‘Best of the Best’ crafted in Plymouth!

Princess Yachts are delighted to announce that the Princess ‘Superfly’ X95 has been awarded ‘Best of the Best’ in Robb Report‘s Yacht category.
The team at Robb Report explained, “we were impressed not only with the yacht’s volume—which clearly adds to gracious on-board living—but also the way your team, along with Pininfarina, shaped the exterior. The unique design makes excellent use of the top deck, foredeck and beach club areas. We’ll sum it up in one word: Bravo”.
Find out more about the Princess ‘Superfly’ X95 on our website: https://lnkd.in/d7cWYzb

(COVID-19) Coronavirus restrictions: what you can and cannot do

Some coronavirus restrictions are being cautiously lifted across England today 29th March 2021.
Here’s what you need to know
https://lnkd.in/dqJiFVZ

Image  – here

£7.9m Fund Launched to Help UK SMEs Exhibit at Overseas Tradeshows

£7.9m Fund Launched to Help UK SMEs Exhibit at Overseas Tradeshows

The UK Tradeshow Programme (UKTP) is an enhanced tradeshow support service which aims to educate UK-based small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) about the benefits of exhibiting at overseas tradeshows.

The Government intends to provide support to between 2,000 and 3,000 businesses per year, to be approved under the scheme from December 2021 to March 2023, within the budget of £7.9 million. All successful applicants will receive training on successfully exhibiting at tradeshows in general, and the specific approved event(s) that they have applied for. Some businesses may also receive a grant of either £2,000 or £4,000 up to 40% of costs as financial support

Applications are now invited from businesses wishing to exhibit at overseas tradeshows. Applications must be made at least six weeks before the start of the event.

Find out more here

5 Manufacturing roles that will soon look very different. The factory of the future will demand a whole new combination of skills.

Article by Stephen Laaper and Asi Klein

AUG 25, 2021

This article appeared in Industry Week magazine and is available to read in full – here

The fact that digital transformation and Industry 4.0 are changing manufacturing operations is no secret, nor is the fact that skilled manufacturing talent is increasingly harder to come by. With Deloitte research projecting that 2.4 million manufacturing jobs will be unfilled by 2028, the question becomes: What talent and skills do manufacturers need in order to succeed in the factory of the future?

Here we look at five manufacturing jobs and how they are expected to evolve. We highlight the critical new skills needed for these jobs that manufacturers will need to cultivate in order to better recruit, train and upskill workers.

A common thread across all of the jobs below is a trend in “human capabilities”—or soft skills—becoming just as important as technical and manufacturing skills. For example, as artificial intelligence (AI) reduces the need for humans to be involved in lower-value, manual work, workers increasingly need to be able to take on new responsibilities in areas such as problem-solving, communication, interpretation, design thinking and customer engagement.

Five Roles that are Getting Smarter

Several manufacturing roles are changing due to technology innovation. We chose the five roles below to highlight as these roles are experiencing a particularly high level of evolution in the smart factory era and are representative of how manufacturing jobs will continue to evolve.

The Production Planner

The Industrial Engineer

The Operator

The Line Leader

The Quality Engineer

Read about each one in turn in the original article – here

A note of reflection from Steve Gerry – as he retires as PMG Secretary

Steve Gerry – well known Secretary and Treasurer to the PMG – retired earlier in 2022, so we asked Steve to share with us some of his thoughts about his time working with the PMG and its members:

“Reflecting back on my 14 year period as Secretary to Plymouth Manufacturers’ Group or PMG by which the group tends to be known, I have many fond memories. It was with great pleasure back in February 2008 that I took over from my predecessor Mike Boxall who I had first met back in the mid-1990s when he was Chief Executive of the Westcountry Development Corporation.

Of course the origin of the PMG pre-dated both of us as it was formed back in 1977. In fact, it was during my period of office that we celebrated the 40^th anniversary of what had been for decades a  renowned and well-respected group.

Throughout my period as Secretary, I worked with over half a dozen different Chairmen (both male and female), each of which was managing one of the larger manufacturers in the city at their time of office.

