Our Senior Leadership Team
Matthew Thompson
Executive Director
After graduating from Nottingham Trent University in 2005 with a degree in Construction Management, Matthew joined his family’s shopfitting business, which was founded by his Grandfather in the 1970’s. In 2008, Matthew along with his brother Joseph started their own shopfitting business from a single room on a local business park. They built an extensive client base of pubs, breweries and leisure outlets, and over the past 10 years, Matthew has diversified and expanded the business into other sectors.
Matthew takes pride in delivering the highest quality projects to his clients, enjoying the variety of work and the challenges that come with new sectors. Despite facing challenges such as the 2008 bank crash and the COVID pandemic, the business has survived thanks to the strong relationships built with clients and suppliers.
Matthew says “Looking to the future Thompsons is continuing to grow and expand into new sectors to serve existing and new customers. I’m especially excited to offer renewable energy to customers as this is something I feel passionate about.”
Out of work, Matthew is an outdoors enthusiast, visiting the Lake District, playing rugby, and watching Formula 1.
Jon McGrath
Managing Director
Jon joined Thompsons in 2014. His career began in Construction Management and then into the commercial aspects of construction and Quantity Surveying.
Jon has worked for multi-national companies, as well as smaller joinery firms and other shopfitting and building contractors in various roles from Project Management to Operations. Along with his wealth of experience, Jon performs well under pressure and has a fantastic commercial and operational insight.
Outside of work Jon is a keen cook an avid Blackpool FC fan and loves to travel and play golf.
John Higginbottom
Electrical Director
John started his career as an apprentice electrician in 1978, gaining experience from various shop fitting projects.
In 2013, John joined Thompsons to establish their in-house electrical division and successfully obtained their NICEIC accreditation that same year. Since then, the electrical division has thrived under his leadership.
As the MEP Director, John wears many hats and finds great fulfilment in his role. He takes pride in leading a talented team that excels in administration, estimation, design, and project management.
John finds satisfaction in working on diverse projects for Thompsons, with highlights including Battersea Power Station and the renowned Savoy Grill in London.
Another proud moment for John is when his grandson joined him and his son to begin his apprenticeship at Thompsons.
Driven by a passion for delivering quality results, John motivates both himself and his staff at every level.
Outside of work, John enjoys playing snooker, cooking, and embarking on adventurous trips with his wife to various bucket list destinations.
Jon Kemp
Solar Director
With over 15 years experience in the renewables industry Jon heads up our Solar Division and enjoys the challenge of providing energy solutions to our customers.
Jon has a strong engineering background and formerly ran his own renewables installation company providing Wind Solar and battery installations for customers.
The implementation of renewable technology is something that Jon passionately believes in, as it provides businesses with energy independence as well as the opportunity to reduce their carbon footprint.
With an in depth knowledge for the industry, Jon will bring sales solutions for businesses that will aid their expansion. Outside of work he’s a family man who enjoys his time off with travel, skiing and tinkering.
Our Management Team
Dominic Harrop
Head of Finance
Dominic joined Thompsons in 2022. He has always had a passion for anything related to numbers and began his career as a Chartered Accountant. After spending ten years working for an accountancy practice, he moved into industry, specifically in the Mergers and Acquisitions sector.
Dominic is responsible for ensuring the overall financial health and stability of the group.
When he’s not working, Dominic enjoys watching sports and has been playing golf since he was 5 years old.
Steven Lazell
Sales Executive
Steve has worked for Thompsons for over four years. Having worked in the construction industry since leaving school and specifically being in the refurbishment industry for over 45 years, Steve brings a wealth of experience to Thompsons.
Steve enjoys each project he works on and he has great satisfaction of being a contributor in transforming various restaurants, bars, and hotels, leading to some truly spectacular end results. His passion is fuelled by building strong working relationships with existing and new clients. Steve finds immense joy in the work he does, and it shows in the remarkable projects he has helped bring to life.
Out of work Steve is a keen cook a Blackpool FC fan, loves to travel and is kept very busy and entertained by his three grandsons.
Ben Bradford
Pre Construction & Operations Manager
Ben joined Thompsons in 2012 and enjoys the company’s culture and values. Originally drawn to the profession for the opportunity to create usable spaces that can be enjoyed by many, Ben views his work as a showcase of his capabilities. He thrives on overcoming obstacles and takes pride in being the best in his field.
