About Brigade

People

Meet the team here and find out about our combined expert knowledge, skills and dedication to vehicle safety.

 

 
  • Mr Chris Hanson-Abbott
    Chairman

    Inspired by hearing a strange beeping sound emanating from the rear of a small truck on a street in Tokyo, Chris founded Brigade in 1976 as a one man start-up to bring the concept of reverse-in-safety to Europe. An area of vehicle safety responsible for a quarter of all vehicle-at-work fatalities, addressed only in Japan, this was a seminal moment.

    Chris still works full time, has already chaired two ISO working groups and is set to chair two more. Further he chairs Brigade’s UK head count plus five overseas subsidiary companies. In his spare time, Chris is devoted to classical music; he is a business development committee member of the Philharmonia Orchestra and sponsor of brilliant young musicians at Trinity College of Music in Greenwich, where he lives.

  • Mr Philip Hanson-Abbott
    Managing Director

    Philip joined Brigade in 1978 and took over as MD in 2003. He has expanded the product range and developed the company into the multi-national business that it is today. Philip has vast international business experience, a wealth of product and industry knowledge, and a passion for innovation in the vehicle safety arena. He is often called upon in an advisory capacity to sit upon both legislative and international standards committees.

    Interestingly Philip was once a trained ski instructor, Vice-Chair Southern of the Uphill Ski Club – now known as Disability Snowsport UK - and Chairman of the Bromley Local Group.  Brigade is a corporate sponsor of Disability Snowsport UK which makes it possible for skiers and snowboarders with a disability to ski alongside the able bodied as equals.  www.disabilitysnowsport.org.uk

  • Mr Ian Sillars
    Director of Finance

    Ian joined Brigade Electronics in 2001 and is a fellow of the Chartered Accountants.

    His wealth of international trading experience spans across a variety of industries including oil, engineering and foreign exchange.

    Ian enjoys walks in the countryside and cycling. He has recently invested in an electric tricyle, which he rides to work.

  • Mr Noel Moody
    Director of Sales

    Noel joined Brigade in 2006 and has in excess of thirty years experience in the automotive industry. Noel specialises in export sales, having lived and worked in all the continents of the world during his career. In the four years Noel lived in America, he was instrumental in setting up a large factory in China. Noel’s previous positions include head of export sales for Trico and Standard Motors.

    Noel is a fellow of the Institute of Sales and marketing management and also speaks French, Italian and Spanish.

    Noel previously played semi professional soccer and is a keen golfer.

  • Mr Stuart Matthews
    Director of Engineering

    Stuart has vast experience in the automotive industry, with positions including, Project Manager for Transit Connect refresh programme at Ford and led the Visteon Product development team to a successful win of the Ford generation 3 cross car audio business resulting in £200M revenue generation.

    Since joining Brigade in 2006, Stuart has developed the Engineering team by maturing the product development and project management process and increased control of manufacturing and quality processes. Stuart also sits on the international board for IGCMS (informal working group for camera-monitor systems).

    Stuart is a keen sportsman and enjoys mounting biking and golf. He used to swim at a national level and once canoed the length of the Caledonian Canal in Scotland.

  • Mr Tom Brett
    Director of Marketing

    Tom joined Brigade in January 2009 having held positions in the Financial Services and Travel industries.  With over 10 years of marketing experience and postgraduate qualifications, he has brought a different and fresh angle to Brigade’s activity.

    Tom is a keen sportsman – who plays football and golf. He enjoys a challenge and has climbed the Three Peaks and swam the channel.

 

Product Focus

Camera Monitor Systems

Camera Monitor Systems

Providing all round visibility for commercial vehicles and mobile plant.

Choose from popular standard systems or build your own.

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Mobile digital recorder

Mobile digital recorder

Systems providing quality video and data records. Help prevent false insurance claims, deter theft and vandalism and motivate driver best practice.

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Reversing Alarms

Reversing Alarms

Our pioneering reversing alarms range includes bbs-tek white sound alarms - the safest in the world due to their instant locatability and directional sound.

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Pulsed Radar Sensors

Pulsed Radar Sensors

Robust long range radar sensor systems designed for harsh conditions.

Inform driver of distance between vehicle and moving or stationary obstacles.

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Ultrasonic Sensor

Ultrasonic Proximity Sensors

Sensor systems for road going commercial vehicles regularly operating in confined spaces or manoeuvring at low speeds. Ultrasonic Proximity Sensors are the best sensors to help commercial vehicles operate in these confined spaces, making the task at hand, that much easier.

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Thermal Imaging Camera

Infrared thermal imaging camera

The Brigade Electronics Infrared Thermal Imaging Camera systems enable drivers to see objects by detecting differences in temperature, improving visibility and reaction times. A Thermal Imaging Camera is used for a variety of reasons in a number of different industries, but in relation to vehicle safety - these cameras are used to help drivers see things that otherwise would remain hidden. In the winter season for example, fog is a dangerous hazard that everyone faces. Eliminate some dangers by using one of Brigades' Thermal Imaging Cameras which allows you to see clearly through the fog, allowing you to identify the hazards around you.

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