Meet the Committee

Dave

Dave Raine

Chairman

Director Sumitomo Demag (SHI) UK Ltd

Dave is a colourful character who knows everyone and has the energy of a small child, having been on the committee since March 2019 Dave recently picked up the position of Chairman and his intention is to grow PMMDA considerably during his ‘reign’

Having been in the industry for 40+ years Dave has a knowledge and experience of the industry in all areas and knows most of what’s going on.

A lover of all ‘outdoor’ activities Dave spends a lot of his down time with family, walking and playing volleyball as well as team sports…

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Richard Hird

President

UK Sales Director of Labotek GB Ltd

Richard has been in the industry for almost 40 years and started out as a lab technician at Cole Plastics (now Basell Polyolefins). Currently UK Sales Director at Labotek GB Ltd, as well as President of the PMMDA.

Richard leads a busy life coaching PAN-disability football and match day co-ordinating for the National Cerebal Palsy football league. He really enjoys seeing others achieving something that they thought was impossible.

Running is also one of Richard’s passions and he has often been seen running various marathons for charity, these days it’s a necessity as a few trots around block allow for those little indulgences 🙂

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Matthew Ross

Deputy Chairman

Sales Director, Summit Systems Ltd

Sales Director of Summit Systems for the last 3 years and working at Summit for the last 7 Matt has been in the industry for over 21 years, starting life as an apprentice maintenance engineer at Mahle Filter Systems in Telford.

Matt joined the committee in 2021 and is brave enough to have taken on the deputy chairman role.

Matt is a family man and cherishes time with the kids whether it’s on the side of a rugby pitch, spectating at horse riding or family holidays. When he does have some spare time Matt can be found on the golf course enjoying some down time.

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Chris Stafford

Committee Member

Sales Operations Manager, Engel (UK) Ltd

Having been in the industry all of his working life Chris started an apprenticeship with a medical moulder and 14 years on has still not managed to escape the industry but he wouldn’t have it any other way.

Chris Has been with Engel UK for over 5 years now, two of which he spent travelling around all of the production plants in Austria, China, Korea, Mexico and the USA.

A keen snowboarder and a scuba diving instructor Chris loves the outdoors, away from the office he enjoys getting away in the campervan as often as possible and riding his Suzuki Trike (he appears to have a thing for 3 wheels as he also owns a Reliant Robin).

Nick-Fox

Nick Fox

Committee Member

Managing Director of Piovan UK Ltd

Nick has a wealth of knowledge in the plastics industry, starting as an apprentice more than 40 years ago he has worked his way through injection moulding production, sales and then into management. Nick was appointed in 2005 to head-up Piovan UK as part of a strategy to have wholly owned branches globally and since then the Piovan Group has grown almost 10 fold in sales… and still growing.

Nick has a strong belief in apprenticeships and whole heartedly believes that this transfer of knowledge, skills and experience is imperative for the future of the industry, expressing his support at every opportunity he is a valid member of the committee and has been for the last 7 years.

These days Nick has swapped the ski slopes for a more gentle form of sport and does less skiing and more cycling.

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Michael Craig

Committee Member

Area Sales Manager, BMB UK Ltd

Working initially as a technical service engineer Michael has many years experience and technical knowledge in the moulding industry, moving into the technical sales side over 15 years ago and becoming Sales Manager of UK and Ireland for BMB Spa just over 4 years ago.

Joining us as a member of the committee in February 2021 Michael particularly enjoys the Karting activity days and racing anything with an engine.

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Kate Grimes

Marketing

Mouldshop Ltd

Kate is still fairly new to the plastics industry, joining just three years ago, but couldn't imagine life away from Mouldshop! With a good few exhibitions on the horizon and getting to put her touch on Mouldshop's renowned marketing, it's never a dull day in marketing. 

Joining us this year as our Affiliate Commitee Member, she is keen to get going with the PMMDA to support education, promote sustainable practices and keep the UK Plastics flag flying.  

Outside of work, Kate can be found deep in a board game, crocheting something or perfecting a new recipe in the kitchen. But even with a love for her cosier hobbies, nothing gets between Kate and a networking event, especially if there might be a good bit of dancing and a beer.

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Kelly Knight

PMMDA Committee Secretary

Kelly joined the PMMDA committee as Secretary, taking over from the much-loved Nikki following her retirement. Alongside this role, Kelly runs her own business as a self-employed personal and virtual assistant, supporting companies across a wide range of industries with the day-to-day tasks that keep them moving forward.

Since launching her business in 2021, Kelly has built extensive experience across sales, marketing, accounts, social media, administration, email management, event planning, and networking skills that give her a well-rounded perspective on business operations. She thrives on variety and takes pride in helping businesses focus on growth by handling the details that often get left behind.

Outside of work, Kelly enjoys coaching and watching football, getting out on the golf course, travelling, visiting the theatre, and, of course, enjoying good food and drink along the way.

Roles and joining dates

Chairman David Raine Sumitomo (SHI) Demag UK March 2019
President Richard Hird Labotek GB December 2010
Committee Member Chris Stafford Engel (UK) Ltd February 2023
Committee Member Michael Craig BMB UK Ltd February 2021
Committee Member Nick Fox Piovan UK Ltd September 2016
Committee Member Kate Grimes Mouldshop Ltd September 2025
Secretary Kelly Knight PMMDA November 2024