I can honestly say that it was a pleasure to work with all of them. I think it must be something to do with their need to be highly practical people, responsible as they are for significant levels of production on a daily basis, that resulted in each of them being pleasant, well grounded, experienced and easy to get on.

The manufacturing sector in Plymouth is undoubtedly one of our economic strengths if not the economic strength of the City. Including as it does, some of the city‘s largest employers such as Babcock and Princess. In fact two-thirds of these larger firms are internationally owned corporations and we all too easily forget as a city how lucky we are to host such top global brand names.

It was during the latter period of my term of office that Plymouth became formally recognised as a top 10 manufacturing city in the UK. For many years, I had read numerous economic reports that were gloomily forecasting a gradual downturn in employment and growth within the sector. I am pleased to say that this never came to fruition and long may that continue.

Despite our best efforts, skill shortages continue to hold the sector back. Some year’s ago, we introduced the annual apprentice jobs fair which we later broadened to include other early careers opportunities including those for graduates. This proved to be highly successful and our collaboration with the local construction sector made it even more worthwhile for parents and young people to attend. We also tried our best to tackle the gender imbalance that exists within manufacturing and we were, for example, instrumental in supporting the women in STEM movement in Plymouth which has been led by a series of very impressive young women.

I took enormous pleasure from the success of our annual Christmas Lecture which was held annually at the University of Plymouth which has been a stalwart supporter of a PMG. The Lecture gave us the opportunity to engage with the local business community in its broadest sense and members of the University staff, particularly from within engineering and business faculties to listen to some of the best minds in Industry and Commerce from across the UK and beyond.

One of the greatest sources of satisfaction for me was the way in which we expanded our membership base to include SME firms from within our sector. This is where future growth lies, and in fact we have already seen that some of our most successful smaller members have grown rapidly to become significant employers in their own right such as Pipex (now part of US giant NOV) and Burts Snacks. And although the PMG is clearly a Plymouth-centric body, a number of our smaller members join us from slightly further afield in South East Cornwall, West Devon, the South Hams, Teignbridge, and Torbay and Exeter.

What matters most for the success of the PMG, both in the past and looking to its future, is the level of engagement and support we enjoy from amongst the membership. It goes without saying that the PMG is nothing without its members and it has been due to the unselfish dedication of many volunteers down the years who have stepped up to serve on our board and to chair our numerous thematic sub groups, covering everything from health and safety to environmental sustainability. We owe a huge debt of gratitude to all those individuals concerned.

Our defence and marine sectors give the city its USP and international reputation. This is undoubtedly from where our success ultimately lies and it is to the benefit of all manufacturers in the City that we must look to seize opportunities where they exist and when they arise in the future. Personally, I have complete confidence in the future success of our manufacturing and engineering sector and of the PMG as a key sector network and representational group. Fortunately, both are in very safe hands. It is therefore with great pleasure and interest that I now observe the performance of each from a more leisurely distance.

Good luck to all concerned including the incumbent Chair, Karen Friendship and Gemma Selley who now has her hands on the PMG tiller.”

We’re sure you’ll agree, it has been fantastic to hear Steve’s reflections and what he wishes for the future of our manufacturing sector. From all of us, we thank you Steve for all your hard work and dedication to the PMG, its members and of course our city and its surrounds. Wishing you happy and relaxing retirement adventures!

A transformational step for Alstom: completion of the acquisition of Bombardier Transportation

Adopt a Beehive to boost your green credentials!

Britt here from Pollenize CIC!

Agents’ summary of business conditions – 2021 Q2

Manufacturing output increased to close to pre-Covid levels, though supply bottlenecks constrained production in several sectors.

Output among food and beverage producers increased as the hospitality sector stocked up ahead of reopening. Strong demand for construction materials pushed mining and quarrying output above year-ago levels, and contacts in the oil and gas sector said that production was close to pre-pandemic levels.

There were widespread concerns among contacts about the cost and availability of materials and components. Output in the automotive sector continued to be constrained by the shortage of semiconductors. And contacts in some sectors reported stockpiling of materials and components in anticipation of continued supply-chain disruption. There were many reports of lead times increasing.

