TSol and PVSol simulation software

Managing Director: Chris Laughton

Chris is a well known author and lecturer in the solar thermal and photovoltaic industries and trainer in solar simulation software. He is a Fellow of The Institute of Domestic Heating and Environmental Engineers (FIDHEE) and Chair of the National Standards Committee for Solar at BSI. He sits on the MCS steering group and working groups and is also a part-time MCS inspector for ELECSA as part of the Electrical Contractors' Association (ECA) group. He has previously worked with the Berlin-based Renewable Energy Academy (RENAC) in the Middle-East and has been leader of the Centre for Alternative Technology's Graduate School of the Environment (GSE) solar and wood-heating courses.

Technical Support & Training Manager: Julian Pett

After graduating with a BSc Hons in 'Physics with Astrophysics' from The University of Kent at Canterbury, Julian worked in retail management within the music industry. He then developed a business in property development and specialist renovation projects for residential buildings. He is now studying for the MSc in 'Renewable Energy and the Built Environment' at the Centre for Alternative Technology. He is responsible for providing technical support and troubleshooting client issues in solar simulation software, as well as drafting and administering technical documents and specialised projects. Chris and Julian are the only two natural English-language speaking trainers for T*SOL and PV*SOL in the world.

Sales and Finance Manager: Gwen Haylock

Gwen has an MSc in 'Environmental Management' and a BSc Hons in Biology from Aberystwyth University. She was awarded a scholarship with RSK Group PLC, an Environmental Consultancy firm based in Chester, and was given the Director's Prize for academic achievement. Since graduation she has worked in land surveying for MW Surveys in Pembrokeshire and volunteered for the RSPB. Gwen is responsible for co-ordinating sales and customer-liaison activities and managing specialised projects.

Strategic Product Development and ICT Manager: Martin Kemp

Martin is responsible for strategic product development and management of ICT systems. Since joining the company in 2010 he has scaled up SDC's training provision by implementing group training courses in T*SOL and PV*SOL. His work includes adding new functionality, analytics, enhancing system performance, implementing workflow automation, contingency planning and sharing experience of application support with the team.

Marketing Consultant: Kirsty Sedgman

Kirsty has been with The Solar Design Company since 2008, and is responsible for planning and co-ordination of all marketing activities. She managed an inner-city community regeneration scheme in Birmingham and worked as marketing co-ordinator in child development and tuition. After graduating from Warwick University's 'Creative Writing' MA she worked as head scriptwriter for a Sky TV channel, delivered roleplay courses for doctors training as consultants, and has had a number of stories, poems and plays published and produced for international audiences. She is currently studying for her Ph.D in 'Audience Research for Theatre' at Aberystwyth University.

Training and Sales Administrator: Tessa Williams

Tessa has worked at the Solar Design Company since March 2011. She is responsible for dealing with and processing sales enquiries, and also organising the various training logistics for the PV*SOL and T*SOL courses. Tessa has a BA from the department of Theatre, Film and Television Studies at Aberystwyth University, and is currently studying for an MA in Scriptwriting. She has always had a keen interest in renewable energy. She has previously worked in Aberdeen in the energy industry, and in Barcelona where she taught English whilst travelling around Europe.

Technical Administrator: Chris Nunn

Chris is the first point of contact for technical enquires about PV*SOL. He studied at Reading University and has a BSc in Cybernetics and Control Engineering. After completion he moved to Australia where he worked in Metallurgy. There he began studying towards an MSc in Energy in the Environment with Murdoch University and is now continuing this as a distance learning course.

Sales and Technical Administrator: Ellie Farnworth

Ellie graduated from the University of York with BSc Hons Physics, and from Imperial College London with MSc Environmental Technology and Energy Policy. Having volunteered at the Centre for Alternative Technology giving advice on sustainable living, she now works there part time as Trust Fundraising Officer, alongside her part-time job at The Solar Design Company.

Sales Administrator: Elena Blackmore

Elena joined the SDC team in 2011. Before this, she worked at the Public Interest Research Centre as a researcher and writer, following an MSc in International Development and a BA in Psychology. She has lived and worked in Luxembourg and South Africa, and is currently attempting to learn Welsh.

ICT Administrator and Product Specialist: Bryn Fogden

Bryn specialises in GeoT*SOL and T*SOL and has experience within the Heat Pump industry. He has an MSc from the Centre for Alternative Technology in Architecture: Advanced Environmental and Energy Studies, specialising in psychological theory. He maintains the company's IT systems, prepares computers at training sessions, and enjoys keeping active with local sports teams.

Office Manager: Rosie Leach

Rosie is responsible for managing the day to day operations of the office and overseeing project management. She has an MSc in Environment and Development from Edinburgh University and a BA in Philosophy, Politics and Economics from Oxford University. She has worked as an events organiser, fund-raiser and campaigner for a number of community theatre, environment and international development organisations and as an organic gardener at the Centre for Alternative Technology.