David Brown, CEO of NEIDA Group, concluded his two-year presidency of the British Turned Parts Manufacturers Association (BTMA) in November 2025 at the BTMA Ball, following the Association’s AGM in London.
During his presidency, David focused on strengthening member engagement, supporting skills development and encouraging greater collaboration across the UK precision manufacturing sector.
BTMA members also raised more than £10,000 for charitable causes through Association activity, reflecting strong member participation and collective contribution across the industry.
David’s leadership of the BTMA has now been followed by continued international involvement as President of the Syndicat International du Décolletage (SID) for the 2025 to 2027 term.
As SID President, David is focused on strengthening international relationships, encouraging the exchange of technical expertise and best practice, and supporting collaboration between member associations.
A key part of his presidency is the 2027 SID Congress, which will be hosted by the BTMA in Stratford-upon-Avon, England, from 6 to 10 June 2027.
The BTMA saw increased engagement across its membership during David’s presidency, with greater participation in Association events and opportunities for members to share knowledge and discuss the issues affecting UK manufacturing.
This was reflected in record attendance at both the annual golf day and the 2025 AGM in London, where more than 60 members took part in discussions covering cyber security, trade conditions and wider pressures affecting UK manufacturing.
The increased participation helped strengthen collaboration across the sector, bringing manufacturers, technical specialists and supply chain partners together at a time when the industry continues to navigate economic uncertainty, skills shortages and changing market conditions.
Training remained a central priority throughout David’s BTMA presidency and reflected wider structural challenges across UK manufacturing.
Working with BTMA technical members, he supported the development of more relevant and applied training aligned to real manufacturing environments, particularly within turned parts production.
This focus reflects ongoing issues across the sector, including an ageing workforce, recruitment challenges and the need to strengthen the pipeline of young people entering engineering careers.
For David, addressing these challenges requires industry to take greater responsibility for promoting manufacturing as an attractive and dynamic career choice and ensuring that training reflects the skills businesses actually need.
“Unless we promote our industry as dynamic and interesting, the small pot of people with the right aptitude and attitude are likely to choose another route. We must take responsibility to identify the correct training relevant to our industry.”
David Brown, CEO, NEIDA | SID President | Past President, BTMA
BTMA events under David’s presidency provided a platform for members to discuss the issues most affecting manufacturers and share experiences across the sector.
The 2025 AGM brought members together in London to address key topics including trade conditions, energy costs, skills and apprenticeships, reflecting the operational pressures facing UK manufacturing businesses.
Alongside industry activity, BTMA members supported charitable fundraising throughout David’s presidency. Through events linked to the AGM and annual dinner, members raised funds for Dougie Mac and North Staffs Mind, supporting organisations providing important services within the local community.
Supporting Dougie Mac
The BTMA’s partnership with Dougie Mac has been supported through a three year sponsorship commitment beginning in 2024.
The partnership has helped support hospice care services, including palliative and end-of-life care, as well as bereavement support for families across Staffordshire.
BTMA support has also contributed towards facilities such as the Wedgwood counselling room, providing a dedicated space for emotional support and care.
Supporting North Staffs Mind
Funds raised by BTMA members have also supported North Staffs Mind in delivering mental health services within the local community.
The organisation provides counselling and therapeutic support for individuals experiencing mental health challenges, helping to improve access to services and respond to growing demand.
David’s involvement with SID has provided an international dimension to his work within the precision manufacturing sector.
The SID International Congress in Chicago marked an important milestone during his transition into the SID presidency. The event brought together member associations from across the international precision machining community and provided an opportunity to exchange knowledge, discuss shared challenges and strengthen relationships between manufacturers.
David’s long-standing involvement with SID has included participation in international congresses and collaboration with manufacturers from different countries, supporting the organisation’s role in connecting the global precision machining community.
The experience has reinforced the importance of international cooperation as manufacturers across different markets face many of the same challenges, from skills shortages and supply chain pressures to changing trade conditions, rising costs and the adoption of new technologies.
David became President of the Syndicat International du Décolletage for the 2025 to 2027 term, continuing his leadership within the international precision machining community following his BTMA presidency.
As SID President, David is committed to strengthening collaboration between member countries, encouraging the exchange of technical expertise and best practices, supporting the development of future talent and ensuring SID continues to provide value to its members through international cooperation and knowledge sharing.
The role provides an opportunity to bring together manufacturers from different countries to discuss common challenges and share approaches to improving productivity, quality and competitiveness.
