Meet the team

Michael Butterworth

With over 30 years’ experience in energy consultancy, Michael has a breadth of knowledge across many sectors of our industry. His customer care skills and attention to detail ensure Trident deliver exactly what we promise and our customer retention rates are testimony to this. When he isn’t in the office, Michael will either be sat by a lake trying to catch a monster fish, or watching (these days rather than playing!) football.

Dave Slater

I have lived in the Fylde all my life and after being born and living in Kirkham I have spent the last 34 years in Freckleton. I attended Kirkham Grammar School and then graduated from Leeds University in 1980. I joined Inenco Group and worked for them until 2001, when I and two friends set up Trident Utilities. We have continued to grow the company since then with the help of loyal and hard working staff.

Darren Robertson

Darren has worked in the Energy Sector for almost 3 decades and was the driving force behind many of the Flexible "Risk Managed" Procurement services and supporting software introduced by Trident. Darren has previous experience trading in Oil & Distillates, before moving into Energy and Natural Gas procurement and trading. When out of the office Darren is a keen Festival Goer and enjoys cycling, golf and watching football.

Michael Dugdale

I started out as a Mechanical Engineer before deciding to return to University and focus my career on business.  My energy career started as a graduate analyst 23 years ago and I’ve completed a full circle from energy consultant, power generation & trading, leading teams in energy & water retail, heating services installation and I’m back to energy consultancy where it all started for me. I am proud to lead the Trident business with a clear purpose to Make Energy Simple through our 360° Energy Expertise. Outside of work I’m married with 2 children and still believe I can be a pro sportsman, although my golf handicap, frequent running injuries and general aches & pains tell me the dream is getting harder to achieve.

Rahul Tewari

I have recently joined Trident Utilities in a new role at the business as Head of Operations. Where I will be overseeing customer service through supporting account managers, administration, and analytics as well as managing supplier relationships. For the last 12 years of my life, I have worked for three suppliers in the energy industry covering all aspects of metering, billing operations, energy solutions, and analytics. During my earlier working career, I worked in large call centers in India and USA managing operations. Prior to this, I received an MBA from my time studying at the University of Strathclyde. In my spare time, I like to enjoy the outdoors going on long walks, mainly in the Lake District I also enjoy watching football where I support Manchester United.

Derek Tonge

A background in building services and construction provided a sound footing for working in the energy industry.  Energy manager roles in local authority and the health service between 1997 and 2002 were then followed by consultancy work.

I have worked at Trident Utilities since 2004.

Steve Campbell

I started my career in the energy industry as a fresh-faced school leaver over 20 years ago and joined Trident in August 2001.  I currently have the pleasure of managing a great team who deliver our range of procurement, analytical and bureau services to our customers.  Away from Trident life revolves around my lovely wife Michelle and our two young children, Jack & Ethan, and lastly football, specifically Lytham Town F.C. where I manage one of the senior teams amongst other duties (it’s a second full time job).   

Richard Holdsworth

Tennis champion, Rugby International, England's greatest all round cricketer. So goes the dream! Instead, for the last 30 years I've enjoyed working with some of the UK's best-known companies in customer facing roles. I lived in New Zealand for 10 years where I met my Irish wife, who has given me 2 beautiful (and challenging) children. Every day starts with 2 strong coffees and ends with a peppermint tea. In between, anything can happen!

Helen Houghton

I am the Finance Manager at Trident.
I have been working in finance for 12 years and gained my CIMA qualification 6 years ago in 2014.
I am a fitness enthusiast, and never say no to a good training session!
I have two children aged 10 and 7, and there will soon be a 5th member of the family as we are getting a puppy.

Hayley Kelly

I joined Trident as the New Business Generation Manager in 2020 looking after the Sales team, driving them to achieve company targets (hopefully!).  Outside of work, I have recently started learning about photography and also really enjoy combining travel with going to gigs & festivals.  Something people would not know about me, is that I have been to Buckingham Palace and had afternoon tea with the Queen.

Aaron Duffill

I have 10 years’ experience of working within the energy industry, predominantly working within the public sector.  Outside of work I enjoy keeping fit and watching most sports, especially boxing, cricket and football, with my favourite teams being Yorkshire and Everton.  

