International Women’s Day this year provided an opportunity for us to highlight the experiences, careers and perspectives of women working across the Grayson business.
Across the week, we shared a series of short interviews and features on our social channels, speaking with colleagues from manufacturing, engineering programme delivery, HR, finance and customer support. Each shared their own journey into the industry, reflections on their roles today, and thoughts for women considering careers in technical and industrial sectors.
The series offered a chance to recognise the people behind the business while also sharing their insights with the wider industry.
Manufacturing Experience and Industry Perspective
One of the first features in the series introduced Lorraine O’Rourke, Site Manager, who has been part of the Grayson team for over twenty years.
In the interview, Lorraine reflects on her long career in manufacturing, the changes she has seen in the industry over the years, and the skills and perspectives women bring to production environments that are sometimes overlooked.
She also shares advice for young women considering careers in engineering and manufacturing, encouraging them not to be discouraged by perceptions of the sector.
Supporting Customers Across a Global Fleet
The series also featured Leanne Shenton-Smith, Head of Aftermarket, who has been supporting customers and operators across the Grayson network for more than fifteen years.
Leanne’s career has developed alongside the growth of the business. Beginning in an administrative role, she built extensive knowledge of both the industry and our customer base before progressing into her current leadership position.
In the feature, she discusses her experience working in a customer-facing role and offers advice to women interested in careers within operations, aftermarket support and customer services.
Supporting the People Behind the Business
We also heard from Kelly Bennet, Head of HR and Assistant to the Board, who plays a central role in supporting the people and culture that underpin the organisation.
Kelly reflects on her time at Grayson, the opportunities she has had to develop her career, and how HR supports colleagues across a technical and manufacturing environment.
She also shares her perspective for young women considering careers in HR within engineering or industrial organisations.
Delivering Complex Engineering Programmes
Louise Owens, Programme Manager, spoke about her role coordinating engineering programmes across the business.
Programme management plays a key role in ensuring projects move successfully from concept through development and into delivery. Louise works closely with teams across the organisation to keep programmes aligned, coordinated and on schedule.
In the interview, she explains what successful programme delivery looks like in practice and reflects on her experience working in the sector.
Financial Leadership and Business Strategy
The final feature in the series highlighted Tracy McLellan, Finance Director, who leads the financial strategy of the business.
Working closely with teams across the organisation, Tracy helps translate financial insight into practical decisions that support sustainable growth and long-term planning.
In the interview, she shares her career journey into financial leadership and offers advice for women interested in building careers in finance within engineering and industrial sectors.
Reflecting on the Series
The International Women’s Day series gave us an opportunity to highlight the range of careers that exist across the business, from manufacturing and programme delivery through to customer support, HR and finance.
While each colleague’s journey is different, a common theme runs through their stories: experience, collaboration and the value of diverse perspectives across the organisation.
You can watch all of the interviews below and explore more content from the Grayson team on our YouTube channel and our LinkedIn.
This May, Grayson Thermal Systems’ Engineering Director Ram Gokal will share his expert insights at the 8th Design & Development of Zero-Emission Off-Highway Machinery Europe (DZOM EU 2026). His session, “Rethinking Thermal Management: The Integrated Path to Smarter, More Efficient Electrified Machinery”, will bring system-level thermal architecture to the forefront of the industry conversation.
In a sector where rising thermal loads and increasingly complex system interaction are reshaping engineering priorities, Ram’s talk aims to give off-highway OEMs and Tier 1 suppliers a clear, practical lens through which to re-evaluate their thermal strategies for next-generation machinery.
As part of our wider involvement in the event, Grayson is proud to support DZOM EU 2026 as a Gold Sponsor, reinforcing our commitment to advancing integrated thermal solutions across off-highway and power-generation applications.
Why it's time to embrace a new approach
As electrification accelerates across the off-highway sector, so too does the complexity of managing multiple thermal loads. Batteries, inverters, motors, fuel-cell stacks, hydraulics and cabin HVAC increasingly operate as interdependent subsystems. Traditional cooling strategies, designed for isolated, combustion-based thermal profiles, often struggle to keep pace.
Engineering teams are now facing questions such as:
How do we balance multiple, dynamic thermal loads efficiently?
How can we reduce dependence on oversized components and redundant cooling loops?
How do we simplify complexity while improving performance and TCO?
