Meet the Team

 

Our people are the heart of our business and are the key to our success. As an ethical and inclusive company, we treat all people with respect and integrity, giving them the opportunity to reach their full potential. We encourage employee involvement at all levels of the business. Every employee has an opinion on how they can improve their environment, job, processes or company policy. These ideas are integral to the continuous development and improvement of our business. All employees should feel safe, be fairly treated, understand their role in the organisation and have the opportunity to reach their full potential.

Thomas Pinington

Managing Director

Thomas was appointed the Managing Director of Pinington in 2017, due to the untimely passing of Mark Ayrton the MD of the company at the time. His role within the company has changed over the years, having initially started the Electrical side of the business during the early 2000s and eventually being appointed Services Director in 2007 following his father retirement.

His ability to adapt to new challenges has seen the company succeed in recent years, having overseen the restructuring of Pinington in 2018 to enable the growth and security of the company that was founded by his grandfather, Victor Ellis, in 1948. As the long history is something that holds high importance to Tom, with the family extended to those who have joined recently, breathing new life into the business. Having started his career as an apprentice electrician and progressing through the ranks, meant learning from those around him and this is the all-round work ethic that can only breed success and promote a healthy place of work.

Nicholas Pinington

Construction Director

Nicholas became a member of the board in 2007 having started life at Pinington as an apprentice joiner. He has recently overseen the high-profile Theatre Project at Westmorland Hospital with the ability to coordinate work in high risk areas. This has seen Pinington grow our relationship with the local NHS over recent years. Nick has followed the same path as his cousin, Tom, by working his way from site into a management role and this really shows in his ability to communicate with all the trade professionals. Having also gained IOSH accreditation along the way, has resulted in an excellent Health & Safety record.

Nick progressed to senior site manager, working under his father, David, at the time, before his planned retirement. Now at the forefront of the company as Project Director with the responsibility of ensuring projects are delivered safely to the required standard on time. Having built on his Grandfather’s foundations that were laid over 75 years ago, with family values as his main motivational factor. This is demonstrated in his attention to detail and high standard maintained throughout.

Jeremy Hackett

Financial Director

Jeremy started his career in construction during his sandwich placement year at University in 1995. After obtaining his BSC Honours degree in Quantity Surveying and Commercial Management in 1997, he started full-time employment with a local North West company as a Graduate, progressing his career further by joining another large regional principal contractor, and finally settling at work within the housing sector of the industry as a Senior Quantity Surveyor, before joining Pinington in 2004.

Since joining Jeremy has progressed to being the Managing Quantity Surveyor and was invited onto the board in 2016 as the Financial Director and is now a joint owner of the company. His duties cover all aspects of commercial management and is directly responsible for the Estimating and Surveying operations, as well as PPQ preparations, Business Development and working very closely with all to ensure the longevity of the business.

Jeremy was instrumental in the restructuring process that took place in 2018 and helped establish our close working relationships with the local health authority and within the public sectors, working closely alongside architects and consultants, securing the financial position of Pinington.

 

 

Luke Sutcliffe

Services Director

Luke started his career as an apprentice Electrician at a large local electrical contractor and moved to Pinington in 2005.Luke started out as a site foreman gaining experience in all aspects of electrical work. Moving up into site and contract management on various large scale electrical contracts throughout the north west. Luke has now progressed to Services Manager and now Services Director and is responsible for both Mechanical and Electrical Contracts and Project Management within the company.

Jon Sharples

Quantity Surveyor

Jon started his career after graduating from Leeds Metropolitan University working for 2 years with a building contractor and a further 17 years with a large groundworks contractor in Cumbria. Jon joined the team at Pinington in June 2018.

Jon works at Pinington as a Quantity Surveyor working on varying schemes in terms of value sector of works. Jon is responsible for all aspects of Quantity Surveying on projects and also assist with estimating within the company as and when required.

Sam Ayrton

Quantity Surveyor

Sam started his career with Pinington in 2016 as a Trainee Quantity Surveyor, working 2 days a week whilst attending Preston College doing a BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma in Construction. Sam has also worked full time during any extended college holidays, which is commendable of him showing his dedication to both the company and his chosen career.

