Paul Armitage

Highly accomplished and commercially astute Managing Director with 15+ years of experience in leading design, installation, and product development for heating, cooling, and energy efficiency solutions. Proven ability to drive operational excellence, manage multidisciplinary teams, and ensure project delivery on time and within budget. Expertise in contract management, financial analysis, and strategic business development.

Seeking to leverage extensive leadership and operational skills to contribute to UBT's continued success and growth in delivering exceptional bespoke joinery projects.

Managing Director – heating/cooling/ASHP installations - Response Heating and cooling

(2015-11)

Spearheaded a full-service design and installation firm specializing in heating, cooling, and fuel efficiency solutions for domestic and commercial applications.

• Steered the company's growth by adapting to customer needs within the fuel efficiency and environmental sectors, ensuring dynamic service delivery.
• Managed a diverse portfolio of services across various property types, emphasizing innovative energy solutions and client satisfaction.
• Executed strategic marketing and business development initiatives to identify and capitalize on new client service opportunities, driving market expansion.
• Optimised operational efficiency, effectiveness, and profitability by meticulously managing team productivity, operational costs, and budgets.
• Cultivated and maintained productive strategic relationships with clients, fostering long-term business success and client retention.
• Conducted detailed financial analyses to effectively balance risks and benefits, contributing to sustained financial stability and growth.
• Identified emerging market trends and leveraged this knowledge to strategically position the company advantageously within a competitive landscape.
• Negotiated with contractors and vendors to secure cost-effective contracts, optimising the operational budget without compromising quality.
• Applied astute judgement in evaluating complex developments, providing successful resolutions, and consulting with clients to deliver customized, cutting-edge energy efficiency solutions.
• Distinguished for excellence in service delivery across various property spectrums, focusing on conventional fuels for heating, air conditioning, and air source/ground source heat pump installation, maintenance, and service.
• Drove the company’s growth strategy through effective marketing and business development activities, identifying new potential client services opportunities and paving the way for innovative energy solutions.
• Successfully managed hundreds of customer accounts, delivering tailored solutions that significantly enhanced their fuel efficiency, heating, and cooling systems in domestic and commercial environments.
• Oversaw the installation, maintenance, and service of a wide variety of air conditioning units and heat pumps, reinforcing the company's industry leadership.
• Masterminded a cost-reduction strategy through strategic negotiations, resulting in more cost-friendly contracts and substantial savings.
• Formulated and implemented consultation processes that provided clients with revolutionary solutions in energy efficiency, setting a new industry benchmark.
• Professional Associations: MCS accredited, f-gas, G3, WRAS, Samsung partner, RECC accreditation. MCS design and installation ASHP.

Energy efficient Product Development - PREMIER ENERGY - Manchester

(2012-02 - 2015-11)

• Introduced LED lighting to the social housing sector to reduce running costs.
• Designed and developed air source heat pumps to drive energy and cost savings in social housing.
• Experimented with air conditioning as an alternative to electric heating in mainstream housing to reduce energy use and costs.
• Collaborated with companies delivering eco-homes and implementing housing strategies.
• Maintained comprehensive documentation of research activities and findings during the development of ASHP.
• Managed EGA installations.
• Oversaw Warm front installations.
• Facilitated housing association projects.
• Directed teams in prototyping and testing designs for feasibility and reliability.
• Planned and directed research activity schedules to support planned growth, product expansion, and process changes.
• Conducted research and product development for energy efficiency providers, primarily in the heating sector industry.

