Meet the Team

Gareth Williams

MD, Caplor Group

BSc (Hons) Agriculture, NSch

Gareth has a long and deep rooted and evolving passion for the sustainability agenda. This led him to develop his family farm into a diversified rural business which includes Caplor Energy. Gareth is actively involved in the renewable energy industry and wider environmental arena, to which he contributes through Board membership of the Solar Trade Association, Chairmanship of Business Futures Forum as well numerous local and regional lobbying groups.

During his career Gareth has had the privilege of working in developing countries through consultancy positions giving agricultural, sustainability as well as leadership support.

Gareth has been a farmer all his life being born and bred at Caplor Farm which the family has operated since 1923.

Also – Gareth was once a mental health social worker and plays guitar in the notorious “Slippermen“

Alan Warren

Sales Manager

Alan has considerable renewable energy experience which helps ensure that our customers receive the correct product for their needs. With extensive experience in both solar and renewable heating, he is thriving in the Caplor environment that shares his passion for all things sustainable.

Also – Alan and his brother ran Bromley Motorsports who won the Formula 3000 Championships (F3000) then went on to win the Birmingham Grand Prix in 1988.

Oliver Edgar

Mechancial Project Manager

Oliver joined Caplor from a Technical and Operations background in the Biomass sector and now co-ordinates all Renewable Heating projects as our Mechanical Project Manager.

Oliver has had a varied career including starting out as a warehouseman, becoming a fully qualified solid fuel installer, frontline technical support, to running a successful training center for installers. Ollie is our trained Heath & Safety representative too.

He is passionate about renewables and has a desire to better the industry, environment and Caplor.

Also Oliver has appeared on Blue Peter singing at Hereford Cathedral.

Sharon Speake

Operations Manager (Solar PV)

Sharon has joined the Caplor Energy team from a sales, technical and operations background in the Solar PV industry. I have worked within the Distribution side since 1999 and have seen many changes within the Solar Industry during this time. I have a strong International logistics background having been very much involved in distributing Solar Powered vaccine storage refrigerator systems around the world – at the same time as building up a UK wholesale distribution company which went on to become one of the leading distributors for Solar PV products in the UK until 2016

I have vast experience of system design for both solar grid connected systems but also for stand-alone Off Grid systems and am looking forward to using that experience within Caplor Energy.

I spend my time between living locally and also at home in Mid Wales with my family. In my spare time I am an active Hockey player and train with teams locally during the week but play league games at home with my regular club. Being from Wales I am an avid rugby fan of the team in Red.

Clive Davies

Senior Sales Surveyor

Clive has been site surveyor for Caplor Energy for several years. He has brought with him a considerable amount of interpersonal experience and business acumen.

Also – when elected President of his Rotary Club at the age of 33, he was thought at that time to be the youngest ever UK Rotary President.

Matt Barker

Sales Surveyor

I’m 34, born in Bristol and after 10 years away in London am back living in Cheltenham where my family have been for 25 years. I’ve been in sales of one sort or another for 11 years, the last 7 1/2 of that working in IT Infrastructure for a large reseller and systems integrator. Being outdoorsy I have wanted to get into renewables for 2-3 years so am delighted to have made the step now and excited about what the future holds at Caplor. In my spare time I enjoy sailing, surfing, following most sports and socialising with friends.

Andrew Brown

Sales Surveyor

I have always been interested (and more often, passionate) about the environment. From university days when I worked with the Natal Parks Board in South Africa, doing vegetation surveys and bird counts, whilst completing a Biological Sciences degree. I have now been involved with renewable energy for almost 10 years in the UK. I have experience with both Domestic and Commercial Solar PV, as well as Solar Hot water and Heat Pumps (Air Source and Ground Source).

Fraser Williams

Sales Surveyor

Fraser recently graduated from Lancaster University. He started his degree in 2013, and took two years out launching a business called Repairly – with the mission of trying to get people to repair instead of replace their broken smartphones. A

fter stepping down from the business he went travelling, was busy snowboarding in Australia and then staying with a zen monk in Japan. Upon his return he has completed his studies and now is working with Caplor.

He tells us his mission is to… Use emotional intelligence to get more solar on rooftops, so that we can build a planet that can be more sustainably inhabited by humans, so that we can continue doing great things in our corner of the universe!

