30 years at Moorgate: A chat with Neil Brook
This year, we’re celebrating a major milestone – Managing Director Neil Brook’s 30 years with Moorgate. Since joining in 1993, Neil has played a key role in growing Moorgate into a trusted name in materials handling across West Yorkshire. Through the years, we’ve stayed true to our roots as a family business, always focusing on providing dependable service and expert forklift solutions our customers can rely on.
To mark the occasion, we spoke to Neil to look back on the past 30 years and hear more about the moments, lessons and values that have shaped Moorgate along the way.
Taking the helm
In 1993, Neil joined Moorgate in a sales role, focused on growing the company’s customer base. It wasn’t long before he saw the potential to make the business his own. “I originally was approached by the existing owner of Moorgate back in 1993 to join the company and grow the customer base through sales and hire of forklifts. I then worked with the current owner and purchased the business in August 1995,” Neil says. “The reason for the purchase was to have a business of my own where I could build upon the existing foundations and maintain the solid reputation that still exists today.”
“Running my own business was always a long-term goal for me when I was an apprentice forklift engineer, and being able to achieve this and still be involved in an industry that I chose to enter from school is the best part of working at Moorgate.”
Through the years
“We’ve had our share of highs and lows,” Neil says. “Different governments, the economy, recessions, the pandemic. I guess we have either been very lucky, or we have managed the business well enough to overcome such tribulations. Being modest, I would suggest it’s the latter!”
One of the big moments came when Moorgate outgrew its original home in Yeadon. “I suppose my proudest moment was when we purchased our own premises at Rothwell,” Neil reflects. “This allowed us more workshop space, to carry more sales stock and increase our casual hire fleet. Since the business was purchased in 1995, we have seen the business outgrow our base in Yeadon and move to larger premises in Rothwell. We are now three times the size we were then and continue to grow year on year.”
The industry today
The forklift industry has seen its fair share of changes over the last 30 years, especially when it comes to technology. “Changes in technology are driving forklifts in a more economical direction, with advances in power sources meaning there are now more options like lithium batteries available,” Neil says. “But most of all, I believe the biggest change is how businesses view forklifts these days. Customers now recognise that forklifts are an integral part of their business. They know it’s not just about having the right truck – it’s also about regular servicing, health and safety inspections and making sure drivers have the right training.”
The Moorgate family
What’s kept Neil excited about coming to work for over 30 years? The people around him. “The staff we have here at Moorgate, we’re all like a family,” he says. “After 30+ years, it is still a pleasure to get out of bed and come to work.”
When Neil talks about Moorgate being a family business, he means it. Today, the company is truly a family affair, with the next generation already playing a part in shaping Moorgate’s future. This combination of family values and professional expertise has created a close-knit team that understands what really matters to customers.
That family approach extends to how we work with our customers too. Since day one, Neil’s been clear about Moorgate’s priorities “We’ve always aimed to offer an excellent service to all our customers, old and new alike, while adding to our customer base.” It’s an approach that’s served us well – many of our customers have been with us for decades, becoming part of the extended Moorgate family themselves.
Looking forward
After three decades, Neil’s still learning something new every day. When asked about the lessons he’s picked up as Managing Director, he says, “The day I stop learning is the day I retire!” And as for what’s next for Moorgate? “More of the same! Watch this space.”
From those early days in 1993 to growing into a trusted forklift partner for businesses across West Yorkshire, a lot has changed at Moorgate. But we’re proud that the important things – honest service, expertise and treating people right – have stayed exactly the same.
Need to discuss your materials handling requirements? Our friendly team is always happy to help. Please get in touch to find out how we can support your business.
