Presidents Message

2024 BTMA President's Message - David Brown

In my inaugural year as President, I would like to welcome you to the 2024 BTMA Buyers guide.

The annualised publication has become a regular reference for purchase teams and decision makers responsible for buying turned and milled components, this printed format provides a convenient update of our members capabilities and finds its way to over 10,000 industry professionals.

You will find amongst the content a wide offering by both our manufacturing and technical members, whether you are a fellow manufacturer, potential customer or someone interested in joining our industry, I am confident you will find it informative and beneficial.

After a very challenging number of years, where we have seen supply chains stretched and inflation running at levels not seen since the 70’s we now find ourselves in a new environment. A different work attitude, post Covid, has driven skills shortages in manufacturing, we and our customer base now not only compete against our peers within our industry to attract the brightest and best for the future, but also those from a much wider field of industries and services.

The BTMA will continue to support member companies and increase the associations wider activity in promoting the industry as a viable career opportunity.

Through our collaborative work with other industry associations, both in the UK and globally, we will undertake to promote the skills required to succeed in our industry and engage with governmental and educational establishments to reiterate the need to tailor and support education towards the engineering sector.

For those purchasing Turned and Milled Parts, the UK supply chain has never been as important as it is now, disruption to the global supply chain by Pandemic, war and even a blockage of the Suez canal reemphases the importance of a viable secure supply base. BTMA members offer you that.

For those companies within our industry seeking support to problems you may be encountering or simply want to be kept abreast of legislation and industry issues, join us.

 

2023 BTMA President's Message - Steve Doyle

Welcome to the 2023 BTMA Buyers Guide.

Our annual publication, circulated to buyers and specifiers of precision machined parts throughout the UK. This traditional, high quality magazine is something we are, I consider, rightly proud to assemble and distribute. This, we feel, reflects the calibre of our member’s, both manufacturing and technical, as high quality organisations. Within the following pages is a wealth of information to assist any company involved with the manufacture or procurement of engineered components within the UK and beyond.

For first time readers, this is a comprehensive guide of peer reviewed and accredited manufacturers of machined parts and their suppliers based in the UK. The ‘at a glance’ guides help you select the appropriate potential supplier by geographical, physical capability or quality accreditation. In addition to this information source we have relevant technical information on materials and associated services along with advertisements from our members, both manufacturing and technical. Returning readers will see the continuity of content quality, a relative membership growth and signs of the continued investment during these turbulent times. These points emphasise the relevance of the association, along with its member’s commitment to the UK manufacturing industries.

Despite pandemics, ongoing supply chain disruptions, political and economic upheaval, energy cost/security threat challenges, our industry has adapted, evolved and thrived. We hear at our regular meetings of the best practice approaches to keeping our businesses strong, safe and relevant. Through the associations adjacencies, benchmarking against similar industries brings the confidence to take the decisions necessary to drive our businesses forward. The strength and resilience to date has been admirable and a great comfort when discussing these issues at our regular meetings. Beyond the UK, our membership of SID (Syndicat International Du Décolletage) takes us to a global industrial position. Amongst peer trade associations from the major industrial countries we can learn and share industry best practice, see trends and understand where we stand in this global marketplace. The upcoming SID conference in Barcelona this year will be most interesting, an opportunity to measure and compare post pandemic statistics and performance against international peer subcontract association members.

One certainty is that there are more challenges to come. For me, whatever is thrown at us it is always comforting to know there are many hundreds of years of experience to draw from amongst our association friends. Experience which is directly relevant, from real people going through, or having gone through, often identical issues and challenges. What better sources of support can one wish for?

Whatever your challenge, ‘you are never alone’ with the BTMA.

 

2022 BTMA President's Message - Steve Doyle

Welcome to the 2022 BTMA Buyers Guide.

Our annual publication is circulated to >14,000 buyers and specifiers of precision machined parts and it is more than a signposting and advertising journal. The Buyers Guide content embodies the strength and capabilities of UK subcontract manufacturing and it’s support network (our Associate Technical Members). It also helps UK (and beyond) industries keep turning and in terms of quality, remains a benchmark globally.

For the Buyers:

All BTMA members have been through an approval process and this membership is awarded not just purchased. The members reflect a certain standard of product, quality and service to give you reassurance. Whether it be a full manufacturing member or maybe a technical member’s  offering that catches your eye, you know these companies come with a positive reference from within a peer reviewed organisation. The guide also gives clear definitions of each members offering and accreditations. Any enquiry can be channeled through the contact emails or our interactive website www.btma.org where there is also a wealth of information to be viewed.

For the Members:

To the best of our understanding, the BTMA is unique in our operating model as a focused collective. You are, whilst at our regular meetings, surrounded by a wealth of experience and knowledge directly related to your business. This experience and knowledge is freely shared to encourage ‘best practice’ to flow through our entire membership. From our membership and close working relationship with EAMA (www.eama.info ) we have a wider voice and opportunity to shape legislation which affects us and also a precise and reliable information stream to prepare for such legislation.

