo Walls

Technical and Training Coordinator

Jo recently relocated from The Midlands to the Scottish Borders and joins us with 30+ years of administrative, secretarial, and organisational experience. Jo supports our technical team and coordinates training events. Outside of work Jo has a keen interest in horses; especially her daughter’s horse Lulu. She also enjoys visiting historic buildings and is looking forward to exploring the area around her new Scottish home

Yvonne Walsh

Sales Executive

Yvonne is part of our technical sales team and has over 25 years of sales and customer-focused experience in a variety of industries such as aviation, building, manufacturing, and IT. In her free time, Yvonne spends time with her daughter and cat Bailey and is a big Liverpool FC fan.

Tom Ward

Sales Office Administrator

Tom joined Ecological Building Systems in May 2022 and is a knowledgeable and valued member of our Customer Sales Team. Tom works closely with our Technical Specification Advisors to help with any Sales related technical enquiries. He has a keen interest in the practical technical training we provide and has been involved with supporting our technical team events. Outside of work he enjoys hiking, exploring the Lake district, Geocaching, and tinkering with computers.

Liv Watson

Purchasing Administrator

Liv recently joined the company in July 2024 as Purchasing Administrator. Whilst living in New Zealand, she developed a background and interest working in environmental monitoring. In her free time, she loves to get out on the fells and go camping with her family and dog.

Ian Wright

Web Solutions & Data Analysis

After relocating back to Cumbria, Ian joins Ecological to assist in developing their IT systems and online presence. With a background in Financial Services and Retail (FMCG), he has championed technology to successfully deliver customer delight and operational excellence. In his free time, Ian enjoys everything about living in the Eden valley and on rainy days composing electronic music.