Leading the way in energy & renewables
Mike Smedley
Strategic Projects Director
MRICS, FCIOB
Mike Smedley is Strategic Projects Director at Step Energy, providing board-level strategic leadership to support the business’s continued growth. He brings more than 30 years’ senior experience across the UK construction and energy sectors, with a strong background in business planning, risk management and operational leadership.
A Chartered Quantity Surveyor (MRICS) and Fellow of the CIOB (FCIOB), Mike has held senior roles with major UK contractors and offers deep commercial and strategic expertise to support complex energy and renewable projects.
At Step Energy, Mike focuses on building strong management structures and enabling high-performing teams. He is particularly proud of projects such as St Nick’s, where Step Energy’s consultative approach delivered renewable solutions alongside complex building works.
Known for his collaborative leadership style, Mike is passionate about empowering people and helping clients achieve practical, long-term sustainability outcomes. Outside of work, he enjoys sport, cinema, reading and spending time with his family.
Darren Hardy
Step Energy Lead
Darren Hardy is the Step Energy Lead, responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operation of the business and ensuring the successful, high-quality delivery of renewable energy projects for clients. His focus is on operational excellence, financial control and building trusted client relationships that support long-term value.
With a background in Electrical Engineering and former experience as Managing Director of a Mechanical and Electrical contractor, Darren has delivered projects ranging from £100k to £5m. This gives him a strong understanding of client priorities — balancing programme, cost, quality and performance across complex energy and renewable installations.
At Step Energy, Darren plays a key role in growing the company’s renewable installation services, supporting framework-based delivery, and helping clients navigate the energy transition with practical, commercially sound solutions. He is driven by the full project journey — from early engagement and solution development through to successful completion.
Darren brings a collaborative, people-focused leadership style and is guided by three principles in his work: innovative, ambitious and passionate. Outside of work, he enjoys golf and football.
Damien Jones
Project Manager
Damien Jones is a Project Manager at Step Energy, overseeing projects from tender stage through to completion, with a strong focus on safe delivery, quality, programme control and stakeholder communication.
He brings extensive leadership and delivery experience, having served 24 years in the Army Royal Engineers followed by 18 years in project management consultancy. Damien has delivered complex construction and energy projects across the UK and Middle East, providing a disciplined, solutions-focused approach to renewable project delivery.
Damien is driven by the positive impact of renewable energy and decarbonisation and is particularly proud of the bespoke Air Source Heat Pump (ASHP) projects delivered for leisure centres in Dorset, which are expected to significantly reduce energy consumption and costs for clients.
He is known for his commitment to communication, collaboration, integrity and accountability, ensuring clients and partners have confidence at every stage. Outside of work, Damien enjoys the outdoors, travelling in his camper van, boating and spending time with family.
Joseph Gilbert
Senior Project Manager
Joseph Gilbert is a Senior Project Manager at Step Energy, delivering renewable energy and decarbonisation projects from early design through to completion. He works closely with clients and project teams to ensure safe, efficient delivery, clear communication, and solutions that provide long-term value.
Joseph brings extensive electrical engineering and project delivery experience, having progressed from a contracting electrician to senior roles within M&E contracting, main contracting, and consultancy. His background includes leading electrical departments, managing multi-disciplinary teams, and delivering complex projects across healthcare, education, retail, residential, and renewable energy sectors. He has also held senior construction and quality management roles on large-scale solar farm and battery storage projects.
Joseph is motivated by delivering projects that meet client needs while maintaining strong commercial outcomes. He is particularly proud of his role at Cripps Medical Centre in Nottingham, where he led the electrical design and project management for the UK’s largest single-practice medical centre.
Outside of work, Joseph enjoys gym training, cycling, running, trekking, clay pigeon shooting, and golf.
Oliver Bradburn
Designer & Estimator
oliver.bradburn@stepnell.co.uk
Oliver Bradburn is a Solar PV Designer & Estimator at Step Energy, specialising in the design of efficient, compliant and cost-effective solar energy systems. His day-to-day role focuses on system design, performance modelling and cost estimation, supporting projects ranging from domestic installations to large-scale commercial and solar farm developments.
With more than 24 years’ experience in the electrical trade, Oliver began his career as an apprentice and developed a strong specialism in renewable energy. He holds a City & Guilds Apprenticeship and NVQ Level 3, and has previously held senior technical and management roles overseeing solar design, compliance and delivery.
Oliver brings strong expertise in PV Sol and CAD design, alongside a detailed understanding of BS7671 and MCS regulations, ensuring systems are optimised for long-term performance and regulatory compliance. His experience spans multiple sectors including education, healthcare, defence and commercial estates.
Oliver is driven by delivering reliable, future-proof solar solutions that support clients’ transition to renewable energy. Outside of work, he enjoys motorcycling, golf and spending time with his family.
Liam Wills
Senior Quantity Surveyor
Liam Wills is a Senior Quantity Surveyor and commercial lead at Step Energy, working closely with clients and delivery teams to ensure projects are commercially robust, well controlled and aligned with client objectives. From tender stage through to completion, Liam focuses on cost certainty, risk management and value for money, helping clients make informed decisions throughout the project lifecycle.
With a main contractor background, Liam brings strong contract knowledge and financial expertise, enabling him to proactively identify risks and provide practical, solutions-led advice. He is particularly proud of his work with Warwick District Council, supporting the delivery of multiple photovoltaic schemes that contribute directly to the council’s decarbonisation ambitions.
Approachable and data-driven, Liam is known for his clear communication and collaborative working style, ensuring clients feel supported and confident at every stage. Outside of work, he enjoys travelling, basketball, snooker and spending time with family and friends.
Nick Evans
Senior Buyer
Nick Evans is Senior Buyer at Step Energy, responsible for the procurement of materials that support the timely and cost-effective delivery of renewable energy projects. His focus is on securing the right products at the right time and best value, while meeting safety, quality and sustainability requirements.
Nick brings 40 years of procurement experience across the construction and civil engineering sectors, working on projects ranging from small works to multi-million-pound schemes. His extensive industry knowledge helps teams respond to tight programmes and evolving technical requirements.
Known for his reliability and value-driven approach, Nick supports Step Energy’s commitment to quality and innovation. Outside of work, he enjoys live music, travelling and spending time with friends.
Tom Vear
IT Manager
Tom Vear is IT Manager and R&D lead at Step Energy, driving technology solutions that support project delivery, data management, and sustainability reporting. He ensures systems are efficient, secure, and aligned with the evolving needs of renewable energy projects.
With over 25 years of IT experience across healthcare, pharma, manufacturing, managed services and motorsport, Tom brings expertise in technical project management, hardware and software integration, and innovative data solutions.
He is particularly proud of developing new methods to rationalise sustainability metrics, improving reporting and project insights for clients. Tom thrives on working with Step Energy’s diverse and agile team, supporting the business as it delivers practical, high-performance energy solutions.
Outside work, he is an open-water swimmer with an English Channel solo attempt planned.
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