Steve Brown retires

19 December 2023

Steve Brown, Operations Director at Seddons Plant & Engineers and the founder of the original Brownpower Engineering generator and engine dealership, is to retire at the end of the year.

Taking over Steve’s role is Chris Derbyshire, who joined Seddons in October, as reported earlier on the blog. 

Steve entered the industry with engine supplier E.P. Barrus after having been an engineer with the Talbot and Cosworth automotive manufacturers, eventually becoming Technical Manager with responsibility for Yanmar diesel engines. 

In 1993, Steve established Brownpower based in Rugby and became a main dealer for Honda and many other brands. The business served many industries including hire, construction, leisure, events, motor sport and public sector organisations. 

Seddons acquired Brownpower in 2006. 

“The real highlight of my career has been the great people I have met and worked with including colleagues, suppliers and customers,” Steve told me. “I’ve made a lot of friends in the industry and enjoyed every minute. 

“And Seddons is a wonderful company to work for, a caring family-owned firm with loyal employees, some of whom have been with them 40 years.” 

Steve was made a Freeman of City of Coventry in 2018 for his services to engineering, stemming from his apprenticeship served there. 

He won’t be leaving the industry entirely, however, as he has established a consultancy business and he’s looking forward to meeting up with professionals at February's Executive Hire Show – being held, appropriately enough, in Coventry.