Mark ‘Billy’ Billingham MBE QCB is the Chief Instructor on the hit TV series SAS: Who Dares Wins (UK) and a DS on Special Forces: World’s Toughest Test (USA).
He also presents his own series on BBC One – SAS: Catching The Criminals.
Joining the Parachute Regiment in 1983, Billy held numerous positions, from Patrol Commander for worldwide operational tours to Training Instructor.
Billy joined the SAS in 1991 as a Mountain Troop specialist.
He has been responsible for training, planning and executing strategic operations at the highest level in numerous locations, including Iraq, Afghanistan, South America and Africa. Furthermore, Billy led many hostage rescues.
As a result, he received the Queen’s Commendation for Bravery and an MBE.
A decorated military leader, Billy served over 20 years in the SAS.
Keynote Speaker Mark "Billy" Billingham Thursday @ 9:45 AM
Host for the Conference
As the editor of Renew magazine, Chris Callander works closely with the AEMT and its members. He also researches and writes many of the association's press communications and has produced a series of technical guides on topics including managing the total cost of ownership of industrial motors, minimising downtime in motor-driven systems, and an introduction to Ex equipment repairs for users of Ex equipment.
Chris's background in publishing, much of it in industrial and business-to-business sectors, coupled with strong commercial acumen and project management skills, makes him ideally placed to create content that adds value to brands and businesses by bringing them to life.
As the host of the panel session exploring succession planning, Chris will help key association members share their knowledge and experience on this important but rarely discussed topic.
With over 30 years of experience in the electro-mechanical industry, Gary Downes has played a pivotal role in shaping the future of EMiR Software, guiding it through significant growth and strategic change. As the former Managing Director of Solutions in I.T., Gary oversaw the development of EMiR Software, a comprehensive job management solution designed for the sector, culminating in the successful sale of the business in 2024.
Gary’s industry insights are grounded in firsthand experience, having navigated the challenges of business growth, leadership transitions, and technological innovation. His deep commitment to the sector has been recognised with an honorary lifetime membership from the Association of Electrical and Mechanical Trades (AEMT), reflecting his longstanding contributions, including a term as AEMT President.
Gary will share his perspective on the importance of succession planning, business evolution, and lessons learned from selling a business.
Succession Planning Panel Thursday @ 11:00 AM
Jack Dunning has served as Finance Director at Houghton International since 2016, playing a pivotal role in the company's financial strategy and growth. With a background as a Chartered Accountant, Jack brings extensive experience from his tenure at Deloitte in London and New York, as well as his leadership roles at the British Private Equity & Venture Capital Association (BVCA).
In 2023, Jack was instrumental in the successful acquisition of Houghton International by Integrated Power Services (IPS), a significant milestone that expanded IPS's footprint into the UK and European markets. His expertise in corporate finance and optimised management information was crucial in navigating the complexities of this cross-border transaction.
At the AEMT Conference, Jack will share insights on succession planning and the financial considerations involved in selling a business, drawing from his firsthand experience in leading Houghton International through a transformative period.
Succession Planning Panel Thursday @ 11:00 AM
Matt is the Managing Director of Fletcher Moorland, a third generation owned and run business celebrating 80 years in the industry. Matt started off by working Saturdays in the business cleaning the floors and cleaning electric motor parts. Progressing through various stages from the fitting shop, rewind shop, machine shop and electronics workshop. Matt competed a degree in Electrical and Electronic engineering before starting full-time in the business in an external sales role. In 2008 Matt bought the majority shareholding and became Managing Director of the business.
Whilst only occasionally hands-on these days, Matt’s role is looking to the future of the maintenance industry and developing the growth strategy for Fletcher Moorland. With a strong team around Matt, Fletcher Moorland has grown to over 120 staff and has divisions in maintenance and repair, sales, consultancy, reliability, and manufacturing.
David has extensive experience working as a Sales Manager in the pumps and water industry.
A hardworking, knowledgeable, and target oriented Sales Professional with an extensively successful sales record. David has built and maintained a loyal client base, achieved by using his strong relationship building skills, and excels at devising strategies for increased sales. David is skilled in bringing out the best in not only colleagues, but also his clients and supply chain.
George Knowlton serves as the Managing Director of Knowlton & Newman Ltd., a specialist provider of electro-mechanical repair services across the south of England. Under his leadership, the company has continued to deliver high-quality services to industries including utilities, marine, pharmaceutical, food, aggregates, and power generation.
