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We exist to evolve through brush innovation

To be the biggest UK manufacturer of custom brush solutions.

Our story

Six generations of Cottams

Established in 1858, Cottam Brush Ltd has grown from a small workshop in Samuel Cottam’s Sunderland home to one of the world’s foremost designers and manufacturers of trade, industrial and specialist brushes.

Family-run for six generations, Cottam Brush is a product of the North East’s industrial heartlands. With historic connections to the shipyards, docks, foundries and mines of the region, we have supplied local businesses, artisans and industries for more than 160 years.

Whether it is our pioneering designs for the defence sector, products that clean subsea pipelines, or brushes used to remove debris from gear cogs during the production of jet engines, we deliver on projects that demand ingenuity, precision and a faultless finish.

From our home in the North East, we supply some of the world’s most prestigious companies with the precision-engineered custom brushes they need to get the job done.

Do rightWe collaborate using our many years of experience and knowledge.

One teamTo create long-lasting relationships.

Listen & learnWe exist to evolve through brush innovation.

Meet the team

The people you will speak to

Alan Crook

Managing Director

Managing Director since March 2022, having joined in August 2001 as Manufacturing Manager. Started as an apprentice in 1978 and worked at three engineering companies before Cottam.

Susan Stewart

Sales Manager

Part of the leadership team, building customer relationships and learning the many uses for Cottam brush solutions.

Nick Palfreyman

Head of Product and E-Commerce

Works across the whole product lifecycle, from creating new products to repackaging existing ones.

Eddie Moon

Process Engineer

Over 40 years in brush making. Helps with custom enquiries and orders, and makes brushes in the warehouse.

Chelsie Brown

Marketing Manager

Joined in October 2022 to review marketing activity and build the strategy behind the growth plans.

Nancy Li

General Manager, China

Oversees Cottam’s China operations and supplier base, making sure products reach the UK on time and in good quality.

Accreditations

Certified processes you can audit

ISO 9001 quality, ISO 14001 environmental and ISO 45001 health and safety, plus Cyber Essentials and Make UK Defence membership.

ISO 9001 certificate (PDF)

Equality, diversity and inclusion

Our commitment

Cottam commits to encouraging equality, diversity and inclusion in the workplace as good practice that makes business sense, and to a working environment free of bullying, harassment, victimisation and unlawful discrimination, promoting dignity and respect for all.

Speak to an engineer

Let’s talk brushes

Send drawings, dimensions, photos or just a description of the problem. We will interpret it and come back with a recommended replacement or a custom design.

Telephone: +44 (0)191 428 2510
Sales & technical: sales@cottambrush.com
Visit: Unit 7, Monkton Business Park North, Hebburn NE31 2JZ
Sales team: Mon–Thurs 7.30–5.15

Tell us about your brush requirement

No obligation. No sales pressure. We review your application and advise the best next step.