Contacts reported that Brexit-related issues that had previously impacted on exports – such as customs declarations, rules of origin and product-labelling – were starting to abate as businesses adapted to the new requirements. Demand from the EU for UK goods was reported to have returned. More businesses said they were setting up hubs in the EU in order to continue selling to customers in the region. There was limited evidence of substitution away from EU imports.

More – here

Aiming for Net Zero – A practical workshop – 15th February 2022

For small to medium-sized enterprises – Do you want to take steps to reduce the carbon emissions of your business, but you’re not sure where to start?

Climate change is an urgent issue and all businesses have a responsibility to take action. We know from our recent survey that companies like yours want to take steps in the right direction, but don’t know where to start.

Our Aiming for Net Zero half-day online workshop can help.

This practical, interactive session comes with a free workbook and is broken down into three parts, making it easy to understand and follow. For a special introductory price of £150 + VAT*, our expert trainer will take you through how your business can reduce its impact on the environment and take steps to Net Zero.

The workshop will cover topics such as:

• Why Net Zero is relevant to business
• Business opportunities from acting now on Net Zero
• How much carbon your business emits
• How your business can reduce its carbon emissions
• Incorporating Net Zero into business operations and planning

Upon completing the workshop you will be able to:

• Create a Net Zero pledge
• Create a Carbon Footprint for your business
• Create a Net Zero plan

You will also have the opportunity to join discussions with peers, join breakout sessions and ask questions.

Spaces are limited so book now to ensure you secure your place.

*If you want to attend this workshop free of charge, get in touch with our team to find out more about Chamber membership and the benefits we offer.

Book here 

AIS wins Award for Enterprise in the King’s Awards

AIS is delighted to win its sixth Award for Enterprise in the King’s Awards, previously known as the Queen’s Awards. The company obtained the International Trade Award 2023 for its export success over a three-year period.

The King’s Awards for Enterprise are the most prestigious awards for UK businesses, and recognition from His Majesty King Charles III is a testament to everyone at the company.

Read more about this exciting announcement, including the thoughts of Managing Director Andrew Bennion, by clicking the link below.

http://ow.ly/fvAk50NOFCv

Aldermans wins three awards this Autumn Winter!

We always delight when our members win an award but this autumn-winter, Aldermans received not just one business award but three!  

At the Plymouth Live Business Awards the company won the Manufacturing Business of the Year category, which was followed by SME of the Year (Southern Region) in the MAKE UK Manufacturing Awards and then finally, SWMAS presented Aldermans with their Biggest Transformation award to celebrate their 20th anniversary.

These awards recognise the investment made in shopfloor technology and business management systems, while nurturing staff and advancing towards their Carbon Net Zero goal.

Well done Aldermans!

You can read more here!

All the latest newsletters received in the PMG Office – up until 1st June

Download this summary list of newsletters recently received by the PMG Office – here

All the latest newsletters received in the PMG Office during May

Download this summary list of newsletters recently received by the PMG Office – here

Ambitious Growth Plans at Composite Integration

Composite Integration Ltd entered its 20^th year in 2022. Founded in 2002 by Stephen Leonard-Williams and Richard Bland, both having significant experience in RTM, liquid moulding methods and equipment development, it has grown continuously year on year. To provide a comprehensive range of equipment and services to multiple sectors worldwide, Composite Integration assembled a talented technical team covering a variety of engineering subjects including composites, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, and software development.

The long-term company vision included building a team to ensure it continued to thrive and grow well beyond the tenure of the founding members and to ensure successful collaborations with clients and partners continued far into the future. To achieve this, a management team has been carefully assembled in recent years with a wide variety of skills and experience and, in December 2021, the company restructured enabling the team to own the equity in the business.

The new team is actively developing and updating the strategic plan to maintain controlled growth of Composite Integration, deliver a growing range of market leading products across multiple sectors and enable us to continue to provide a world class service to our expanding client base.

