Meet The Team

The dedicated people who help Group Gear succeed.

Portrait of Lea Young

Lea Young

Director

"After 30+ years of growing with Group Gear Ltd - from warehouse operations to becoming Commercial Director - I became co-owner of the business alongside John Caswell in 2024, It was a big moment for us both and a responsibility we don’t take lightly. It’s been a long journey, and one I’m genuinely proud of. Together, we are committed to building on the company’s strong foundation, supporting our people, and leading Group Gear into its next chapter. Away from work, I’m happily married with three children and two cats, which means life is never quiet. I’m a big fan of technology - especially gadgets, speakers, and LED lighting - and a lifelong Aston Villa supporter. Most of all, I value time with my family, particularly when it involves good food. A good curry or a rib-eye steak with chips is hard to beat."

Start Date: 01-11-1994

Picture of a Cow

John Caswell

Director

"I started my journey with Group Gear Ltd (then Computer Gear Ltd) back in 1999 as a budding IT apprentice. After a brief period away to broaden my experience, I was pleased to return in 2004 as the IT Manager. It was during this time that I discovered a true passion and aptitude for sales. My deep product and company knowledge proved invaluable, quickly earning the confidence of our customers and enabling me to forge the strong, lasting relationships I still enjoy today. My career progression culminated in my promotion to Sales Director in 2021 following Malcolm Dudley's retirement, and most recently, in 2024, Lea Young and I proudly took over Group Gear Ltd in its entirety following Simon Tea's retirement. When I am at home, I share my life with a loving wife and a rather unique crew: two Shetland ponies, chickens, three alpacas, and a loyal cat."

Start Date: 15-11-2004

Portrait of Matt

Matthew Skidmore

Warehouse Supervisor

"I am a family man first and attempt to run the Group Gear warehouse second. I was born and raised in the Black Country and have acquired a great sense of humour over the years, working at groupgear I have needed to. I do not have any spare time for hobbies but on the odd chance that I am allowed out, I enjoy a game of darts which helps me to relax and forget how sad life has become. Joking aside, I have worked at Group Gear for 20 years and during that period it has become my passion to run the warehouse as efficiently as it can be. With a beautiful fiancée and two wonderful children I can honestly say being happy in my life is an understatement."

Start Date: 16-06-2008

Portrait of Darren Garner

Darren Garner

Sales Supervisor

"I’ve been part of Group Gear for the past 15 years, which means two things: I know a lot about cabling, and I’ve probably dreamt about it more than is healthy. After a decade and a half surrounded by cables, connectors, and coffee, I’ve accepted that it’s just part of who I am now — resistance is futile. When I’m not keeping the Group Gear machine running, you’ll most likely find me by a lake carp fishing, on the golf course searching for my ball (again), or down the pub discussing the finer points of non-league football. I’m also a proud uncle to three nephews who ensure there’s never a dull moment when the family gets together. I’m happily single and fully content living the good life as a middle-aged bachelor — no drama, no stress, just me and my hobbies. Personality-wise, I’m somewhere between Alan Partridge and David Brent… which, depending on who you ask, could be either a warning or a recommendation."

Start Date: 03-05-2011

Portrait of Tom Mullender

Tom Mullender

Technical Support Engineer

"Having started at Group Gear in 2016, I have worked on many projects such as: developing systems, attending company shows, testing new products and web and marketing content. Whilst my work life has developed my personal life has too, I am now engaged to my wonderful fiancee, a homeowner and a proud cat dad to 3. I would say that I have a borderline obsession with noodles, mainly trying lots of imported brands/flavours, primarily from Korea.Buldak ramen is my favourite, especially the cheese flavoured one. I also enjoy playing games with my fiancee and friends, mainly the fantasy and sci-fi genres.This stems from my interest in mythology and science, either from reading books or watching films, so being able to enjoy these stories in a game is a double bonus. On weekends, I mainly spend time with my fiancee and cats, either playing games or watching films. "

Start Date: 03-10-2016

Portrait of Lauren Smith

Lauren Smith

Admin and Accounts Team Leader

"I joined Group Gear towards the end of 2017, shortly after completing my college studies. Since then, I’ve been dedicated to refining my skills in the administrative and accounting side of the business. Football has always been a central part of my life, consuming most of my free time. I play as a goalkeeper for a local team and am a proud season ticket holder for Birmingham City. Outside of football, I enjoy spending time walking my dog and hanging out with family and friends. I’m not much of a TV watcher unless it’s sport-related, but I do spend a fair bit of time on YouTube (probably more than I should!)."

Start Date: 01-11-2017

Portrait of Xiaobing Sun

Xiaobing Sun

Product Development

"As an engineer at Group Gear since 2018, I bring nearly a decade of experience in electronic product development, inspection, testing and product safety compliance testing. My expertise enables me to swiftly identify and resolve product challenges, ensuring efficient solutions. Beyond work, I enjoy DIY and cooking, often combining creativity with practicality and spend time playing basketball with my children on weekends. Family time is cherished—whether hiking mountains or sharing meals, these moments foster a warm environment. My creed: work diligently, embrace life fully."

Start Date: 01-10-2018

Portrait of Wing Lee

Wing Lee

Warehouse Operative

"I was born and raised in Hong Kong and moved to the UK in 2022. Everything is new for me… life, food, friends, career, challenges. My father is still in Hong Kong, we WhatsApp call to chat and share our daily lives. I like the vibe here, it is easier to maintain a good mood and longer life. All day breakfast and jacket potatoes are my favourite and I eat a lot of Hong Kong food on a weekend. I love to: play the ukulele, go ice skating, sports climbing and watching YouTube and movies. I joined Group Gear in May 2024, time is running fast."

Start Date: 13-05-2024

Portrait of Grace Martin

Grace Martin

Admin and Marketing Assistant

"I joined Group Gear in 2024 after leaving sixth form and have recently completed my apprenticeship in Business Administration. Since then, my role has evolved from core admin to managing our social media, website and marketing - so if you see a post you like, I'll happily take the credit.

In my personal life, I'm at my happiest spending time with family and friends, experimenting in the kitchen, or settling in for a Gavin and Stacey marathon. My weekends are mostly spent with my boyfriend, at the local spoons or enjoying a banging meal. I also have a slight obsession with highland cows and Winnie the Pooh - if it were up to me, my whole house would be decorated with them."

Start Date: 12-08-2024

Portrait of Adrian Edwards

Adrian Edwards

Business Development Manager

"I recently joined Group Gear in 2025. I have been in the I.T. Channel for the past 23 years, and I have worked for key manufacturers in UK/EU. Looking forward to working at Group Gear. A great team here so that makes life a lot smoother and enjoyable for me. In my spare time I enjoy cooking and meals with family and friends. The BBQ is always on and ready for a new challenger. If you need any cables and kit, let me know."

Start Date: 01-07-2025