Phill Gower, CSE Technical Lead
Welcome to “Life at Captec,” where we shine a spotlight on the incredible individuals who make our company thrive. This time, we’re featuring a long-standing team member whose journey began as an apprentice in 1985. From mastering multiple roles to playing a key part in Captec’s growth, his hands-on approach has been invaluable. Outside of work, he keeps busy with community projects, home improvements, and even making his own pork pies and sausages. When it’s time to unwind, you’ll find him choosing between a mountain bike and a fast car—whichever suits the weather best!
Phill Gower | CSE Technical Lead
Professional Journey
Tell us about your journey at Captec
My journey at Captec started in 1985. As a boy, I was always practical. My family was closely associated with the scouting movement and I ended up with a Chief Scout award and Duke of Edinburgh Gold award having trudged around a very wet Dartmoor and walked the Pennine Way in the pouring rain.
By chance, my scout master was the works manager for a local company that produced tobacco threshing equipment and Cove Industrial supplied them with sheet metal and machined parts. He provided me an introduction to the owner of Cove Industries, and I started an apprenticeship in August 1985. I progressed through ONC and HNC qualifications. At that time there was only about 10 employees so when the manager left, I quickly had to learn a wide variety of roles ranging from manufacturing, welding, processing payroll, purchasing and everything in between.
By 1996 we had doubled in size and had outgrown our premises behind a row of shops in Cove, and we bought the premises we currently occupy in Invincible Road (named after ‘The Invincible’ Steam engine that currently operates on the Isle of Wight steam railway, but previously serviced the Royal Aircraft Establishment in Farnborough.)
By 1998 we acquired a competitor that had gone bust and in 2000 another under similar circumstances which provided our in house paint shop capability.
By 2019, the retirement of the owner facilitated the sale of the company to Captec.
Work Inspiration
What motivates you at work (apart from coffee!)?
My motivation for work is the need to keep busy. I’m a natural impatient fidget, so I always need to be doing something. Quite often this is work related, but sometimes this has involved ambitious home improvement projects including welding the steelwork for our house extension.
Personal Interests
When you’re not working, what keeps you busy?
When not working, I like to keep busy with various community and charity organisations including a local nature reserve, a local civic society and some support work with the local Lions Club assisting with fundraising activities such as annual Christmas Festivities, Fireworks and town carnival in the summer.
Hobbies include pork pie and sausage making (yes, really) and opening the garage door to make a decision between a mountain bike and a big fast car – either of which comes out occasionally if the weather is good enough.
Life Beyond Work
How do you unwind after a busy day at work?
After a long day, I love going for a run or heading to the gym. It helps clear my mind, and I always feel re-energised afterward. I also enjoy reading and cooking (not baking I’m a terrible baker).
Fun Fact
What is your idea of a perfect holiday?
My idea of a perfect holiday is high altitude alpine walking in the Swiss Alps surrounded by mountains and Swiss Raclette cheese, and away from telephones!
Considering a Life at Captec?
We have created a dynamic, progressive and friendly work environment for our employees to ensure we encourage and support their ambitions.