Who’s who in the Picture: Left to Right – Alan Bond – Senior Design Engineer, Charlie Thomson – Non-Executive Director, David Raynor – Business Development Director, Stephen Ward – Design Engineering Director, Richard Bland – Managing Director, Kelly Ellis – Operations Director, Dr Tim Searle – R&D Director.

AMETEK Fine Tubes Celebrates 60 Years in Plymouth

Plymouth, England (November 07, 2022) – AMETEK Fine Tubes, is marking 60 years since moving to purpose-built premises in Plymouth, Devon, in 1962. The business was originally founded in Surbiton in Surrey in 1943.

Fine Tubes has enjoyed many successes and achievements since its founding, with many of them originating from its 51,000 square foot facility in Plymouth. As well as a large number of business milestones, Fine Tubes employees have raised an impressive £17,000 for local charities over the past four years.

In 1965, the business manufactured AM350 tubes for the Concorde program, while 1977 saw Fine Tubes make major strides in the nuclear field by developing 20/25 Nb nuclear fuel cladding tubes.

Over the years that followed, Fine Tubes expanded into new and ambitious projects, including seamless titanium 3AI/2.5V tubes for aircraft hydraulic systems, clean bore tubing for semiconductors, and data logging tubes for the downhole oil and gas markets. The manufacturer also pioneered several innovations within the medical sector, including titanium tubing for femur and tibia bone nail implants.

Fine Tubes was involved in several high-profile aerospace programs during the late 1990s and 2000s. Projects included supplying high pressure titanium tubing for the hydraulic systems of the Eurofighter, Airbus A380, and Airbus A350.

Other prestigious projects including developing 130 kilometers of cooling tubes for the Large Hadron Collider at CERN in 2008 and, more recently, specialist titanium tubing for the Chemical Propulsion System of the Solar Orbiter project.

Dave Cawse, Operations Director at Fine Tubes, says: “Fine Tubes has been operating successfully for almost 80 years and much of our success is attributed to the dedicated, loyal, and talented teams we have working at our production base in Plymouth. We are proud to have been manufacturing in Britain’s beautiful ocean city for 60 years and will be celebrating our diamond anniversary over the course of the year.”

Throughout its time in Plymouth, Fine Tubes has supported the local community, working closely with charities and community groups, local businesses, schools, and Plymouth University.

An opportunity to help shape Plymouth’s future engineering graduates

The Mechanical – Marine Engineering Industrial Advisory Committee (MMIAC) is a forum comprised of experienced mechanical, marine and manufacturing engineering company representatives from across the SW region and academic members of staff from within the University of Plymouth’s School of Engineering, Computing and Mathematics.

Working in partnership with the MMIAC, the University ensures that it keeps their student’s curriculum up-to-date with issues facing the profession and that they are highly employable when they graduate.

Nominations are now being sought from local manufacturers to help boost the representation of the private sector on this important body.

With the University currently planning its New Engineering and Design Facility, there has never been a more exciting time to be engaged.

The role is not onerous in terms of time commitment. The Committee meets twice a year for a couple of hours. What it seeks to do most, is to tap into your lifetime of knowledge and experience as an engineer.

See full details – here

Are you Interested in making more effective use of your CSR strategy and aligning this to the Sustainable Development Goals through supporting local and global health in Plymouth? 

As UK and global populations age and suffer preventable long term conditions, the economic viability of businesses will come into increasing focus because their workforce is drawn from these populations. Medical expenditure, absenteeism, loss of skills through disability and death, and reduced productivity will increasingly challenge businesses. At the same time, businesses are increasingly operating in the context of wider political, environmental, social and technological challenges, not least those presented by COVID, global inequalities, climate change and loss of trust in politics and governments. These challenges and opportunities call for radically new ways of collaboration.

