Our Experts

Chris started studying engineering at school and has pursued an engineering career ever since. He initially started as a machinist on the shop floor, moved into CAD design before finally progressing into a management role. Chris has particular expertise in the design and build of bespoke printing presses - it was in this industry that he first developed a knowledge of gears. Outside of work, Chris and his partner have 2 children and he likes all things 2 wheeled, with or without an engine.

Les joined as an apprentice turner in 1972 and rose up through the business with roles that included Workshop Manager and eventually General Manager. Able to do gear calculations in his head, Les is now Technical Director, using his vast experience and knowledge to ensure our customers enjoy the highest quality products and best levels of service. On top of this, Les likes sport, photography and eating out. A growing brood of grandchildren make sure he’s always kept busy.

Paul originally spent 20 years working for Royal Doulton as an industrial engineer. He moved into an accounting role with a large clothing manufacturer, joining the team here as Office Manager in 2011. From placing orders to credit control, Paul is responsible for all aspects of day-to-day finance and administration. Outside of the office, he is a keen walker and has successfully restored a number of classic cars.

Prior to joining us in 2012, Matt spent 5 years welding and 2 years programming welding robots before deciding to have a change of scenery and become a fencing contractor. As our Storeman and Driver he is, to many people, the face of Leek Gears. Matt is a keen cricketer, playing and coaching the juniors at Leek Cricket Club, and an occasional spectator at Stoke City.

Mick spent 2 years working for a fabrication and welding business, before moving into the world of gear cutting in 1984. From gaining his City and Guilds in Mechanical Engineering, Mick’s unwavering attention to detail has seen him master the art of gear manufacturing. He now oversees the shop floor, troubleshoots manufacturing issues and ensures the high quality of every piece manufactured. In his spare time, Mick loves walking his two chocolate labs, good food and wine, painting watercolours and practising his photography skills. His dance moves are legendary.

Man of few words. Manchester United fan. Doesn’t own a campervan. An apprentice trained engineer, Jonny has the confidence and ability to turn his hand to any task on the shopfloor. He has recently taken on the added responsibility of ensuring nothing leaves the factory that isn’t up to our customers’ exacting standards.

Cian originally joined Leek Gears as an apprentice in our gear cutting department after being introduced to engineering by his blacksmith dad. In his spare time he likes gaming, mountain biking, camping and walking.

Leon is our latest apprentice who joined us in 2021 and is slowly but surely picking up the dark arts of gear cutting. In his spare time he likes tinkering with cars.

Dave is among the most experienced members of the team. He started his working life as a general engineering apprentice at another local company, Bode & Sons. After fine-tuning his engineering skills for over 20 years, Dave changed careers and stepped into the world of IT. He returned to engineering when he joined us in 2001 and has gone on to become our head CNC programmer and keeper of passwords. Outside of work Dave loves being outdoors, combining his interests in walking and photography. He has a particular love of the Lake District and often holidays there.

Brian is one of the longest serving members of our team having been with us almost as long as he has been married. Brian puts prodigious amounts of metal on the floor and, as our elder-statesman, is someone everyone in the business turns to for advice and sweets (usually aniseed balls). Of the old-school, Brian enjoys giving management a hard time and tending to his garden, which is a riot of colour in the summer.

Jonathan has been with the company since 2018 and has an NVQ Level 3 in Mechanical Engineering. Before joining Leek Gears, Jonathan was an infantry soldier in the Staffordshire Regiment. Jonathan’s hobbies include keeping fit, puppy walking and travelling. He is also quite at home doing DIY, though - to be clear - this does not include wallpapering.

Jonathan is our part-time Finance and Commercial Manager. He loves numbers and has a wealth of experience in SME manufacturing and distribution companies. He has been involved in the business since 2012 and supports our management team with financial, operational and commercial strategies. In what little spare time he has, he enjoys food, wine, travel and sport (once upon a time playing cricket and hockey but now mainly spectating).

Cristina is an expert in sustainability and supply chain transformation. She came to the business with a vision to work on projects that promoted the circular economy approach. Cristina’s dream is to get more women and girls into engineering and she has been working with Buxton & Leek College to fast track young apprentices into the business. She speaks Spanish and French fluently and is continually on the move. She has one daughter and enjoys walking the dog around Yorkshire on a weekend.