About
Meet the people behind the precision

Decades of engineering expertise, delivered by a team that cares about getting it right
At Brown GearTech, our reputation is built not just on precision-engineered industrial gearboxes, but on the people who design, assemble, and support them. From long-serving engineers with decades of hands-on experience to newer team members driving innovation and efficiency, every role contributes to keeping mission-critical systems running. We believe that trust is earned through knowledge, responsiveness, and commitment and our team embodies that every day. Get to know the people working behind the gearboxes.
Meet the Team
Paul Smith
Operations Director
Paul joined Brown GearTech in 2025 as Operations Director, bringing a background in construction and tier-one project management as a qualified quantity surveyor. He is responsible for overseeing the workshop, supplier relationships, health and safety, quality control, staff training, and estate management. Paul is particularly excited about plans to extend the company’s footprint, leading the planning application process that will increase capacity, and offer greater operational flexibility. He values the responsiveness and family-driven ethos that make Brown GearTech stand out. Beyond work, Paul has a competitive streak and is a former semi-professional car racing driver.
Graham Butler
Production Manager
Graham has been with Brown GearTech since 1984, bringing over 40 years of experience and knowledge to the business. As Production Manager, he oversees the smooth running of day-to-day operations, ensuring orders are produced, prepared, and delivered to the highest standards. Over his long career, Graham has taken on many roles, including spraying, stores management, fitting, packing, and forklift operation, making him one of the most versatile and dependable members of the team. Known for his straightforward approach and dedication, Graham’s long service reflects the commitment to quality and reliability that has defined Brown GearTech for over five decades.
Joe White
Engineering Design Manager
Joe joined Brown GearTech in October 2025 as Engineering Design Manager, bringing experience across mechanical and electrical engineering. He began his career with an apprenticeship in wind turbine maintenance before moving into design engineering, progressing to senior engineer while studying with the Open University. Joe has worked on complex projects such as chemical treatment plants, collaborating directly with customer engineering teams to deliver tailored specifications. At Brown GearTech, he is excited to apply his design expertise across diverse sectors and support the company’s growth. Away from work, Joe restores classic cars and collects medieval coins.
Nichola Adshead
Sales Director
With over 30 years at Brown GearTech, Nichola brings unrivalled experience in building long-term relationships with OEMs and turning complex challenges into lasting successes. As Sales Director, she leads with a customer-first mindset, ensuring every project runs smoothly and opportunities are maximised. Known for her “three-ring rule” (no customer left on hold), Nichola thrives on solving problems and delivering results that matter. A key part of Brown GearTech’s journey from family business to trusted UK gearbox brand, she takes pride in celebrating milestones like the company’s 50th year. Outside work, she’s happiest outdoors, usually walking or persuading others to join her.
Thomas Parker
UK & Ireland Sales Manager
Thomas brings extensive industry knowledge and a strong technical background in mechanical engineering to his role as UK & Ireland Sales Manager. He was drawn to Brown GearTech’s long-standing heritage, product excellence, and customer-focused approach, and is proud to be part of the team for its continued growth. Over recent years, Thomas has successfully established long-term relationships built on trust and performance. He takes particular satisfaction in helping OEMs overcome complex engineering challenges with practical, reliable solutions. Outside of work, Thomas is a trained musician and committed bodybuilder, reflecting his drive for discipline and continuous improvement.
James Duck
Marketing Manager
Arriving in May 2026, James is responsible for Brown GearTech’s marketing strategy and will direct emphasis towards conversion, pipeline and revenue generation. With an analytical approach to marketing and a desire to be hands-on, James has a practical understanding of what is required to turn marketing activity into commercial results in the B2B sphere. He is excited to be part of a business built on genuine engineering expertise, and translating that into content and campaigns that resonate with our client base. Off duty, James is the trustee of an animal charity and spends much of his spare time playing football or attempting to hone his mediocre 8-ball pool skills.
