Our People

Meet the team
behind BEC

Michael Pemberton

Chief Executive Officer

Since joining BEC in 2015, Michael Pemberton BEM has transformed the company into a purpose-driven force for change in West Cumbria. A former Royal Logistic Corps Officer with experience across sectors, he is passionate about unlocking potential in people, places, and communities. Recognised as a Transformational Leader and awarded the British Empire Medal for his services to community and driving forward regeneration, Michael leads BEC with vision and integrity, reinvesting success into projects that strengthen communities, create opportunities, and build a brighter future for the region. In his spare time you'll find Michael enjoying fell walks and weekends away with his wife, Sarah.

Gemma Leadbetter

Chief Operating Officer

Gemma moved to West Cumbria in 2017, bringing over 25 years of experience across public, private, and third sectors. She works with partners and leaders to drive strategic change and support organisational impact. At BEC, Gemma helps secure funding, develop business cases, and build delivery partnerships for redevelopment projects, while supporting local businesses and heritage buildings. Gemma is passionate about opening doors for people, she knows first hand how access to different opportunities can raise aspirations and change your future. Outside work, she likes to curl up on the sofa with a cup of tea and a good book and lose herself in a different world.

Bill Graham

Director of Properties

Bill joined BEC in 2017, bringing a wealth of expertise to the management of our Let Estate portfolio, including Westlakes Science Park, The Bus Station and Blencathra Business Centre. Over the years, his role has expanded to include our Development Portfolio, where he helps shape the future of our spaces and the communities that use them.Outside of work, Bill’s either perfecting his swing at the golf range, roaring for Greenock Morton FC and the Glasgow Warriors, chasing hills and beaches with his excitable cocker spaniel and golden retriever, or attempting an evening jog around Westlakes Science Park - usually being overtaken by the rest of the team.

Sam Burrows

Head of Operations

Sam joined BEC in 2021, bringing experience in business analysis, project delivery, and management. As Head of Operations, her role encompasses all things BEC, from keeping our spaces running smoothly while driving meaningful change. Passionate about people and places, Sam works closely with partner initiatives that create real opportunities in West Cumbria. A natural collaborator, she connects teams and organisations to deliver lasting social impact, gluing communities together through strong relationships. Outside work, she enjoys scuba diving, paddleboarding, wild swimming, and walking her Labrador, Lola.

Paula Mewse

HR & Executive Assistant

Paula joined BEC in 2015 as part of our Facilities Team and quickly transitioned to the role of Executive Assistant to the Chief Executive in 2016. With over 30 years’ experience in HR, she’s a passionate advocate for BEC’s values-led approach to recruitment and team development. Paula works closely with the leadership team to strengthen capability across the organisation and is a proud ambassador of our culture. She also champions youth employability through local school initiatives — and is a very proud nan to Noah!

Rebecca Nicolson

Finance Manager

Rebecca joined BEC in 2015 on a temporary contract and - ten years later - she’s still here, bringing over two decades of accounting and finance expertise since qualifying as a chartered accountant in 2004. Her long tenure reflects a deep commitment to delivering value, building strong relationships, and evolving with the business. Outside of work, Rebecca enjoys quality time with her husband and children, walking her cockerpoo Buddy around Whitehaven Harbour, babysitting her two young nephews, and taking a leisurely scroll through TikTok.

Andrea Bird

Project Manager

Andrea joined BEC in July 2015 as part of our Facilities team. From there, she has progressed from Customer Services Officer to Facilities Coordinator. Now, she works in our Developments team as Project Manager, working with the BEC team and external partners to ensure our activity is on track!In her spare time, Andrea can be found walking the fells and enjoying adventures with her dog, Pixie.

Shaun Stanger

Facilities Manager

Shaun is BEC’s new Facilities Manager, bringing a wealth of experience and a proven track record. He oversees the smooth operation and maintenance of all our properties, ensuring safe, efficient, and welcoming spaces for tenants and staff. Shaun combines hands-on expertise with a practical, solutions-focused approach, managing everything from routine maintenance to larger improvement projects.Outside of work, Shaun enjoys gardening, working out in the gym and spending time with family and friends.

Lucy McGlennon

Customer Relationship Manager

Lucy joined BEC in early 2022 to help elevate our customer experience, particularly across meeting & event spaces and hospitality. She's the friendly first face for our tenants and guests. Outside work, Lucy’s either out walking the coastal path - or eagerly planning her next cruise!

Emma Williamson

Community Impact Manager

Emma, our Community Impact Manager, leads projects that connect BEC with local needs, including our exciting Revive project. With a people-first approach, she brings energy, empathy, and experience to help communities thrive.Outside of work, Emma enjoys staying active in the gym and spending time with family and friends.

Joseph Blakeley

Communications Officer

Joe started in 2022 as our Digital Marketing apprentice and now works as our Communications Officer. Joe's work involves running our social media, maintaining our website content and supporting large-scale marketing campaigns. Outside of work, you can catch Joe playing the piano and filling his camera roll with pictures of the sunset!

Steven Parry

Grounds Maintenance Supervisor

Steven studied horticulture at Newton Rigg College and first spent time at Westlakes when he did his work experience over 25 years ago. Steven ran his own horticulture business before joining us in 2018 when we brought the grounds maintenance service in-house. Grounds maintenance are the custodians of our natural capital here at Westlakes. Steven takes great pride in managing and improving the natural habitat for our customer and communities to enjoy. Steven is committed to protecting the wildlife on the Park and encouraging responsible community use. In his spare time, Steven can be found enjoying his own slice of paradise in his back garden, and is partial to a whiskey by the fire.