Accordingly, the South West Global Health Collaborative (GHC), which exists to improve local and global health, is interested in working more collaboratively with local businesses in Plymouth who want to demonstrate and/or strengthen their corporate social responsibility (CSR) and environmental, social, and governance (ESG) credentials. (For an explanation of ESG see – here)

Businesses do not have to be health-related. The Sustainable Development Goals highlight how every single sector has a role in ensuring that economic growth is promoted without compromising equity and fairness. That’s why we want to work with every business in the city who recognises their role in this and wants to fulfil it

Established at the University of Plymouth in 2016 alongside a Masters course in Global Health, the Collaborative brings together extensive experience and expertise amongst local health workers who are all engaged in international health partnerships. The government has now pulled some international health funding that has affected several new projects, but this could also present an opportunity for health and business to work more closely together, taking a more visible leadership role in this agenda.

The GHC ethos is that

• “Health is interdependent and interconnected – it is no longer possible to separate health issues in the UK from health issues abroad….” – All Party Parliamentary Group in Global Health
• ‘Education must be globalised for all NHS staff’…. who ‘must deliver effective care to multicultural communities with diverse needs’ and ‘must understand the effects of globalisation on health and health systems.’ – Health Education England
• Health is determined by problems, issues and concerns that transcend national boundaries,” and are thus beyond the capacity of individual countries to address through domestic institutions – Public Health England GH strategy 2014-2019/ 2008 and UK Government ‘Health is Global’ Strategy
• Almost every health service problem has been solved at some scale somewhere. Health workforce crisis, patient empowerment, etc – and often by health services developed under more austere conditions.
• The reciprocal benefits of working together and sharing innovation globally are well recognised at NHS health worker, but also whole health system, level.

There are a number of planned new projects underway in the collaborative:

• Plymouth and Uganda working together on building community health worker roles and empowering these workers and their communities to collect own data and prioritise own health needs through geospatial mapping technology
• Paramedicine partnership with an NGO in Nepal on first responder services
• Midwifery partnership with community midwifery services in rural Ethiopia

There are many existing other global partnerships /projects with opportunities for additional collaboration – these can be found at:

https://www.plymouth.ac.uk/research/global-health-collaborative/projects

Please contact the leads for the GHC tara.harrop@plymouth.ac.uk / lucy.obolensky@plymouth.ac.uk if you would like to explore collaborating with us on any global and local health projects.

Argos Fire Protection introduces new products offering even greater protection.

We have been around a fair few years now starting out as a fire extinguisher maintenance company in St Ives, Cornwall back in 1969, we soon grew a loyal customer following by providing an efficient and focused 24hr service and started to expand our offering to include fire training, risk assessments, fire alarm servicing and installation. As the company grew we moved our head office to Exeter where we could expand outwards, we have always strived to provide the products that customers need so we can be the company of choice. We have now been a Diamond Install and Service partner for Ansul R-102 kitchen suppression for over 10yrs and have seen this area grow in recent times and are very proud to say we are one of only 6 companies in the country to receive BAFE SP 206 Accreditation.

2020 – The start of an unprecedented time for the whole world, a very worrying time which is hopefully now easing and allowing businesses especially hospitality and travel to start trading at something closer to normal levels. As a business we are proud to say our heritage kept us somewhat shielded from the effects and we were able to maintain our staff levels and since returning back full time early this year we have even grown the number of staff we employ.

One thing the pandemic did do is allow us to look again at what products we could offer to protect our customers further in the future, one such product that caught our attention is that offered by a company called Reacton who we have partnered with to provide cutting edge fire suppression systems that can be designed to protect Vehicles, Farm Machinery, CNC Machines, Electrical Consumer Units, Residential Kitchens and many other applications. We chose Reacton as their systems do not require any electrical input therefore can offer a stand-alone solution in most environments.

Another product that we felt would plug a gap in current protection offerings are flame spotting cameras and we chose a company called Ciqurix (Formerly Spot Fire) as once again their products are cutting edge and can be designed to BS5839 compliance, these cameras can spot a flame inside or outside up to 180 metres away in under 15 seconds which is extremely useful in high roofed buildings and outside where traditional detection is not available.