A fair percentage of the manufacturing members are multi generational owned so have been through decades of evolution. Equally, we have several members who are in the earlier stages of the journey. It is a very strong possibility any issue you may have, at any given time, is not unique to you. As you develop the relationships through our networking and social events you will find most are subjects open to discussion either confidentially or in the open forum, as you feel appropriate. It is almost inevitable you will receive sage advice finding a real life solution that is tried and tested.

At our regular meetings the real state of trade is qualified. This candid declaration lets all present benchmark their performance. These open and honest declarations are valuable to both manufacturing and technical members to truly understand the activity in the market.

Enough of this! Dive in and enjoy this publication and please do not hesitate to contact us with queries regarding membership or specific information within this buyers guide. Let us all grow, develop and prosper together in this coming year.

 

2020 BTMA President's Message - Nicholas Groom 

BTMA 2020 Buyers Guide Presidents Message

After now completing my first year as President, I'm often asked many questions from other engineering companies. Why I’m a Member? What do I get out of it? How do I find the time?

Who are BTMA Members? Members are proactive companies looking to raise their companies profile and standards. Collectively raising the UK subcontract industry. We have some of the UK's finest machine shops as members.

There is a real credibility to have a BTMA certificate in you company hall way. Showing companies your commitment of continual improvement and learning.

The BTMA are members of the SID  (Syndicat International du Decolletage) an international organisation made up of trade associations from around the world  and based on the previous experience of BTMA members our association will benefit from overseas visits and networking on a global scale. In 2020 we have a planned visit to Barcelona.

The membership is not always about your own company it’s about a collective group showing the world the strength and skills of the UK.

The association is run by the Members for the membership, trying to answer the question and delivering knowledge and resources.

We have great backing from our Technical Members, offering contacts to gain support and further knowledge. The information and resources these companies offer really show how great the UK manufacturing market is.  Giving their time to BTMA members, helping companies to raise their product Quality and skills.

Running an engineering company can often be lonely, thinking you are the only company with issues, looking up to other companies wanting to be them, trying to understand how others do things. These are questions you can find on social media or in a magazine. These are often answered when BTMA Members come together at a meeting.

But I don’t have the time, often you need to step away from something to see the challenges you might currently have. Often you’re not the first to have these challenges, reassurance from others often refocusses you plans. The drive home from a meeting allows time to reflect from others comments.

If you are looking for a subcontract component supplier or for suppliers of machining equipment, materials or technical services I am sure you will find this publication of interest. We have Members all over the UK who are at the forefront of their trade, offering world class quality products, flexible delivery packages at competitive prices.

For Buyers, the BTMA Members are at the cutting edge of technology, new developments with machine tools and tooling are enabling difficult to machine materials to be more effectively processed.  Look out for the BTMA logo when searching for suppliers.

The BTMA technical members are some of the first companies to offer this technology and a number of BTMA member companies are among the first in the UK to use the technology, offering customers tangible benefits.

Nicholas Groom,

President of the BTMA.

 

2019 BTMA President's Message  - Nicholas Groom

BTMA 2019 Buyers Guide Presidents Message.

Welcome to the 2019 edition of the British Turned Part Manufacturers Association Buyers Guide.

If you are looking for a subcontract component supplier or for suppliers of machining equipment, materials or technical services I am sure you will find this publication of interest. We have members all over the UK who are at the forefront of their trade, offering world class quality products, flexible delivery packages at competitive prices.

For Buyers, the BTMA members are at the cutting edge of technology, new developments with machine tools and tooling are enabling difficult to machine materials to be more effectively processed.  The BTMA technical members are some of the first companies to offer this technology and a number of BTMA  member companies are among the first in the UK to use the technology, offering customers   tangible benefits.

Since the age of 16, I have been attending meeting and events run by the BTMA. I am lucky to have been able to visit factories and trade shows all over the world. The knowledge and connections gained are a benefit to business success. I believe in the BTMA and its members, giving opportunity for friendship and support in your business. The ability to talk with a fellow engineer, who understands the challenges and problems are often over looked.

The next 12 months are going to be an exciting and challenging time for industry as the implications of Brexit and changes in the global market place unfold.  The BTMA membership, are by the very nature of working in the subcontract market, ready to face and respond to the changes.  We will be attending many of the leading trade exhibitions during 2019, distributing copies of this Buyers Guide and responding to any enquiries. Why not come and talk to us about your needs?

If you are a producer of turned parts and machined components on a subcontract basis this guide should interest you, by showing  suppliers of the equipment, materials and services you need to run your business.  Your business however could benefit greatly by obtaining membership of the BTMA, please see pages 6 & 7 of the guide for details, but as an overview. The networking opportunity with people in the same industry is a key benefit.  We meet regularly at interesting venues around the UK and review the state of trade and issues effecting our industry and businesses in general . We learn about new technologies from our technical members and seminar hosting.  We have recently joined the Syndicat International du Decolletage an international organisation made up of trade associations from around the world  and based on the previous experience of BTMA members our association will benefit from overseas visits and networking on a global scale.