Ram’s keynote addresses these challenges head-on, offering a structured view of how integrated thermal architectures can support more efficient, reliable and capable machinery.
Inside Ram Gokal's conference session
Ram’s session will provide engineering teams with practical, real-world insights into rethinking thermal strategy at a system level.
Key themes include:
Why traditional ICE-based cooling methods are no longer sufficient
The critical role of intelligent software in balancing competing thermal demands
Opportunities for heat recovery, efficiency gains and improved TCO
A real-world case study demonstrating measurable improvements in a high-demand off-highway application.
Ram’s approach blends first-principles engineering with practical application, giving teams clarity on how to design thermal systems that scale, perform and improve the overall efficiency of their machinery.
Meet the Grayson team in Berlin
Throughout DZOM EU 2026, the Grayson team will be available to discuss current challenges, future programmes and opportunities to apply integrated thermal thinking to new and existing platforms.
Ram Gokal, Engineering Director at Grayson Thermal Systems, is a recognised automotive technology leader with extensive experience in vehicle engineering, systems integration and energy management. He specialises in whole-vehicle system design, applying mechanical, electrical, software and controls disciplines to create efficient and scalable solutions for complex applications.
Before joining Grayson, Ram co-founded Innervated Vehicle Engineering, where he led the development of a modular hydrogen fuel-cell power pack, reinforcing his belief that true performance gains are achieved at the system level, not through isolated component optimisation.
Brussels, Belgium October 2025
This year’s Busworld Europe was more than just a showcase of new technology for us. It was an opportunity to connect, collaborate, and see how our latest innovations can help shape the future of zero-emission transport.
Held in Brussels from 6-9 October, the event brought together manufacturers, partners, forward-thinkers and more from across the globe. For Grayson, it marked a milestone moment: the official launch of our RM-Series, alongside the debut of our CM-Series and PE1 Cooler – a combination that’s redefining efficiency and reliability for electric and hydrogen buses.
Innovation on Show
Throughout the week, Head of Sales & Marketing Europe, Matthew Hateley, led demonstrations of our systems in action – particularly our new RM-Series, explaining how it delivers a complete, rooftop-mounted solution to some of the industry’s biggest challenges – efficiency, weight, and cost-effectiveness.
He also introduced visitors to our Chassis-Mounted (CM-Series) CTMS and how it can be paired with our PE1 cooler to create a reliable, efficient solution for OEMs.
“All of this means you get more performance, less worry – and a future-proof solution for zero-emission transport,” said Matthew.
A Team Effort
It wasn’t just the technology that stood out – it was the people behind it. Throughout the week, our team of engineers and sales representatives, along with Aftermarket Director, Ian Hateley, and Managing Director, Stuart Hateley, were on hand to engage in discussions about our product range and future vision.
Together, they ensured that every aspect of our product and thermal solutions were thoroughly explored. Across four busy days, the stand buzzed with insightful conversations, new connections, and shared ideas. From long-standing partners to curious new collaborators, every discussion reinforced the importance of working together to build smarter, more sustainable vehicles.
When asked to summarise the week in two words, the team’s answers said it all:
“Collaborative”, “Insightful”, and “Relationships”.
You can find the video below and more on our YouTube channel.
Our Area Sales Manager, Monika Mitura, gave visitors an overview of the products on the stand, highlighting the range of components and systems on display – a portfolio of 800V and 24V components and systems engineered to support next-generation zero-emission vehicles, each designed to simplify integration and boost efficiency for OEMs.
•Electric Water Pump CP2-800V DC – Canned electric water pump delivering powerful, maintenance-free performance in a compact and lightweight design.
• Aux Heat EW3-800V DC and EW4-800V DC – Compact, variable-output PTC electric water heaters delivering 7 kW and 10 kW respectively.
• Sensor TC1-24V DC – Combined ambient air temperature and CO₂ sensor.
• Controller CA2-24V DC – Driver HMI control panels for heating and air conditioning applications.
Interested in seeing all our product videos displayed at Busworld and more? See our Playlist on YouTube to get a more detailed look – in one place.
Behind the Scenes
And because no major event goes entirely to plan, we shared a lighter side too – our Busworld bloopers reel captured all the behind-the-scenes moments that didn’t quite make the show floor. After days of preparation and countless takes, it was a reminder that it doesn’t always go right the first time – even if you’re as prepared as us.