We are ready to your answer questions about our products and services! Please contact your local consultant Phil Lawrence on 07966 031431 or email phil@argosfire.co.uk

Please also visit our website for further information on the products and services we offer at www.argosfire.co.uk

Artemis Optical recognised with prestigious Queen’s Award for Enterprise

Commenting, CEO Nick Hurst said, “we feel very honoured to have been selected for this award which principally recognises the efforts we have made to increase our exports in recent years but also recognises the huge effort that has been made by all our employees to design, manufacture and deliver our high-quality products which now are sold around the world.” He added “I think it is wonderful that a small west country company like ours has been honoured in this way by her Majesty The Queen and we are very flattered to have received this recognition”.

Artemis Optical’s Activities, from KTP’s and Capital Investment to Podcasts and welcoming MPs

Awarding vocational and technical qualifications in 2021

This article applies to BTEC, OCR Cambridge Technicals, Pre-U, Core Maths, IB, professional and technical qualifications (for GCSE, A or AS levels see our article: Awarding academic grades in 2021 without examinations)

In brief

The Government has confirmed that teacher judgements will play a crucial role in awarding results for students of vocational and technical qualifications this year. In some cases, assessments may still go ahead, either remotely or in person where it is safe. Assessments evaluating professional competence must take place, but may be subject to delays due to public health and safety. Students will be kept updated.

An online interactive tool will be released on the government website during March so students can check which approach is being used for each qualification.

The aim is that students will be awarded a grade to reflect what they know so they can move on to the next stage of their life.

In summary

Applied generals – including BTEC, OCR Cambridge Technicals, Pre U, core maths

Teacher assessment based on the work completed, such as tasks performed and course work.

International Baccalaureate

Cancelled in the UK. Awaiting announcement due mid-March about how they will be awarded.

Functional skills

Teacher assessed grades will be awarded if assessments cannot be taken due to public health measures.

Professional or occupational qualifications

Assessments must be taken, although this may be conducted in a different way to normal (such as remotely or using social distancing) so there may be delays. Awarding organisations will advise colleges or training providers of when grades can be awarded based on when assessments can take place.

Read the complete article – here

B2B Contact – The Importance of a Safe Working Environment when managing Warehouses & Storage

Article from R&D Machinery near Totnes

Managing a warehouse and/or storage facility can be a difficult task, especially when you consider the regulatory compliance that goes together with the job. The costs to businesses are also impactful as shown here;

• 39.8 million workdays lost due to workplace injuries.
• 325 cases prosecuted by HSE in GB 2019/2020
• £35.77 million pounds in health and safety offences.
• Average 1,300 accidents involving forklift trucks every year.
• 19% of all workplaces manual handling injuries are made up of elementary storage occupations.
• 29% of employee injuries are from falls, slips, or trips.
• Up to 10 years in jail and £1 million pound fine – the cost of failing to comply to LOLER and PUWER regulations 1998.
• 39.8 million workdays lost due to workplace injuries.
• Breach of health and safety – 2 years in jail and unlimited fines.
• Average cost of fines £100,000.00 relating to material handling accidents.

 Even during their quietest period’s, warehouses are under pressure. With so much going on – under such a small roof – there is always a risk of something going wrong. The casual worker may brush off damage to a pallet, racking, a product, or the machine they are using – and yet its consequences could have serious ramifications.

Injuries are not outside the realm of possibility in the workplace as the statistics above show. Warehouse safety should be treated with the upmost respect, otherwise, it could lead to loss of stock, loss of production and potentially and the worst-case scenario loss of life.

R&D Machinery is a privately owned company with depots located in the South West of England giving quick and easy access to Devon, Cornwall, Somerset, and Dorset. We are the main dealers for the entire Manitou product range of machinery, which includes over 100 different models working in all different industry areas. I am the Industrial specialist and can provide great ways to improve your productivity, time, damage control and ultimately the safety of your staff.

Jason Fullard, of R & D Machinery Ltd

Email – Jason@rdmachinery.co.uk

Babcock and Plymouth Science Park launch advanced manufacturing lab in new innovation partnership

Babcock International, has opened a new state of-the-art Additive Manufacturing centre as part of a new partnership with Plymouth Science Park (PSP).

