Dr. Paul Bedford, is considered the world’s leading retention expert for health club businesses and reoccurring revenue models.
His thought leadership enables businesses to lean into their own data, identify key underperformance indicators, and develop a sustainable customer and staff retention strategies..
Paul has experience as a Business owner, a Research Scientist, and a Behavioral Psychologist which gives him a unique perspective on customer and staff behaviour and business performance.
In a project with Gold's Gym (USA) Paul’s strategies added $4.75 million revenue boost in just five months, including 60% reduction in employee turnover and an Net Promoter Score spike from 26 to 43.
Paul is on a quest to increase the profitability and elevate the experience of businesses worldwide.
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.
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.
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.
Karl has worked within the rewind industry since 1987 developing a broad and deep knowledge of the sector. He is the AEMT’s lead lecturer and offers ongoing technical support to members. Starting his apprenticeship at York based service centre Eclipse Engineering, Karl trained as a time served electrical rewinder and fitter, where he worked extensively with low voltage machines, pumps and gearboxes. In 2011, he left Eclipse to move into sales then moved on to Featherston as workshop manager, where he gained experience in handling medium to high voltage equipment. He later became works manager of Kirkby Lindsey in 2015 where he was also the responsible person for signing off all Ex equipment.
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.
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.
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.
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.
