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Meet the team

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Senior Management

Arron Ashcroft

Managing Director

Arron started as plumbing apprentice and rising as a Gas Safe Registered engineer by 2008. Transitioning into project management, he led pivotal contracts within social housing and government grant initiatives. A significant milestone in his career trajectory was overseeing the boiler department, under which, in four years, over 10,000 gas boilers were successfully installed, showcasing operational efficiency and team leadership.

In 2017, Arron founded Grant Store Ltd. Today, thanks to his leadership, the company employs over 100 professionals with specialties in Eco Grants, Social Housing Decarbonisation, and Renewable works with national coverage. His close collaboration with utilities ensures excellent contract management.

Off-duty, Arron’s passions include golfing and walking his Cocker Spaniel, Hugo.

Deane Ashcroft

Deane Ashcroft

Company Director

Deane Ashcroft’s journey in the industry is a testament to hard work and passion. Beginning his career as an apprentice, he honed his skills and expertise to become a time-served Gas Engineer. Recognizing the potential in himself and the market, Deane established his own plumbing and heating venture, making a significant mark in the sector.

In 2019, Deane chose to bring his vast experience to the Grant Store, and it wasn’t long before he made an indelible impact. Transitioning from hands-on technical roles, he embraced the operational aspects of the business. Deane took on the responsibility of managing engineering teams, leading recruitment drives, and steering company forecasting. His strategic insights and leadership qualities were evident, and by 2023, Deane’s contributions were further recognized as he was appointed a director of the company.

Beyond the confines of work, Deane’s zest for life shines through. He is an avid golfer, spending many a weekend on the greens perfecting his swing.

Gareth

Gareth Whitehill

Company Director

Meet Gareth, one of our esteemed Directors and the driving force behind our Energy Company Obligation (ECO) initiatives. With a rich career spanning over 14 years, Gareth brings a wealth of experience from high-stakes roles in the British Army to leadership positions in the energy sector.

As our Head of ECO, he masterfully navigates the complexities of energy projects from inception to completion. Gareth works seamlessly across departments, ensuring that our technical and administrative teams are in sync, while keeping the company’s growth objectives at the forefront. A certified Domestic Energy Assessor, Green Deal Assessor, and Retrofit Assessor & Traditional Buildings, Gareth’s multi-faceted expertise makes him an invaluable asset to our team.

When he’s not steering the ship at work, Gareth enjoys quality time with his son Winston and the thrill of riding his motorcycle.

Lee Crooks

Financial Director

An ACCA qualified accountant with over 20 years of experience in finance. The most recent appointment to the board, a position he assumed at the beginning of 2024. Lee brings a wealth of expertise and a robust background from his previous roles within the construction sector. His career has been marked by a focus on financial management, strategic planning, and change management process review.

Lee is well-versed in key areas such as budgeting, cash flow management, and risk assessment which positions him well to guide Grant Store Ltd towards achieving its financial objectives. Excited about the challenges and opportunities that come with his new role, Lee is committed to implementing innovative strategies and driving operational efficiencies to propel the company’s growth and ensure its ongoing success.

Beyond his professional endeavours, Lee is an avid (frustrated) golfer who enjoys spending time on the course.

Anthony Mercer

Operations Manager

Starting life as an electrical apprentice to becoming fully qualified and owning his own business in his early 20’s until early 30’s covering all aspects of domestic, industrial and commercial electrical contracting work. Further on in his career he decided to move out of the manual side of things and stepped into quality assurance and inspections, passing his gas accreditation along the way. This opened a pathway and led to him moving into operational management and compliance, which Is still a passion of his.

Anthony’s journey has seen him join Grant store in 2020 in a compliance role and is now leading a team of electricians as Electrical QS Manager overseeing all of Grant stores electrical works driving standard’s, quality and working in line with all governing and legislative bodies.

His passions outside of work include golf, football and rugby league along with his family Lindsey, Liam and two cats Cyril and Jasper.

Managers Field

Adam Whittle

Gas Manager

Adam has over 20 years’ experience within the Gas and plumbing industry, working on various work streams such as New Build, Private and Social Housing. Adam has been at Grant Store since 2020, delivering gas safety and compliance for the business.

Adam has also project managed several boiler contracts for some of our large social housing clients, his professional qualifications include, SMSTS , LCL Level 3 in Gas Auditing and HETAS. Adam also works with our ECO team ensuring high quality is met on our Air Source Heat Pump installations. In his free time, Adam likes to play football and Golf, eating out with friends and Walking his Dog Ralph to the Pub!

Chris

Chris Preston Lee

Insulation Manager

With a foundational start as a plumbing and heating apprentice, Chris has journeyed through over two decades in the industry, evolving into a Gas Safe registered engineer. Today, Chris oversees our insulation division as the Insulation Manager, leading 10 dedicated teams specialised in internal wall insulation, room-in-the-roof insulation, and loft insulation projects.

Outside the realm of work, Chris has an impressive history as a semi-professional footballer, playing for over 15 years. While he no longer graces the field professionally, he remains an ardent football enthusiast and never misses a chance to catch a game. Beyond football, Chris can often be found perfecting his swing on the golf course.

Luke

Luke Stewart

Solar PV Manager

After leaving high school, Luke started his apprenticeship to become a fully qualified electrician. Once qualified Luke gathered vast knowledge within domestic, commercial and industrial installations before transitioning into Solar PV.