You can have a look at the video at the video here!
Looking Ahead
Busworld 2025 reminded us why collaboration is at the heart of everything we do. We left Brussels energised by the conversations, partnerships, and possibilities that lie ahead – and proud to see our new systems driving genuine progress in electrified transport.
To everyone who visited the stand, shared ideas, and joined the discussion – thank you.
We’re already looking forward to seeing you again at Busworld 2027.
Imagine what’s possible.
We’re proud to announce our new role as Lead Player Sponsor for the 2025 season at Knowle & Dorridge Cricket Club – one of Warwickshire’s most historic and respected community sports clubs.
Founded in 1898 through the merger of Knowle and Dorridge village teams, the club has long been a fixture of the local sporting landscape. From its modest beginnings with a tent as its pavilion to today’s renowned facilities at Station Road, K&D has grown into a centre of cricketing excellence. It now regularly competes in top-level amateur competitions and has hosted county and minor championship matches on one of the region’s most admired pitches.
Hamza Shaikh
A rising star in English cricket, Hamza is a Warwickshire Academy graduate and current England U19 international. Having just turned 18, he’s already shown immense promise, debuting for Warwickshire’s senior side in 2022 and starring in the 2023 U19 Quadrangular Series in India, where he top-scored with 464 runs, including two centuries. Hamza brings both talent and maturity to the K&D first XI – a perfect example of the bright future of English cricket. We’re excited to support his continued development.
Ethan Brookes
Ethan began his cricketing journey as a junior with Knowle & Dorridge Cricket Club and has steadily climbed the ranks to now represent Worcestershire County Cricket Club — one of the eighteen first-class county clubs in the domestic cricket structure of England and Wales. An accomplished all-rounder and 2024 T20 Player of the Season, his contributions have been pivotal across all formats. His leadership on the field and consistent performances continue to energise the squad and inspire the next generation of players.
Sophie Mitchell
Sophie has been part of the K&D Cricket Club since her early playing days, progressing through the ranks from junior level to being named club captain in 2025. Now studying at Loughborough University, she continues to develop her game and has spent the winter training with the first team, honing her skills as K&D’s opening batter.
Lucy Marlow
Lucy joined K&D five years ago at under-10 level and has grown into a talented all-rounder, delivering impact with both bat and ball. A left-arm pace bowler, she delivered a standout performance last season for the Women’s 1XI against Leamington, taking 5 wickets for 0 runs in just 3 overs. With a highest score of 87 for Warwickshire against Northamptonshire, Lucy continues to demonstrate her strength and potential on the field.
A Club On The Rise
As of mid-May 2025, the Men’s team have won four of their last five games. The Women’s team also came out on top, with both Lucy and Sophie having significant involvement – a testament to the strength of the squad and the momentum building within the club.
James Hateley, Grayson Supply Chain Director, said: “It’s been a real pleasure working with Knowle & Dorridge Cricket Club on this partnership. As a local business, we’re always looking for ways to support our community and the next generation – and K&D is a fantastic example of grassroots sport done right.
“This sponsorship is a great opportunity to back emerging talent and contribute to a club that’s built on teamwork, development, and passion for the game. We’re proud to support Ethan, Hamza, Sophie, and Lucy this season, and we’ll be cheering them on throughout.”
We believe in uniting communities and nurturing the values of teamwork, care, and courage. Supporting local talent, especially in such a respected club with deep roots in its community, aligns perfectly with our own values.
This partnership marks another step in our ongoing commitment to giving back to the people and places we’re proud to call home. We look forward to an exciting season ahead and to cheering on our sponsored talents alongside the entire Knowles & Dorridge team from the boundary.
We understand the impact downtime can have, not just on performance, but on our customers’ operations and reputation. That’s why quality, compliance, and continuous improvement remain at the heart of everything we do. Our rigorous standards ensure every product and process meets the highest expectations, every time. As part of our long-standing commitment to raising standards, we’re proud to announce that Grayson has been awarded two new ISO certifications:
These sit in addition to our existing ISO 9001:2015 Quality Management System and VCA approval, reinforcing our focus on product reliability, environmental responsibility and data security across every project and partnership.
