MTA Staff

After serving a full technical apprenticeship James gained a BSc (Hons) from Buckingham University. He has since accumulated over 25 years of manufacturing experience, including 13 years as Managing Director of a specialist high precision, internationally trading, supplier of turnkey instrument sub-systems. Prior to joining the MTA James was Production and HR Director at a major manufacturer of mechanical seals and support systems. James is very knowledgeable about global manufacturing and has a strong interest in supply chains together with logistics. He also has expertise in corporate finance and improving business performance.

Anaïs joined the MTA as PR & Communications Manager, bringing experience in public relations, strategic communications, and events management across multiple industries. She leads media relations, content strategy, and digital communications, ensuring the association’s messaging remains strong across all platforms. She also provides consultancy to MTA Cluster members, advising on branding, media outreach, and digital marketing. Fluent in French and English, Anaïs is passionate about storytelling and strategic messaging, using her expertise to highlight the innovation and impact of the UK’s manufacturing sector.

Katie joined the MTA in November 2019 as an Administrator for the MACH & Events Team. Over the years, she has developed her expertise and now serves as Project Manager: Events & Membership. She plays a key role in overseeing the MTA’s events programme and membership services, ensuring members gain value and opportunities from their involvement.

Satty has a background in membership and industrial growth, having worked at a catapult centre where she developed manufacturing projects and collaborated with members to maximise value. At the MTA, she focuses on member engagement, retention, and developing new services to support businesses. Her role ensures members receive tailored benefits and strategic insights.

Phil has spent his entire career in manufacturing, making him well-suited to his role in membership services. As a former MTA member and MACH exhibitor, he was already familiar with the association before joining in April 2023. He brings industry knowledge, strong connections, and a deep understanding of the challenges faced by modern manufacturing businesses. Phil is responsible for new memberships, retention, and helping members build valuable networks within the sector.

Lauren has over 23 years of experience as a Personal Assistant, including seven years at the MTA, where she supports the CEO and ensures the smooth running of executive operations. Her background spans manufacturing, insurance, and recruitment, having worked in senior roles at global firms Marsh and Aon. She holds qualifications in secretarial studies, HR, and event planning. Lauren is also an FA Welfare Officer with a passion for wellbeing and mental health awareness. Outside of work, she volunteers and helps chaperone at her child’s theatre school & loves to watch her children play sport and perform on stage.

Josh joined the MTA in October 2016 and is a chartered mechanical engineer with experience in the automotive, clean energy, defence, and security sectors. He oversees the MTA’s technical regulation work and leads its outreach and skills programme. He also heads Additive Manufacturing UK (AMUK) the industry body for the additive manufacturing and 3D printing sector. Josh also advises members on technical legislation and standards, staying at the forefront of manufacturing technology trends.

Karen began working with the Engineering Industries Association (EIA) in 1996, leading its International Exhibition Department and supporting MTA members at overseas manufacturing trade shows. In 2021, when the EIA became part of the MTA, she took on a dual role as Head of the EIA and International Advisor for the MTA. She supports EIA members with access to benefits, government insights, and promotional opportunities, provides updates on trade documentation and develops the Engineering Supply Chain Show as part of MACH. She also lobbies the government on international trade issues and collaborates with key organisations such as the Department for Business and Trade.

James joined the MTA in November 2011 having worked for a large construction trade association. Having been Head of Events & Membership for the MTA, James moved into the role of Head of Operations. James oversees the MTA's membership services, events programme and MACH exhibition.

Nicola joined the MTA in March 2011 after working for an MTA member. She is responsible for project managing the delivery and operations of the MACH exhibition and oversees the MTA’s wider events programme. Active in the exhibition and events industry, she sits on several committees and contributes to best practice guidance. Her role ensures the successful execution of MACH and other key industry events helping to create valuable opportunities for members and the wider manufacturing community.

Lucy joined the MTA’s sales team in 2022, selling exhibition space for the biannual MACH Show. She previously spent eight years in a similar role at Automate UK, working on the PPMA Show. Lucy takes great pride in working for a trade association that champions these industries. Passionate about supporting the manufacturing and engineering sector, she enjoys building lasting relationships with exhibitors and helping businesses maximise their presence at MACH.

Archie returned to the MTA after previously completing an internship with the Operations team, where he supported MACH 2022. He holds a BEng in Civil Engineering from the University of Exeter and an MSc in Green Science and Engineering from Sophia University in Tokyo, Japan. Now working across both Operations and Technical teams, Archie represents the MTA at CECIMO technical meetings, provides quarterly legislation updates, and collaborates with Josh on MTA and AMUK technical content. He also supports MACH administration and internal process improvements.

Emily is the Executive Assistant to the MTA Board, supporting its operations and working closely with the CEO and staff to ensure the smooth and efficient running of the association. With a background in HR and executive support, she has worked across multiple industries and sectors. Her role at the MTA is key in maintaining efficient board operations and facilitating collaboration across the organisation.

Lorraine looks after the administration function of the MTA as well as managing the facilities at 62 Bayswater Road.

Geoff is the MTA’s numbers man; he deals with all of our surveys, is responsible for the MTA forecasting service and keeps track of data relevant to the industry published by bodies such as the Office for National Statistics, HM Revenue & Customs and Eurostat. He has worked for MTA since 1987 and over that time he has built an extensive knowledge of the industry. He has shared a number of economic cycles with the members and admires the way in which companies have adapted to the enormous swings in business levels which are typical, especially of the machinery side of the sector. Also included among his roles for MTA is to be the Secretary of CELIMO, the European grouping of associations who represent distributors and importers of machine tools, tooling and related technologies

Sami is a chemical engineer with extensive experience in the oil and gas sector. She began her career in sales management for drilling machinery before transitioning to an Operations Engineer role in an oil well. After moving to England in 2012, she worked as a Chemical Analyst at The Environmental Laboratory, expanding her technical knowledge. Sami joined the MTA’s Technical Team in 2018 and now serves as Technology & Skills Manager. She advises members on manufacturing technologies, provides guidance on Standards (BSI), and leads the MTA’s annual Technology, Design, and Innovation (TDI) Challenge. She is also a STEM Ambassador, promoting engineering careers to future generations.

Danny first joined the MTA as a consultant in 2021 before taking on a full-time role in 2023. A fully qualified teacher, he spent a decade overseeing apprenticeship programmes at a large college before moving into STEM outreach in the third sector across the UK. He previously served in the British Army for 20 years and now leads military engagement at the MTA, helping to connect ex-service personnel with industry opportunities. His wealth of experience in education and skills development helps the association drive meaningful engagement with young people and industry professionals alike.

Kristina has a wealth of experience working across a variety of sectors including Investment Banking (AMP), Publishing and Media (International Herald Tribune, a subsidiary of The NewYork Times), Facilities Services (Morrisons PLC) and the Gemstone Industry. At the MTA she is responsible for heading up the association’s day to day financial activities.