Andy O'Brien

My job entails liaising with my customers, on just about any subject to do with their energy & utilities needs. I’m married to Rachel and we have one son at primary school.  I also have 2 grown up sons at university.  I like running; anywhere from 5k to ultra-marathons! I support Coventry City – so most people think I mustn’t like football! Elon Musk is an inspirational figure– he’s not afraid to dream big. Not a lot of people know that I once sold a mobile phone to Rod Hull!

Amy Stockdale

I am the Sustainability and Energy Engineer at Trident. I manage our customers power purchasing agreements and subsidies for existing renewable installations, whilst completing feasibility assessments onsite and assist with the installation of new renewables technologies. Out of work I am part of two amateur dramatic societies, Junction 4 Productions and SAPOS and also visit care homes and sing to the residents with my group, “The Songbirds”.

Pilar De Dios Mendo

I am a Senior Consultant Engineer with over 11 years of working experience within the energy sector, developing and executing profitable energy-saving projects. I have an excellent knowledge of measurement and monitoring systems; benchmarking and targeting; energy-saving technologies and carbon management regulation and legislation. I am a certified, "Energy Institute", Chartered Energy Manager, and also an ESOS Lead Assessor.
Outside of work, I love running and hiking in the Welsh mountains with my little dog "Cacahuete"

Alice Kelso

I joined Trident in 2018 and my current role is Trainee Analyst in Net zero, Efficiency and Compliance. My role includes supporting our engineering & sustainability teams.
One of my favourite films would have to be Alice in Wonderland & my top two favourite animals are dolphins & butterflies!

Charlie Clarke

I am an Data Administrator at Trident. My favourite TV series is Peaky Blinders and my favourite sport is formula 1. One thing I enjoy doing out of work is flying, I am currently nearing the end of my training for my private pilots’ licence. Lastly, I was born in Bolton.  

Daryl Bowen

I work in the housing and public sector team alongside Gemma and Aaron. Outside of work I enjoy watching football and taking part in quizzes.

Charlotte Baxter

Here at Trident I am an Accounts Assistant in the Finance Department, currently doing my AAT qualification. Outside of work I enjoy socialising with friends and family, and especially spending time with my doggie. In my spare time I am a volunteer as a Brownie leader. I love a detective crime series, and a good Disney film. In 2016 I worked at Disney World in Florida as a character performer.

Gill Leahy

Married for 36 years. Adult children Chris & Sarah, a dog Dylan. Worked for Trident for the past 13 years, I have seen the company grow to 4 times that of when I started. I adapted to working from home challenges, faced during the Global Pandemic (Covid 19) Happy to be back in the office. l has a positive outlook on life, the ‘go to’ person for help, advice/listening ear. I have a loving family, and a great group of friends that surround me with love and laughter. 

Gemma Williams

I have been an account manager at Trident for two years mainly looking after public sector clients such as NHS Trusts, the education sector and Housing associations. My favourite film is True Romance, not as soppy as it sounds, I assure you!  Outside of work I love to sew, it could be anything from bags and bunting to roman blinds and face masks.  I have two British Shorthairs, Luther and Rosa and tortoises named Clive and Clara.

Hazel Ascough

My role at Trident is that of Senior Analyst.  Collating the clients consumption data and inputting in to our systems so that it is readily accessible to both the account managers and clients. Preparing and executing tenders and pricing. Away from the office I enjoy my holidays whether its a week in the sun with family or a girls weekend away. I also love cheesy Christmas movies.

Justin Burgoyne

Jitesh Panchal

I am our market analyst and energy trader. I primarily focus on the wholesale gas and power markets to deliver risk managed trading strategies and conduct forward hedging on behalf of our flexible procurement customers. I also assist in creating energy market reports for internal and external stakeholders. Outside of work I enjoy travelling, playing football or a few games on the squash court.

Tom Simpson

I am a Software Developer here at Trident, working on all our software solutions; both internal and customer facing. I enjoy the process of writing software, especially the problem solving that comes along with it. In my spare time I like watching and playing sports, mainly football, as well as generally trying to keep fit. I am a season ticket holder at Blackburn Rovers – the pride of Lancashire. I have been trying to learn the guitar (with limited success) for quite a few years.