Chris Tipping

Digital Marketing

Caplor Energy work with Chris and his team to reach out to new and existing customers, offering the latest advice, product offers and technical support.

Chris is the managing director of The DM Lab and has built the company from the bottom up. He has experience in the sales industry and dealing with clients face to face. To go alongside his 10 years experience in the sales and marketing sector he has a degree in Computer Science, Networks and Information Security.

He also possesses a further 5 years experience in the web development industry, where he harnessed skills in programming and online marketing. Running successful SEO , PPC and digital marketing campaigns.

His vision and determination is second to none and will always make sure a project is carried out at the highest possible standards.

Suzy Cook

Finance Manager

Suzy has significant finance experience having worked in both practice and industry for more than 30 years. Suzy now runs her own business, choosing to work with SMEs who need accounting input. We are fortunate to benefit from Suzy’s experience in her role as Accounts Manager for the whole Caplor Group.

Interesting fact: Suzy is a purple belt in Kickboxing (so watch out if you don’t pay on time!)

Steve Kessler

Installation Team Leader

Steve has been with Caplor since 1994 and is the only member of the team – other than Gareth – who has been involved in all elements of the organisation – Caplor Farm, Caplor Property and Caplor Energy. He has a wealth of practical skills having had experience as a plasterer, builder, bricklayer and plumber to name but a few. As a PV installer he now carries a Part B 17th ed qualification and is lead installer in the Caplor team.

Also – Steve broke his leg flying into a wall in a paraglider. And as an aside, has been chased by a Killer Whale.

Andrew Davies

Commercial Solar Installer

Andrew was born and raised in Hereford and attended Hereford Cathedral School before leaving and studying Industrial design at Brunel University. It was here that he first began looking into renewable energy when he specialised in Environmentally sensitive design, Cognitive Ergonomics and Electro Pneumatics. On his return to Hereford he became involved in a range of business interests and for 10 years this included property renovation and new builds. It was this involvement in the building industry that would allow Andrew to spark the interest again in environmentally beneficial technologies when he became involved with Caplor’s renewable energy installations.

Also – Andrew achieved a National Gold medal for rowing as part of a Double Scull.

Vinny Duffin

Solar Installer

After A-Levels, Vinny worked in insurance for four years. With an introduction to numbers, Vinny felt a BA Hons in Accounting & Finance called which he completed at Brighton University.

A stint of working for a friends’ company ensued until early 2011 when he started to install Solar PV panels. It soon became clear that Generation numbers was all Vinny could think about and he started working with Caplor full-time in November 2013. His interest outside work include running, road biking, mountain biking, swimming and hiking.

Also – Vinny has completed triathlons, marathons and Iron Man events. Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro was another personal achievement.

Elliot Body

Electrical Contractor

Elliot has worked with Caplor Energy for several years gaining a range of solar experience from domestic to MW scale sites. As well as being a qualified electrician, Elliot is our in-house communications expert advising on the monitoring and data aspects of projects.

Jason Fuller

Solar Installer

Jason runs Tethys Energy, a Solar PV installer covering Reading and the surrounding counties. Caplor contacted Jason on recommendation of Howard Johns, former Southern Solar MD who Jason worked with for several years.

We have worked with Jason on several projects and always receive the highest praise for his professional manner and high standard of workmanship.

James Bufton

Solar PV Maintenance

James came to work with Caplor in Spring 2018 to provide solar panel cleaning services for our domestic and commercial customers. James has had a varied career background from working in the security services overseas to farming.

We have already had some lovely feedback about James on our Trust Pilot review page.

Barney Westbrook

Heating Engineer

Barney has worked with Caplor Energy since 2016 as a heating engineer specialising in heat pumps, biomass and solar thermal installations. Barney has worked on domestic and commercial heating projects across the country and is one of the most qualified engineers we have on the team!

Ben Major

Heating Engineer

Ben has been installing and servicing Solar Thermal systems for many years, and has recently completed his Heat Pump qualifications allowing customers to now benefit from his polite and friendly nature.

