In 2004, hydraulics company founders, Helen and Mark Tonks set out to do things differently – in a sector that rarely welcomed change. What began as a kitchen-table venture has grown into a globally trusted brand, recognised for its technical excellence, customer-first thinking, and strategic reach.
A Brand Built on Purpose
From day one, Helen and Mark set out to build a business that was values-led, resilient, and rooted in clarity. Over two decades, they’ve shaped a platform that blends engineering expertise with strategic insight – earning national recognition and customer loyalty across sectors and borders.
Hydraulics Online is now seen as an exemplar in its field: a business that breaks the mould, leads with integrity, and continues to evolve in step with the world it serves.
Helen Tonks MBE
Co-founder | Export Champion | Strategic Mentor
Helen was awarded an MBE in the King’s Birthday Honours List 2024 for services to business and exports. She’s a UK Government Export Champion, a ‘Northern Power Woman‘, and a mentor to students, entrepreneurs, and business leaders alike.
Her work spans boardrooms and classrooms, always rooted in the belief that knowledge shared is potential unlocked – and that lasting change comes from lifting others along the way.
“We always had clear purpose and bold vision, but we never imagined we’d create a brand that would succeed so strongly on the global stage — especially in such an established marketplace. People said we’d never make it work, but now they recognise that we’ve broken the mould and were ahead of the game. I’m genuinely excited for the future of Hydraulics Online and its continued progress towards our vision.”
Mark Tonks
Co-founder | Engineering Lead | Technical Strategist
Mark brings deep technical expertise and a customer-first mindset to everything Hydraulics Online delivers. With a background in engineering and a reputation for solving complex challenges, he’s trusted by manufacturers and customers alike to deliver smart, reliable solutions.
His quiet determination and problem-solving approach have helped shape the business’s reputation for excellence – from sourcing hard-to-find parts to designing bespoke systems that perform under pressure.
Hydraulics Online has grown into something far beyond what I imagined: a trusted brand with global reach and real impact. From the beginning we’ve been focused on giving the best independent technical advice and getting the customer service right – and when you do that, people believe in you and come on board.
21 Years of Vision, Innovation & Resilience
Hydraulics Online has never stood still. From its earliest days, the business has embraced change, challenged convention, and built a reputation for doing the right thing – even when it wasn’t the easy thing. That spirit of innovation and resilience continues to define the brand today.
Whether supporting a start-up with its first system design or helping a global manufacturer navigate supply chain complexity, Hydraulics Online brings clarity, confidence, and care to every challenge.
Built with Purpose. Positioned for Tomorrow
Hydraulics Online continues to evolve with intent – shaped by values, strengthened by relationships, and driven by the belief that fluid power can do more than move machinery.
As hydraulics company founders, Helen and Mark Tonks have built more than a brand. They’ve created a platform for innovation, resilience, and customer-first thinking – one that continues to inspire, Adapt, and deliver.
As the business continues to evolve, its foundations remain clear: shaped by experience, strengthened by values, and ready for what’s next.