
Our team
Our team possesses a wealth of industry experience, comprised of a skilled inhouse design and engineering staff, as well as directly employed mechanical and civil trade operatives. Passionate professionals who are on top of all latest developments in renewable energy generation.
Senior Leadership Team

Rob Smart
Managing Director
Rob spent several years working at Mitie Engineering before founding ThermaMech in 2013. His main focus has been concentrated on commercial and business development, as well and overseeing the strategic growth of the business over the last 12 years. He is wholly dedicated to creating and maintaining long-term relationships with ThermaMech clients.

Aaron Ascott
Delivery Director
Aaron started his career in the mechanical division of Mitie Engineering in 2007 before moving to Priddy Engineering. He founded ThermaMech in 2013 and has since been pivotal in the delivery of all ThermaMech’s national projects. Now into the company’s second decade, Aaron oversees project delivery whilst ensuring the continued progression and success of the business.

Paul Lewis
Delivery Director
Paul began business life as an apprentice heating engineer in 2005. In 2013 he joined the ranks of multinational energy provider EON, working his way up to Production Lead, overseeing all District Heating schemes in the South West. He joined the team at ThermaMech in 2017 as Operations Manager, and has since helped the business go from strength to strength.

Chris O’Keeffe
Technical Director
After qualifying with a degree in Mechanical Engineering in 2009, Chris initially worked as a Project Engineer on projects across Ireland and South East Asia. On his return to the UK in 2012 he worked as a Design Engineer for Edina, and then Kantor Energy where he gained invaluable project management skills. He joined ThermaMech in 2021 and continues to help build the technical and design capabilities within the company.

Anthony Woodcock
Infrastructure Director
Anthony’s career began as an apprentice Site Engineer at Galliford Try, where he quickly progressed to Lead Engineer. After a spell freelancing, he was offered a position at CPC Civils as Project Manager. The role saw him oversee district heating projects across the country before promotion to Contracts Manager. With abundant experience in Heat Networks, Anthony then joined ThermaMech in 2023 as Infrastructure Director.

Alex Sargeant
Financial Director
Alex began his training at Deloitte in 2009, qualifying as a Chartered Accountant. In 2017 he made the switch to corporate finances with FRP where he worked with a number of privately-owned businesses to optimise their financial information and reporting. At ThermaMech Alex heads up the financial department with a focus on the company's growth.

Nicola Hargreaves
Commercial Manager
Nicola has 17 years of commercial experience within the district heating industry. Having worked at both CPC Civils and Vital Energi, Nicola takes care of ThermaMech’s business development activities, like tender management, cost estimation, and contract negotiation. She delivers end-to-end commercial project oversight, and is a key point of contact for ThermaMech’s suppliers and partners.

Steve Hall
SHEQ Manager
Steve has over 20 years of Health & Safety experience – with 15 of those in Chartered practice. Steve heads up all aspects related to safety, health, quality, and the environment, including the management of ThermaMech’s ISO accreditations and training. Steve also designed, built, and manages ThermaMech’s app-based system that improves how the company manages health and safety.