Tom Brown

I'm a developer on Trident's Software Team and I work on all aspects of our software, which includes our website - Pulse, as well as our internal application - Vertex. Having started here out of university, I enjoy all the opportunities my job provides me to learn techniques and technologies that I've never used before. A little about me is that out of work I enjoy creative projects such as drawing and basic music production, and my favourite TV show is Twin Peaks: The Return.

Emily Hawarden

I joined Trident as the Marketing Manager in 2021. I have over 8 years' experience in marketing, predominantly in the technology sector, and specialise in digital marketing and brand management. Outside of work, I spend my weekends walking/hiking and catching up with friends and family. I love to travel and have a long bucket list of places I’d like to visit – I’m hoping to tick Las Vegas off the list soon! 

Siobhana Connolly

At Trident I work on the marketing and graphics. I graduated in graphic design and this is my first role after graduating. I love a good tv series, I’d say my all-time favourite is pretty little liars. On the weekends I really enjoy going out having a few drinks and a boogie with my friends. Also, on Wednesdays I wear pink lol.  

Richard Singleton

At Trident I am a Senior Account Manager. Sadly, I don’t have a favourite film because I don’t watch films! Out of work I like keeping active by walking and attending the gym (when they are open!), I also enjoy watching most sports (football’s probably my least favourite!) both live and on the tv. My favourite sport is rugby, both union and league. My favourite teams are Huddersfield Giants, Huddersfield YMCA rugby union (I used to play for them and still watch them) and Old Crossleyans Girls Under 18’s (my daughter plays for them). An inspiring person of mine is Barrie McDermott he played rugby league at the top level despite loosing an eye. Something people wouldn’t know about me is that I can cook without burning the house down or causing food poisoning!

Paul Smith

At Trident I am the resident pool champion and also an Account Manager looking after a range of customers from the offset to becoming long term customers. Outside of work I enjoy playing golf and also follow a lot of football. I also have a young daughter and enjoy spending days out with both her and my wife, after golf of course.

Noah Nelson

I am an Account Director here at Trident, supporting businesses across the UK with all areas of energy management. My favourite book is The Count of Monte Cristo, by Alexandre Dumas. My favourite pastime on the weekends is exploring National Trust properties with my wife and two daughters. My favourite sports teams are the Pittsburgh Steelers (proper football) and the Pittsburgh Pirates (baseball, which is far superior to cricket). I think Carl Jung is an inspiring character because I feel he had an incredible mind and was a great thinker. I enjoy digging deep into a subject each year that interests me. I like to research everything about the topic that I can get my hands on and then share what I have learned with those around me. The current topic of interest is ancient Egypt, because it fascinates me how they viewed life and integrated their belief system.

Alexander Feather

I am a Business Development Manager for Trident Utilities, working alongside businesses to offer a full range of energy management services. My favourite genre of film is a Psychological Thriller such as Shutter Island. In my spare time, I enjoy chasing my goal of running 10km, although progress is slow as is my pace. My biggest inspiration is Sir Winston Churchill, because he faced great adversity and never lost faith in his resolve or ability. My favourite hobby is Scuba Diving, which has brought me face to face with Sharks, Stingrays, and lots of other dangerous creatures in exotic locations.

Nicola Sorah

I joined the Trident business generation team after working in sales roles since 2004, before this I worked in Greece for six years as an entertainer in family hotels. I love a good sing song and I drive the team mad singing all day long.
I love spending time with my son and Labrador Sam and like to spend my spare time going out for nice meals with family and friends and to get away as much as I can.

Liam Salisbury

I joined Trident in 2015 as an Apprentice. After completing my apprenticeship, I have progressed to become an Account Manager. I work alongside the Account Managers to ensure all queries, validation and day to day management is carried out for customers. When not in work I enjoy going to gigs, watching my local team Blackpool FC play and spending time with my family. 

