Founders and Directors
We have a wide variety of skills at Community Energy Preston from our dedicated directors and passionate wider group volunteers, if you want to help us on our journey and join our community do get in touch on the contact page, or follow us on social media for one of our in-person socials.
Paul Taylor
Founding Member. Retired, former Head of Engineering.
With 40 years of working in the public sector and private industry. His main responsibilities for engineering teams delivering capital projects and plant maintenance with 10 years in a senior management role in a multi-national corporation within the United Kingdom. Life-long interest in renewables and alternative technologies. Treasurer and active member of Longridge Environment Group. who is also a family man with 3 grown-up children and 8 grandchildren.
Nicola Parkinson
Founding Member, Studying: Environmental Management
Currently studying for her MSc in Environmental Management at Lancaster University alongside studying Nicola is working as an Engagement Officer for a local conservation charity. Her previous experience includes 15 years as a middle leader/head of department in secondary schools, Nicola is also passionate about environmental issues from conservation to net zero transition. She is also a mum of two girls, Nicola enjoys time outdoors, theatre and cake!
Joe Allman
Founding Member, Self-employed Barrister.
Joe is a barrister, specialising in the areas of counter-terrorism, organised crime, and serious sexual offences. Most of his practice is in Preston. Joe believes in the power of communities to tackle climate change and poverty. He has two girls, Joe enjoys climbing, fell running and wild swimming in his spare time.
Robin Jones
Lancashire Area Lead, NW Net Zero Hub
Robin has an MSc in Renewable Energy Engineering from UCLan and works within net zero for Lancashire County Council. Previously Robin worked for the net zero team of Together Housing Association. Responsible for a pioneering solar and storage pilot project for the social housing sector currently covering 250 homes in Lancashire. Pro Preston Model and buying local, Robin can often be found playing tennis or failing to keep up with his border collie.
Kate Tuffs
Project manager for a national educational charity
Kate is responsible for leading a variety of business and technical projects. With a keen interest in renewable technologies and committed to making a positive impact in the world of sustainable energy solutions. Kate is a mum of two boys, enjoys spending time with her family and friends, going out and having fun days together exploring new places.
Gemma Voaden
Delivery Manager – Retrofit and Renewable Heat
Gemma is a Delivery Manager within Together Housing’s net zero team. She is responsible for successful delivery of the housing association’s retrofit and renewable heat investment programmes. Gemma is also committed to carbon reduction goals and helping people to have warm and affordable homes whilst creating a sustainable environment. Having a varied background from a law degree to being a property surveyor, plumber and now a retrofit co-ordinator has allowed her to work on various projects improving properties and communities and Gemma is looking forward to continuing this with CEP. Gemma enjoys woodwork and long walks with her dog. She is also a massive Disney and theme park enthusiast.
Anna Townsend
Civil Servant
Anna has recently project managed the retrofit of her family home and as a result she has developed a keen interest in renewable technology and tackling the status quo that persists in the energy sector. Working in the civil service she has extensive experience in contract, change and line management. Anna is mum to 2 young children, 1 cat and 6 chickens and outside of work enjoys walking, picnicking when the weather permits and gardening.
Dean Smith AMEI
Renewable and Sustainable Engineer
Dean is the owner and founder of The Ribble Vanguard and Green Dream Solutions. Dean graduated with his M.Sc. in Advanced Renewable and Sustainable Engineering in June 2024; Dean specialises in preventative engineering solutions to climate change, sea level rise, Renewable energy generation, Dean is also a associate member of the Energy Institute and the Institution of Engineering and Technology.