Keith Jones

Electrical Contractor

Keith has been associated with Caplor energy since its inception and has the honour of installing the first electrical installations in those early years. A fully qualified electrician with a vast experience in renewable energy projects since 2006, involved in over 250 small scale wind turbine projects from 6Kw machines to 350Kw totalling 15MW of generation not to mention solar PV projects from 4Kwp to 5MWp totalling some 10GWp. Keith is also a keen advocate of Ground and Air source heat pumps and can personally vouch that his own 7Kw GSHP is definitely the way forward, he has also been involved in several biomass projects and can similarly confirm their benefits. A man of many talents has worked in the telecoms, mobile data and broadband sector for 15 years before returning to his trade is 2002 so also brings significant mobile technology experience.

Other than that in the summer he rides a bright yellow Ducati 996………enough said!!

Sandy Hanson

MD at Caplor Property

Sandy moved to England from South Africa in 2000. She has gained a wealth of experience over the past 10 years having worked as Property Manager for a busy letting agent in Hereford for six years, then joining Caplor in 2008. Prior to commencing work on a very diverse role at Caplor, she achieved a merit award for competency in property management from the Association of Residential Letting Agents (ARLA).

Sandy oversees a successful letting office in Merthyr and manages an extensive portfolio of properties in South Wales, Hereford and Worcestershire along with our international property investments in Poland.

As someone with a passion for people she was key to the development of our human resources department, which due to the success of Caplor, has grown from four employees to five managers and 15 members of staff all dedicated to the continued success of Caplor. Above all she prides herself on her enthusiasm and dedication to the job. When she’s not behind her desk she enjoys spending time with her family, playing golf, reading and volunteering in the soup kitchen at her local church.

Also – Sandy was the local YoYo champion when she was 10.

Tanya Vincent

Property Management Assistant

Tanya joined Caplor Property in March 2018. The property industry is where she would like to further her career. Since joining Caplor, Tanya has already completed the Rent Smart Wales short course, principles of team leading and attended various networking events. She is very positive and enthusiastic about her future within Caplor.

Prior to Caplor she was managing irrigation projects and implementing health and safety policies, mainly for poultry sites and soft fruit growers. Health and safety is something she is very passionate about.

Tanya is very active and can never sit still. In her free time she is a keen horse rider and enjoys hiking the Welsh countryside. She is also studying Criminal Law and Criminal Psychology. Her personal goal for next year is to complete a triathlon and compete in Cross Country.

Tom Patterson

Lifelong Caplor Team

Tom Patterson has been with Caplor Farm since he was 16. When Tom first started at Caplor the farm had sheep, chickens and 14 cows that were milked twice a day. Tom is a dab hand at pretty much everything.

In 2008, Tom received the long service award from the Three Counties Agricultural Society which was presented to him by Lord Apsley.

Russell Price

Agricultural Manager

Russell Price Farming Services works in partnership with Caplor on our long established family farm business. Russell’s main focus, along with ensuring all aspects of running the farm are met, is to maintain safe, efficient and quality work practices. Ensuring the welfare and development of the arable crops and our pedigree Hereford cattle herd. He has a lifetime of experience and can turns his hand to any task as the vagaries of agriculture require.

Clarkesoftware.com

IT Support

Ian Williams

Board Member

Ian is a co-founder of Caplor Horizons and has a passion for its purpose. He is a specialist in strategy. He has a successful track-record in leadership and management. Ian was CEO of Concern Universal, an international development charity, for 16 years. He holds an Honorary position at Worcester Business School. Ian has been a non-Executive Director of Haygrove, a leading international horticultural business, since it was founded.

John Berry

Board Member

John is member of the Chartered Institute of Marketing (CIM) and has an MBA from Henley Business School. His specialism is strategic marketing and managing the internationalisation of businesses and organisations.

Mike Lloyd

Board Member

Mike’s career in finance started with a practice of chartered accountants in 1979 moving into commercial business in 1982. Since 1985 he has worked with a builder’s merchant/property developer/domestic and commercial property landlord and for many years has run Kington Building Supplies. Mike has been working with Caplor for over twenty years.

Briony Sellar

Board Member

Gareth’s partner has been involved with Caplor for the last eighteen years. Briony has a genuine commitment to the countryside with long term experience in teaching and equine business management. She is currently a health visitor for NHS Herefordshire. Briony is completing her Teaching qualification, following successful completion of an MA in Community Public Health.

