Meet the Team

Our longest serving member of staff, Don joined the business back in 1992 and continues to bring enthusiasm and dedication to the team.

While his role as Managing Director gives him the responsibility of developing our business strategy, source future opportunities and plan cost-effective operations, with extensive knowledge and experience within the fluid power sector, he still loves nothing more than getting on his overalls and getting hands-on with our latest projects.

He has a passion for sport and as a qualified football coach, spent many years with the Newcastle United Women’s Football Club managing the women’s youth teams.  He can often be found holidaying in his favourite destination of Greece, enjoying the weather, good food and as an outgoing, people person, loves nothing more than chatting to the friendly locals!

Having been with the company for over 20 years and with extensive experience of the fluid power sector, Paul’s knowledge of the industry is hard to beat.

Originally our sales engineer, Paul progressed to Director and now has responsibility for operations within the business, supporting members of staff and ensuring that all projects are delivered on time and within budget.

In his spare time, Paul loves spending time in the lake district with his family.

Initially joining HOS as an apprentice back in 2018, Lauren has now progressed to a Business Development Manager role.

A key member of our team, she plays an integral role within our sales department, loves speaking with customers and suppliers and is often the first point of contact with regards to ongoing orders and projects.

In her spare time, she loves to socialise with friends, is a keen gym-goer and likes trying new restaurants.

Our expert sales engineer, Joe has been with HOS since leaving sixth form in 2013.

Joe’s duties are wide ranging within the company including testing and flushing hoses within our workshop and carrying out off site installation and refurbishment works.

Joe is always eager to learn more about the fluid power industry and has successfully taken part in many training courses including Stage 1 hydraulics, environment awareness, NVQ Level 2 in engineering operations, emergency first aid and working at heights.

Whilst keeping himself fit, his main passion is attending the gym 5-6 days week, closely followed by his second love, his support of Newcastle United Football Club.

Gillian is another long-standing member of our team, joining HOS in 2009 as our Accounts Assistant.

She has an NVQ Level 3 in Business Administration and has a passion for all things numbers!

Her main day to day activities include keeping our account receivable and payables up to date, invoicing and paying our valued suppliers (so best keep on her good side at all times!).  She is also a great asset to our sales department, ensuring all export documentation and paperwork is completed correctly and on time ensuring no disruption to our deliveries or services.

With her many years’ experience at HOS, Gillian can be relied upon to know the in’s and out’s of all aspects within the company, from the initial receiving of enquiries to the eventual receipt of payment.

In her spare time, she enjoys meeting up with friends and spending time with her family.

Successfully qualifying as a hose technician since joining the business in November 2020, Laura is also one of our warehouse operatives and is NEBOSH qualified.

Laura successfully completed her fork lift truck counterbalance certificate so can often be found helping with the loading and unloading of customer orders and deliveries.

Working alongside our experienced technicians, her main duties include pressure testing and flushing high pressure hoses, day to day warehouse assistance and helping with incoming and outgoing deliveries.

Laura and her dog, Ollie (the HOS mascot!), enjoy long walks in the North East and then winding down with a good boxset and lots of treats and cuddles.

Originally joining HOS as a trainee hose technician, Emily is now qualified and has also taken the responsibility of health & safety within the business.

Passing her NEBOSH health & safety qualification in 2023, Emily ensures all H&S compliance is met throughout the company. A qualified fork lift truck driver, Emily is also responsible for our deliveries and as she enjoys a customer facing role, can often also be found supporting at our trade counter.

Emily loves to keep fit and is a keen runner, she successfully completed the Great North Run in 2023, raising money for Versus Arthritis.

As our trusty delivery driver, we can always rely on Pat to ensure customer orders are delivered on time and with expert care.

Also regularly supporting within our workshop, his attention to detail and commitment to the business is second to none.

In his spare time, Pat likes to socialise with his family and friends.

Our latest manufacturing apprentice, Ryder is currently working towards his Level 2 Lean Manufacturing Operative qualification and is already looking forward to the opportunities within the industry.

Gaining valuable experience within our workshop and trade counter, Ryder can often be found supporting our clients with the support of our senior technicians and sales engineers.

In his spare time, he loves gaming and socialising with his friends.