Tony Brighton
Tuesday 7th October 2014
Today meet Tony Brighton
Branch Manager HYDRAQUIP Hose & Hydraulics
As a young boy I dreamed of being in the RAF, however after getting on a plane and flying for the first time it displeasured me and that’s where the dream ended. After finishing school at 16 I visited the local job centre where they had vacancies for people in the hydraulics industry.
My first job was at Brimair Engineering Services Ltd where I worked in the hydraulics workshop for 4 years before moving to Hosequip Ltd which offered better job opportunities. After 2 years at Hosequip I felt discontented which is why I swapped hydraulics for a job as a milkman. A year later I received a call from an old colleague of mine who told me Dunlop Hiflex had job vacancies, I applied and got myself back into the hydraulics industry. The job varied as it required me travelling to different depots in the East Anglia area covering colleagues who were off on holiday or as a result of sickness. After this I joined Hydrapower where I learned more and increased my knowledge in the hydraulics industry and worked my way up within the company starting off as a workshop assistant and later becoming the Depot Manager. Unfortunately, in 2001 Hydrapower went into receivership which was a worrying time for all involved but we were thrilled when Regent Hose & Hydraulics, know known as Regent Trist Hydraulics bought the company and agreed to retain existing Hydrapower staff. As the Depot Manager of Regent Trist Hydraulics, I was very content with the job role and enjoyed it thoroughly. However after being bought out by an American corporation in 2011, significant changes were made which saw the loss of staff who did not agree with the changes. As a result I found myself working additional hours which resulted in frustration and not much time with the family. Therefore when Duncan MacBain of Hydraquip approached myself and Skip Kumar, informing us of a new Hydraquip Hose & Hydraulics branch opening within the Letchworth area, and asked if we would be interested in joining the team, it was the perfect opportunity at just the right time.
As the Branch Manager of Hydraquip Hose & Hydraulics Letchworth, I will be responsible for the day to day operation of the hydraulics trade counter branch. Working alongside Skip Kumar, the Area Manager to manage and support the trade counter staff as well as the mobile hose engineers, strengthening the 24/7 On Site Hose Repair Service, hydraulic hose and equipment repairs, cylinder and ram repairs, pre-agreed maintenance and service contracts.
I would describe myself as a very hands on person who has always enjoyed DIY, building and making things in my spare time. I have built my own kit car and have just finished building a patio for my Father in Law. I am very passionate about motor racing and have visited the Brands Hatch and Silverstone circuits as well as attending the Le Mans 24 hour race every year. I enjoy hiking especially in the Lake District where I visit twice a year, more if I can! I have been married since 1998 and have been with my wife since I was 22 years old. We had an amazing wedding in Las Vegas and are very excited to go back in 2 weeks time for my 50th birthday!
Meet The Team
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