Gareth Williams

MD, Caplor Group

BSc (Hons) Agriculture, NSch

Gareth has a long and deep rooted and evolving passion for the sustainability agenda. This led him to develop his family farm into a diversified rural business which includes Caplor Energy. Gareth is actively involved in the renewable energy industry and wider environmental arena, to which he contributes through Board membership of the Solar Trade Association, Chairmanship of Business Futures Forum as well numerous local and regional lobbying groups.

During his career Gareth has had the privilege of working in developing countries through consultancy positions giving agricultural, sustainability as well as leadership support.

Gareth has been a farmer all his life being born and bred at Caplor Farm which the family has operated since 1923.

Also – Gareth was once a mental health social worker and plays guitar in the notorious “Slippermen“

Alan Warren

Sales Manager

Alan has considerable renewable energy experience which helps ensure that our customers receive the correct product for their needs. With extensive experience in both solar and renewable heating, he is thriving in the Caplor environment that shares his passion for all things sustainable.

Also – Alan and his brother ran Bromley Motorsports who won the Formula 3000 Championships (F3000) then went on to win the Birmingham Grand Prix in 1988.

Oliver Edgar

Mechancial Project Manager

Oliver joined Caplor from a Technical and Operations background in the Biomass sector and now co-ordinates all Renewable Heating projects as our Mechanical Project Manager.

Oliver has had a varied career including starting out as a warehouseman, becoming a fully qualified solid fuel installer, frontline technical support, to running a successful training center for installers. Ollie is our trained Heath & Safety representative too.

He is passionate about renewables and has a desire to better the industry, environment and Caplor.

Also Oliver has appeared on Blue Peter singing at Hereford Cathedral.

Sharon Speake

Operations Manager (Solar PV)

Sharon has joined the Caplor Energy team from a sales, technical and operations background in the Solar PV industry. I have worked within the Distribution side since 1999 and have seen many changes within the Solar Industry during this time. I have a strong International logistics background having been very much involved in distributing Solar Powered vaccine storage refrigerator systems around the world – at the same time as building up a UK wholesale distribution company which went on to become one of the leading distributors for Solar PV products in the UK until 2016

I have vast experience of system design for both solar grid connected systems but also for stand-alone Off Grid systems and am looking forward to using that experience within Caplor Energy.

I spend my time between living locally and also at home in Mid Wales with my family. In my spare time I am an active Hockey player and train with teams locally during the week but play league games at home with my regular club. Being from Wales I am an avid rugby fan of the team in Red.

Clive Davies

Senior Sales Surveyor

Clive has been site surveyor for Caplor Energy for several years. He has brought with him a considerable amount of interpersonal experience and business acumen.

Also – when elected President of his Rotary Club at the age of 33, he was thought at that time to be the youngest ever UK Rotary President.

Matt Barker

Sales Surveyor

I’m 34, born in Bristol and after 10 years away in London am back living in Cheltenham where my family have been for 25 years. I’ve been in sales of one sort or another for 11 years, the last 7 1/2 of that working in IT Infrastructure for a large reseller and systems integrator. Being outdoorsy I have wanted to get into renewables for 2-3 years so am delighted to have made the step now and excited about what the future holds at Caplor. In my spare time I enjoy sailing, surfing, following most sports and socialising with friends.

Andrew Brown

Sales Surveyor

I have always been interested (and more often, passionate) about the environment. From university days when I worked with the Natal Parks Board in South Africa, doing vegetation surveys and bird counts, whilst completing a Biological Sciences degree. I have now been involved with renewable energy for almost 10 years in the UK. I have experience with both Domestic and Commercial Solar PV, as well as Solar Hot water and Heat Pumps (Air Source and Ground Source).

Fraser Williams

Sales Surveyor

Fraser recently graduated from Lancaster University. He started his degree in 2013, and took two years out launching a business called Repairly – with the mission of trying to get people to repair instead of replace their broken smartphones. A

fter stepping down from the business he went travelling, was busy snowboarding in Australia and then staying with a zen monk in Japan. Upon his return he has completed his studies and now is working with Caplor.

He tells us his mission is to… Use emotional intelligence to get more solar on rooftops, so that we can build a planet that can be more sustainably inhabited by humans, so that we can continue doing great things in our corner of the universe!

