Meet the Mantis team
At Mantis Energy, we have curated a dynamic experienced team across multi disciplines. We aim to provide our clients with a full end-to-end design service all brought together by a desire to create a difference in attaining the government’s Net Zero targets and bring a benefit to the environment. Our staff undergo a full training program as part of their induction to the company as well as ongoing professional development throughout the year to keep us up to date with all upcoming changes to the building sector. Find out more about our fantastic team below.
Mike Foat
Managing Director
Meet Mike
Mike is the Founder and Managing Director of Mantis Energy after discovering a need to make buildings more sustainable in the UK. Net Zero targets are fast approaching and new and existing buildings need to be decarbonised in a more pragmatic and standardised way.
Since starting Mantic Energy, Mike has been involved in sector wide low energy buildings projects from bespoke domestic homes to hospitals and everything in between. Mike is a chartered engineer and accredited project manager and spends most of his time looking into the latest sustainable technologies and engaging the team with exciting low energy building projects
Key skills
- Helping the UK meet Net Zero Targets
- Leadership and team building
- Researching the latest low energy and renewable technologies
- Providing a strategic overview of Net Zero Carbon Strategies
Interesting Facts
- In my previous career I used to design ships as a Chartered Naval Architect
Natalie Sedgley
Office Manager
Meet Natalie
Natalie joined Mantis Energy in 2021 with an ambition to help the company grow. After working in the fast fashion industry and seeing the environmental impact she decided to change industries to something more aligned to her personal philosophy. Joining Mantis Energy has provided her with a fulfilling role in all aspects
Since joining she has been a key point of contact for both staff and clients creating a warm and friendly environment. Natalie supports the office by assisting in onboarding all new staff to help them integrate into the company culture and feel at ease, providing support to the full team in all administrative aspects and liaising effortlessly with clients on both commercial and domestic projects
Key skills
- Multi skilled team player helping all of our team
- Keeps the team motivated
- Brings previous small business experience
- Interested in the environment and preserving nature
Interesting Facts
- I have fished my dog out of the Manchester canal on several occasions
Nick Hinckley
Team Lead: Energy Consulting
Meet Nick
Nick came to Mantis after being an integral part of growth at MCS. We now get to pick his brain for our projects and utilise his expanse of knowledge on renewable technologies to help design high spec systems with the latest standards and technology.
Nick has deservingly been promoted to Senior Energy Consultant after completing thorough training, proving himself and being a natural team leader. We’re excited for Nicks future at Mantis Energy and to see where his career progresses to next.
Nick is a self professed nerd and has continued expanding his knowledge with Mantis by undertaking a PAS2035 Co-Ordinator qualification and Heat Geek training. When it comes to learning he always has the latest industry guides and articles to hand and takes a keen interest in the renewables industry.
Key skills
- Likes to get stuck in with an excel challenge
- Engaging team member keen to share knowledge
- Excellent technical ability and likes to learn about latest renewables
- Currently using his organisational ability to set up our football team
Interesting Facts
- I raised over £1,000 for charity completing my first half marathon 2 years ago and a full marathon last year
Stuart Roberts
Team Lead: Energy Consulting
Meet Stuart
Stuart comes to Mantis Energy with a solid background in sustainability within the building sector.
Taking the lead with our Energy Consulting team, Stuart ensures we get the best results for your project utilising his 15 years of experience in sustainability, energy, the built environment, and low energy building principles. He also has expertise across the Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme coordinating and auditing projects which brings a unique viewpoint to the team at Mantis who already have an excellent record of achieving funding with our Salix applications.
With a passion and skill for the industry, we’re excited for Stuart to lead the team to success across all of our Mantis projects.
Key skills
- Degree in environmental management
- Carbon Neutrality
- Certified PassivHaus designer
Fun Fact
- ‘When working for Gordon Ramsay I served Obi Wan Kenobi who tried to take the food off the tray going to a party and told him ‘they aren’t the canapes he was looking for’.