During his time within the Solar PV industry, he has carried out various projects around the UK and even installed the first floating solar panel system in the country! Luke has been an asset within the Solar PV projects at Grant Store Ltd and is always looking forward to the next challenge.

In Luke’s spare time he enjoys his family time, going to the gym, watching football and riding his motorbikes.

Neil

Neil Wright

Retrofit & Design Manager

With over 25 years’ experience within the insulation industry Starting as an insulation engineer progressing in to being a production manager within a large insulation company working on many government schemes including green deal and ECO.

Neil now enjoys his new role within GSL as a retro fit manager learning about new energy efficient measures such as Solar and Air Source Heat Pumps.

Out of work Neil enjoys watching most sports Football, Rugby and American Football amongst his favourites.

Managers Office

Jay McManus

Jay McManus

Finance Manager

Jay began his professional journey with Grant Store in 2019 as an accounting apprentice, displaying an unwavering commitment towards enhancing his knowledge in finance. Showing great determination and dedication, he climbed the ranks to achieve a level 4 AAT qualification.

Currently, with the help of Grant Store, Jay is working through his ACCA (Association of Chartered Certified Accountants) with the aim to achieve his professional goals.

Beyond his professional pursuits, Jay finds excitement in the world of football and watching Wigan athletic football club.

Beth

Beth Whittle

HR & Fleet Manager

Beth started her GSL career as an administrative assistant in December 2020, bringing her dedication and strong work ethic to her role. Over the past few years, she has demonstrated commitment to her professional development.

Currently, Beth is actively working towards completing her Human Resource Level 3 RQF qualification, a testament to her determination to advance in the field.

Richard Brierley

Quality Manager

Since launching his professional journey in 1985, Richard embarked on a commendable tenure with the armed forces, serving in various capacities across the globe. His dedication and adaptability were further demonstrated as he seamlessly transitioned from military service into the civilian realm, navigating roles across Manufacturing, Warehousing, Customer Service, and Quality Control.

Richard’s ardour resonates particularly with Quality, Health, and Safety — domains he recognizes as crucial influencers of daily life. He brings to the table a wealth of expertise and an innate understanding of their profound significance.

Outside of his professional pursuits, Richard draws inspiration and motivation from his close-knit family. He cherishes his loving spouse, takes immense pride in their three remarkable children, and shares countless delightful moments with Bentley, their charming Frenchie.

Katie

Katie Louise Chee

Eco Manager

Katie embarked on her professional path at GSL as an Administrator on the ECO team, working on the Electrical appointments. Over time, Katie’s skills demonstrated her exceptional leadership and problem-solving skills, currently earning her the role of ECO Manager. Her leadership has proven instrumental in driving the team towards greater efficiency and success.

Beyond her thriving career, Katie cherishes her time outside of the office, spending it with her two beloved dogs, Gladys and Gertrude, and indulging in her passion for trying tasty food and visiting cozy pubs.

Sarah Fairclough

Aftercare Manager

Sarah started her GSL career journey as an Administrative assistant, working on the M&E side of the company, where she learned the ropes and grew her knowledge of the company. Over time, Sarah embraced increasing responsibilities and challenges, eventually advancing to the role of Office Manager, where she played a crucial role in fostering a collaborative work environment.

Recently, Sarah has been appointed to the role of Manager of the Aftercare Team. This role has allowed Sarah to lead a team to implement strategies for customer satisfaction and company compliance, whilst continuing her growth within the company.

In Sarah’s down time, she enjoys going on trips with her partner and friends, exploring new places.

Jack

Jack Reynolds

Solar PV Manager

After leaving college, Jack joined Grant Store on a business administration apprenticeship at the age of 17. He has been with the company ever since, conducting different roles within the company. Jack started out within the Eco team in an administration role before training to become an energy assessor and progressing to a retrofit assessor after completing his Level 3 PAS2035.

After a year of conducting surveys, Jack found a new role back in the office, as part of our Solar team. After working closely with our project manager, Jason, Jack progressed to a leadership role within the company where he currently oversees the administration of our solar contracts.

In his spare time, Jack (unfortunately) follows Manchester United around the country and loves going to gigs.

Joanne Fairclough

Eco Submissions Manager

Joanne joined Grant Store in November 2023 as the Submission Manager, tasked with overseeing the meticulous evaluation and management of submissions.

Her role underscores her adeptness in organizing, prioritizing, and steering projects to meet the company’s stringent standards.

Beyond her professional endeavours, Joanne dedicates time to personal interests, such as walking her miniature Dachshund, Shelby, and frequenting the gym, showcasing a well-rounded balance between her career and personal passions.

Barry Wink

Graphic Design Manager

With a Diploma in graphic design from Aberdeen College, Barry moved to Cambridgeshire to work in the print industry.

He then went back to university to study graphic design at Anglia Ruskin University where he obtained a 2.1 in Graphic Communications. Barry then spent 11 years working in IT, mainly in Aberdeen, London, the Netherlands and Spain.

As a graphic designer, he worked within the Oil & Gas industry, working for global operators such as TAQA, German Safety, Security, and Sustainability company DEKRA, also, Alatas, a marine and offshore crane services operations business supporting companies operating in the North Sea, Mexico right through to Hong Kong and the Philippines.

In his spare time, Barry loves, discovering new music, photography, film and screen printing, he also enjoys helping out on his family’s farm in Aberdeenshire.