Rob
Director
Rob
Director
Work:
After finishing school, I began working at Harpers Sports in Colchester before securing an apprenticeship with a Plumbing and Heating company in Brightlingsea. There, I learned the trade and worked hard to achieve my City & Guilds qualifications and Corgi registration. After marrying and starting a family with my first wife, I decided to become self-employed, gaining extensive experience in the plumbing and heating industry. This included working on National Trust properties in London and later specialising in residential new homes.
In 2007, I suffered a serious burn injury to my hand, but after a few months of recovery, I was back to work. In 2008, Vanessa and I took over AJS Gas & Heating from Tony, an ex-British Gas Engineer, when he emigrated to Canada. Since then, we’ve been running AJS together, supported by dedicated colleagues over the years, including our son Dan, who may take on a leading role in the business in the future.
Interests:
I enjoy spending time with family and friends, taking our dog Bob for long walks with Vanessa, and indulging in good pub grub or meals out. I’m an avid golfer and love holidays to unwind. On sunny days, driving my TVR is the perfect way to blow the cobwebs away.
Vanessa
Director
Vanessa
Director
Work:
I started my career at Informa, formerly known as Lloyd's of London Press, where I worked for over 20 years. Following this, I had a brief stint as a teaching assistant at Brightlingsea Junior School. When Rob & I took the reins at AJS Gas & Heating, I shifted my focus to manage the accounts and administration. I now handle project collaborations with local builders and oversee the renewable energy projects to ensure MCS compliance.
Interests:
Family is paramount to me; I cherish every moment spent with them. I enjoy walking our dog, Bob, and gardening is a favourite pastime—I seldom miss an opportunity to visit a garden centre. I always look forward to holidays and short breaks with Rob and where possible the family too. Baking is another passion of mine; I have crafted several wedding cakes for friends and relatives over the years, as well as special birthday cakes for my family. During the Covid lockdown, I discovered a newfound skill in drawing, particularly headshots of pets, and have since completed several commissions.
Carole
Office
Administrator
Carole
Office Administrator
Work:
Before joining AJS, I worked in Guest Services at Colchester Zoo. These days, I am the main point of contact in the office, handling bookings for Mark, our repair and maintenance engineer, as well as overseeing the majority of administrative tasks and invoicing.
Interests:
I enjoy spending time with my family and grandchildren, taking holidays and short breaks in our caravan, walking my dog Taylor, cycling, baking, and pottering in the garden.
Dan
Plumbing & Heating Engineer
Dan
Plumbing & Heating Engineer
Work:
With five years' experience in the trade, I began my journey as a plumbing and heating engineer through an apprenticeship while studying at the Colchester Institute. I am Gas Safe Registered and qualified to install Air Source Heat Pumps. Ambitiously looking ahead, I aim to further my qualifications within the construction industry and pursue advanced opportunities.
Interests:
Family and friends are central to my life, as are holidays and short camping breaks. I have recently completed the renovation of my first house, which has been instrumental in developing new practical construction skills such as plastering, tiling, and carpentry. Outside of AJS, my primary passion is golf. I've played for the Essex County team as a junior and continue to enjoy club-level golf, with a handicap of +0.3 being my personal best to date.
Jake
Plumbing & Heating Engineer
Jake
Plumbing & Heating Engineer
Work:
After completing secondary school at The Colne Community School, I went on to study plumbing and heating at Colchester Institute, where I gained my qualifications. I joined AJS in 2023 and am set to complete my apprenticeship this year, earning my Gas Safe Registration.
Interests:
I enjoy spending time with family and friends, watching football, going for runs, and taking holidays or short breaks.
Jack
Plumbing & Heating Engineer
Jack
Plumbing & Heating Engineer
Work:
I started my career in maintenance plumbing for the council before joining AJS eight years ago. I’m Gas Safe Registered and qualified to install Air Source Heat Pumps, and I enjoy working on a variety of projects as part of the team.
Interests:
A lifelong Colchester resident, I’ve played golf at Stoke by Nayland for 18 years and still love the sport. 2025 has been an exciting year with my recent engagement. Outside work, I enjoy BBQs in the garden and spending time with friends and family.
Mark
Mark
Repair & Maintenance Engineer
Work:
I worked in the motor trade for 15 years, specialising in automatic gearboxes, before transitioning to plumbing and heating 20 years ago. Since joining AJS Gas and Heating Ltd in 2017, I’ve gained expertise in Air Source Heat Pumps and Solar Thermal systems, adding to my extensive knowledge of oil and gas boilers and heating controls. I’m Gas Safe and OFTEC Registered and thrive on solving challenging and unusual faults.
Interests:
I’m married with two daughters and often help out at the stables with their horses, taking on various maintenance jobs. Outside of work, I enjoy films, books, DIY, and restoring or fixing items such as car repairs, a horse trailer, and a farm quad bike. I’m also a keen fan of the FIA World Rally Championships.
Bob
Office
Mascot
Bob
Office Mascot
I am a two-year-old Cocker Spaniel with a fondness for relaxing in the office and greeting everyone who visits. Always friendly and eager to meet new people, I thrive on the lively atmosphere of our workplace.
Interests:
I love going for walks, chasing balls, and barking at pigeons. Being well-behaved is my top priority—especially when there are treats involved!
Here to help
Unlike other gas and heating service providers, we have a dedicated team of customer service experts on hand to help you with any questions or concerns.
Having this specialist team of customer advisors means we can respond to your queries quickly, so you can get the help you need fast.
But don't take our word for it - read the testimonials of happy customers we've helped across Essex and wider East Anglia.
CONTACT US
Call: 01206 230 435
Email: info@ajsenergy.com
Send your enquiry