Neil Kelly celebrates 30 years of service 

2025 marks 30 years since Neil Kelly joined Sonaspection – a milestone that reflects his long-standing commitment to the company and the wider Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) community.

Now CEO, Neil has contributed across almost every part of the company since 1995, helping shape how Sonaspection operates and preparing it for the evolving demands of the market.

From welder to CEO

In the early 1990s, Neil was working as a welder on nuclear sites across the UK, including Sellafield, Heysham 1 & 2, Hinkley B, Sizewell B and Hunterston. One afternoon, while returning from a project at Sizewell B, a stray stone cracked his windscreen – prompting an unplanned trip to Autoglass.

Conveniently, the Autoglass branch was located next door to Sonaspection. With time to spare, Neil dropped in to visit a friend working on-site. That visit would go on to shape the course of his career.

At the time, Sonaspection was looking for a welder. Neil instantly connected with the team – including Martin Peacock, Steve Berriman, John Roberts, and Gary Stott – many of whom remain close friends today. But importantly, he connected with the company’s purpose: producing high-quality specimens with known flaws.

A career spanning every corner of the company

Over three decades, Neil has worked in almost every role within Sonaspection, including:

• Welding
• Flaw insertion
• Mechanical inspection
• Production Management
• General Management
• Chief Executive Officer

His background in nuclear welding and practical flaw manufacturing has given him a unique insight into flaw realism, product reliability and quality assurance – all of which continue to underpin Sonaspection’s global reputation.

Shaping a QA-driven Sonaspection

One of Neil’s most significant contributions has been leading Sonaspection’s transformation into a quality-assured, technically driven company, particularly in response to the stringent demands of the nuclear and defence sectors. Key achievements include:

• Relocating to a larger facility in 2013 to accommodate growth
• Securing ISO 9001 accreditation in 2016
• Elevating flaw realism to enhance NDT training and validation capabilities
• Driving R&D investment, particularly in narrow-gap weld flaw development
• Adopting advanced machining and manufacturing to elevate product quality
• Expanding EDM capacity to support entry into new markets and applications
• Building technical collaborations, including in-weld flaw placement with industry partners
• Navigating complex challenges, including ownership transitions, Brexit, and the COVID-19 pandemic

These developments have supported the company’s focus on technical accuracy, robust quality assurance, and customer trust.

30 years of impact

Over the years, Neil has travelled extensively and built long-standing relationships with colleagues and clients. He continues to take pride in seeing the impact of Sonaspection’s work:

• Hearing from clients whose training shaped their careers
• Receiving praise for product quality and flaw accuracy
• Building partnerships with clients that say they “wouldn’t go anywhere else”

These moments, Neil says, are the most meaningful part of his journey.

Looking to the future

Three decades on, Neil’s remains focused on innovation and growth. He continues to see exciting opportunities, such as expanding EDM capabilities, building the company’s presence in the US, and exploring opportunities in new sectors and regions.

“My hope is simple,” Neil says. “That Sonaspection continues to thrive for decades to come”.

Thank You, Neil

On behalf of everyone at Sonaspection, thank you Neil – for 30 years of technical leadership, and steady direction. Your contribution continues to guide the company and support its future.