In this newly created role, Richard will lead the development of Leep’s heat business, providing customers with innovative and sustainable heat solutions. He has also played a key role in the development of the company’s heat strategy, and the direction and recent publication of its Heat Solutions brochure.

Richard is a leading expert in the UK’s heat market and has more than 30 years’ experience delivering bespoke conventional and renewable heat solutions. This includes combined heat and power (CHP), district heating, heat pumps, biomass, wind, waste, heat storage, nuclear and other low carbon technologies.

In addition, Richard has worked for leading energy companies including Eon, British Gas and Engie. He brings a broad range of experience to Leep, having developed solutions to customers in the commercial, industrial, residential, water and public sectors. He has previously worked with Leep on a consultancy basis.

As director of heat, Richard will be responsible for leading Leep’s current heat activities and future growth within the sector – supported by the company’s industry-leading delivery, operational and business development functions.

Richard’s appointment will further support Leep’s expansion plans. In July, the last mile network utility operator secured additional investment from its majority shareholders Ancala Partners and The Peel Group. The new investment is helping Leep to deliver its significant order book and roll out new sites across the UK, along with further investing into its decarbonised heat initiatives.

Over the past year, Leep has doubled its vehicle fleet and increased its headcount by more than 80 per cent. The business now has a workforce of over 130 people.

Louise Manfredi, chief executive of Leep Utilities, said: “We’re delighted to welcome Richard to Leep. His experience and expertise in low carbon, urban heat projects will help us further enhance our heat proposition. We can’t wait to work alongside him to provide innovative and sustainable heat solutions to our customers.”

Richard said: “I’m excited to be joining the team at Leep Utilities to further develop its successful heat business. Leep’s growth speaks for itself. I am really impressed by the potential of Leep’s existing MediaCityUK heat network, the breadth of its multi-utility business and the strength of the entire team.”