Meet the Experts: Natalie Bamforth, ASHP System Design Manager

One of Ideal Heating’s rising stars is leading the charge on renewables – and she’s only just getting started. 

When Natalie Bamforth joined Ideal Heating, it wasn’t just another hire – it was a vote of confidence in the next generation of talent. 

Driven and already making an impact, Natalie is now our ASHP System Design Manager. It’s her first role in management, and she’s earning her stripes leading a team of designers working on air source heat pump systems across the UK. 

“I’ve always been passionate about the environment and wanted a career where I felt I was making a difference,” Natalie told us. “That’s what led me to engineering and ultimately, to the renewable energy sector.” 

Rather than take the traditional university route, Natalie chose to do an apprenticeship – gaining hands-on experience while earning her degree. It was a decision that laid the groundwork for her fast-moving career. 

Her early roles saw her join a small business specialising in designing and specifying renewable systems – from solar panels and thermal tech to both ground and air source heat pumps. But as her experience grew, so did her ambition. 

“I wanted to focus more exclusively on design work rather than sales,” she explains. “I read that Ideal Heating was expanding its focus on renewable energy and I was eager to be part of the shift from traditional gas boilers to sustainable alternatives.” 

Now, Natalie’s role is as varied as it is rewarding – leading a team, reviewing client specs, managing workflow, and keeping her hand in with design work of her own. 

“We get a wide range of enquiries and challenges – and I love that,” she says. “I see every day as a learning day, and we’re constantly adapting and improving our designs. The business is 100% behind making our systems the very best they can be – and that backing makes a real difference.” 

Ideal’s decision to back Natalie with a management role reflects a wider commitment to bringing new talent into the industry – and giving them the tools to succeed. She’s a natural leader in the making, with a real appetite to grow. 

For anyone looking to follow a similar path into renewables or design, Natalie has some sound advice: 

“Make time to conduct your own research outside of work. Investing time after hours can really make a difference and help set you apart,” she says. 

“I’m involved in several forums within the heating industry, which allows me to learn a great deal by reading articles and posts from others who have more experience in the field.” 

And when she’s not leading design projects or expanding her industry knowledge? “I enjoy hiking, reading, and I’m currently trying to grow my own veg,” she says. “It’s all trial and error – but it’s very satisfying when something grows!” 

Her advice to anyone starting out? Stay curious. Learn from those around you. And never stop asking questions. 

A young leader with a big future ahead of her? 

That’s ideal. 

Want to follow in Natalie’s footsteps?

Explore training and development opportunities at Expert Academy.