Product Development Manager – new product development - STROMA - Pontefract

(2009-03 - 2012-07)

• Created prototypes for new products, assisting in the determination and elimination of final design flaws within the ASHP sector.
• Evaluated energy markets to identify new product opportunities within connecting and commercial markets.
• Performed quality checks on products before market release, ensuring adherence to safety standards.
• Conducted thorough research to determine the most cost-efficient methods for producing end-user products.
• Researched patents, copyrights, and trademarks prior to commencing product development to ensure no infringement issues.
• Collaborated with product managers, lead designers, and remote development teams to ideate and create effective solutions for customer problems.
• Contributed to Product and Design strategies, shaping the vision for user experiences across a full range of platforms.
• Performed reviews and analyses of processes and products to ensure continuous product progress.
• Partnered with engineering teams to bring user-centred design solutions to market.
• Documented design thinking, findings, and proposals to communicate concisely to product teams and leadership.
• Conducted user testing and interviews to uncover unmet needs, inform product insights, and drive innovation.

Consultant - SELF EMPLOYED - Windermere

(2003-02 - 2009-02)

• Brainstormed and proposed various strategies for client approval in the redesign of Chinese air conditioning systems for the European market.
• Introduced price-led LED lighting to reduce running costs in commercial buildings and warehousing.
• Developed a strong working knowledge of air source heat pumps as a direct evolution from air conditioning and inverter-type heat pump design, enabling early identification of potential uses in commercial settings as a usable heat source.
• Conducted project research to inform design decision-making.
• Consulted with clients to understand project limitations and constraints.
• Managed deadlines to deliver finalised functional and aesthetic materials on time.

Director - Section - EUROTELECOM PLC - Sheffield

(1998-02 - 2001-03)

• Sold a consultant and design company to Eurotelecom after providing consultancy services, subsequently undergoing retraining and managing an acquired fit-out company.
• Led and contributed to market and business development activities, identifying and pursuing new potential client service opportunities in the fit-out sectors.
• Served key accounts for blue-chip retail outlets including Harrods, cruise liners, Four Seasons, and Kier.
• Enhanced efficiency, effectiveness, and profitability by managing team productivity, costs, and budgets.
• Formed and sustained strategic relationships with clients.
• Conducted financial analysis to manage risks and benefits.
• Performed financial analysis, researched business agreements, and negotiated critical contracts.
• Developed business strategies to establish short and long-term company goals.
• Managed and examined executive performance to provide guidance for areas requiring improvement.
• Formulated business plans to maximise growth and lower company costs.
• Oversaw budgets to manage costs and meet sales and revenue targets.

CONSULTANT

(1994-06 - 1998-09)

• Functioned as an Engineering Consultant, establishing a photo-plotting service provider and assisting companies in the manufacture of multi-layer PCBs from film.
• Provided consultancy services to develop and implement engineering solutions for project and circuit design issues for major companies such as Manchester Circuits, BAE Systems, and aerospace firms.
• Executed PCB plotting using Gerber photo-plotting machinery.
• Maintained project materials, including blueprints, schematics, and specifications.
• Performed photo-plotting of PCB layouts for large corporations and defence clients.
• Engaged in the redesign of air conditioning systems for the European market, adapting models from one of China's largest manufacturers for distribution into local markets.

Design engineer electronics - JEL BUILDING MANAGEMENT (BECAME PART OF THORNE EMI) - Hazel Grove

(1988-03 - 1991-07)

• Sketched outline designs and utilised CAD programs to produce detailed designs and specifications using Red-board software.
• Employed CAD software to create models and simulations for the manufacturing team.
• Recommended design modifications to eliminate component and system malfunctions.
• Conferred with engineering teams to implement operating procedures and resolve system malfunctions.
• Contributed positively to the business achievement plan and the overall success of the design team through consistent attendance.
• Selected manufacturing methods, fabrication processes, and product designs with careful consideration for internal cost controls and government standards.
• Supported the Technical Support team with various mechanical queries to ensure prompt issue resolution.
• Integrated systems for schools utilising Building Management Systems (BMS).

Design engineer - FKI - Halifax

(1985 - 1988)

• Designed street lighting systems.
• Developed interior lighting for national rail trains.

ENGINEERING APPRENTICESHIP - Engineering - Huddersfield Technical College (1982-09 - 1985-09)