Guy Mollart said: "I am honoured to serve as MTA President and return something to the industry that my company, Mollart Engineering, has so much been a part of over the past 80 years."

MTA CEO James Selka added: "I would like totake this opportunity to thank outgoing president Mark Ridgway for his continued dedication to the MTA and I'd also like to welcome incoming president Guy Mollart, who I look forward to working closely with in the coming years." The MTA represents both suppliers and users of manufacturing technology. This takes in machine tools, metrology (measuring) equipment, robotics, computer aided design and manufacturing systems (CADCAM), tooling and workholding equipment. The technology supply side turns over £1.6 billion annually, with more than 80% exported.

Hosted by BBC News presenter Steph McGovern, the MTA event also hosted the 2015 Manufacturing Industry Awards, which saw three categories contested.

The Best Supplier Partnership category was awarded to Metrology Software Products and Renishaw Plc, with the expert panel of judges saying that a large innovative company choosing a small partner gave huge credibility to their offer and entry.

Best Training Scheme was won by Yamazaki Mazak UK, with the judges highlighting that the company was an exemplar within the industry, due to its commitment to the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) work it carries out and its high level of engagement with schools.

Turning to the final award, Young Engineer of the Year, and Scott Gullick of PP Electrical Systems scooped this. Scott impressed the judges with his aptitude, self-starting attitude and his ability to show initiative.