FOR some siblings, the idea of spending any length of time together can be too much.

For twins James and Stuart Parkin, however, the situation couldn’t be more different.

The brothers are directors at engineering company Hiatco, based in Annfield Plain, near Stanley, County Durham, and say they couldn’t be happier with the relationship.

When managing director Paul Sun last year sought to change the day-to-day running of the company, he chose the Parkins.

For the twins, who both live in nearby Consett, it marked another step on their career ladder, having originally begun as apprentices at the firm.

“We have always got on very well, we went to school and college together and were in the same classes”, said James, who revealed he and his brother’s focus is on continuing Hiatco’s good work, rather than making wholesale changes.

“Now we complement each other in the business too; Stuart is doing a lot on quotations and I’m on the shop floor.

“We bounce off each other, it has always been the same.

“The pressure in our new roles is far greater because it’s us at the top of the tree, but because we’ve been here so long and worked in all areas of the business, we know how everything works and the challenges and priorities.

“For us, if it isn’t broken, don’t fix it.”

Hiatco covers a number of industrial sectors, including power, oil and gas, aerospace and defence, subsea and renewable energy.

Examples of its work include platforms for power line maintenance and frames for remotely-operated underwater vehicles, while it also supplies accessories, such as roof and bicycle racks, to motorhome manufacturers and dealers.

Stuart reveals the business has had to ride the oil and gas sector’s difficulties but says its factory is now buzzing with new work, which he sheepishly admits has coincided with the twins’ appointment.

He said: “We have had a lot of work from January onwards and have had a few new customers in too.

“The industry is picking up.

“We do a lot in the oil and gas sector and that has its ups and downs.

“However, we are getting feedback from people who are saying there is a lot of potential out there now across the board, so it is fingers crossed things can pick up for everyone across the North-East.”

While helping Hiatco continue its progress, the twins have also added extra weight to the growing focus on the importance and value of apprenticeships to companies.

“I never thought when I joined the business that one day I’d end up running it”, added Stuart.

“My dad was a welder so that’s what I wanted to be.

“Once I started at Hiatco I loved it, so I made sure I took all of the opportunities that came my way.

“It just shows apprenticeships can lead to great things.”

Five minutes with... James and Stuart Parkin

Favourite North-East building and why? James: Bamburgh Castle. I visit Bamburgh often and it reminds me of when I was a child. Stuart: St James’ Park. I’m a Newcastle United supporter and love how the stadium is a focal point of the city.

What was your first job and how much did you get paid? James: Hiatco. An apprentice welder for £2.50 per hour. Stuart: My first payslip at Hiatco as a 17-year-old apprentice was for £95.40 per week.

What is the worst job you’ve had? James: I’ve only had the one job. Stuart: Arm clamps. An old repetitive job on a machine, standing there for weeks on end.

What would you cook for me if I came around for dinner? James: You can’t go wrong with a good sirloin steak. Stuart: Good old steak and chips. You can’t go wrong with a good, well-cooked steak.

What would your superpower be? James: Teleportation. Stuart: The power to see into the future.

Name four people, dead or alive, who would be at your perfect dinner party: James: Steven Gerrard, Simon Cowell, Micky Flanagan and Noel Gallagher. Stuart: Not sure. I would listen to anyone with an interesting story.

Most expensive thing you’ve bought – other than car or house – and how much? James: It’s not the most expensive, but I’ve just bought a £900
television. Stuart: Family holiday to Mexico – £6,500 for the five of us.

Who is the best person to follow on Twitter and why? James: I don’t use Twitter. Stuart: I’m not on Twitter but Hiatco are, so I would say them.

Favourite book? James: Gazza. Stuart: Alan Shearer – Portrait of a Legend. Good read.

When did you last cry? James: Not sure. Probably when my daughter was born. Stuart: I cry all the time. Happy/sad film endings, Oxfam adverts etc.

What is your greatest achievement? James: Getting to where I am now at Hiatco. Stuart: Fathering my three children.

What’s the best piece of advice in business you’ve ever been given James: Be confident in what I can achieve. Stuart: It came from my old boss Tony Sun – ‘Aim high and follow your goals’.

Favourite animal and why? James: A baby otter. Have you ever seen one!? Stuart: A lion, simply for their power and presence.

Most famous person on your mobile phone? James: Stuart my twin. He has been in a newspaper twice! Stuart: Ex-footballer John Beresford. Our sons used to play on the same football team. We still keep in touch.

What was the last band you saw live? James: Kasabian. Stuart: A Blondie tribute act at a local club. It was not by choice.

Describe a perfect night in: James: A movie, Chinese takeaway and a few beers. Stuart: Bottle of wine, a Chinese takeaway and a good film.

In another life I would be... James: I am pretty happy with the one I have now. Stuart: Not sure on this one. I’m happy in my own life.

Who would play you in a film of your life? James: Ross Kemp. Stuart: Adam Sandler, but it’s nothing to do with looks, wit or anything. He is just my favourite actor.

What irritates you? James: Lateness and untidiness. Stuart: Jobs that get started and not finished.

What’s your secret talent? James: I’m not too bad at drawing cartoons. Stuart: I’m not bad at cooking, so I would say that.