Meet our team

Meet the people who’ll help you enjoy better climatic systems

Brothers Damian and John Kirwin are at the helm of the business started in 1976 by their Father. They have a policy of Director level involvement at all stages of the client relationship. Their accumulated knowledge and experience are backed by a technically excellent team imbued with the same values of creativity and customer service.


John Kirwin

Sales & Marketing Director

I joined Penmann in 1997 and have over 40 years’ experience in Sales. Within the business this is my main role as well as managing the marketing function. Developing and maintaining long term relationships with a wide range of contacts at all levels in the “Food Chain” (pun !!!) I’m also responsible for Commercial, HR and Health & Safety. I have a degree In Economics and Accounting from Manchester University, as well as one from the University of Life which I believe probably equips me better to deal with what life throws at us all.

Rugby Union is a passion of mine. I coached for 14 years and am still a keen supporter of Wharfedale RUFC. I transitioned from this into mountain biking and formed a bike club aptly named the OGBC (Old Gits Bike Club). We can be seen every Thursday come rain or shine on a hill somewhere in the Yorkshire Dales. The family are now just about grown up – that’s if they ever do! To relax I like to draw and paint using water colours. This activity may sometimes be accompanied by the odd glass of wine!

Email John here


Damian Kirwin

Damian Kirwin

Managing Director

I obtained an MSc in Refrigeration and Air Conditioning engineering at King’s College London in 1986, starting with Penmann in 1984 as a Design Engineer, before moving to the Managing Director position in 1992. My role is primarily design orientated and I am heavily involved the development of practical solutions to resolve our clients’ issues. This ranges from pre-contract concept design through to post contract detailed design.

My experience has been accumulated over the past 35 years delivering over 1000 successful projects for our clients.

I very much enjoy spending time with my family. My teenage son has recently encouraged me to take up fly fishing, which I am gradually learning, although this pastime rarely results in actually catching fish. Still working on that! I do however still manage to stagger round the cricket pitches of the Dales in the summer pretending to play cricket.

Email Damian here


Darren Walker--Brown

Darren Walker-Brown

Operations Manager

Joining the business in Sept 2021 I bring 16 years’ experience in building services installation and management to my role as Ops Manager. Having worked on high value, complex projects, I have amassed a wealth of experience from the construction sector. I look forward to applying these transferable skills to build on the successes that Penmann has achieved over a long period, to support our ambitious expansion plans, and at the same time continuing to provide solutions for our current and future client base.

I am a CMI Chartered Manager and am lucky enough to have been awarded the BESA Alfred Manly Award 2016. I am relationship driven and passionate about exceeding client’s expectations and supporting business growth.

My role is focussed around managing the Operations side of the business making best use of our internal design, 3D/2D drawing production and engineering capabilities to deliver high quality solutions for the most challenging of client’s requirements.

Dad to one, foodie, often spotted on Yorkshire roads on two wheels.

Email Darren here


Andy Wilson

Andy Wilson

Business Development Engineer

I first joined Penmann in 1995 as an HVACR apprentice. It was the start of an enduring career in this industry with plenty of refrigeration installation experience gained UK wide. I left in 1997 due to a change in Penmann’s strategy but took away so much from this experience, including the chance to work with a true Yorkshire family-run firm. An important consideration in my decision to rejoin this industry-leading business.

In the meantime, I’ve developed my industry knowledge by working at Trane and Johnson Controls, all of which equips me well for the new business development role at Penmann, assisting the company’s ambitious appetite for organic growth.

I’m a passionate Leeds Utd fan and my wife and I have a busy home life with our 4 teenagers. I’ve always had a keen interest in staying fit through the gym and cycling in particular, and the last two years have seen me take that to another level, having now completed 2 Ultra Marathons.  As the country opens up again and things look brighter ahead, I hope to be able to take on more challenges like this

Email Andy here


Paul Dresser

Paul Dresser

HVACR Technical Manager

I have worked in ventilation and air conditioning all my life, holding senior level jobs in design, projects and management. A significant amount of my career was with Mansfield Pollard where I  was heavily involved in the Air Handling Unit department, as well as Acoustics, Refrigeration, and Controls. Much of this work involved Ventilation and Air Handling in food production facilities for Morrisons in the fresh food distribution, bakery, and butchery divisions.

During my career I have always had a passion for learning and self-improvement and have completed two degrees through the Open University, in Maths and Engineering along with more specific courses in controls, air conditioning and refrigeration.

Outside of work my main hobby is motorcycling and I am an Observer with the IAM teaching riders to an Advanced standard. I also ‘try’ to play guitar and as a family we enjoy walking and holidays, especially in the Dales and Lakes.

Email Paul here


Judith Lodge

Judith Lodge

Office Manager

I have worked in PA and Office Manager roles in both the public and private sectors, acquiring knowledge and experience of all aspects of office management: HR, Health & Safety and Accounting. Arriving at Penmann in early 2019 I’ve been bringing that experience to bear, supporting the Directors and the team.  I am also very proactive with Penmann’s team engagement and corporate social responsibility, taking a lead in managing the company’s charitable donations.

