Ashley Starkey Joins CEM as Contract Sales Manager
We are delighted to welcome Ashley to the CEM team as our new Contract Sales Manager. With a strong technical background and a natural flair for relationship building, Ashley brings a wealth of experience, industry insight, and a solutions-focused mindset to the role.
Ashley began his career with British Gas, where he spent 20 years as an engineer after joining the company as an apprentice. His hands-on experience laid the foundation for his deep understanding of gas engineering and plant operations. Over time, Ashley transitioned into sales, where he discovered a passion for solving problems and helping clients achieve better outcomes—values that align perfectly with CEM’s mission.
Ashley’s sales journey includes time spent at T Brown Group, Smith and Byford, Smith Brother Stores, Baxi Commercial and most recently, Flowtech mechanical services. Across these roles, he honed his expertise in the commercial heating and Plumbing sector, and collating an impressive network of professionals who drive the HVAC services sector.
At CEM, Ashley will focus on developing and nurturing Facilities Management (FM) client relationships, identifying operational efficiencies, and helping clients exceed their dilapidation and energy performance targets. His technical background, combined with his ability to connect with people, makes him well-suited to support clients from initial conversations through to project delivery.
“We’ve found that Facility Managers particularly enjoy working directly with our teams to crunch numbers and achieve efficiency targets. Helping our clients with a clearer understanding of what we can deliver simply maximises our chances of performance and retention,” says Rob Brennan, Director. “Ashley brings the experience and leadership we need to drive this even further.”
Ashley’s new position has been crafted with a modern outlook—pairing cutting-edge energy-saving solutions with the traditional values of face-to-face customer service. As the primary point of contact for many of our clients, Ashley will embody CEM’s commitment to transparency, trust, and technical excellence.
“I was drawn to the role at CEM because of its focus on solution selling, being part of a tight-knit and experienced team, plus the opportunity to be regularly out meeting clients,” Ashley shares. “My goal is to bring a proactive approach—delivering energy efficiency and cost-saving strategies to clients who may benefit from them now more than ever.”
In his first few weeks, Ashley has already hit the ground running—connecting with clients, absorbing their needs, and sharing fresh ideas for immediate improvements. He’s also immersing himself in FM journals and online communities to stay ahead of evolving sector demands and emerging trends.
“Thanks to a longstanding relationship with the CEM leadership team, the transition has been seamless,” he says. “The support from Ross, Roy, and the wider business has been fantastic. I’m looking forward to getting on-site, meeting clients, and helping them discover smarter ways to work both inside and outside their plant rooms.”
With his practical know-how and client-first approach, Ashley is well-positioned to help our partners achieve real, measurable results. We’re excited to see what’s ahead.
Please join us in welcoming Ashley to the CEM family!
