Explore Gill Group’s customer-centric approach to research and development
For over four decades, Gill has been quietly shaping the future of environmental and industrial measurement. Founded on a passion for engineering and a commitment to solving real-world problems, this family-owned business has grown into a global leader in high-performance solid-state sensor technology. Today, Gill’s products are trusted across sectors as diverse as meteorology, motorsport, agriculture, marine, and utilities – delivering precision, reliability, and resilience in some of the world’s harshest environments.
At the heart of Gill’s success is a culture of innovation and agility. “We’ve always believed in doing things the right way,” says Alan Brooke, Chief Executive Officer. “That means staying close to our customers, understanding their challenges, and engineering solutions that make a meaningful difference.”
A legacy of innovation
Gill’s story began with founder Mike Gill, an engineer driven by curiosity and a desire to build better solutions. After a successful career developing award-winning products for leading companies, Mike and his wife Lesley established Gill in Lymington, Hampshire. Over the years, they launched and sold several ventures, but the original Gill business remained the cornerstone – anchored by values of quality, creativity, and customer-centricity.
Now in the hands of the second generation, with the founders still offering guidance, Gill continues to evolve while staying true to its roots. “Being family-owned gives us the freedom to be flexible and responsive,” Alan explains. “We’re not bound by corporate bureaucracy. We can move quickly, think creatively, and focus on what really matters -our customers.”
A Group built on expertise
Gill operates through five distinct but interconnected business entities:
Gill Instruments: Specializing in environmental measurement, this division develops advanced sensors for wind speed & direction, precipitation, humidity, and more, used by meteorologists, researchers, and infrastructure planners worldwide
Gill Sensors: Focused on industrial applications, this arm supplies cutting-edge technology for motorsports, agriculture, and manufacturing. From oil debris condition monitoring to fluids tracking, Gill Sensors ensures systems perform flawlessly in high-stakes environments like Formula One.Gill Research & Development (Gill R&D): The innovation engine of the group, Gill R&D works closely with customers to identify pain points and engineer bespoke solutions. It serves as the design authority for the entire organization, incubating new ideas and transforming them into market-ready products
Labcal: Acquired in 2014, Labcal provides calibration services both internally and to third-party clients. Its precision and reliability underpin Gill’s commitment to quality assurance
Gill Corporate Inc.: Launching officially in Q4 2025, this new venture marks a strategic expansion into the US market. With dedicated sales, product management, and engineering teams based stateside, Gill is strengthening its presence in its largest market and deepening its customer relationships
Global growth, local voices
Gill’s international expansion is driven by a clear goal: to hear the voice of the customer more directly and respond with greater speed and precision. “We’re investing in local teams because proximity matters,” Alan explains. “Understanding the nuances of each market helps us design better solutions.”
To support this, Gill has made significant investments in localising its sales and product management functions. In the United States, the company has recruited regional sales professionals and embedded product managers who work closely with customers to capture feedback and translate it into actionable insights. Similarly, in the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region, Gill is building out its commercial and technical footprint to better serve local markets and accelerate responsiveness.
“These roles are not just about selling,” Alan notes. “They’re about listening – really listening – to what our customers are experiencing and ensuring that their needs shape our development roadmap. It’s a strategic move that strengthens our innovation pipeline and ensures we’re solving the right problems.”
Recognition through partnership
Gill’s commitment to international collaboration and customer-driven innovation was recently recognised with Gill Instruments receiving the prestigious King’s Award for Enterprise in International Trade. This honour reflects not only the company’s sustained export growth but also the strength of its global customer relationships.
“We see this award as a shared achievement,” Alan says. “It’s a testament to the trust our customers place in us, and to the partnerships we’ve built across markets. Their feedback, loyalty, and collaboration have been instrumental in shaping our success.”
Customer-centric by design
Gill’s approach to innovation is rooted in empathy and collaboration. Rather than designing products in isolation, the company works hand-in-hand with customers to understand their operational challenges. “We don’t just engineer what we think the market needs,” Alan says. “We listen to what’s not working, what’s causing friction, and we build solutions that address those pain points.”
This philosophy has led Gill to create niche market segments and deliver products that competitors often overlook. It’s a strategy that requires deep market understanding, strong relationships, and a willingness to invest in people and infrastructure.
Powered by people
Behind every innovation is a team of talented, dedicated professionals. Gill’s people are central to its success, and their wellbeing is a top priority. “We’re a family business, and that ethos runs through everything we do,” Alan emphasizes. “Health and safety isn’t just a policy – it’s a culture.”
In 2024, Gill achieved ISO 45001 certification, formalizing its already robust health and safety practices. The company actively solicits feedback from employees, continuously improving working conditions and fostering a supportive environment. “Culture is what happens when I’m not in the room,” Alan reflects. “At Gill, I know people look out for each other.”
Engineering the future
Gill’s enduring legacy is built on a simple but powerful idea: technology should solve problems, not create them. By staying agile, investing in innovation, and putting people first, the company continues to push the boundaries of what is possible in environmental and industrial measurement.
As Gill enters its next chapter – with expanded global reach, award-winning export performance, and a renewed focus on customer-driven solutions – it remains committed to the principles that have guided it from the start: integrity, ingenuity, and impact.