Outside of work I love to walk and cycle in the beautiful North Yorkshire countryside near my home. I’m a keen gardener and baker; most new cake recipes get brought into the office so colleagues can be used as guinea pigs.  They don’t seem to mind too much!  I’m also a regular at the gym although that is less of a love and more of a necessity!  I love live entertainment of all kinds from rock gigs to opera and everything in between. I’m currently reigning Penmann quiz Champion following our weekly lockdown quizzes via Zoom!

Email Judith here


Colin Walker

Colin Walker

Design Engineer

After an 8 year background in general mechanical/structural engineering, I moved to Airedale International Air Conditioning. There I spent 18 years, predominantly working in R&D, designing new air conditioning and chiller plant.

I joined Penmann in 1999 as System Design Engineer, during which time I’ve accumulated a broad range of experience to help improve the service you receive.

Away from Penmann I can be found enjoying time at the gym, swimming, walking, reading, on DIY projects and travelling (especially abroad).

Email Colin here


Andy Hinch

Andrew Hinch

Design and Project Engineer

Having worked in the refrigeration and air conditioning industry for over 30 years I have gathered a wealth of experience which allows me to design systems and provide technical support for our clients. I have an OND in Refrigeration and Air Conditioning.

I joined Penmann in 2014 so I am an established figure on the team. My day to day role now covers the full spectrum of activities from designing systems to meeting clients requirements, to project management, to overseeing the installation of systems on site, to finally commissioning and handing over operational systems to our clients.

Outside of work I like spending time on walks and visiting the countryside with my family and pet dogs, which also allows me time to enjoy photography – another of my interests. Although not having much time nowadays, originally hailing from the coast, I have never lost my passion for sea angling. I’m a keen sports fan, particularly of football.

Email Andrew here


Mat Tolson

Mat Tolson

Senior CAD Engineer

I originally joined Penmann in 2012 in a CAD role but departed in 2018 for pastures new and to gain additional experience in  my field of expertise The lure of Penmann was just too much so I re-joined in Autumn 2020 to head up and strengthen the hub of the business – the CAD department!

The day to day role involves working closely with the design and the contract departments to produce general arrangement drawings for clients and detailed fabrication drawings for suppliers and the installation teams. We model our projects in 3D using the latest release of Solidworks which allows for accurate co-ordination, and the ability to produce detailed drawings for our clients and fabricators.

I have been involved in producing HVAC drawings for over 15 years now, using a wide range of different software packages. I am City & Guilds qualified in Computer Aided Design and have a National Diploma in Construction.

Outside of work I like football and supporting Leeds United through their ups and downs. Most of my spare time is currently spent either watching TV with subtitles on, while my infant daughter sleeps undisturbed or going on socially distanced family walks.

Email Mat here


Jack Hepworth

Jack Hepworth

Project Engineer

I began my career in the Building Services Industry back in 2017 as a CAD Draughtsman. I have since achieved my Level 3 Building Services Engineering Qualification from Leeds College of Building. My studying is ongoing however and I am currently working towards HNC & HND qualifications. In the work environment I’m learning and developing my knowledge of Mechanical Engineering while providing assistance to other members of the team. 

Outside of work my primary passion is music, having had a strong interest since a young age. I first picked up the guitar aged 5 and am still playing today. To stay active I enjoy getting outdoors and keeping active with plenty of running. Being situated so close to the Yorkshire Dales, there are few better places to enjoy the trails.

Email Jack here


Lynda Thorp

Lynda Thorp

Project Support Engineer

Joining Penmann in late 2021 I bring over 30 years’ experience within the HVAC field, both commercial and industrial sectors, where I have enjoyed a variety of roles. My multidisciplinary background covers several departments including estimating, design, AutoCAD, procurement, and service & maintenance coordination. I am qualified in Building Services to HNC level, with a City & Guilds in AutoCAD 3D. My varied skillset ideally positions me to provide support and further strengthen the Project Team.

Outside of work, life is very busy with two rugby playing teenagers. As a family we enjoy travel and have been known to find interesting experiences whilst away, including Alpaca walking and Coasteering. When I can find the time, I like to collect new skills, with courses taken in cooking, silver jewellery making and blacksmithing, amongst others.

Email Lynda here


Jennifer Parry

Admin Assistant

Before joining Penman, I worked in the Aviation industry for over 13 years for Jet2.com as Air Cabin Crew and then, as part of the Reception and Admin team, after returning from maternity leave.  Unfortunately, as a result of the pandemic, I was made redundant. 

I then worked at a doctor’s surgery temporarily and helped out with the Covid vaccination programme, which I found very humbling.  I then moved on to working at a solicitors in the family law industry. 

My working days at Penmann are Monday and Wednesday and I am supporting Judith with admin work and day to day duties that involve the smooth running of the office. 

Outside of work, I’m a busy mum of two young children and spend most of my time running them to school, football and various clubs.  As a family, we love to visit new places in the UK and abroad and are planning a trip to Disneyland next year!

Email Jennifer here


Testimonials