Mr Dewhurst joined the MTA in 2007 and has focused on providing value to members, standing up for their interests and helping them grow their businesses. During his tenure the number of members has grown by 33% and the range of industries and type of company in membership has increased dramatically – a strategy now firmly embedded in the MTA's plans for the future.
His watch has seen the MTA up its profile in Westminster and Whitehall with highlights including a Select Committee Appearance which was a key trigger for reform of UK Export Finance. Mr Dewhurst also led a significant internal restructuring to deliver a more modern streamlined organisation to members. An important part of that modernisation was a complete renovation of the MTA's listed headquarters building in Central London to deliver a modern environment for staff members and tenants alike.
Mark Ridgway OBE, MTA president, said: “The work that Graham has undertaken over the last seven years has been outstanding. The vibrancy and relevance that he has instilled at the MTA is what members really want to see. That he will hand over an association that is gaining members, on a firm financial footing and successfully runs the UK's leading manufacturing exhibition – MACH, is a testament to the hard work he has put in over the last seven years.
“Graham's work means that his successor will take over an organisation which is fit for purpose and strongly reflects the priorities of its membership, enabling him or her to move the MTA forward in areas like advocacy, policy development and building the twin brands of the MTA and MACH.”
He continued: “I have benefitted greatly from Graham's insight, enjoyed working with him and I was delighted to be able to present him with the association's Outstanding Achievement Award earlier this month. I, and the rest of the MTA Board would like to wish him all the very best as he looks forward to a well-deserved retirement.”
Prior to taking up his current post, Mr Dewhurst served on the association's council, including as honorary treasurer. A qualified accountant, he entered the sector in 1988 as finance director at Holroyd Machine Tools, then part of the Renold Group. He served as managing director of the Machine Tool Division of Renold from 2001 until 2007.
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