We’ve also expanded our VCA approval to include UNECE regulations 155 and 156 (commonly known as R155 and R156), reflecting the growing importance of cybersecurity and software update compliance in our sector. As vehicle and energy systems evolve, we’re staying ahead of regulatory change and customer expectations.
Regular manufacturing audits, coupled with F-Gas and high-voltage certification for all relevant operatives, ensure that our people and processes meet the highest standards of safety and precision.
Our certifications aren’t just about ticking boxes – they reflect our commitment to customers, guided by our core values of care, curiosity and courage. As technology continues to evolve and customer needs grow more complex, we remain focused on pushing our standards even higher – investing in people, systems and processes that deliver confidence, every time.
Grayson Thermal Systems is pleased to announce the appointment of Tracy McLellan as Group Financial Director, effective 1st April 2025. Tracy will succeed Bernard Szypulski, who has served as Group Financial Director since 2001 and will transition to a new role as Board Advisor.
Tracy McLellan joined Grayson in 2019 as Financial Controller and has since overseen the company’s financial operations through several challenging and fast-moving periods. Her expertise and leadership have been key in maintaining Grayson’s financial resilience during the COVID-19 pandemic and global supply chain disruptions, while enabling continued investment and expansion.
Tracy commented: “I’m honoured to be stepping into the role of Group Financial Director and excited to join the board at such a pivotal time. It’s a privilege to be part of Grayson’s continued journey of growth, and I look forward to building on the strong foundations already in place.”
Bernard has played a pivotal role in Grayson’s journey over the past two decades, helping to guide the business through a period of sustained growth, international expansion, and continued investment in innovation. His leadership has been instrumental in securing key funding initiatives that have supported the Group’s capital programmes, product development, and operational scale-up.
Over the coming 10 months, Bernard and Tracy will work together to ensure a seamless leadership transition and continued financial stability across the Group.
Stuart Hateley, Managing Director of Grayson Thermal Systems, commented: “Bernard’s contribution to Grayson over more than 20 years has been outstanding. His financial leadership helped shape the business we are today, and I’m delighted he will continue to support us as a Board Advisor. Tracy’s appointment reflects the depth of talent within our team and her ability to lead with the same strategic focus and clarity as we continue to grow. I’m confident in a smooth transition and look forward to what’s ahead.”
This change marks an important step in Grayson’s long-term succession planning as the business continues to grow its footprint across Europe and North America, supporting OEMs with advanced thermal management solutions for electric, hydrogen, hybrid, and conventional vehicle platforms.
We’re proud to launch a new internal spotlight series titled – The Hot Seat – a behind-the-scenes look at the people, roles, and stories that power our business.
Designed to provide a deeper understanding of our team and company culture, The Hot Seat will feature interviews with staff across departments, starting with our Engineering division. Each edition will highlight the unique journeys, technical expertise, and personal passions that shape our team and define Grayson’s identity.
Engineering has long been at the heart of Grayson’s innovation. From pioneering thermal systems to optimising HVAC performance for zero-emission transport, the team’s work touches nearly every part of the business. The Hot Seat will give them – and later, departments – a platform to share their experiences in their own words.
In each interview, team members will reflect on how their careers have evolved, what drives them professionally, and the skills they bring to their roles. But The Hot Seat goes further, exploring the people behind the titles – what they enjoy outside of work, the hobbies that keep them balanced, and the values that have brought them and continue to keep them at Grayson.
Matthew Hateley, Head of Sales and Marketing, commented:
“Grayson has grown significantly over the last few years, and with that growth comes a mixture of new and long-standing faces, ideas, and perspectives. The Hot Seat is a way of bringing those voices forward. It’s about shining a light on the talent and dedication that make our progress possible and develop that level of trust for our partners.”
Watch our first entry here:
The Hot Seat – Kevin, Design Engineer
Episodes from The Hot Seat will be shared via our LinkedIn and YouTube channel. Each one aims to strengthen our internal culture while also providing customers, partners, and future team members with a more human view of the business.
As the series unfolds, we’ll continue to showcase the diversity of experience within Grayson, both in terms of technical knowledge and life stories. It’s a reflection of who we are: a business built on innovation and heritage, powered by people.
Stay tuned as we launch our first interviews from the Engineering team in the next few days. Sign up to our newsletter to see who’s in The Hot Seat.
