Meet the Team

Gary Edkins

Managing Director

Gary left school in 1985 and completed his fabrication apprenticeship with Country Forge in Staffordshire. Once qualified there were very few welding opportunities, so he and Claire relocated to Mid Wales in 1990. Here, he joined Phillip working long hours as the sole fabricator with Philip on sales and his then-wife, Janet, painting the grids when needed. Over the years Gary took on more responsibility; running the workshop, dealing with sales and eventually when Philips property in the Caribbean was completed, running the business. There is no aspect of the business that Gary doesn't know inside out. His knowledge of cattle and deer grids is unmatched and his expertise when dealing with unusual grid installations and specialist work is what keeps Hopkins at the top of their game. In his spare time, Gary enjoys volunteering down at the local golf club and spending time with friends and family.

Ryan Edkins

Operations Director

Ryan started his career in a completely different field of work, football. After a successful career as a youth playing for Shrewsbury, TNS and Wales U18’s he was offered a scholarship in the States but due to injuries he had fallen out of love with the game and decided to return home in 2014. In July 2015 he joined the company as a trainee fabricator and completed his Level 3 Award in MIG Welding. He has worked in all areas of the workshop to gain experience across the business as it was always his intention to follow in his dad’s footsteps. In January 2020 Ryan adopted a more involved role in the office working alongside Gary and learning the ropes from the other side of the door. As of February 2022, Ryan has taken on the role of Operations Director and now runs the business day to day with Gary acting in a consulting role. In his spare time, Ryan enjoys spending his time with Sadie, his fiancé, and his little boy, Finley.

Claire Edkins

Finance Director

Claire started her career at Midland Bank (Now HSBC) and rose through the ranks to Commercial Manager before deciding on a career change where she retrained to become an Accountant. In 2004, Claire joined a local firm, Morgan Griffiths LLP as a Partner dealing with a wide range of agricultural and commercial clients. In 2015, Claire decided to become more involved at Hopkins Cattle Grids Ltd and became Finance Director in 2016 for the company. She brings a wealth of experience in the finance world and, being Gary’s wife, keeps him in check when need be. In her spare time, Claire enjoys relaxing on the sofa with a book in hand and Bert, the family dog, on her lap.

Andrew George

Lead Fabricator

Andrew joined us in January 2020 after Ryan took his role in the office leaving a void out in the workshop. He brings years of fabricating experience from his time before us making steel frame buildings for a local firm. Andrew has progressed incredibly well here and as of April 2023 has become Lead Fabricator which he takes great pride in doing. Since joining, Andy has been a part of some fantastic projects and continues to strive for excellence in everything he does. In his spare time, Andrew is a keen supporter of Manchester United and enjoys spending time with his partner, Sophie.

Richard Fitch

Fabricator

Richard is one of the longest serving members of staff after joining us in April 2005. Since then, he has put his hand to 1000’s of grids located across the country. “Fitch” as he is known in the workshop is not afraid to turn his hand to any grid fabrication and holds a wealth of experience in the factory which comes in handy for bespoke grids. We treasure his loyalty to the company and hope he continues his work for many years to come. In his spare time Fitch enjoys spending time with his wife Natasha and kids.

Spencer Walker

Fabricator

Spencer joined us in July 2020 as a part-time workshop operative where he showed great promise during this time and shortly went on to become an apprentice fabricator in April 2022. He completed his Performing Engineering Operations certificate and became a full-time fabricator here at Hopkins Cattle Grids Ltd. Spencer has come on leaps and bounds since joining here and will turn his hand to any task, he has become a fantastic welder and is a real treasure to the company. In his spare time, Spencer is a keen fisherman and loves spending his time with his girlfriend Jen and the newest member of his family, baby George.

Dominic Walker

Fabricator

Dom, the younger brother of Spencer joined us in May 2023 as a trainee fabricator, he has little experience in the industry but is proving very capable after a matter of weeks. He has progressed incredibly well, and we see him fitting perfectly in the workforce. In his spare time, Dom likes fixing up cars and spending time with his girlfriend Sophie.

Josh Eborn

Fabricator

Josh joined the team in January 2024. With him, he brings a wealth of experience from 13 years welding & fabricating. Josh started his career in South Wales, but luckily for us he relocated here in December 2023! In his spare time, Josh enjoys watching rugby and spending time with his girlfriend Becky.

Georgia Humphreys

Personal Assistant

Georgia joined us in February 2024. She is based in our office, and loves a cuppa and a chat! You are always guaranteed a friendly face when visiting our yard in Newtown. In her spare time, Georgia likes spending time with her husband Sam, and little boy Teddy.

Our History...

Find out more about the history of Hopkins Cattle Grids, from where we started to how we became one of the country's leading manufacturers of cattle grids.

Meet the Team

Gary Edkins

Managing Director

Ryan Edkins

Operations Director

Claire Edkins

Finance Director

Andrew George

Lead Fabricator

Richard Fitch

Fabricator

Spencer Walker

Fabricator

Dominic Walker

Fabricator

Josh Eborn

Fabricator

Georgia Humphreys

Personal Assistant

Our History...

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