Chris Tipping

Digital Marketing

Caplor Energy work with Chris and his team to reach out to new and existing customers, offering the latest advice, product offers and technical support.

Chris is the managing director of The DM Lab and has built the company from the bottom up. He has experience in the sales industry and dealing with clients face to face. To go alongside his 10 years experience in the sales and marketing sector he has a degree in Computer Science, Networks and Information Security.

He also possesses a further 5 years experience in the web development industry, where he harnessed skills in programming and online marketing. Running successful SEO , PPC and digital marketing campaigns.

His vision and determination is second to none and will always make sure a project is carried out at the highest possible standards.

Suzy Cook

Finance Manager

Suzy has significant finance experience having worked in both practice and industry for more than 30 years. Suzy now runs her own business, choosing to work with SMEs who need accounting input. We are fortunate to benefit from Suzy’s experience in her role as Accounts Manager for the whole Caplor Group.

Interesting fact: Suzy is a purple belt in Kickboxing (so watch out if you don’t pay on time!)

Steve Kessler

Installation Team Leader

Steve has been with Caplor since 1994 and is the only member of the team – other than Gareth – who has been involved in all elements of the organisation – Caplor Farm, Caplor Property and Caplor Energy. He has a wealth of practical skills having had experience as a plasterer, builder, bricklayer and plumber to name but a few. As a PV installer he now carries a Part B 17th ed qualification and is lead installer in the Caplor team.

Also – Steve broke his leg flying into a wall in a paraglider. And as an aside, has been chased by a Killer Whale.

Andrew Davies

Commercial Solar Installer

Andrew was born and raised in Hereford and attended Hereford Cathedral School before leaving and studying Industrial design at Brunel University. It was here that he first began looking into renewable energy when he specialised in Environmentally sensitive design, Cognitive Ergonomics and Electro Pneumatics. On his return to Hereford he became involved in a range of business interests and for 10 years this included property renovation and new builds. It was this involvement in the building industry that would allow Andrew to spark the interest again in environmentally beneficial technologies when he became involved with Caplor’s renewable energy installations.

Also – Andrew achieved a National Gold medal for rowing as part of a Double Scull.

Vinny Duffin

Solar Installer

After A-Levels, Vinny worked in insurance for four years. With an introduction to numbers, Vinny felt a BA Hons in Accounting & Finance called which he completed at Brighton University.

A stint of working for a friends’ company ensued until early 2011 when he started to install Solar PV panels. It soon became clear that Generation numbers was all Vinny could think about and he started working with Caplor full-time in November 2013. His interest outside work include running, road biking, mountain biking, swimming and hiking.

Also – Vinny has completed triathlons, marathons and Iron Man events. Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro was another personal achievement.

Elliot Body

Electrical Contractor

Elliot has worked with Caplor Energy for several years gaining a range of solar experience from domestic to MW scale sites. As well as being a qualified electrician, Elliot is our in-house communications expert advising on the monitoring and data aspects of projects.

Jason Fuller

Solar Installer

Jason runs Tethys Energy, a Solar PV installer covering Reading and the surrounding counties. Caplor contacted Jason on recommendation of Howard Johns, former Southern Solar MD who Jason worked with for several years.

We have worked with Jason on several projects and always receive the highest praise for his professional manner and high standard of workmanship.

James Bufton

Solar PV Maintenance

James came to work with Caplor in Spring 2018 to provide solar panel cleaning services for our domestic and commercial customers. James has had a varied career background from working in the security services overseas to farming.

We have already had some lovely feedback about James on our Trust Pilot review page.

Barney Westbrook

Heating Engineer

Barney has worked with Caplor Energy since 2016 as a heating engineer specialising in heat pumps, biomass and solar thermal installations. Barney has worked on domestic and commercial heating projects across the country and is one of the most qualified engineers we have on the team!

Ben Major

Heating Engineer

Ben has been installing and servicing Solar Thermal systems for many years, and has recently completed his Heat Pump qualifications allowing customers to now benefit from his polite and friendly nature.