Becky Haigh
Internal Sales Account Manager
Becky joined Brown GearTech’s sales team in 2021. She works closely with customers to manage enquiries, support orders, and ensure every detail runs smoothly from initial contact through to delivery. With a background outside of engineering, Becky is proud of the technical expertise she has built, enabling her to confidently support customers across a wide range of sectors. She enjoys the variety and problem-solving her role brings, particularly the chance to be part of a fast-moving, responsive team. Away from work, Becky likes reading, keeping active at the gym, and winding down with a good glass of wine.
Frank Harris
Managing Director
Frank joined Brown GearTech in 2025 and is responsible for steering the company’s strategy and long-term direction. With a focus on efficiency, growth, and continuous improvement, he ensures the business remains the gearbox partner of choice for OEMs in mission-critical industries. Frank is driven by the challenge of combining Brown GearTech’s engineering heritage with a progressive, problem-solving approach that keeps customers ahead of operational demands. Always challenging inefficiencies, he looks for ways to add real value for customers. Away from work, he admits he aims to be more like his favourite animal, the Labrador: happily single-minded about life’s essentials.
Paige Gibson
Finance & Operations Manager
Paige joined Brown GearTech in 2025 and now leads the company’s business administration function. Responsible for accounting systems and financial operations, she is also streamlining processes to keep the business running efficiently. Paige played a key role in introducing new accounting software and supporting Brown GearTech’s ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 accreditations, strengthening both compliance and operational performance. With more than a decade of experience in the construction sector, she brings structure and focus to the team while adapting quickly to the demands of engineering. Outside of work, Paige enjoys a busy social life with family and friends.
Chris Hewison
Regional Sales Specialist
Chris joined Brown GearTech as Regional Sales Specialist, bringing close to 20 years of technical sales experience in the rotating equipment sector. His career began on the tools as an electromechanical engineer, giving him an excellent foundation that forms the basis of how he works with customers today. Chris has spent his career focused on Variable Speed Drives, LV motors and instrumentation, and knows this sector inside out. That depth of field experience allows him to understand the application before he picks up the phone; a capability our customers rely on. Outside of work, you’ll find Chris on the golf course or following Sunderland, through thick and thin.
Aaron English
Internal Sales Account Manager
Aaron joined the business as Internal Sales Account Manager in early 2026 and has enjoyed a diversified remit, currently comprising both sales and software-related responsibilities. Vastly experienced with MRO products, inventory management and project work, underpinned by a decade in the industrial distribution sector, he has made an immediate impact on several fronts at Brown GearTech. Firmly established as the company’s in-house tech guru, Aaron is passionate about problem-solving and enhancing systems and programmes to maximise efficiency. Away from the office you will find Aaron enjoying a few drinks with friends, when he’s not building web apps.
Yash Bhavsar
Regional Sales Specialist
Yash joined Brown GearTech in April 2026 as Regional Sales Specialist, Yash brings more than ten years of experience in the gearbox and motors industry. His background in technical sales spans several international companies, giving him strong insight into customer needs and enabling him to make an immediate impact across his region. Relocating to the UK marked an exciting new chapter for Yash, and with engineering firmly rooted in his background, the industry has always felt like a natural fit. Outside of work, he enjoys discovering new music during long journeys on the road and spending his free time travelling, experiencing different cultures, and keeping up with cricket.
Daniel Bernstein
Regional Sales Specialist
Dan joined Brown GearTech with a strong track record of specifying power transmission solutions across a full spectrum of applications. He is frequently consulted when something isn’t working as it should, including if equipment has been incorrectly specified prior to our involvement. Dan’s approach starts with understanding the full picture: load, duty cycle, environment and operating conditions. What drew Dan to Brown GearTech was the depth of engineering support and the team’s willingness to take responsibility for outcomes, not just supply product. Outside of work, he stays active through various sports and enjoys listening to music.
Work with a team that understands what’s at stake
”The team coordinated everything with real rigour. Their customer service was superb and they were very easy to deal with.”
“The team coordinated everything with real rigour.”
– Tim Palmer, Fortisiba
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