On the 20th of February 2025, we were proud to attend the official launch of the Wrightbus Streetdeck Hydroliner Gen 2.0 – the latest hydrogen double-deck bus, setting new standards for zero-emission public transport.
The event marked the culmination of a four-year, part-government-funded project designed to drive innovation and accelerate the transition to clean hydrogen-powered mobility.
As the specialist HVAC and thermal management partner, Grayson Thermal Systems worked alongside Wrightbus, Queen’s University Belfast, HYGEN, Translink, and other key partners to bring this pioneering project to life. Our mission? To develop next-generation thermal management technologies that ensure the performance, efficiency, and reliability needed to support hydrogen fuel cell buses at scale.
Grayson’s Engineering Director, Brendan Waldron, presenting at the APC17 Project Showcase at Wrightbus’ facilities in Ballymena
Innovating for the Future of Hydrogen Transport
At the event, our Engineering Director, Brendan Waldron, and Head of Advanced Engineering, Nathan Stephens, took attendees through Grayson’s contributions to this project.
Throughout the initiative, we developed and engineered the key building blocks for efficient, high-performance total thermal management solutions, ready to meet the needs of the next generation of hydrogen bus platforms. These essential system components included:
New Magnetic Drive Electric Water Pump
Grayson MagDrive Electric Water Pump
A cutting-edge electric water pump designed for hydrogen fuel cells, traction motor cooling, battery thermal management, and cabin HVAC. Unlike conventional designs, our MagDrive operates without a mechanical seal, reducing lifetime maintenance costs while delivering superior reliability.
Bespoke Smart Controller Platform
We developed an advanced thermal management control system, consolidating 11 separate controllers into a single, intelligent master board. This breakthrough not only streamlined system architecture but also enhanced reliability and ensured we remain cost-competitive when produced in growing annual volumes.
High-Voltage 860V DC Refrigerant Compressor
As the industry moves toward higher-voltage architectures, we ensured the bus’s HVAC system was ready for future battery technologies. By upgrading our battery thermal management system platform with a new 860V DC refrigerant compressor, we can guarantee greater efficiency for fleet operators for both FCEV and BEV applications.
Head of Sales and Marketing, Matthew Hateley, and Head of Advanced Engineering, Nathan Stephens
The launch of the Streetdeck Hydroliner Gen 2.0 represents more than just the unveiling of a new bus – it’s a testament to what can be achieved when engineering excellence, collaboration, and a commitment to innovation come together.
For Grayson, this project has been a chance to push the boundaries of hydrogen thermal management, develop cutting-edge products, and work alongside some of the leading researchers and academics in the field. It has further solidified our role as a trusted partner to OEMs, helping to deliver the zero-emission vehicles of the future.
Not only did we enhance our FCEV capabilities during this project, with each new system component developed under the APC17 project can also be applied to BEV applications, ensuring we have the skills and technology to heat and cool all zero-emission applications.
Grayson’s Team: Nathan Stephens, Head of Advanced Engineering; Matthew Hateley, Head of European Sales and Marketing; and Brendan Waldron, Engineering Director
What’s Next?
This milestone is just the beginning. As zero-emission adoption accelerates we have positioned ourselves to provide market-leading solutions for hydrogen and battery electric vehicles.
We continue to invest in R&D, refine our high-voltage capabilities, and explore new efficiencies in thermal management. New possibilities through leveraging real-time CAN data and our increasing digital capabilities are on the horizon, enabling us to harness these insights to drive even greater efficiencies in our systems.
We want to thank Wrightbus, the Advanced Propulsion Centre UK, Queen’s University Belfast, HYGEN, Translink, and all our project partners for collaborating on this important journey. Together, we’re shaping a cleaner, more sustainable future for bus transportation.
Grayson Thermal Systems’ Aftermarket division has reached an impressive milestone, having secured servicing and maintenance contracts for over 700 battery electric and fuel cell electric buses across the UK.
A specialist in the design, manufacture and servicing of HVAC and thermal management systems, Grayson has over four decades of experience supporting bus operators to maintain their fleets. Historically focused on maintaining the HVAC of diesel and hybrid vehicles, the company has now added a significant number of new EVs to its portfolio.
