1986 The Beginning

Hopespare was incorporated on 1st May 1986 by founder Peter Willson. Similar to many great businesses, it began at home, with a back bedroom serving as the office and the garage designated as the warehouse. Peter was soon joined by the company’s first employee, a local school leaver, as they began building something from the ground up.

1986 (Later) First Move

With operations expanding the company relocated to a small, rented space within a larger factory on Maylands Avenue, Hemel Hempstead having secured its first customers, including a ready-mix concrete firm, utilising hydraulically based tilting mixers, and a manufacturer of refuse disposal vehicles. This phase marked the beginning of Hopespare's industrial presence and its continuous engagement with the Hemel business community.

1988 Growth at Mark Road

As business developed, Hopespare moved to Mark Road, Hemel Hempstead. The new premises which offered the extended facilities of a ground-floor warehouse and first floor office space. The team expanded to seven people, and the company was rapidly establishing a reputation for dependability and technical proficiency.

1994 Return to Maylands

As the business experienced growth and requiring additional space, Hopespare relocated to Maylands Avenue, this time into a significantly larger facility. This relocation allowed for the expansion of operations and the ability to serve an increasing customer base across various industries.

1996 Retail Innovation: First ParkerStore in Europe

Hopespare took a bold leap by entering the retail and trade counter sector, opening the very first ParkerStore in Europe. Based in Watford, this shopfront offered over-the-counter service to customers requiring hydraulic hose replacements and components on demand. This pioneer shopfront became the prototype, setting the standard for others to follow.

1999 Interfit Hydraulics Acquired

With the acquisition of Interfit Hydraulics, together with its three locations converted into a ParkerStore significantly increased Hopespare’s reach and capability to serve a broader range of customers locally and efficiently.

2000 HoseDoctor: Service on the Move

Hopespare launched its fleet of HoseDoctor vans, offering a mobile on-site replacement service for hydraulic hose— 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. This service revolutionised how hydraulic emergencies could be managed, providing fast, mobile support whenever and wherever it was needed.

2002 Further Expansion

This period saw Hopespare strengthening its core services and supplier routes including the strategic acquisition in 2002 of West London Hydraulics.

2009 A Test of Resilience

Disaster struck when a major fire destroyed the Head Office, Hemel Hempstead site. Although this was not the company’s first brush with adversity this was the most significant challenge to date necessitating another move. relocating to a new, modern home and our current premises at McDonald Business Park, Hemel Hempstead. This has been the company’s base ever since.

2014 Trade Counter Expansion

A further acquisition of the company formerly known as FEP based in Aylesbury provided us with the opportunity to open an additional ParkerStore enhancing the services offered to our customer base across the South East.

2015 Systems Division Launch

Hopespare launched its Hydraulic Systems Division, expanding from supply and repair into full hydraulic design, installation, maintenance and servicing. This strategic move allowed the company to support major infrastructure projects and long-term contracts, both in the UK and abroad.

2020 Covid

This marked a difficult era and was faced by every industry not only UK based but throughout the world. For us, the company navigated the challenges of Covid exceptionally well continuing to support essential services with only one branch temporarily closing for a few days. Throughout the pandemic, our staff received their full salaries despite the difficulties associated with furlough and we are proud to say Hopespare emerged from the Covid crisis as robust as it was at its onset.

2024 A New Generation Leads the Way

In May 2024, founder Peter Willson stepped back from day-to-day operations to become Non-Executive Director. Leadership passed to the next generation, setting the stage for continued growth and innovation with Nick Willson becoming Managing Director and Tim Willson taking on the role of Sales and Marketing Director working alongside Andrew Woods as Operations director, Jennie Boyce as Finance Director and Nigel Kingham as Hydraulic Systems Director.

2025 Today

Today, Hopespare is a respected name in the hydraulics sector — recognised for its technical proficiency, prompt service, and family-orientated philosophy. From a single garage, it has evolved into a multi-site operation featuring ParkerStores, HoseDoctor vans, and a dedicated and specialised systems division. The company’s progression reflects a continuous trajectory of advancement and genuine heartfelt dedication from everyone involved. The story is not over — it is a new era which is just beginning!!