LOW CARBON DORSET - Key Persons


Dr Erik Blakeley

Job Titles:
  • Energy Efficiency Technical Officer
Erik has university degrees in Metallurgy, Archaeology and Renewable Energy Systems Engineering, as well as a teaching qualification (PGCE). He joined the Low Carbon Dorset team from Severn Wye Energy Agency where he worked on a similar energy efficiency programme called Target 2020. Erik has spent several years working in museums across the country, including the National Coal Mining Museum and Tank Museum.

Gary Foot

Job Titles:
  • Project Support Officer
Gary began his career working for the Ministry of Defence in an administrative role. It was during this time that he completed a Bachelor of Science degree with the Open University, focusing on environmental science. In 1997, he moved into an IT role within the MOD and later left to work for IBM Ltd. Here he worked on various IT outsourced accounts within the UK. Gary joined the Low Carbon Dorset team at the end of 2021. In his role as project support officer, Gary's combined his extensive experience in admin and tech with his interest in the environment and local community. Gary's our karate expert (having studied it for nearly 30 years) and loves the outdoors.

Ian Rees

Job Titles:
  • AONB Countryside Officer
Ian's background lies in practical river restoration and habitat enhancement. More recently he has worked on developing partnerships and seeking funding with the aim of delivering positive environmental outcomes. Ian's current role covers countryside management. This includes woodland management which will play a large part in the project's aim to build the biomass infrastructure in Dorset.

Katie Dawes

Job Titles:
  • Communications & Engagement Officer
Katie studied Communications and Media at Bournemouth University. After graduating, she went on to build her career in the renewables sector, working as an international marketer in the private sector for 5 years. In 2017, Katie returned to Dorset and joined Dorset County Council as a project based communications officer.

Matthew Peukert

Job Titles:
  • Sustainable Energy Technical Officer
Matthew started his working life in the telecoms industry, from here he made the move into renewable energy where he spent 12 years working as an independent supplier and installer of solar and wind energy technologies. This work saw him mostly based in the East of England (where he still holds the title of Norfolk's reigning tug-of-war champion!) with the occasional trip south.

Sarah Harris

Job Titles:
  • Finance Officer
Sarah has had a wide spanning career at Dorset County Council, and the past twenty five years have seen her work in a variety of roles from switchboard operator to project support for Procurement and Capital Property projects. In 2011, Sarah graduated from the Yeovil College University Centre with an Association of Accounting Technicians qualification. Sarah joins the team from the South Dorset Ridgeway Partnership where she worked as a Project Grant and Support Officer.