BLOG: Then and Now
Celebrating 35 years of MAPUK: in this special blog post, Terry Hobday, the founder of Motorised Air Products Ltd (MAPUK), takes us on a journey through the past 35 years, sharing the humble beginnings, challenges and triumphs that shaped the company into the industry leader it is today.
Ah, 1989—no, not the Taylor Swift album that my granddaughters are obsessed with, but still a year of great significance! It was the year I decided to take a leap of faith and quit my job to start Motorised Air Products Ltd. Back then, a pint of beer cost around £1.06 and the average house price in the UK was just over £55,000. It was also the year the Berlin Wall fell and the first episode of "The Simpsons" aired. Amidst all this, there I was, sitting in my living room, thinking, "What the hell have I just done?"
At 37 years old, with three young children to provide for, it felt like an enormous risk. My middle child, Barry, was just 12 years old, and even then, he was beginning to take an interest in this new venture. He would help with odd jobs during school holidays and later, during his university years, pitch in whenever he could. Little did I know that this small seed of an idea would grow into the thriving business we know today as MAPUK.
Looking back, it was a bold move. I had left a good job with a stable salary, and there was no product to sell—just aspirations and a concept for a new fire damper that I would design, fire test, and hopefully produce one day. I believed in that idea, even when it seemed like a distant dream.
The early days: from idea to market reality
In those early days, the path was anything but clear. Yet, little by little, things started to fall into place. After about 18 months, a reputable German company, LTG, approached us, and that marked the beginning of our growth. A year later, we received two ‘SMART’ awards from the Department of Trade and Industry, and not long after, we began supplying fire dampers to London Underground.
By 1994, we had formed a partnership with a Swedish company, Bevent Rasch, which helped us establish our reputation as a recognised player in the UK Heating and Ventilation market. During this period, we moved from our humble beginnings at the Seedbed Business Centre in Shoeburyness to our current premises in Wickford, which has expanded over the years to accommodate our growth. Shortly after our move, Barry officially joined the company straight out of university, bringing with him fresh energy and ideas.
Growth through innovation: overcoming challenges and seizing opportunities
The late nineties and early 2000s were a time of both challenge and opportunity. The financial crisis of the late noughties hit many businesses hard, but it also presented us with a unique opportunity. We identified a gap in the market and developed a range of products for the high-end residential sector. This strategic move positioned us as market leaders in this niche, a status we are proud to maintain today.
Throughout this journey, our team has been our greatest asset. We've grown in size and experience, always encouraging personal development and nurturing talent. I am especially proud of the young graduates who have joined us over the years, bringing fresh perspectives and energy to the company. Equally, I am grateful for our stable, dependable members of staff who have been on this journey with us, providing invaluable experience, knowledge and unwavering commitment.
Looking ahead: gratitude and optimism for the future
As we celebrate the 35th anniversary of MAPUK, I want to take this opportunity to express my deepest gratitude to our incredible team. Their hard work and dedication have been the driving force behind our success. Barry has been the Managing Director for a number of years now and under his leadership, the company has thrived. He has brought in new ideas, resilience and a determination to push boundaries, always with a solid team beside him. It brings me great joy to see MAPUK taking on new, exciting projects and continuing to grow.
Whilst I am now officially retired from my professional work duties, I don’t think it will ever leave me. I remain immensely proud of how far we’ve come and excited about the future. To our customers, partners and everyone who has been a part of our journey, thank you for your support. And to the MAPUK team, known internally as our ‘Mappers’, thank you for your unwavering commitment to excellence. Here’s to the next 35 years of innovation, growth and success!
About the author
Terry Hobday is a founder member of Motorised Air Products Ltd (MAPUK). With the help of innovative research, MAPUK and its associated suppliers are committed to using pioneering product design and technology to provide unique solutions in air conditioning, ventilation and fire safety.