British Gear Association Annual General Meeting 2026

Last week, the British Gear Association (BGA) gathered at Cadence in Nottingham for our Annual General Meeting (AGM).

This event brought together members from across the gear and transmission industry to review 2025, look to the year ahead and discuss pressing challenges. As ever the AGM combined formal business with open discussions, offering valuable insights into the sector’s current state and future direction.

Official Business and Annual Report Presentation

David Radley, the BGA Chair, led the official AGM proceedings. He presented the BGA Annual Report for 2025, which is now available for download on the Publications page. The report highlights the association’s activities, achievements, and strategic priorities. It also provides detailed updates on industry trends, membership growth, and advocacy efforts.

This formal segment ensured that members were fully informed about the Association’s work and financial health. It also set the stage for the more informal, yet important, roundtable discussions that followed.

Industry Concerns Over Steel Tariff Changes

A major topic during the meeting was the upcoming steel tariff changes scheduled for July 2026. Members expressed strong concerns about the impact these changes could have on the gear and transmission sector.

Changes risk increasing costs and disrupting supply chains for manufacturers. Members emphasised the need for urgent review and adjustment of these policies to avoid damaging the industry’s competitiveness.

The BGA encourages all Members and stakeholders to support the parliamentary petition addressing this issue. The petition calls for either extending the timeline for implementation, reducing the quota cut, or significantly lowering the tariff rate. You can add your support here: Parliamentary Petition on Steel Tariffs.

Skills Shortages and Engineering Graduates

Another key challenge discussed was the ongoing shortage of skilled engineers and the decline in engineering graduates entering the workforce. This shortage affects the entire supply chain, from design to manufacturing and maintenance.

Members shared examples of recruitment difficulties and the impact on project timelines. The conversation highlighted the need for stronger collaboration between industry, educational institutions, and government bodies to promote engineering careers and develop relevant training programs.

Networking and Informal Discussions

Thanks to Cadence for hosting the event and providing a great lunch. The informal setting allowed members to continue conversations and exchange ideas beyond the formal agenda. These networking opportunities are vital for building relationships and sharing knowledge within the industry.

The 2026 BGA AGM reinforced the importance of collective action in addressing industry challenges. From steel tariffs to skills shortages, the meeting showed that open dialogue and member engagement are key to finding solutions.