Ben’s passion lies in delivering successful projects and upskilling project managers to employ the company’s innovative methods.
Paul Hodgson
Commercial Manager
Paul started his career as an apprentice tool maker and moved into construction in 2005. He pursued his role as a Quantity Surveyor and then moved into his current role as Commercial Manager. Paul joined Thompsons in 2020.
He has a keen interest in DIY and property refurbishment and brings a wealth of experience to his role. He’s a great all-rounder and enjoys the Thompsons team camaraderie of getting a project over the line.
In his spare time Paul enjoys house refurbishments and keeping fit by swimming and playing badminton and tennis.
Jennifer Mclean
SHEQ Manager
Jenn boasts over 20 years of experience in various sectors of the construction industry, having begun her career as a Health & Safety Administrator. In 2018 she joined Thompsons as Assistant H&S Co-ordinator and has since become the SHEQ Manager, leading an in-house health and safety team.
Through her work with major contractors in the UK, Jenn has acquired extensive knowledge of industry health and safety practices and has obtained certifications such as the NEBOSH General Certificate and NVQ level 6 in Health & Safety.
As Health & Safety Manager, Jenn is dedicated to enhancing the company’s health and safety standards. This includes conducting inspections of project sites, ensuring proper control measures are in place, and conducting thorough investigations of incidents/accidents, while implementing a lessons learned approach. She also oversees the coordination of training requirements and site compliance.
Outside of work Jenn is an avid runner and active member of the local running club in Blackburn, often participating in 10K and half marathon events.
Dan Brain
Workshop Manager
Dan has been in the industry for over 20 years, he started his career as an apprentice bench joiner and worked up into CAD and management roles giving him a broad knowledge of practice within the profession.
Dan is originally from the Midlands but relocated having worked for multiple joinery firms throughout his career. Dan joined Thompsons as Workshop Manager in April 2023.
Outside of work, Dan is a keen cook, a terrible golfer (his words) but is pretty good at snooker. He also DJs part time at corporate and private events.
Mark Bradford
Head of Operations
With an impressive tenure spanning over 27 years, Mark has been an integral part of the Thompsons Team. His journey began as a joiner and moving through various management positions to now sit as Head of Operations.
Throughout his extensive career, Mark has had the privilege of leading numerous high-quality projects. These diverse experiences have equipped him with invaluable knowledge and understanding of the industry. Mark is deeply committed to ensuring that Thompsons maintains its commitment to delivering consistent, top-notch projects both now and into the future.
Outside of work Mark enjoys travel, spending quality time with his family, and socialising with friends.
Matthew Higginbottom
Operations Manager Electrical
As the Operations Manager for the Electrical Division at Thompsons, Matthew has been an integral part of the team since January 2019.
Matthew has a background in construction that dates back to his school days, where he started as an Apprentice Electrician. Over the years, he has worked his way up the ranks, earning the respect of their colleagues and fellow operatives.
As an expert in various fields within the electrical industry, Matthew is responsible for certifying all the projects at Thompsons and ensuring electrical standards are met.
Beyond work, he is a passionate gardener who enjoys growing fruit and vegetables.
Ged Devine
Head of Buying
Ged has worked at Thompsons for over 12 years, fascinated with the construction industry, he’s lucky to enjoy his job and the research and learning side of it.
“Knowing you are part of the team delivering projects on time / within budget and seeing the finished product for a happy client is what drives me.”
Ged comes from a background as an electrical estimator/buyer before moving into fit out projects.
Outside of work Ged enjoys spending time with family and friends, fictional reading and football.
Shane Blackburn
Head of Commercial
Following many years in Quantity Surveying and Estimating roles within the industry, Shane joined Thompsons in 2016.
Shane has always enjoyed the process of building up prices and values, negotiating, and working the commercial side of the industry in support of operations.
Now as Head of Commercial, Shane enjoys experiencing collaboration across different teams of the business and suppliers.
Shane is motivated by Thompsons working together to deliver the highest quality projects to customers.
Outside of work, and now his Children have flown the nest, Shane enjoys walking the dog, playing golf and motorbiking.
