In the first of our “5 Questions with..” series, we  sit down with Alan Brooke, CEO at Gill Group to discover what excites him most about his role, how he sees the industry evolving, and maybe even something we didn’t know about him.

Q.1 – What excites you most about Gill and your role here?

When I think about what excites me most about Gill, it’s hard to know where to begin because this is a dynamic business, full of amazing people, and I have the honour of leading them.

Gill is not just a company; it’s a living, breathing example of what happens when you combine vision, resilience, and a relentless pursuit of excellence. From its very formation, Gill has always defined its own path. That pioneering DNA still runs through everything we do today. We don’t follow trends – we set them. And that’s what makes this moment in our journey so special.

Right now, we have a unique opportunity to do things our way. We’re not constrained by convention. Instead, we’re empowered by a blend of bold ownership, 40 years of expertise in delivering world-class performance and quality, and a new wave of global talent bringing fresh perspectives and energy into the business.

What excites me most is this marriage of heritage and innovation. Our forward-thinking owners are deeply committed to pushing boundaries, and our team – made up of long-standing experts and new employees from all over the world – is shaping the future of Gill with creativity, passion, and purpose.

Every day, I see the spirit of Gill in action: in the way we collaborate, in the way we challenge ourselves, and in the way we stay true to our values while embracing change. It’s a privilege to lead such a talented group of people, and I’m incredibly optimistic about what lies ahead.

Gill’s future is bright – and we’re building it together, our way.

Q.2 – You’ve been in this industry for many years – what keeps it interesting for you?

I’m often asked what keeps it so engaging. For me, it’s the combination of meaningful impact, constant innovation, and the people I get to work with every day.

Gill operates in two fascinating space: environmental and industrial measurement, where precision and timing are everything. The data we deliver enables real-time decisions that can protect communities, improve operations, and support sustainability. That kind of relevance never gets old. It’s inspiring to know that what we do has a direct effect on the world around us.

But it’s not just the technology or the challenges – it’s the journey. I’ve worked across a range of industries, and the common thread has always been about creating value for the customer. Seeing our solutions go from concept to reality, deployed in the field and making a difference, is incredibly rewarding. That process – collaborating with customers, refining ideas, and delivering results – is what gives me energy.

What truly motivates me, though, is the culture we’ve built. It’s a place where passion, precision, and purpose matter more than titles or politics. Every day, I’m surrounded by people who care deeply about what we do, who bring their expertise and spirit to the table, and who are committed to making a difference. That environment is rare and it’s what keeps me coming back with enthusiasm, year after year.

Q.3 – How do you see the industry changing in the next five years?

Over the next five years, I believe we’ll see a significant shift in our industry, driven by a powerful combination of simplification, flexibility, and precision.

The demand for simplified solutions is growing rapidly. Customers want systems that are intuitive, easy to integrate, and quick to deploy. Complexity is no longer a badge of honour – it’s a barrier. The winners will be those who can deliver clarity without compromising capability.

At the same time, flexibility will become non-negotiable. Whether it’s adapting to new environments, scaling across applications, or responding to changing customer needs, agility will define success. Businesses will need to design with adaptability in mind – from product architecture to service models.

But none of this works without a strong backbone of accuracy and reliability. As industries become more data-driven and decisions more time-sensitive, the tolerance for error shrinks. Measurement technologies must be robust, precise, and trusted – because they’re increasingly at the heart of real-time decision-making.

This shift isn’t just technical – it’s cultural. It’s about rethinking how we design, deliver, and support solutions. And at Gill, we’re already embracing this future: combining decades of expertise with fresh thinking to build products and partnerships that are ready for what’s next.

Q.4 – Who has inspired you the most in your career, and what did you learn from them?

My time at Gill has been deeply inspirational. Over the last few years, I’ve been fortunate enough to build a super-strong team alongside some of the best people in the business. Together, we’ve created something that’s not only high-performing but genuinely collaborative and forward-thinking. The team is adding real value every day – driving systemic shifts in how we approach the future. Their energy, creativity, and commitment to excellence make every day exciting – and remind me just how powerful a shared vision can be.

But when I look back over my career, a few people and teams standout for the lasting impact they’ve had on me.

One of the most influential was Kevin Robertson, my former boss. Kevin embodied the qualities of a truly great leader: trust, openness, inclusivity, clarity, humility, and a relentless focus on problem-solving. He created an environment where people felt empowered to contribute, where ideas were welcomed, and where collaboration thrived. His leadership wasn’t about hierarchy – it was about unlocking the potential of those around him. Working with Kevin taught me that the best bosses lead with respect and purpose, and that trust is the foundation of high-performing teams.

Pam Williams brought a different kind of insight- one rooted in understanding people. Coming from an operations background, it was easy to focus on data and facts. Pam helped me humanise my management style and guided me through the transition from manager to leader. Her ability to see beyond the numbers and into the motivations and needs of individuals was truly inspirational. Even now, I sometimes find myself asking, “What would Pam do?” – a testament to the depth of her influence and the wisdom she shared.

I also learned a great deal from the Operations teams at Stannah and Wärtsilä. These were exceptional groups of professionals who managed change leadership with clarity, resilience, and style. Working alongside individuals like Martin Bullimore, Austen Kirby, Martin Voice, Wayne Noon, Richard Lind, Paul Clarke, Todd Gillingham, and Emma Tyrell was a masterclass in operational excellence and adaptive leadership. Their ability to navigate complexity while keeping people engaged and focused was truly inspiring – and I carry those lessons with me to this day.

These experiences have taught me that leadership is a journey shaped by those around you. It’s not just about what you know, but how you grow. The lessons I’ve learned from these individuals continue to influence how I lead today: with trust, empathy, and a focus on creating real value.

At Gill, I see those values reflected in our team every day. We’re building something special, not just a business, but a culture where people thrive, ideas flourish, and the future is ours to shape.

Q.5 – Tell us something about yourself that might surprise us.

For one, I’m an introvert, perhaps not what you’d expect from someone in a leadership role, but it’s where I find space to reflect, reset, and think clearly. In that recharge space, I’m never truly alone, thanks to the unwavering loyalty of what my wife refers to as “too many dogs.”. Of course I have a special voice I use exclusively for them (the dogs – not my wife) it’s completely ridiculous and very silly but, they understand and agree with every word.

Despite my best efforts, I’ve been officially banned from the kitchen by my family, a decision they insist was made for everyone’s health and safety. Our youngest daughter, Annie, is heading into her final year of A-levels, which makes me feel old… though not quite as old as becoming a grandparent this December, when our eldest, Maddie, welcomes her first child.

Lastly, but by no means least, I’m a passionate advocate for the countryside. It’s where I find peace, clarity, and the grounding I need to stay balanced in a fast-moving world.

These quirks and milestones are part of what makes the journey meaningful and remind me daily that leadership isn’t just about what you do, but also who you are.