A key responsibility during David’s SID presidency is supporting the delivery of the 2027 SID International Congress, hosted by the BTMA in Stratford-upon-Avon, England, from 6 to 10 June 2027.
Held every two years, the SID Congress provides an opportunity for the international manufacturing community to come together, exchange experiences and gain insight into the manufacturing capabilities of the host country.
The 2027 Congress will showcase UK manufacturing through visits to leading manufacturing and technology companies. Delegates will have the opportunity to see advanced manufacturing technologies, innovative processes and the approaches being taken by UK businesses to improve productivity, quality and competitiveness.
The programme will highlight the people, technologies and processes behind modern British manufacturing, while giving international delegates the opportunity to take ideas and experiences back to their own businesses.
The Congress will also provide an opportunity to discuss the global challenges facing manufacturers, including changing trade conditions, supply chain pressures, rising costs, skills shortages and the need to adopt new technologies.
The UK has a long history of precision engineering and advanced manufacturing, with established expertise in innovation, automation, quality and technology development.
The 2027 Congress provides an opportunity to showcase how this expertise continues to evolve and how UK manufacturers are responding to the changing demands of global production.
Factory visits will give delegates the chance to experience this development first-hand, seeing the technologies, processes and people contributing to modern British manufacturing.
For international delegates, the Congress will offer more than an opportunity to visit the UK. It will provide an insight into how British manufacturers are adapting to changing conditions and developing new approaches to productivity, skills and competitiveness.
Stratford-upon-Avon provides a distinctive setting for the 2027 SID Congress, combining its heritage and culture with its position within the wider UK manufacturing landscape.
Best known internationally as the birthplace of William Shakespeare, the town offers delegates the opportunity to experience British history, culture and hospitality alongside the technical programme.
The location will also provide opportunities for delegates and partners to connect outside the factory visits, with historic attractions, riverside walks, restaurants and local experiences contributing to the wider
David Brown’s BTMA presidency concluded in November 2025, but his involvement in the manufacturing industry continues through his role as President of SID.
His work across both organisations reflects a continued focus on collaboration, skills, knowledge exchange and strengthening relationships across the precision manufacturing community.
With the 2027 SID Congress now being prepared for Stratford-upon-Avon, David will continue to support international collaboration while helping to showcase the capabilities of UK manufacturing to an international audience.
“Working with and supporting David during his tenure as President of the BTMA has been a privilege. His contribution to both the association and its membership of SID has provided benefits to all concerned. I look forward to continuing to work with David in the future.”
Peter Hobbs, Director, BTMA
Careers at NEIDA.
About NEIDA’s quality.
About NEIDA’s production.
We want to keep you up to date with all of our news and developments.
Please see our latest updates.
Kory has progressed from a Level 3 T Level in Engineering and industry placement at NEIDA to a Level 4 Quality Practitioner Apprenticeship. His placement introduced him to Quality, where he developed practical skills in measurement, inspection equipment and engineering drawings. Now part of the Quality team, Kory is building his technical knowledge, experience and confidence as he develops his engineering career.
NEIDA is exploring 3D printing as a complementary manufacturing technology, developing bespoke solutions for production and engineering requirements while supporting the development of new technical skills.
Tom Farmiloe has successfully completed his Quality Pathway Apprenticeship at NEIDA, building on his prior engineering education. The program blended practical experience with off-the-job training, enhancing his technical skills and confidence through learning modern quality control methods and developing professional relationships.
Congratulations to Amelia Reeves on completing her Level 3 Business Administration Apprenticeship at NEIDA. Amelia’s passion for learning and dedication to her role has helped her develop essential skills that have set her up for continued success within the company.
Congratulations to recently graduated Apprentice Declan Davies on securing full-time CNC Escomatic position at NEIDA.
From 5th – 11th February businesses across the UK come together for National Apprentice Week 2024.
After completing an A-level in Engineering, Amelia Reeves has enrolled on a Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship in Business Administration at NEIDA.
Congratulations to recently graduated Machining Apprentices Ethan Rotherham and Adam Thompson on securing full-time CNC sliding head setter positions at NEIDA.
Due to continuous growth, NEIDA has two additional CNC sliding head machines on order.
After completing work experience in the Quality department at NEIDA, Tom Farmiloe, has enrolled on an EAL Level 2 Diploma in Advanced Manufacturing Engineering with a technical support technician pathway.
Congratulations to recently graduated Business Administration Apprentice, Phoebe Bentley, in securing a full-time position within our busy commercial department at NEIDA.
We want to keep you up to date with all of our news and developments.
Please see our related articles.