Matthew Woodward
M&E Design Consultant
Meet Matthew
Matthew joins us with an MSc in Environmental Sustainability and Green technology degree accredited by IEMA and has previous experience working in a building consultants so we knew he would fit right in with the team here at Mantis Energy. He has spent the past few years working on improving energy efficiency and reducing carbon emissions in the built environment and he brings that expertise with him to the team.
Matthew is passionate about creating a change in the world through the building sector and is undergoing further training with Mantis to further enhance his already vast knowledge in both mechanical and electrical design.
Key skills
- A fantastic passion for the sustainability sector
- Bringing a calm and level approach to the team
- Excellent at maths
- Always has a smile and a can do attitude
Interesting Facts
- I once played the title role of Ebenezer Scrooge in my school musical Scrooge
San Slaiwa
Graduate Energy Consultant
Meet San
San joined us as on a industrial placement as part of his Mechanical Engineering degree with MMU. He is the 3rd placement we have had here at Mantis and is the latest to be offered a full time graduate role after . We extend at least 1 placement offer each year to a suitable student and hope our contribution helps to bridge the skills gap as well as spark interest in the industry in upcoming graduates.
San has also taken on project management and surveying duties and can perform commercial and domestic surveys to a high standard. Recently he has been involved in the largest project of this quarter by shadowing and assisting the M&E team in the design of a heating system on a large scale.
Key skills
- Has a positive approach to learning about the industry
- Hard working always going the extra mile for clients
- Personable and engaged with clients
- Always open to learn from the team
Interesting Facts
- I speak one of the oldest languages in history – Aramaic – thought to be the language of Jesus
Estelle Hobbs
Placement Energy Consultant
Meet Estelle
Estelle is our 24/25 placement student from Sheffield Hallam University. Currently on track to achieve a First Class Honors, she is completing a year in industry with Mantis Energy.
Estelle is an enthusiastic problem solver with a environmentally conscious mindset and will be looking to bring both of these elements together to assist on some of our projects.
Key skills
- Passionate about animals and wildlife
- Passion for engineering
- Skilled in math’s and data analysis
- Upcycling enthusiast
Interesting Facts
- I have seen Taylor Swift 3 times and can recognize any of her songs from the first 5 seconds
James Major
M&E Design Consultant
Meet James
James joined Mantis Energy with a strong background in mechanical engineering and a passion for creating efficient, sustainable solutions. His extensive experience spans across project design, manufacturing, and complex engineering systems. With a keen eye for detail and a hands-on approach, James thrives on delivering high-quality designs that balance performance, functionality, and environmental considerations.
James brings expertise in CAD and CAE tools, product design, and performance evaluation to support Mantis Energy’s mission of delivering innovative energy solutions. His strong communication skills and ability to manage concurrent projects ensure that client needs are met with precision and efficiency, even under tight deadlines.
Key skills
- Proficient in CAD and CAE tools
- Experienced in producing high-quality renders
- Expert in structural and civil design constraints
- Strong product design knowledge
Interesting Facts
- I use to own a farm and have milked many a cow and still know how to. I’m udderly talented
Tom Brown
Placement Energy Consultant
Meet Tom
Tom joins the team as our 23/24 industrial placement as part of his Chemical & Energy Engineer degree with The University of Leeds.
With a solid educational background in energy engineering systems and technology he brings a fresh set of eyes to the company and a willingness to learn about the industry. Studying modules in Wind, Solar, Hydro, storage systems, heat pumps and energy policy we are certain he will go far in his year in industry.
Key skills
- Warm and friendly
- Passion for creating change
- Keen to learn about the industry
- Eye for detail
Miranda Dobson
Graduate Energy Consultant
Meet Miranda
Miranda joined Mantis Energy after completing her MEng in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Bath, where she specialized in sustainable energy solutions. Her final year project focused on optimizing solar panel orientation for high latitudes, making her a valuable asset to our team in renewable energy development. During her time at university, she also worked on innovative engineering projects such as domestic wind turbine design and hydrogen internal combustion vehicle simulations.
With previous experience in the automotive industry and medical device development, Miranda brings strong skills in finite element analysis, CAD modeling, and numerical simulations. She has a keen interest in renewable energy and is passionate about applying her knowledge to help drive the UK towards a more sustainable future.
