Hickleys, the long-established local motor trade and healthcare company, has announced the appointment of Robin Huish as Managing Director, taking over from Duncan Meikle who moves to the position of Chairman.
Commenting on the appointment, Duncan Meikle said, ‘Robin’s career with Hickleys is a remarkable success story. He joined the Company 40 years ago as an apprentice auto-electrician but it was not long before his managerial talent was recognised. He has progressed through several key roles and was appointed to the board of directors twelve years ago. Most recently he has been responsible for the Company’s Diagnostic, Garage Equipment and Technical Workshop Divisions.
Robin has a wealth of knowledge and experience and brings a strong track record of leadership and management skills which will be invaluable in taking the business forward’.
Robin Huish said, ‘This is a very proud day for me. Hickleys is very different now from when I first started; back then we were a company serving just local trade with electrical & diesel problems. Over the years we have grown to become one of the leading independent specialists in automotive diagnostic and garage equipment serving customers throughout the UK together with a growing international trade.
In 2014 the company celebrates it’s 90th year of business and we have had a long tradition of adapting and succeeding in emerging markets; I look forward to continuing this tradition and leading the company to continued success.’
Hickleys are probably best known for the supply of all types of diagnostic equipment where they are exclusive distributors for many leading brands including Advanced Diagnostics, Carman and Smokepro, plus UK distributors for many leading manufacturers such as Bosch, Brainbee, Delphi & Texa. This is in addition to their increasing national business in the supply and installation of Garage Equipment.
Robin continued “ our business is built on being able to offer “added value” and the more technical the problem the better, we have a team of highly skilled staff offering technical and product support and a team of engineers carrying out service, calibration and repair on all types of diagnostics and garage equipment. I believe another of our strengths is that we continually build our customer awareness, we advertise in the trade press heavily, have a vibrant website and can be seen at all the trade shows, in fact this year saw the launch of our own very successful trade show ‘Simply Diagnostics’.
My roots are in our Auto electrical technical service department and here we carry out many bespoke electrical installations such as climate control, engine control, comfort and entertainment for specialized vehicles, emergency vehicles and Motorhomes. Another of our successful divisions is our diesel fuel injection shop where we have invested heavily in the latest Common rail diesel test benches from Bosch and Delphi. Diesel repair is another niche area where technical ability and service levels makes all the difference.
We employ a great team and it is due to them that each year we achieve growth in our chosen markets, I am determined and confident that this will continue into the future”.