Aluminium
Inspirating the next generation after 45 years in industry
With an annual output of £ 183 billion and responsible for creating 2.5 million jobs , the UK remains the ninth largest manufacturing nation in the world . As technology moves so quickly , we can take inspiration and skills learned from those that have enjoyed a life of experience in manufacturing . Despite the rise of a new , digital era , manufacturing remains a vital part of the UK economy . Within this article , we sit with Director of UK Curtain Walling Limited , Duncan Hague to discuss his 47 year career , and what the future holds for manufacturing .
DUNCAN , CAN YOU START AT THE BEGINNING AND TELL US A BIT ABOUT YOUR CAREER ?
Absolutely , my first ‘ proper ’ job was at Austin Hall in Huddersfield who at the time manufactured and supplied pre-fabricated buildings to the construction industry . I was recruited as trainee QS / Estimator and this gave me a great insight into manufacturing from a young age .
My ‘ big break ’ into the commercial aluminium industry came three years later , when I joined Heywood Installation Services Ltd as a trainee Draughtsman . This was a great role and gave me the grounding to understand the technical aspects of the Architectural Aluminium Industry . It was here that I was able to obtain my HTEC qualification in building at Huddersfield Technical College and Huddersfield Polytechnic . Today though , we know it as Huddersfield University .
HOW DID THIS SHAPE YOUR NEXT STEPS ?
I stayed at Heywood for some time and joined Dyson Aluminium Ltd in 1985 as Draughtsman , then combined the role as Contracts Manager / General Manager . This was my first insight into running a Commercial Aluminium Company and looking back now , was a significant role in my career .
In 1994 I joined Intercity Glazing Services Ltd in Leeds to set up a Commercial Aluminium Division . Although this was very successful , I took that as far as I could before moving to Midas Aluminium Ltd in 2004 . In 2017 , I took the leap and set up UK Curtain Walling Ltd under a group of companies . Two years later , my wife Sam and I bought the company and moved away from the group .
WHAT WAS THE IMPACT OF DOING THIS ?
It was huge . Looking back now it was definitely a bold and brave step , but I ’ m so pleased we did it . It gave Sam and I much more freedom and the autonomy made way for more creativity in what we do . We took Window Control Systems Limited at the same time , and together we now run both companies which support each other .
38 DECEMBER 2022 CLEARVIEW-UK . COM