Meet Refresh NI’s new Sales and Business Development Director

Today we are introducing our new Sales and Business Development Director, Neil. Neil joined the Refresh NI team as our Sales and Development Director at the beginning of August 2026. In this new role, Neil will be leading Refresh NI’s commercial growth and helping us to build new markets. Read on to learn more about Neil.

So Neil, tell us a bit about your education and career so far.

”Education goes back a bit! I went to Grosvenor, which is not too far from here, only a few miles away. I did my GCSE’S and A-Levels, left there, went to the University of Ulster, spent a year in Jordanstown— hated it— and moved up to Coleraine where I did a degree in Business and Distribution Management. At that stage I thought I wanted to run my own business; I never made it that far. From there I actually went into retail because that was kind of the idea when I was younger. I wanted to go into the retail clothing business, and my friend had a clothing business, so I went to work with him for a while just to see if I was cut out for that. So, I was in retail for a few years. I suppose at that stage retail outlets were beginning to suffer from the internet – because im that old, that I remember the start of the internet – so I parked that idea. It wasn’t going to happen.

 

I then went to Phoenix, probably just out of luck more than anything. I had a few friends who were working for various sales companies, and they were telling me that Phoenix was the one to get into. Em, I thought I’d give it a year at Phoenix as an energy advisor, and 22 and a half years later I was still at Phoenix. I started as a sales rep, domestic energy advisor, then went through different management roles looking after domestic sales, industrial commercial sales, and then, what was next after that? Then I took on public sector sales, and then I took on new build sales. Then, I became general manager, and also looked after wider installer networks as trade manager.”

Why did you decide to join Refresh?

”I’d known the business, just having worked with them through Phoenix. To be honest, in my eyes, Refresh stands way above and ahead of any of the other installation company, looking at what the demands will be of businesses in the future. So already having an involvement with insulation, with PV, with heat pumps, and that “one-stop-shop” approach that they’ve already adopted, it’s where I think the industry needs to get to at some point. But Refresh is years ahead of anyone else.”

What opportunities do you see for Refresh NI as the company continues to grow?

“There is a huge amount of potential in the NI marketplace as NI’s ageing housing stock will be required to take action to become more energy efficient if we are to come anywhere close to achieving Net Zero ambitions by 2050. Next year we will hopefully see the introduction of 2 new government grant schemes, encouraging households with the lowest EPC ratings to take action. These grants will help households improve the quality and comfort of their homes by adopting a “fabric first” approach by firstly installing insulation, followed by renewable electricity generation, and renewable heating systems. I was heavily involved in the delivery of the Affordable Warmth Scheme and have represented the industry at more recent consultations with DFE and DFC to help design these new schemes. I believe that our position as one of only a few businesses who can provide a “one stop shop” approach puts us in a fantastic position. This should also provide a platform for all householders to begin to understand the importance of a “whole house” approach and allow us to tap into this messaging to encourage customers to consider installing multiple measures to make their homes as efficient and comfortable as possible.”

What are you hoping to bring to the team in your new role?

“I’ve worked closely with the Refresh team since the company started 5 years ago and have watched its evolution closely. I’ve genuinely been amazed at how quickly it has established itself as one of NI’s leading retrofit businesses. I have a lot of experience developing and delivering Business Development strategies in a retrofit environment and I hope to be able to use that experience to develop a strategy to allow Refresh to make the most of the opportunities that exist. This can only be achieved by ensuring our customers receive the very best service at every engagement – it may sound a little “cheesy” but I firmly believe that we are all in Sales – and I hope that I can help everyone in the team ensure they play their part to continue to deliver excellent service across everything that we do – and have a bit of fun while we are doing it!”

Refresh NI has grown significantly since it was established. What do you think makes the company stand out in the home improvement and energy efficiency industry?

“Professionalism and Values. The branding on the vans, the design of the website, social media content, speed of response, quality of installation – I could go on! Everything that we do ensures that customers experience excellence every time they engage with us – this has helped us develop a strong brand that our increasingly growing customer base is keen to support by recommending our services to others. We also have some very strong brand advocates, the association with trusted businesses such as Power NI provides customers the confidence that they working with quality, reputable business.”

What initially attracted you to a career in sales and business development?

“Probably initially through my retail background. That’s where I discovered I enjoyed sales – and was good at it. I didn’t really see it at Sales – it was really just talking to people and helping them. We were able to build on our success and expand – at one point having 5 stores in NI. I then spent 22 years with Phoenix and became more involved in Business Development, working with wider industry associates, external stakeholders, public representatives etc to help with their corporate objectives and represent the industry in key discussions to advance NI’s decarbonisation objectives.”

What was your first ever job?

”I was a paperboy, does that count? I delivered the East Belfast Herald and Post to 200 houses every Thursday afternoon. I got paid a grand total of, I think it was £2.60, for doing it. So that was technically my first job.”

If you weren’t working in sales/business development, what would you be doing?

”I’ve been doing it that long; it’s institutional. But if I had to do it all over again, I think I’d go down the law route. I’ve always been fascinated with law, probably because I like talking and arguing with people. Yeah, I think something to do with law.”

What’s the best piece of career advice you’ve ever received?

“Don’t accept what you have, take what you can get your hands on.”

What’s the biggest lesson you’ve learned throughout your career?

“Be honest. Do what it says on the tin.”

What’s one thing people at Refresh might be surprised to learn about you?

”I’ve had dinner in Adam Clayton’s house.”

If you had to listen to one band or musician for the rest of your life, who would it be?

”Radiohead is up there, but you would probably be miserable if you listened to Radiohead for the rest of your life, so, the Stone Roses.”

You’re getting a takeaway, what are you ordering?

”Chinese.”

Thank you, Neil!