Immediately after leaving college, Sam undertook his Degree in Quantity Surveying at the University of Central Lancashire (UCLan) on a day release basis and qualified in May 2022. 

Jane Atkinson

Administrative Manager

Jane joined Pinington in 2014 after working for a smaller main building contractor in the North West for over 10 years on the administrative and accounts side of the business.

Jane is now responsible for the sub-contract verifications and payments along with payroll for directly employed staff and works closely with the Directors managing cashflow and all commercial aspects of the company.

Hollie Wilcock

Administrative Co-Ordinator

Hollie joined the team in 2023, bringing with her a wealth of experience gained across various commercial sectors, along with qualifications in Business Studies from Lancaster & Morecambe College.

In her role, Hollie is responsible for coordinating all key administrative tasks at Pinington. She plays a vital part in ensuring that projects are handed over to clients smoothly and efficiently.

Since joining the company, Hollie has made a significant impact—elevating our company profile and greatly improving customer satisfaction, thanks to her strong work ethic and keen attention to detail. She’s also known for her bubbly personality, bringing positive energy to the office every day.

Richard Needham

Contracts Manager

Richard initially joined Pinington as a Site Manager, where he quickly proved himself during a flagship project at Barrow Sixth Form College. Following the success of that project, he was invited to transition into an office-based role, taking on the management of contracts.

With a strong background in the construction industry, Richard brings a wealth of experience gained from running his own joinery business and working across the North West and in Europe. His keen attention to detail and exceptional eye for quality finishes have not only reinforced but also elevated Pinington’s reputation within the industry.

Most recently, Richard led the coordination of one of our Passivhaus projects, having also earned qualifications in Passivhaus principles. Outside of work, he’s pursuing his pilot’s license — so he truly is set to reach new heights both professionally and personally.

Ashton Pinington

Apprentice Quantity Surveyor

Ashton joined the family business in 2024 as an Apprentice Quantity Surveyor, having previously studied Business at Lancaster & Morecambe College. During his time at college, he gained invaluable experience through a work placement with the company, providing him with an excellent introduction to the workplace.

He is already a valued member of the team, known for his positive attitude and eagerness to learn and progress. A dedicated swimmer, Ashton has represented the University of Central Lancashire, where he is currently studying part-time to complete his Bachelor’s degree.

As the great-grandson of founder Victor Ellis Pinington, Ashton represents the fourth generation to join the company. Victor would have been immensely proud to see that the small plumbing business he started has continued to thrive and remains in the hands of the Pinington family.

Chris McKinley

Contracts Manager

Chris joined the company at the beginning of 2026 as an accomplished Construction Contracts Manager, bringing extensive experience in delivering building, civil engineering, refurbishment and maintenance projects across both the public and private sectors. His expertise spans the full project lifecycle, from pre-construction through to successful handover.

He has a strong track record in contract negotiation, construction programme management, subcontractor management, cost control and ensuring compliance with NEC and JCT contracts. Chris combines excellent technical judgement with strong communication and client engagement skills, enabling him to successfully manage complex construction projects while maintaining the highest standards of safety, quality and commercial performance.

Outside of work, Chris enjoys keeping fit through walking and spending time socialising with friends and family.

Chris is a fantastic addition to the team at Pinington. Having previously worked with one of our key NHS clients, he has already brought a wealth of knowledge, experience and valuable insight to the business.

Jonathan Rowley

Quantity Surveyor

We were delighted to welcome Jonathan to the team in 2026, bringing with him over 40 years of experience as a Quantity Surveyor across both the building and civil engineering sectors.

Jonathan has extensive expertise in every stage of the project lifecycle, from tendering and cost estimation through to final accounts and contract administration. He is highly experienced in working with JCT, ICE, and NEC forms of contract and has successfully managed complex projects with values of up to £3 million.

Known for his precision, commercial awareness, and proactive approach, Jonathan consistently delivers value through effective cost control, procurement, and strong client relationship management.

Since joining the business as a Senior Quantity Surveyor, Jonathan has proved to be a fantastic addition to the team. His wealth of knowledge and experience has enabled him to transition seamlessly into our company structure, making an immediate and positive impact.

Outside of work, Jonathan enjoys spending quality time with friends and family throughout the year, making the most of opportunities to relax away from the demands of the construction industry.

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