BFPA Executive team

Nigel Thomason joined the British Fluid Power Association as Managing Director in September 2025. Nigel has extensive experience and proven leadership within the fluid power industry.

Martin is one of the longest standing members of the BFPA staff having joined the Association in 2006. As Membership and Training Director he prides himself on having an excellent knowledge of the membership and the kind of industry insight that enables the BFPA to offer member companies real added-value from their membership. This insight is also of great value when undertaking his other responsibilities for both BFPA training and the BFPDA Hose Accreditation Scheme.

Before joining BFPA Martin spent 23 years with Linde – a well-known German Hydraulics company and a long standing BFPA member.

He started his career as an apprentice for MG cars and has retained his interest in cars ever since although much of his spare time is now spent riding his Harley Davidson – a passion that he shares with his wife who also owns her own ‘Harley’.”

With more than 30 years’ experience in the fluid power sector, Andy Dickens has joined BFPA as Training Technical Manager. He has held senior roles in technical sales, product management and training at several major fluid power companies, bringing with him a wealth of technical knowledge and hands‑on training expertise. In this new position, Andy will provide technical support to members and contribute to the delivery of BFPA’s training courses and qualifications, working alongside approved training providers nationwide.

Sarah’s background is in marketing and market research. She manages the BFPA’s trend surveys, the BFPA Market Forecasting and Statistics Committee and the annual economic industry forecasts.

She monitors the official statistics relevant to fluid power published by the Office for National Statistics, HM Revenue & Customs and Eurostat and is also responsible for the UK’s statistical exchange programmes which have been developed over the years with CETOP, the European Trade Federation for fluid power trade associations.

Sarah has worked for the BFPA since 1995 and therefore has accumulated many years’ experience and knowledge of the hydraulic and pneumatic industries.

To contact Sarah please email: sarah@bfpa.co.uk

Yolanda joined the BFPA in March 2025. Yolanda has previous experience working for major companies such as BP, CCEP, ASDA in change and project management, training and workshop facilitation.

To contact Yolanda please email: yolanda@bfpa.co.uk

Kelly is responsible for leading the British technical and standards development committees and Health & Safety forum within the fluid power sector.  Her work supports the development, promotion, and maintenance of industry standards—strengthening the BFPA’s mission to uphold technical excellence and best practice across the industry. 

 Kelly brings extensive experience in management systems and certification. She previously worked for a leading certification body, managing clients certified to ISO standards. Prior to that, she spent nine years with a specialist consultancy, helping organisations implement and maintain effective management systems to achieve and retain certification. 

With her knowledge and hands-on expertise, Kelly is a valuable addition to the BFPA team. 

To contact Kelly please email: kelly@bfpa.co.uk

Linda brings over 20 years of cross‑sector experience spanning engineering, research, education, corporate branding, and environmental services. Throughout her career, she has successfully led and supported complex, high‑value projects—from engineering and forensic laboratory initiatives to national innovation programmes—across both public and private sector environments. Her expertise includes project planning and delivery, risk assessment, resource coordination, process optimisation, operational compliance, and rigorous documentation management. Linda is highly experienced in working with multidisciplinary teams and has collaborated closely with clients, subcontractors, and senior leadership to ensure effective, compliant, and high‑quality outcomes.