Introducing Tony Hogben

I have been proud to call West Sussex my home for more than 30 years, and Horsham for nearly two decades. My wife Jo was born and raised here, attending Heron Way Primary, Millais School, and Richard Collyer’s College, and together we have made Horsham the centre of our family and community life.

Jo and I were married at Rusper Church in 2005, and we now live in Old Holbrook with our four children. As a long-standing Horsham resident, parent, and active member of the local community, I care deeply about the area, its people, and its future.

Career

My life started from humble beginnings. I grew up in a single-parent family, and my mother worked tirelessly to provide for us. Her resilience and strong work ethic have always inspired me, and I believe that those early challenges shaped the person I am today.

I began my career in hospitality before moving into retail management. By the age of 23, I was Store Manager for Superdrug in Horsham. I later joined Boots, where I held several senior positions, including Area Operations Manager, gaining valuable experience in leadership, customer service, and business operations.

In 2006, I decided to follow my entrepreneurial ambitions and step out on my own. I had already launched my first company, Discount Satellite Navigation, in 2005, importing products from China to sell online. Very quickly, I discovered the power of e-commerce and the opportunities of building a global presence.

Today, my wife and I are proud owners of the brands Duragadget and SafeTlight. Duragadget has grown into an international success, with warehouses worldwide. On Cyber Monday, 1st December 2014, Duragadget Europe Limited sold an item every 24 seconds — a milestone that reflects the scale of what we’ve built.

Employment

I am an experienced Managing Director and Councillor with over 30 years of leadership across retail, e-commerce, education, and public service. My career has taken me from managing national retail chains to building successful international brands and running a thriving community-focused business.

Since 2017, I have been Managing Director of Horsham Swim School Limited, a company my wife and I built around our shared passion for teaching children to swim. The school now teaches more than 900 children each week, employs 25 staff, and has achieved consistent 20% year-on-year growth. While run as a business, Horsham Swim School also has a strong community ethos — partnering with charities such as the Dame Vera Lynn Children’s Charity to provide lessons for underprivileged children and those with additional needs. A particular highlight was securing a major national contract to train 600 airline crew in water safety, working in partnership with our local MP and the Department for Education.

Alongside the swim school, I continue to run SafeTlight, an e-commerce brand selling safety lighting products, and previously built Duragadget, which grew into a global brand with warehouses worldwide and annual sales in the millions.

Before moving into business ownership, I spent over a decade in senior retail management, including roles with Superdrug and Boots the Chemist, where I was responsible for multi-million-pound turnovers, thousands of staff, and major operational change programmes. My early years in retail gave me the grounding in leadership, customer service, and business strategy that I continue to apply today.

Since 2015, I have also served as a Horsham District Councillor, representing the Rusper and Colgate ward. My council work reflects the same values that guide my businesses: responsibility, community, and a commitment to improving opportunities for local people.

Political Experience

Alongside my commercial career, I have over ten years of political experience as an elected member of Horsham District Council, representing the Rusper and Colgate wards since 1995. I have held senior leadership roles within the council, including:

• Deputy Leader of Horsham District Council (2021–2023)

• Cabinet Member for Finance (2021–2023)

• Acting Leader of Horsham District Council on two occasions

In these roles, I have overseen multi-million-pound budgets, driven efficiency and savings programmes, and helped shape long-term strategy for the district. My approach in politics mirrors my approach in business: combining financial acumen with a strong sense of community responsibility.

I place great importance on continual professional development. In addition to completing management development programmes with three major high street companies, I have undertaken extensive CPD in local government, including:

• Local Government Authority Full Leadership Programme – Warwick University (ILM Level 5) 2022/23

• Local Government Authority Financial Fundamentals – Warwick University 2022

• Local Government Authority Political Leadership Masterclass: Communication and Media 2021

Why I Became a District Councillor

I became a councillor because I care deeply about the area where I live and work, and I wanted to ensure that local voices are properly heard. I have always taken an active interest in local issues — often writing letters, campaigning, and sharing my views — but I grew frustrated by the lack of consultation and genuine involvement from the council. Standing as a councillor gave me the opportunity to make a difference from the inside, and I am proud to have done so.

I believe one person can make a difference, and I see giving back to the community as an important responsibility. I want to make sure that residents’ voices are represented in planning and decision-making, and that neighbourhoods which too often feel overlooked receive fairer treatment. As one of the younger councillors, I also bring the perspective of a parent and a working family to the council’s discussions.

Over the years, my campaigns have led to significant local media coverage, including features on the front page of the West Sussex County Times and the District Post. I hope that many residents already know me as someone who stands for honesty, integrity, and results. As a local employer as well as a councillor, I believe I have a proven record of getting things done.

Interests & Hobbies

Outside of work and council life, I am passionate about sport, fitness, and the outdoors. I am a keen mountain and gravel biker, and for the past seven years I have completed the London to Brighton Off-Road Cycle Ride in support of the British Heart Foundation.

Running is another big part of my life. In 2021,2022 and 2024, I completed both the London and Brighton Marathons, raising over £4,000 for the Evelina Children’s Hospital Trust. I am also a proud member of Horsham Joggers and Horsham Cycling Club, and I regularly take part in Parkrun on Saturday mornings.

On average, I cycle around 4,000 miles and run around 500 miles each year. When winter comes, I swap two wheels for skis — I’m an avid skier and always ready for my next alpine challenge.

Sustainability also matters to me. Since 2019, my wife and I have been an all-electric car family, committed to reducing our carbon footprint.

Contact

Should you wish to contact me please find my details below: