Job Title: CEO
Company: HT Brigham & Co
Tell us a bit about yourself. This can include telling us what fires you up about the job you do, your professional achievements, your career highlights. What inspires you? What attracted you to pursue a career in manufacturing? Is there anything else you’d like to say about either your job or UK manufacturing?
I never planned a career in engineering, but where I came from, factory work was what you did, so I became a foundry apprentice. Eventually, I found my way into aerospace with Goodrich and Moog. Luckily, I worked for great people who believed in me. I managed to earn a reputation for getting things done, which created career opportunities. I’m far more strategic now, and continuous learning fires me up, while I love helping people grow.
UK manufacturing is still underrated, yet today’s geopolitical winds give us a real chance to reshore work. With clear strategy we can seize that opportunity – provided we attract more young people into the industry and safeguard the skills that once made us the engineering envy of the world.
What advice would you give to your younger self?
Stay fit! Have more self belief and surround yourself with positive people.
What is your favourite engineered/manufactured product?
Valjoux 7750 Watch Movement. An amazing piece of precision engineering that’s tough, reliable and enduring.
Please give one interesting fact about yourself that not many people know.
I have a Masters in screenwriting.
If you weren’t in manufacturing what would be your dream job?
A watchmaker – I love anything to do with watches.
