Knowsley business leader and Knowsley Chamber member, Neil Illingworth, Director of Machmade Ltd, has been invited to join the judging panel for the upcoming Octopus Energy Trusted Partners Awards Night. This prestigious event, taking place on Thursday, 3rd April at the Royal Lancaster Hotel, London, will celebrate the exceptional work of solar and heat pump installers who are leading the transition to a low-carbon future.
Neil will be representing Knowsley and the wider Liverpool City Region alongside an expert panel that includes Octopus Energy CEO Greg Jackson, Donna O’Toole, Breffney Brass, and Tony O’Rahilly, as they assess and recognise businesses making a real impact in the renewable energy sector.
Rebecca Dibb-Simkin, Chief Product Officer at Octopus Energy, personally recommended Neil for this role, citing his reputation for business success and industry expertise.
Neil’s brother and business partner, Reg Illingworth, also a Knowsley entrepreneur and Director at Machmade Ltd, will join him at the awards to celebrate the achievements of the industry’s top professionals.
A Knowsley Business Legacy of Innovation & Growth
As a Knowsley-based entrepreneur, Neil Illingworth has spent his career building and growing successful businesses across multiple industries. Inspired by his father, Jeff Illingworth, a pioneering businessman who introduced some of the first supermarkets in the Liverpool City Region, Neil and his brothers developed a strong reputation for business excellence and innovation.
Their journey began with Oliver’s Hot Bread and Coffee Shop, a popular franchise, before expanding into retail with Leather Land, operating in both Liverpool and Manchester. The family later moved into the construction sector with Mixa Mate Concrete and established DYNO Rod franchises in Liverpool and Bristol.
A passionate innovator, Neil was instrumental in developing Check Point, the safety wheel nut indicator, now a global standard for vehicle safety. He also co-founded Viva Sanitary, a company that supplies high-quality plumbing solutions across the UK.
Recognising the importance of renewable energy, Neil and Reg travelled to Berlin to study Germany’s pioneering approach to green energy, long before the UK’s major shift towards sustainable infrastructure. Their early insights into decarbonisation and energy-efficient solutions make Neil an ideal judge for the Octopus Energy Trusted Partners Awards.
His lifelong commitment to business growth, skills development, and sustainability has earned him recognition as a Top 100 Apprenticeship Employer and a Franchisee of the Year award from the British Franchise Association (BFA).
Octopus Energy: A Billion-Dollar Unicorn Driving the UK’s Green Revolution
Octopus Energy, a billion-dollar “unicorn” company, is at the forefront of the green energy sector, focusing on customer-first innovation, technology-driven solutions, and sustainability. With a valuation exceeding $5 billion, Octopus Energy has rapidly expanded its influence in renewable energy and is committed to making solar power and heat pumps accessible and affordable.
The Trusted Partners Awards Night is part of Octopus Energy’s ongoing efforts to recognise and support the businesses helping to lead the UK’s transition to green energy.
Judging Process & Recognition
The judging process will take place between 24th February – 7th March, with winners announced at the awards ceremony in April.
Neil expressed his enthusiasm for the opportunity, stating:
“It’s an honour to represent Knowsley and be part of an event that highlights the incredible efforts of businesses leading the way in renewable energy. The transition to sustainable, efficient heating and solar solutions is a crucial step toward a greener future, and I’m looking forward to recognising the companies making this a reality.”
With Knowsley’s business community continuing to thrive, Neil’s involvement in the Octopus Energy Awards is a testament to the entrepreneurial strength, innovation, and leadership that define the region.