John Lightfoot began his career over 35 years ago as a building services design engineer.  He joined his current company, Marstair Ltd, in 1985 and was appointed to the board in 1991. In 2003 John and his colleagues on the board formed Thermal Energy Ventures Ltd to buy Marstair Ltd, from IMI plc.

In 2004 Thermal Energy Ventures created a subsidiary, Heatking Ltd, devoted to the design, development, manufacture and marketing of air source heat pumps for the domestic market.

John is chairman of the UK’s Federation of Environmental Trade Association Export Club, chairman of HEVAC’s (Heating, Ventilating and Air Conditioning Association) Fan Coil Group, Vice chair of the Yorkshire & Humber Microgeneration Partnership and chairman of the Heat Pump Association’s Domestic Heating Group.