December 12th, 2025
Meet The Team
The people behind Acorn.
With over three decades of experience, there’s no pest control, water hygiene, or specialist cleaning task our specialist on-site team can’t handle.
John Whiteley-Wilkson
Managing Director
John has been part of the family business since the age of 14, gaining hands on experience across every aspect of the company as he progressed through the ranks. This extensive practical knowledge, combined with his approachable and personable leadership style, has shaped the values and culture of the business.
As Managing Director, John leads with integrity, clear communication, and a commitment to delivering the highest standards. His real-world experience enables him to make informed decisions that benefit both the team and clients, while fostering a positive, supportive environment where professionalism and exceptional service come first.
Chris Holme
Water Hygiene manager
Chris is the Water Hygiene Manager at Acorn, with over twenty years experience in the industry. Starting as a water operative and moving onto a legionella risk assessor, Chris has worked on local authority and private contracts across the UK.
In 2021 Chris joined Acorn to lead the new water hygiene department which is now a member of the Legionella Control Association and supports over 500 properties on a monthly basis.
Job Specific Qualifications:
- City and Guilds- Water Systems Hazard Identification & Risk Assessment – WH004.
- City and Guilds- Legionella Awareness within Evaporative Cooling Systems.
- City and Guilds- Closed Water Systems Awareness Course.
- City and Guilds- Pseudomonas Aeruginosa and Control within Healthcare Environments.
- City and Guilds- Level 2 Award in Working in Low Risk Confined Spaces.
- City and Guilds- WH005- Disinfection of Hot and Cold Water Systems.
Demi Moores
Office Manager
Having been with Acorn for six years, Demi is a dedicated and experienced Office Manager who takes great pride in building lasting client relationships and finding solutions that make a real difference.
As an IOSH-trained professional, she combines a strong commitment to health and safety with a practical, solutions-focused approach to supporting clients. Demi also leads safeguarding across the organisation, helping to ensure the wellbeing and protection of individuals remains central to Acorn’s values and operations. She enjoys tackling challenges and working collaboratively with both clients and colleagues to achieve the best possible outcomes.
What she values most about Acorn is its family-oriented culture, strong team spirit, and shared determination to help clients thrive
Nathan Shelton
Pest control Supervisor
Nathan has worked within the pest control industry for over 25 years.
Working for international companies in the UK, servicing all types of industries.
From Michelin star restaurants to national accounts.
Nathan joined Acorn in 2023, as a pest control technician, working beside an experienced group of individuals, all with a broad knowledge of the pest control industry. He was promoted to Pest control Supervisor in 2025, taking on a more integral part of the company with a variety of roles such as Site surveys, complex case management, team support and in-depth site inspection reporting.
- RSPH Level 2 Award in Pest Management
- Insect identification qualification
- Safe use of air weapons qualification
- Ladder Association Training competence qualification
- Bed bug riddance qualification
- In depth Rodent control qualification
Mark Smith
Health & Safety Consultant
Mark is an experienced Health & Safety Consultant at Acorn Environment Services. He brings years of practical, on-site knowledge to the job, focusing on simple, effective, no nonsense safety systems that support business operations and keep people safe.
Qualifications:
- NOCN Level 6 Diploma Occupational Health & Safety Practice.
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