Meet The Team

David Cockayne

Managing Director

From a Construction background in the UK David cut his teeth in Renewable Energy in Spain, (where he lived and worked for 13 years), and Italy, working in equipment sales for CAS Malta, and a Spanish company Foltovoltaica Europa, in project procurement. David was also involved in the Italian Photovoltaics sector and some large ground mount schemes in Sardinia.

After a 2011 meeting between David and the Group Chairman Philip Taylor, Oakapple Renewable Energy was born! David re-located back to the UK in 2012 to focus on the business and took the reins as Managing Director in 2014.

Andy Brearley

Planning & Design Manager

Andy is responsible for the design development and planning of Oakapple’s commercial rooftop and ground mount Solar Energy programme including procurement of materials and scheduling installations. He is an Architectural Technologist with over 30 years’ experience working in architectural practices before joining Oakapple Renewable Energy.

His previous experience as team leader, running projects and advanced CAD skills are fundamental to his role at Oakapple.

Ian Craven

Renewable Contracts Manager

Ian is responsible for the delivery of the projects, primarily on the commercial side of the business, including health and safety and quality control. His back ground is electrical over 25 years and is a qualified electrician to C&G 2391 and fully conversant with BS7671. Ian has SMSTS, (Site Management Safety Training Scheme) and CSCS managers card. He has experience leading teams on site including the practical install of the equipment, as well as office based project management for solar PV installations and can offer technical support for all aspects of the projects. 

Stuart Plaxton

Renewable Design Technician

Stuart manages the New Build Residential Solar Portfolio, working closely with national housebuilders to meet their requirements for Renewables installations. He brings to Oakapple his experience with major Architectural Practices, where he worked on several prestigious schemes including a 48 room extension to the award winning Rudding Park Hotel, Harrogate.

Stuart has a BSc (Hons) degree in Architectural Technology.

Philip Taylor

Group Chairman

At Aston University Philip gained a first class honours degree in Construction, and for a short spell joined the builders, Wimpey, following which he decided he would prefer to work for himself and as the saying goes “the rest is history”! Philip founded Oakapple in 1994 and has managed its growth from modest beginnings to the broad-based Property Development and Investment Group it has become.

His hands-on approach, his enthusiasm, and his drive and determination to succeed are well known to those who work with him. This applies to all aspects of his life, and for many years now, Philip has devoted a great deal of time and energy to supporting charities including Barnardos, for which he is vice-chair.

Support Staff

Oakapple Renewable Energy has a number of PV designers, project coordinators and administrative staff providing valuable skills and support to ensure all projects receive the required service from start to finish.