17 Apr Products with purpose is the draw for Charlie

Charlie Whitlock first came to Contacta to cover maternity leave for Hannah, then Product Development Manager. He soon realised there was something very special about working for Contacta and, when a product management role opened up, he jumped at the chance to stay.

“It’s the best job I’ve ever had,” said the product design graduate. “I’ve wanted to work in consumer electronics since I was 13 and develop products people actually use. Helping to develop assistive listening products is far more rewarding than other industries.”

Charlie is responsible for reviewing the supply of critical parts, sourcing replacements for obsolete components, selecting packaging to ensure brand consistency and safe product shipping, and ensuring compliance with waste regulations. When upgrades to current products such as Contacta’s flagship V+ range of hearing loop drivers are planned, Charlie helps issue updated drawings and liaise with suppliers to make sure the new models can go into production. He is also a lynchpin between customers and the product design team, taking on feedback and managing repairs.

“It’s been a steep learning curve,” he said. “I knew about hearing aids because my grandparents had them but my exposure to and knowledge of assistive listening systems and the availability of loops was extremely limited.  It’s only when I started working at Contacta I realised that I’d been using window intercoms all my life in banks and post offices!”

Charlie lives close to the Contacta offices in Paddock Wood with his wife, Katelin. The couple are expecting their first child in June 2026. As well as having a short commute and a great life/work balance, he enjoys the supportive nature of the team and knowing his work is making a difference to people with hearing loss. Charlie said his early interest in electronics has served him well.

“When I asked my mum for a kit to build my own computer, she asked why I wanted one at such a young age. It became a project and the start of my interest into electronics, and I’ve still got that same computer today.”