TBS Engineering Embarks on 22-Mile Charity Battery Walk to Honor Viv Empson & Support Breast Cancer Now

On May 14, 2025, the TBS Engineering team will take on a 22-mile challenge, walking from Windsor Street, Elmstone Hardwicke, Staverton, Lansdown, Cheltenham to TBS HQ in Brockworth, Gloucester, UK—retracing the company’s history while carrying a lead acid battery produced on TBS equipment, every step of the way. This event is being held in memory of Viv Empson, a respected and much-loved member of the TBS family, while also raising £20,000 for Breast Cancer Now, a charity dedicated to life-saving research and support for those affected by breast cancer.

Honouring Viv Empson – A Trailblazer & Leader

This year’s walk is dedicated to Viv Empson, TBS’s former HR and Finance Director, who passed away from breast cancer five years ago.

Viv joined TBS Engineering in 1989, when the company was still based in terraced houses on Windsor Street, Cheltenham. Over the course of 31 years, she helped shape the company’s culture and expansion, playing a key role in its transformation from a small local engineering firm into a global leader in battery manufacturing automation.

Viv was a pioneer, known for her leadership and progressive vision. She was the first woman to wear trousers to a TBS interview, setting a precedent for change in a company that, at the time, was steeped in tradition. She believed that success was built on investing in people and doing the right thing—values that continue to drive TBS Engineering today.

Her career at TBS spanned five changes of ownership, and she was pivotal in helping the company navigate each new chapter. She played a key role in establishing TBS’s apprenticeship programs, now in its 11^th year ensuring that future generations of engineers had the skills and support they needed to succeed. Viv was passionate about mentorship, innovation, and employee well-being, shaping the way TBS operates to this day.

To honour her impact, TBS established the Vivienne Empson Award, which is presented annually to employees who demonstrate the same dedication, teamwork, and enthusiasm that Viv brought to the company every day.

This year, we take her legacy one step further, walking in her memory and raising funds for a cause that was close to her heart.

Walking Through History – Retracing TBS’s Journey

The 22-mile route represents a 56-year journey through time, reflecting the growth of TBS Engineering:

From a small workshop in Cheltenham to a state-of-the-art HQ in Brockworth.
From a UK-based operation to a global business serving 90+ countries.
From a local engineering firm to an industry leader in battery automation.

This walk is a celebration of where we started, where we are, and where we’re going. More importantly, it’s an opportunity to raise awareness and funds for a cause that impacts millions of people and their families every year.

Our employees are excited to take part in this group challenge and are encouraged to set their own personal goals to help raise funds toward our target. Jon Curtis, TBS Finance Director, has already kicked off his fundraising efforts and begun training for the Brighton Marathon in April. In addition to the marathon, he will also be participating in the Battery Walk.

Join Us in Making a Difference

Donate – Every contribution brings us closer to a future without breast cancer CLICK >>DONATE HERE
Sponsor – Businesses can support the cause through branding opportunities on T-shirts, PR materials, and social media.
Spread the Word – Share our journey and help us reach our £20,000 goal.

Breast Cancer Now: The Research and Support Charity

At Breast Cancer Now, world-class research drives life-changing care. The charity provides vital support for anyone affected by breast cancer—from diagnosis through treatment and beyond—offering help today and hope for the future.

By 2050, Breast Cancer Now believes that everyone diagnosed with breast cancer will live—and be supported to live well. But achieving this goal requires action today.

That’s why TBS Engineering is proud to support their mission through the TBS Charity Battery Walk 2025, raising funds to drive progress, fund research, and provide life-saving support for those who need it most.

For media enquiries, sponsorship opportunities, or to get involved, please contact:
marketing@tbsengineering.co.uk