According to Grayson’s data, the number of EVs under contract has grown 1,791% over the past 12 months, highlighting the rapid expansion of EVs in operation across the UK. Despite this growth, EVs still only account for 18% of Grayson’s total HVAC servicing portfolio of over 4,100 buses and coaches. The company forecasts that the number of EVs will continue to grow, with the number expected to reach over 1000 this calendar year.
Ian Hateley, Aftermarket Director of Grayson, commented: “We are proud that many major operators have entrusted us to service and maintain their new electric vehicles. It is also reassuring to see operators making proactive decisions to prioritise the performance and longevity of their EVs by ensuring regular servicing and maintenance of their thermal management and HVAC systems.
“As is often the case, prevention is better than cure – and that is particularly the case with thermal management and air conditioning systems on electric vehicles.
“Unlike their diesel counterparts, where HVAC maintenance had minimal direct impact on the operation of the vehicle, poorly maintained systems on electric buses can significantly reduce range and cause unnecessary wear on expensive components, such as temperature-sensitive batteries.
“Even seemingly minor issues, such as blocked filters, can force HVAC and thermal management systems to work harder, increasing energy consumption, impacting range and potentially resulting in costly VOR incidents. By working with us to ensure regular servicing and maintenance, operators are taking the right steps to minimise preventable issues, reduce downtime, and maximise their total cost of ownership (TCO).”
Alongside its Aftermarket operations, Grayson is the manufacturer of the efficient HVAC and thermal management systems found on the latest market leading UK double-deck and single-deck platforms. As the OEM, the company considers ease of serviceability and maintenance when developing its systems, enabling efficient servicing to reduce costs for operators and minimise vehicle downtime.
Grayson recently attended the prestigious routeone Awards 2024 at The Vox in Birmingham, an annual celebration of the bus and coach industry’s exceptional achievements. Hosted by Routeone Magazine, the event recognises excellence across operators, engineers, and rising stars.
From left: Alex Bagnall, Grayson Aftermarket Sales Manager, and Stuart Hateley, Grayson Managing Director
The awards bring together the sector’s best and brightest, highlighting accomplishments in customer experience, environmental innovation, and operational excellence. This year, finalists included a mix of small family-run and large national operators, reflecting the industry’s diversity.
Grayson’s Managing Director, Stuart Hateley, and Aftermarket Sales Manager, Alex Bagnall, proudly represented our company at this inspiring evening.
A highlight of the ceremony was its focus on innovation, from sustainable practices to advanced technology applications. In particular, it was a pleasure to see some of our valued aftermarket customers and partners receive awards. Jack Abbott, Engineering Director at Stagecoach Yorkshire, was awarded Engineer of the Year – Jack recently joined us in celebrating a 20-year Grayson tradition at our annual Curry Night. Additionally, Metroline was recognised for their Outstanding Customer Experience, a testament to their dedication for passenger satisfaction and operational excellence. Jonathan Hunt, a valued leader at our partner First Bus, also received the award for Manager of the Year, highlighting the exceptional talent driving the industry forward.
In particular, it was a pleasure to see some of our valued aftermarket customers and partners receive awards. Jack Abbott, Engineering Director at Stagecoach Yorkshire, was awarded Engineer of the Year – Jack recently joined us in celebrating a 20-year Grayson tradition at our annual Curry Night. Additionally, Metroline was recognised for their Outstanding Customer Experience, a testament to their dedication for passenger satisfaction and operational excellence. Jonathan Hunt, a valued leader at our partner First Bus, also received the award for Manager of the Year, highlighting the exceptional talent driving the industry forward.
Beyond the awards, the event served as a valuable opportunity to network with industry colleagues and share insights to drive the sector forward.
Commenting on the evening, Stuart Hateley, Managing Director of Grayson, said: “It was great to attend the Route One Awards and celebrate the achievements of individuals in the bus and coach sector. The evening also highlighted the exciting evolution and resilience of an industry that I have been proud to be part of for over three decades.
“Grayson has been involved in the bus and coach industry for over 45 years and it is remarkable to see how far the industry has developed during that time. Now, with the transition to zero-emission solutions paving the way for a sustainable future, it feels like the best years of the industry lay ahead of us.
“Congratulations to all the winners on the night and a thank you to Route One for hosting a fantastic evening – we look forward to celebrating more achievements at the next awards in 2026.”
Visit our LinkedIn to share your thoughts and experiences from the awards.
