What followed was the creation of Brigade Electronics, a company that would become a global leader in commercial vehicle safety systems. Under Chris’s leadership, Brigade has pioneered technologies including reversing alarms, camera monitoring systems, obstacle detection sensors and radar systems designed to eliminate blind spots and protect vulnerable road users. Today, Brigade’s products are used in more than 80 countries worldwide and the company remains at the forefront of road and workplace safety innovation.
Chris was widely respected not only for his entrepreneurial vision, but also for his determination and resilience. In the early years of Brigade, he faced considerable resistance in introducing reversing alarms to the UK market, including regulatory opposition and industry scepticism. Undeterred, he continued to campaign tirelessly for safer vehicles and worksites, driven by his belief that technology could save lives.
In recognition of his contribution to road safety, Chris was awarded an OBE in the Queen’s 2014 Birthday Honours for services to vehicle road safety.
Throughout his career, Chris remained deeply passionate about innovation, safety and the people around him. Colleagues and industry peers knew him as a principled, energetic and forward-thinking leader whose values shaped the culture of Brigade for nearly five decades.
His legacy continues through the company he founded, the technologies he championed and the lives that have been protected as a result of his work.
Having already stepped away from the day-to-day running of the business in recent years, Chris took great pride in seeing Brigade continue to grow under the leadership of his son, Philip Hanson-Abbott, who serves as Managing Director. Philip will continue to uphold the company’s commitment to improving road and workplace safety worldwide.
Further details regarding memorial arrangements will be announced in due course.