CU Phosco is pleased to introduce Tom Broadhead as the new General Manager of our Coleford factory. With a strong background in engineering and manufacturing, Tom is committed to operational excellence and fostering a culture of teamwork and continuous improvement. Having previously worked with big brands, such as Rolls-Royce and Airbus, he brings extensive experience in process optimisation and employee engagement. After taking a short travel break to reset and moving away from city life in Bristol to be closer to nature, Tom now enjoys Coleford’s Forest of Dean surroundings. In this Q&A, Tom shares insights into his career journey, his approach to leadership, and his vision for the Coleford facility.
Q: TOM, WELCOME TO THE CU PHOSCO TEAM! CAN YOU TELL US A LITTLE ABOUT YOUR BACKGROUND AND WHAT LED YOU TO THIS ROLE?
TOM: Thank you! My background is in engineering and manufacturing, with a strong focus on process optimisation and team development. I’ve had the opportunity to work with major companies like Rolls-Royce and Airbus, where I developed my expertise in improving operations and leading teams. After taking a short travel break to reset and reflect on my next steps, I was excited when the opportunity at CU Phosco came up. It felt like a great fit - both in terms of my expertise and my values. The company’s legacy, innovation, and commitment to its people and community really resonated with me.
Q: WHAT EXCITES YOU MOST ABOUT LEADING THE COLEFORD FACTORY?
TOM: The people. CU Phosco has a fantastic team at Coleford, and I’m excited to work alongside them to build on the factory’s success. I’m also looking forward to driving operational improvements and ensuring we continue delivering high-quality products. The addition of the Connected Urban Smart Pole assembly at Coleford is particularly exciting - it’s great to be part of a company that’s pushing forward with new innovations. Plus, having the forest right outside is a refreshing change from city life.
Q: WHAT DO YOU SEE AS YOUR KEY PRIORITIES IN THIS ROLE?
TOM: My first priority is to get to know the team - understanding their strengths, challenges, and ideas for improvement. I believe in fostering a collaborative environment where people feel empowered to contribute. Operationally, I’ll be focusing on efficiency, quality, safety and ensuring we’re set up for sustainable growth. One of the tools I plan to implement is 5S methodology, which helps create a more organised, efficient, and safer workplace by standardising processes and reducing waste. It’s a simple but powerful approach that can make a real difference in day-to-day operations.
Q: YOU’VE MENTIONED YOUR FOCUS ON PEOPLE - HOW DO YOU APPROACH LEADERSHIP?
TOM: I believe that people are at the heart of any successful organisation. My approach to leadership is to listen, support, and create an environment where individuals and teams can thrive. I see a lot of parallels between Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs and workplace culture - if people don’t feel secure, supported, and valued, it’s difficult for them to reach their full potential. That’s why I focus on building trust, open communication, and opportunities for growth. When people feel engaged and motivated, they do their best work.
Q: WHAT DO YOU ENJOY OUTSIDE OF WORK?
TOM: I love being outdoors, and since moving to this area, I’ve been enjoying the beautiful surroundings. I’m a keen cyclist, so having the Forest of Dean on my doorstep is fantastic. Keeping active and getting outside helps me recharge, and I also enjoy tackling engineering projects in my spare time. I’m always interested in learning new things and finding ways to apply engineering principles in different areas of life.
Q: FINALLY, WHAT’S YOUR MESSAGE TO THE CU PHOSCO TEAM?
TOM: I’m really looking forward to getting to know everyone and working together to build on the great work already happening at Coleford. This is an exciting time for CU Phosco, and I’m proud to be part of the journey. Let’s keep pushing forward together!