GLP UK has announced the return of Greg Westwood, who joins the company in a newly created role focused on the North of England. Westwood is not a new face at GLP UK. By most accounts, he’s one of the people who helped build it.
Westwood joined GLP UK when the company moved into its Redhill warehouse, at a point when the space was, as he puts it, “a blank canvas.” Working as technical manager, he built the UK’s technical support infrastructure from the ground up, including QC stations, a service workshop, office fit-out, racking, etc. And he helped establish the standards and culture that define the UK operation today.
What eventually drew him away was literally the landscape. A committed ultra-marathoner and hiker, Westwood relocated north for direct access to the Peak District, Lake District, and Snowdonia. He also spent time renovating a bungalow, stating that “knocking down all of the internal walls might have been a step too far,” though reports suggest it is finally taking shape.
Returning to GLP now, he says, felt like the natural next step. “GLP has some really exciting things in the pipeline, and having someone based in the North is a big milestone for the UK operation,” says Westwood. “It felt like the right time, and I wanted to be part of that next chapter.”
The new position marks a shift from technical management to customer-facing territory development, though Westwood is clear that the two are less separate than they might appear. “Everyone knows I’m a bit of a nerd at heart,” he says. “I’ve always enjoyed understanding products in as much detail as possible. Although, I still can’t remember beam angles. But I also genuinely enjoy talking to people, understanding what’s important to them, and finding out what’s happening in their world. Having the technical background helps me bridge those conversations and add value along the way.”
The appointment reflects a strategic move to strengthen GLP’s presence across a region that accounts for a significant share of the UK’s rental and production industry. “A huge number of rental and production companies have their headquarters up North,” says Westwood. “Simply being more present and accessible to those customers is a great opportunity. Cities like Manchester and Liverpool are busier than ever, so building stronger relationships with venues and users in those areas is another key focus.”
“Greg was with us when GLP UK was just a warehouse and a few people with a lot of ambition. He helped build what we’ve become,” says Simon Barrett of GLP UK. “Bringing him back, this time to lead our presence in the North, feels less like a new appointment and more like the next chapter of the same story. I can’t think of anyone better placed to represent GLP across that part of the country.”
For his part, Westwood’s approach to the role is characteristically direct. “I hate it when salespeople don’t know when to leave,” he says. “Everyone’s time is valuable, and nobody needs a meeting that could have been an email. So, don’t worry. I’ll always be happy to chat, and I promise we’ll get things done effectively and efficiently!”
Greg Westwood joined GLP UK in July 2026 as Relationship Manager.
Photo credits: Savannah Media
