From Apprentice to Technical Leader: Celebrating Peter Hunnaball’s Remarkable 53‑Year Career with Woods in Colchester

At the age of two, Peter contracted polio, leaving him with a weak right leg and registered disabled. He speaks openly about how significant the company’s attitude has been throughout his life.

“I was never treated as disabled. I was given every opportunity. Not everyone with a disability experiences that, and I’ve always deeply appreciated it.”

Finding his passion in acoustics

The final year of his apprenticeship brought him to the acoustics lab—a turning point. He loved lab life appreciating how it brought engineering principles into real‑world application. His enthusiasm and capability led him to ultimately run the lab at the Colchester factory, where he spent the next 10 years.

The company sponsored him to complete his HNC, followed by a Diploma in Acoustics, enabling him to attend conferences and expand his knowledge further.

A desire for a fresh challenge led Peter into new territory. Sponsored once again by the company, he spent six years completing a BA in International Marketing. This marked the beginning of a new chapter: Project Manager.

“It was time to put on a suit, get smart, and get out and about.”

Peter became involved in major flagship projects, including:

• London’s Lime House Link
• The Jubilee Line Extension – the biggest job the company had ever taken on at the time and which meant taking on offices at Canary Wharf.
• International work in Australia (Sydney Harbour Bridge tunnel)
• Major site visits in China, working on mining ventilation projects

His work took him around the world, building a wide network of professional relationships and friendships—an experience he still treasures.

A mentor, a leader, and a lifelong learner

When asked about the achievements he is most proud of, Peter doesn’t mention the big projects, the travel, or the promotions. Instead, he speaks of the people.

“I’m proud of the good people I’ve met, learned from, and encouraged in their careers. It always gives me a buzz to learn something new - and to help others do the same.”

Supporting teams, applying deep knowledge to complex challenges, and helping others become confident decision‑makers all remain central to his current role in Technical Estimating Services.

Proud of the product

Peter has always held huge pride in the products FlaktGroup creates.

“We have excellent engineers and a diverse group of people. Many of the fans created decades ago are still running 50 years on.”

With the company’s latest partnership with Samsung, Peter sees another exciting chapter ahead:

“It should be a very exciting time for the company. We have a quality product, and we’ll be able to integrate well.”

Music is his passion

Now working part‑time, Peter remains an early riser. He starts the day in his home office in Dovercourt overlooking the garden, logging in to catch up with the team.  Married in 1981 he has a son, a daughter, and two grandchildren who he loves to spend time with.

Live music has been a lifelong passion and Peter and his wife still go to gigs when they can. One of his favourite memories is seeing Queen perform at the Woods Sports Club in 1973—alongside other big names of the era such as Sweet and Thin Lizzy.

From a 16‑year‑old apprentice to a globally experienced technical leader - Peter’s journey is woven deeply into the company’s history.

As he approaches 70, he reflects fondly on a career filled with growth, challenge, and connection:

“I still enjoy it, without a doubt. Retirement will come - but not yet.”