The BTMA has the ability to punch above its weight on issues we feel strongly about via our membership of the Engineering and Machinery Alliance (EAMA) covering 14 UK trade associations. EAMA has regular meetings with government departments and the British Banking Association, giving our members the opportunity to get their voices heard.

Membership costs are not expensive and with members discounts on Exhibitions, tooling and BSI publications you can more than recover the cost of membership over a year. Contact our Director, whose details are on page 4 of this guide for more information. 

BTMA information and an electronic version of this Guide is available on the BTMA website www.btma.org or visit us on twitter @btmaUK

AS a BTMA member you are never alone!

I hope you will make good use of this Buyers Guide and the services the BTMA offer and I wish you a prosperous 2019.

 

Nicholas Groom,

President of the BTMA.

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PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE 2018

Phil Smith. President BTMA, Director of WealdPark Ltd

Welcome to the BTMA website.  This site is designed as a comprehensive reference to promote the services of BTMA Members and the products and services available from our Technical/Associate Members.

With the majority of our members being very busy throughout the last year, 2018 looks to be a similar year.  The BTMA and its members will be exhibiting at numerous exhibitions throughout the year including MACH2018 in April and Subcon in June.  The MACH exhibition this year will see a change of halls and layout at the NEC in Birmingham.  From the latest reports, it looks as though it will be the biggest MACH ever!

Also in June we will be attending the SID congress in Limerick, Ireland.  Some of our more “long standing” members have benefitted from these events in the past and I would like to encourage all members to support this event as I believe it will be beneficial to network with the other attendees in our industry from around the world.

At the bottom of the front page in the BTMA News section, for further information, we have included links to the MACH2018, Subcon and SID Congress sites.

The latest machine tool technology, available from many of our Technical Members, has had a big impact on the cutting of difficult to chip materials.  Many of our members are investing in these technologies as we continue to demonstrate our position as a global leader in the manufacture of turned and machined components.  We have recently seen an increase in the “re-shoring” of business back to the UK and our members are well placed to offer the best quality and service as the “Made in Britain” revival continues.

Obviously, BREXIT is still at the forefront of debating topics.  My opinion is that we will not know the final outcome until the very last minute but it does seem that both parties have now accepted that there will be a transition period after the March 2019 deadline.  This does make sense, which is strange coming from the mouths of politicians!!

BTMA encourages subcontract businesses of all sizes to join us in membership and benefit from the camaraderie, networking and support of like minded subcontractors.  Engineering is an exciting and demanding sector to work in.  It is also creative, inspiring and rewarding.  There is no doubt engineers have shaped our world, producing goods in volume, solving problems and inventing technology for future generations.  The benefits of BTMA membership can be found on the relevant Benefits pages of this website.

BTMA know that buyers can have confidence in UK manufacturing abilities and we welcome all enquiries through this website.

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PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE 2017

Phil Smith. President BTMA, Director of WealdPark Ltd.

Welcome to the BTMA website.  The site is designed as a comprehensive reference to promote the services of BTMA Members and the products and services available from our Technical/Associate Members.

I am very pleased to be elected President of the Association that stands as a beacon for British ‘World Class’ manufacturing and I will endeavor to increase awareness of the many attributes of the BTMA across all manufacturing sectors.

The incentives to work with a subcontractor can be many and varied. To reduce costs, add a production facility to cover order intake, take advantage of specialist skills and gain use of the latest technology to be more competitive. 

Changes within the UK economy have led subcontract buyers to need assistance in responding quickly to the demands of various industry sectors. The diversity of infrastructure has encouraged flexibility in the subcontract community and led to a ‘Made in Britain’ revival.

BTMA members are ‘World Class’ suppliers and offer competitive prices, flexible delivery packages and outstanding production using state-of-the-art machines and equipment.

The UK is known for high quality standards and as can be seen, BTMA members have the accreditations, machines, capability and capacities to meet the needs of buyers with assurances that they are purchasing high quality, precision made and reliable products that deliver.

As technology advances and the demand for high quality becoming ever more stringent, it will be even more important for buyers to know exactly where components, parts and assemblies have come from. This trend is also linked to the growing demand for environment friendly and socially responsible products.

BTMA members are at the forefront of technology and apply it to meet these requirements. Our Technical Members keep us informed about new machines, equipment, raw material and services as they are updated and become available.

British engineering offers many advantages so with constant consumer demand and changes within the global marketplace more businesses are considering manufacturing in the UK right from the start. The consequences of the BREXIT vote are still to be experienced, but manufacturers in this country have always had to compete and win new business based on their wealth of technical skills, knowledge and a strong history of innovation. 

BTMA encourages subcontract businesses of all sizes to join us in membership and benefit from the camaraderie, networking and support of like-minded subcontractors. Engineering is an exciting and demanding sector to work in. It is also creative, inspiring and rewarding. There is no doubt engineers have shaped our World, producing goods in volume, solving problems and inventing technology for future generations.

BTMA know that buyers can have confidence in UK manufacturing abilities and we welcome all enquiries through the BTMA website – www.btma.org

Phil Smith .

BTMA President.

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