Patrick Lonsdale

At Trident in my new role as a digital marketing apprentice, I will be working on the planning and execution of various marketing campaigns utilizing various online channels to try and raise awareness of the Trident brand as well as promoting the 360 degree approach trident apply to making energy solutions simple for businesses. One of my favourite things to do in my free time is to play football, as I have always loved playing and watching the sport throughout my life, I have even been lucky enough to win a Hogan Cup final at Bloomfield Road when I was younger, which was a great experience which I will remember for the rest of my life.

Ellie Toth

My role at Trident is the Apprentice Business Administrator. My favourite type of film is comedy, you cant go wrong with them. Outside of work I love to spend time with my family and friends. I don’t really play or watch sports but in school I was on the rounders and netball team. I have an award that gave me 4 letters after my name – British Citizen Youth Award.

Michael Hewitson

I’m a Cost Analyst at Trident.  Although I have over 25 years experience in the industry, there is always something new to learn about energy.  Outside work my young family keep me very busy, although I also find time to play rugby and go to the gym.  To relax I listen to my music, go on bike rides and go walking in the countryside. 

Amelia Ainsworth

I joined Trident as a Data Analyst - Net Zero, Efficiency and Compliance which involves helping the engineers and the sustainability team. I have recently completed my Masters in Environmental Management and this is my first role in the energy sector. Outside of work, I enjoy going for food and drinks with my friends and family and also going for walks, particularly in the Lake District.

Jay Whittaker

Joanna Plant

I am one of the BDE team here at Trident Utilities, I have worked in the energy industry since 2013. Outside of work if I am not running around after my young son, I can be found doing various DIY projects, I have recently built and shed and remodelled a bathroom.  I was once an extra in the TV series Shameless, which was filmed a mile or so away from where I grew up.

Natalie Cook

Having ventured blindly into the energy industry as a fresh-faced Law student I decided (15 years later!) that energy is certainly where I belong and since amassed a wealth of experience across leading Energy Consultancy and Independent Supply businesses in both the SME and I&C markets and will look to use my all-round knowledge and experience to support Client engagement and relationship management.

In my spare time I…..actually scrap that, I have a 4-year-old, I have no spare time! But when I do I love to head off for days out to the beach, countryside or to watch shows and the odd Comicon or two.

Chris Wilson

I am an experienced and motivated Energy Management professional, with a particular interest in working with clients to implement change programmes and deliver improved performance. With 15 years’ experience in Building Services Engineering, Energy Efficiency and Carbon Management I am analytical and highly organised with a focus on building relationships and delivering results.

I have a particular interest in developing strategies to help clients achieve Net Zero ambitions in a fast developing area of importance.

Prior to moving into the Energy Management I was as a project manager for a leading Management Consultancy working with FTSE 100 companies including BT, Shell and GEC to implement operational management systems and deliver change management programmes.

I have a MSc in Manufacturing Systems Engineering and a BSc (Hons) in Mechanical Engineering.

Alexandra Mottershead

I began my career energy after completing a degree in Geochemistry and Atmospheric Physics at The University of Manchester. In my role as Risk Manager, I work closely with clients to formulate, and deliver on, energy procurement strategies. Whilst considering the many external factors which could present risk to our clients’ energy budget, I also must work closely with clients to understand risks to their specific business, along with their priorities, and tailor every element into a risk management strategy. Outside of work I am very busy with my two little girls, but when I do get 5 minutes to myself, I enjoy sci-fi books/films and cooking Italian food.

Andrew Curry

I have joined Trident as the Head of Commercial and after graduating university with a degree in accountancy and finance, I took a sidestep into the energy consultancy world and have never looked back! Over the years I have held a number of senior roles within the industry, amassing a wealth of experience and knowledge over nearly 2 decades. I am excited to bring my expertise to Trident and look forward in supporting the growth aspirations over the coming years.

I have little boy who is about to turn 2 next month and keeps me on my toes, but in my spare time I enjoy going to the gym and travelling. I also enjoy getting out on the golf course when I can and playing basketball

Oscar Dugdale

My role at Trident Utilities is a data analyst apprentice. I have only worked in the retail industry before so being given this opportunity to work in the energy industry can be a fresh start to develop a new career path. I have played football my whole life and it seems that whenever I’m not working, I find myself watching football  and even playing it when the opportunity comes up. I have supported Blackpool FC my whole life and have been watching them home and away for as long as I can remember.