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Please take the time to read this personal account of their professional journey with Puretech. Lee Hoggeth, who is profoundly deaf with limited speech, in his own words, describes how he’s grown with Puretech over the past 26 years.
It’s remarkable to look back and realise that nearly 26 years have passed since I first started to work for Puretech Systems Limited (then UK Gas Technologies Ltd). The world has changed dramatically in that time, and so have I.
My career began in Washington as a Quality Assurance Assistant on the shop floor after completing my HND in Engineering. My role was to check every product against our design drawings to ensure it met the required standards. It was hands on, detailed work, and it gave me a strong foundation in understanding how things were built and why precision mattered.
Not long after, I was offered the chance to join Puretech as a CAD Draughtsman. I still remember my first day vividly: sitting in front of a huge monitor, no internet in sight, lip reading and learning to produce 2D drawings in AutoCAD. Under the guidance of my CAD Manager, Don Munro, I worked on P&IDs, pipeline distribution layouts, weld map isometrics and more. It was a different era — slower, simpler in some ways, but full of learning.
Fast forward 26 years, and the landscape looks completely different. Technology has transformed everything. I now use Autodesk Inventor for 3D modelling, still work in AutoCAD, and my role has expanded far beyond drawing. I’m deeply involved in project work, designing pharmaceutical water system skids and supporting various project managers. The challenges have grown but so has my confidence and capability.
One thing, however, has remained constant: the support I’ve received from Puretech.
As someone who is profoundly deaf with limited speech, I know that not every workplace would have given me the opportunities I’ve had here. But Puretech has always made sure I had what I needed — whether it was time, tools, adjustments, or simply understanding. I’ve always felt included, respected, and valued. That sense of inclusion is something I will always be grateful for.
Technology has also changed my personal life in extraordinary ways. I’ve had a cochlear implant for over 10 years, and while I’m still learning every day, it has opened up a world that once felt distant. My son, who received cochlear implants at just one year old, inspires me constantly. He’s thriving, confident, and far ahead of where I was at his age — and I couldn’t be prouder.
Looking back, I’m amazed at how far things have come: from no internet to instant global communication, from 2D drawings to advanced 3D modelling, from basic hearing aids to life changing implants. And through all of it, Puretech has been a place where I’ve grown, adapted, and felt truly included.
I’m proud of my journey — and proud to be part of Puretech!
Commenting on the milestone, Dennis Pye, Operations Director at Puretech, said:
“Lee’s story is a fantastic example of the talent, dedication and resilience that exist within our business. Over the past 26 years, he has continually adapted to new technologies and growing responsibilities, while making an invaluable contribution to our projects and our success.
We are incredibly proud of everything Lee has achieved and grateful to have him as part of the Puretech team. His journey also reflects our commitment to creating an inclusive workplace where everyone can thrive.”