Key skills
- Skilled in Advanced Modeling
- Highly Organized
- Personable and Client-Focused
- Strong Problem-Solving Abilities
Interesting Facts
- I once came face to face with a wild brown bear during a hike and had to scare it away.
James Bearpark
Graduate Energy Consultant
Meet James
James joined Mantis Energy after his graduation from Coventry University, after studying mechanical engineering with a renewables pathway. Alongside his studies James has completed a year in industry and multiple summer placements, helping to solidify his educational background into working knoweldge. Now he joins Mantis Energy with a huge enthusiasm towards contributuing towards the UK’s Net zero targets and will be working alongside the energy consultant team to devise solutions and meet regulations for the evolving building market in the UK.
James is excited to get stuck in on our diverse range of projects and help provide sustainability first solutions.
Key skills
- A Skilled problem solver
- Experience with CAD Modeling
- Adept in Quality and Safety Systems
- Technical Problem Solving
Interesting Facts
- I enjoy going mountaineering and rock climbing and have climbed Snowdon 5 times
Stephen Lowry
Graduate Mechanical Engineer
Meet Stephen
Stephen joins Mantis Energy as a Graduate Mechanical Engineer with an academic background and practical experience in design and manufacturing. Holding a BEng Hons. in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Manchester, Stephen has a keen interest in creating efficient and sustainable engineering solutions.
Stephen thrives in dynamic environments and excels in managing complex engineering projects from design through to implementation. His ability to collaborate effectively in teams, manage multiple tasks, and apply engineering principles in real-world settings makes him a valuable asset to the Mantis Energy team.
Key skills
- Expertise in CAD design
- Proficient in product design and development
- Effective communication, leadership, and problem-solving abilities
- Experienced in project management and meeting tight deadlines
Interesting Facts
- I can read 3 languages, English, Irish and Russian but can only speak 2 of them.
Chloe Drinkwater
Administrator
Meet Chloe
Chloe is our expert administrator, anytime you call into the business you will receive a warm welcome and a timely resolution to your queries.
With a background in recruitment Chloe is helping to expand the team as we continue our growth by finding the best candidates to work across our energy consulting & Mechanical and Electrical design projects. She is also excellent at customer service and will be the main point of contact on email and phone.
Key skills
- Friendly
- Strong recruitment background
- Keen to learn about the industry
- Adaptable to any task
Interesting Facts
- In her spare time I bake professional cakes and sweet treats
Amanda Benson
Finance Administrator
Meet Amanda
Joining us from a University administrator role Amanda has brought her organisational skills and personable nature over to Mantis Energy
Bringing with her years of experience working on complex administrative projects all whilst maintaining a professional calm demeanor. She has quickly learnt the Mantis processes and procedures and can provide integral support on projects.
Key skills
- Warm and friendly member of the team
- Brings a wealth of experience to the administrative team
- Fantastic first point of contact
- Background in recruitment & marketing
Interesting Facts
- In my spare time I am Goal Keeper for a ladies football team
Dinkysaurus Rex
Chief Security Officer
Meet Dinky
Dinky has 8 years of experience in the security sector guarding both residential and commercial spaces. He has spent this time honing his barking abilities and making his team aware if anyone in high vis is approaching the office. As the office good boy he spends his days visiting each of his colleagues to collect his daily quota of ear tickles and provide them with moral support and a shoulder to lean on.
Key skills
- Chasing squirrels
- Woofing
- Excellent at fetch
- Napping on colleagues notebooks
Interesting Facts
- I have fallen into the canal so many times both chasing and being chased by geese…….ooops
Oli O’Toole
Digital Marketing Executive
Meet Oli
Oli has joined Mantis Energy as Digital Marketing Executive. He comes to us with a background of all things marketing and social media.
Oli has been in the Digital Marketing and Social Media industry for a while and is now bringing his enthusiasm to the team to assist on our latest marketing strategy. Bringing fresh ideas and new perspectives, expect to see some great content from him soon on our socials.
Key skills
- Creative
- Social Media Trends
- Content Creation
- Marketing Stratergy
Interesting Facts
- I am a published author, but have no copy of my own book.