Jordan Mattinson

Operational Manager - REVIVE

Jordan is our new Operational Manager at Revive, the furniture recycling centre in Mirehouse. He brings hands-on skills from his scaffolding background and a strong passion for community projects. Well known locally, Jordan’s clothing collections in Whitehaven have raised over £50,000 for the Great North Air Ambulance. Outside of work, he enjoys socialising, live music, and family time with his fiancée and two young children - always staying busy and connected to the community he cares deeply about.

Elaine White

Finance Officer

Elaine, our AAT-qualified Finance Officer, ensures our suppliers—many of them local micro businesses—are paid promptly and accurately. A passionate advocate for BEC, she’s also our Menopause Champion and Prostate Cancer Awareness lead. Outside work, you'll likely catch her in the garden growing fruit and veg with a good crime thriller book to hand!

Kian Graham

Projects Officer

Kian joined BEC in 2022 as a Project Manager Apprentice through our BEC Academy scheme. He’s helped bring projects like LEVELS and Revive to life—from early design to construction. Outside work, you'll catch him on the golf course, playing darts or out on his travels!

Andrea Bragg

Finance Officer

Andrea joined BEC as a Facilities Services Officer, gaining in-depth knowledge of our property portfolio. In 2022, she moved to the Finance Team to lead the implementation of our Property Management System, Re-Leased, which helps us manage buildings and tenants efficiently. Andrea now maintains the system and oversees all aspects of property and tenant services - from rent invoices to maintenance issues.

Lynne Goodwin

Facilities Services Officer

Lynne joined BEC in Summer 2023 after a long career in education, where she worked closely with children and families. She is now thriving as a Facilities Services Officer at the Innovation Centre, enjoying her career change and improved work/life balance.Always busy, Lynne is a wife, mother of two grown-up daughters, and dog mum to Ralph, her Cockapoo. In her spare time, she enjoys strength training at the gym, running, walking Ralph, and sharing a meal - or a cocktail or two - with family.

David Bond

Grounds Maintenance Operative

David joined us in 2018 when grounds maintenance was brought in-house, but his connection with Westlakes goes back to 2001, when he helped landscape the Park - planting over 70,000 trees, 50,000 shrubs, and 70,000 bulbs. With more than 20 years of experience in grounds maintenance, you’ll usually find David on the tractor tending the lawns or occasionally assisting with animal rescues. He has watched the Park evolve, from its natural environment taking shape to new buildings and a thriving community of people and businesses. Outside work, David enjoys family time and caring for his beloved flock of sheep.

Fiona Rae

Facilities Services Officer

Fiona joined BEC in 2015 and now works in our facilities team. Fiona helps maintain our buildings, ensuring they’re safe, compliant, and welcoming for tenants.Outside of work, she’s an adventurous traveller who’s tobogganed from the Great Wall of China and camped in the Amazon jungle.

Aieden Berwick

Facilities Services Officer

Aieden is one of our Facilities Services Officers, dedicated to keeping our properties safe, efficient, and welcoming. Friendly and hands-on, he ensures tenants feel supported and everything runs smoothly, whether fixing a fault or lending a hand.Outside work, Aieden enjoys a mix of creative and relaxing activities. He loves spending quality time with his family, gaming, watching anime, 3D printing, and tackling home improvement projects- always keeping busy and hands-on.

Pauline Quayle

Facilities Services Officer

Pauline is our Facilities Services Officer, working to keep our properties running smoothly and safely, with our tenants being happy. With a keen eye for detail and a creative spirit, she brings care to everything she does.Outside work, she enjoys crafting, pondside relaxation, and walks with her spaniel, Jack.

Chris Talamona

Grounds Maintenance Operative

Born in Paris, Chris spent time in both the UK and France during his younger years, moving back to West Cumbria permanently in 2002. With over 15 years experience, Chris has worked at Westlakes since 2005 and joined BEC when grounds maintenance was brought in-house in early 2018. Chris enjoys working outdoors and can usually be found out and about at Westlakes Science Park looking after the woods, grasslands and ponds on the Park and preserving the habitat of the local wildlife. In his spare time, Chris enjoys spending time with his wife and kids.

Mark Armstrong

Armed Forces Ambassador

Mark is BEC’s Armed Forces Ambassador and former Facilities Manager, bringing decades of experience and a strong commitment to the community. He spent most of his working life in the Army (30 years), with earlier experience at Sellafield, and most recently worked for Age UK before joining BEC.In his current role, Mark champions initiatives supporting veterans, reservists, and service families. He also supported BEC in achieving the Gold Award for the Armed Forces Covenant, helping young people develop skills, confidence, and resilience.

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Our Purpose

We are profit for purpose.

Our Team

We’re a team of like-minded individuals.

Our Partners

We collaborate to maximise impact.

Community

We champion our local communities.

Sustainability

We are committed achieving net zero carbon.

Careers

Start your new career with us.

Westlakes Science Park

Blencathra Business Centre, Threlkeld

Eagle Labs, Bus Station, Whitehaven

LEVELS, Digital & Gaming Hub, Whitehaven

REVIVE, Mirehouse

The Bus Station, Whitehaven

About us

Property managers and developers with a difference

Whether we’re renovating a building, supporting projects in the community, or helping to regenerate an entire town, we keep sustainable building and a low carbon agenda front of mind.

Sqft of lettable space

Annual rental income

Acres of natural habitat maintained

Professionals in our spaces

About BEC

We build extraordinary communities that make a difference for people, places and partners.

Why we’re different