Keith Jones

Electrical Contractor

Keith has been associated with Caplor energy since its inception and has the honour of installing the first electrical installations in those early years. A fully qualified electrician with a vast experience in renewable energy projects since 2006, involved in over 250 small scale wind turbine projects from 6Kw machines to 350Kw totalling 15MW of generation not to mention solar PV projects from 4Kwp to 5MWp totalling some 10GWp. Keith is also a keen advocate of Ground and Air source heat pumps and can personally vouch that his own 7Kw GSHP is definitely the way forward, he has also been involved in several biomass projects and can similarly confirm their benefits. A man of many talents has worked in the telecoms, mobile data and broadband sector for 15 years before returning to his trade is 2002 so also brings significant mobile technology experience.

Other than that in the summer he rides a bright yellow Ducati 996………enough said!!

Sandy Hanson

MD at Caplor Property

Sandy moved to England from South Africa in 2000. She has gained a wealth of experience over the past 10 years having worked as Property Manager for a busy letting agent in Hereford for six years, then joining Caplor in 2008. Prior to commencing work on a very diverse role at Caplor, she achieved a merit award for competency in property management from the Association of Residential Letting Agents (ARLA).

Sandy oversees a successful letting office in Merthyr and manages an extensive portfolio of properties in South Wales, Hereford and Worcestershire along with our international property investments in Poland.

As someone with a passion for people she was key to the development of our human resources department, which due to the success of Caplor, has grown from four employees to five managers and 15 members of staff all dedicated to the continued success of Caplor. Above all she prides herself on her enthusiasm and dedication to the job. When she’s not behind her desk she enjoys spending time with her family, playing golf, reading and volunteering in the soup kitchen at her local church.

Also – Sandy was the local YoYo champion when she was 10.

Tanya Vincent

Property Management Assistant

Tanya joined Caplor Property in March 2018. The property industry is where she would like to further her career. Since joining Caplor, Tanya has already completed the Rent Smart Wales short course, principles of team leading and attended various networking events. She is very positive and enthusiastic about her future within Caplor.

Prior to Caplor she was managing irrigation projects and implementing health and safety policies, mainly for poultry sites and soft fruit growers. Health and safety is something she is very passionate about.

Tanya is very active and can never sit still. In her free time she is a keen horse rider and enjoys hiking the Welsh countryside. She is also studying Criminal Law and Criminal Psychology. Her personal goal for next year is to complete a triathlon and compete in Cross Country.

Tom Patterson

Lifelong Caplor Team

Tom Patterson has been with Caplor Farm since he was 16. When Tom first started at Caplor the farm had sheep, chickens and 14 cows that were milked twice a day. Tom is a dab hand at pretty much everything.

In 2008, Tom received the long service award from the Three Counties Agricultural Society which was presented to him by Lord Apsley.

Russell Price

Agricultural Manager

Russell Price Farming Services works in partnership with Caplor on our long established family farm business. Russell’s main focus, along with ensuring all aspects of running the farm are met, is to maintain safe, efficient and quality work practices. Ensuring the welfare and development of the arable crops and our pedigree Hereford cattle herd. He has a lifetime of experience and can turns his hand to any task as the vagaries of agriculture require.

Clarkesoftware.com

IT Support

Ian Williams

Board Member

Ian is a co-founder of Caplor Horizons and has a passion for its purpose. He is a specialist in strategy. He has a successful track-record in leadership and management. Ian was CEO of Concern Universal, an international development charity, for 16 years. He holds an Honorary position at Worcester Business School. Ian has been a non-Executive Director of Haygrove, a leading international horticultural business, since it was founded.

John Berry

Board Member

John is member of the Chartered Institute of Marketing (CIM) and has an MBA from Henley Business School. His specialism is strategic marketing and managing the internationalisation of businesses and organisations.

Mike Lloyd

Board Member

Mike’s career in finance started with a practice of chartered accountants in 1979 moving into commercial business in 1982. Since 1985 he has worked with a builder’s merchant/property developer/domestic and commercial property landlord and for many years has run Kington Building Supplies. Mike has been working with Caplor for over twenty years.

Briony Sellar

Board Member

Gareth’s partner has been involved with Caplor for the last eighteen years. Briony has a genuine commitment to the countryside with long term experience in teaching and equine business management. She is currently a health visitor for NHS Herefordshire. Briony is completing her Teaching qualification, following successful completion of an MA in Community Public Health.

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