In 2021, Knowlton & Newman was acquired by Rubix UK, Europe's largest supplier of industrial maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) products and services. This strategic acquisition aimed to expand Rubix's engineering capabilities and establish a southern regional hub within its UK network.
George has played a pivotal role in integrating Knowlton & Newman into the Rubix Group, ensuring the preservation of the company's core values while leveraging the resources and expertise of a larger organization.
At the AEMT Conference, George will share his insights on navigating new ownership, discussing the challenges and opportunities that come with being part of a larger group, and how to maintain company culture and service excellence during such transitions.
Succession Planning Panel Thursday @ 11:00 AM
Will Ocean is the Director of Maintain Reliability, a consultancy dedicated to helping industry reduce downtime, improve asset health, and embed a culture of reliability. With hands-on experience across food manufacturing, biogas, and heavy industry, Will blends technical expertise in vibration analysis, thermal imaging, and electrical condition monitoring with a practical, people-focused approach to change.
About Maintain Reliability
Maintain Reliability helps organisations move from firefighting to forward planning by following a simple but powerful approach: Detect → Solve → Improve.
Through this cycle, Maintain Reliability supports clients in achieving sustainable performance gains and a measurable reduction in unplanned downtime.
Graeme Rafferty is a Supply Chain Manager at Offshore Energies UK (OEUK), the leading body for the UK’s integrating offshore energies industry. OEUK’s membership includes over 400 organisations with an interest in offshore oil, gas, carbon capture and storage, hydrogen, and wind, with all focused on safely providing cleaner, fuel and power to the UK. His objectives involve leading forums and industry initiatives that aim to ensure that the UKCS is a competitive and attractive place to do business including promoting adherence to OEUK’s Supply Chain Principles. Graeme has an MSc in purchasing and supply chain management, from Robert Gordon University. Graeme previously worked for SLB and gained experience in several different supply chain roles covering European operations, including as a Sourcing Specialist for the Field Equipment and Services category and as Supplier Manager for the Reservoir Performance division.
OEUK Procurement Graeme Rafferty Thursday @ 4:00 PM
Juliette Soulard is a member of the Warwick Manufacturing Group, a world-leading research and education group that is a part of the University of Warwick. A multi-disciplinary department renowned for tackling industrial, environmental and societal challenges through collaborative research with companies of all scales and complexities. Juliette will be discussing the evolution of electric machine technologies for automotive applications – design, manufacturing, re-pair and re-cycling in her talk:
"E-machines manufacturing and recycling "
Evolution of electric machine technologies for automotive applications – design, manufacturing, re-pair and re-cycling.
Since the Toyota Prius Hybrid car was launched in Japan in 1997, many different electric machine designs have been commercialised to support the electrification of passenger cars. The evolution with advantages and drawbacks of the key electric machine technologies will be presented. Especially, the move to hairpin (discrete and continuous) winding technology will be introduced, discussing medium to high volume automation of manufacturing. The last part of the talk will introduce WMG’s recent activities around re-pair, re-cycling and in general re-X of electric machines, highlighting technology challenges and business opportunities.
Shaun Sutton is the co-founder of the EDC Group, encompassing EDC Scotland, EDC North East, and EDC Air Compressors. With a career spanning over two decades, Shaun has been instrumental in establishing EDC as a leading provider of ABB variable speed drives, motors, and control gear across the UK.
In 2024, Shaun, alongside his co-founder Nick Brown, transitioned EDC into an Employee Ownership Trust (EOT), selling 100% of the company shares to the trust. This move was designed to preserve the company's culture, ensure job security for employees, and empower the team to drive the business forward. Shaun continues to provide guidance to the EDC team, supporting the company's growth under its new ownership structure.
At the AEMT Conference, Shaun will share his experiences and insights on succession planning, discussing the motivations behind transitioning to an EOT and the benefits it brings to both employees and the business as a whole.
Succession Planning Panel Thursday @ 11:00 AM
The AEMT Codes of Pracice are being replaced with our provisional codes of practice at the end of 2025. Members will be asked to demonstrate compliance with these codes by 2027. The Secretariat and Council are preparing for this transition, ensuring members have the support, resources and tools needed to comply.
