Meet The Team
Our team is what makes our business so special.
Many facilities have the equipment customers need, but we believe it’s the people working hard in the background that brings a project to life.
Patrick Johnson
Managing Director
With over 30 years in the industry, Patrick has risen through the ranks since joining the company. Now responsible for overseeing the running of the company on behalf of the owners, the Spinks family, Patrick has spent his entire working life at Ladbrook UK.
He believes this is a testament to the people he works with, the opportunity to progress and the overall ethos and morale of the team.
Outside of work, Patrick enjoys spending time with his four (now grown-up) children, his family and his dog Ronnie. As a recently retired football coach of over 20 years, he now enjoys the sport as a spectator and watching cricket and rugby.
Michael Peake
Commercial Director
Michael is another member of Ladbrook UK’s management team that has spent his entire professional career working in the business. Michael joined the company in 2005 after completing a BTEC in CAD on the factory floor and has gone on to work in sales as the Commercial Manager and currently as the Commercial Director.Michael oversees the day-to-day running of the business and looks after new sales enquiries and a number of other aspects of running the business, from continuous investment to health and safety. Michael is particularly proud of how the business has progressed over the last five years and attributes this to the team's high morale.
At weekends, you’ll find Michael carp fishing, spending time with his wife, their son Elijah, and two dogs, Shadow and Ralph.
AJ Johnson
Operations Manager
AJ first started working in the Ladbrook UK factory at 18, whilst studying at college. Since then, he has progressed from factory floor to administrator, then to senior buyer and is now the Operations Manager. AJ is responsible for overseeing all aspects of purchasing as well as planning and liaising with customers and suppliers, with whom he has built long-lasting working relationships.
As an avid cricket fan, AJ plays for his local cricket club Bradfield CC and has travelled the world playing cricket for Glamorgan CC, South Africa & Centrals CC Australia. He is also a loyal Spurs fan.
George Johnson
HR & Programming
George Johnson is a key player at Ladbrook UK, handling HR and Programming. He gets a thrill from programming, seeing designs turn into real products on the shop floor. In HR, George finds joy in hiring people and watching them grow within the company.
Joining Ladbrook at 16, George took a break to study HR before returning to contribute to the company's growth and balancing HR duties with CAD programming has been a fulfilling journey. Outside work, George loves coaching rugby, playing cricket, and playing his guitar.
He’s also a certified dance teacher in modern jive and salsa, bringing a bit of rhythm to his life outside the office.
Freddie Henley-Hunter
Production Manager
Freddie Henley-Hunter is our dedicated Production Manager at Ladbrook UK, with nearly a decade of experience. Starting as an operator mastering welding, Freddie progressed through roles in the tool room and press setting, reaching his current position overseeing production with precision and expertise.
He ensures smooth machinery operations and maintains high production standards, emphasising innovation to exceed customer expectations. Passionate about integrating new technologies, Freddie drives efficiency and helps position Ladbrook UK as an industry leader.
Beyond work, he enjoys restoring classic cars and family time, reflecting his commitment to craftsmanship.
Dean Matthewson
Accounts & Purchasing
Dean Matthewson is our go-to guy for accounts and purchasing at Ladbrook UK. Starting as an admin clerk, handling office tasks and buying supplies, Dean quickly made friends inside and outside the company. Gravitating to the accounts department, Dean now has a knack for numbers.
He appreciates the opportunities for growth at Ladbrook UK and the trust management puts in their team. Outside work, Dean is a sports enthusiast, playing golf at Wensum Valley and football for Saxlingham Nethergate F.C.
He's also a regular on the pool circuit in Norwich and competes in singles leagues. Dean is also a talented musician, rocking the guitar, piano, ukulele, and even the cello.
Brad Underwood
Stores Manager
Brad Underwood is our dedicated Stores Manager at Ladbrook UK, ensuring everything runs smoothly by getting orders out on time and keeping our stock in check. He loves the challenge of meeting deadlines and making sure operations flow seamlessly. Brad started out in a supermarket during college, working on the till and later moving to dispatch, where he picked up skills like forklift driving and pallet wrapping.
Joining Ladbrook UK as a production operator, this led to Senior Storeman and Stores Manager over the past two years. He's proud of his journey and growth within the company.
Outside work, Brad enjoys unwinding by watching football and spending time with friends over a pint.