The facility will allow Babcock to ramp up its advanced technology capabilities to address critical needs across the engineering and defence support industry and will include the development of a digital and data skills programme in collaboration with PSP. The facility will enable the company to direct print metal parts for the first time as it needs them, increasing efficiency and sustainability.

Read the full article here

Babcock announces collaborative relationship creating 90 jobs at Devonport

Babcock announces a new relationship with Devon-based Supacat, to deliver an order of 70 High Mobility Transporters (HMT 400 series) from the UK Ministry of Defence. The order was placed with Supacat on behalf of the British Army.

Read more about Babcock news here.

Babcock awarded Asset Availability Service contract continuing in-service support to Phalanx Close Weapon System

Babcock International, the Aerospace, Defence and Security Company, has been awarded a two year contract with the Ministry of Defence, for continuation of in-service support to the Phalanx Close-in Weapon System (CIWS).

Phalanx CIWS is a rapid-fire, computer-controlled radar and 20mm Gatling gun system and is the Royal Navy’s primary defence for ships against the threat of anti-ship missiles.

The c. £15m agreement will see Babcock continue in-service support to the system from specialised facilities at the Devonport Royal Dockyard in Plymouth. Babcock is responsible for technical support, upgrades, maintenance and ensuring operational availability of the Weapons Systems to the Royal Navy fleet on an Asset Availability Service basis.

Richard Drake, Managing Director, Babcock Defence Systems Technology, said ‘We are delighted to once again extend our role supplying in-service support that ensures the availability of the Royal Navy’s Phalanx weaponry. Using our global support capability and programme specific expertise built up over many years, we are well positioned to continue providing the Royal Navy with first class in-service support to its gunnery.’

Original story  – here

Babcock awarded five year contract extension for Royal Navy 4.5 Medium Calibre Gun

Babcock International, the Aerospace and Defence Company, and BAE Systems, have been awarded a five year contract extension by the Ministry of Defence to continue in-service support to the Royal Navy’s 4.5 Mk8 Medium Calibre Gun (MCG).

The agreement is worth c. £43m and will see the continuation of in-service support to the 4.5 MCG across 19 Type 23 Frigates and Type 45 Destroyers as well as HMS Collingwood. The continued collaboration between Babcock and BAE Systems, the Gun’s designer, offers the capacity, proven capabilities and infrastructure to safely and effectively run in-service support.

Babcock has also opted to implement innovative Digital Twin technology to drive an increase in reliability and availability of the weapons system and work to extend its service life. The effort to increase efficiency will also see the roll out of BAE Systems’ design interventions.

The Digital Twin enables digital connection with the asset presenting near real time insight to the materiel state of the Gun. It combines Babcock proprietary data capture technology and data science capability, augmenting Babcock’s engineering pedigree in Naval Gun support. The technology provides the on-board maintainer with the information they need to optimise maintenance and provides Babcock the foresight needed to predict future faults and proactively intervene to keep the asset operational and increase availability.

The full press release can be read – here

Babcock awarded seven year pump Equipment contract for HM Ships and Submarines

Babcock International, the Aerospace and Defence Company, has secured a seven-year, c. £50m contract with the Ministry of Defence for the repair and maintenance of Sea Water Systems on HM Ships and Submarines.

The arrangement leads on from Babcock’s previous programmes, and will operate from Devonport Royal Dockyard in Plymouth. It will see Babcock continue in its role providing repairs, technical support and maintenance to pump equipment on board the Royal Navy Fleet. Under the asset availability service, Babcock’s scope will increase to support the Chloropac and Bio-foul systems.

Richard Drake, Managing Director of Babcock’s Defence Systems Technology business, said “We are delighted to continue our partnership with our customer on this programme; this award builds on our already strong relationship. We will provide first-class technical support and engineering services to pump equipment for the Royal Navy, helping ensure maximum availability of their assets.”

Babcock has been working with suppliers to explore innovative new solutions in manufacturing and supplying pump components with the aim to further extend pump reliability and drive even greater efficiency for our customer.

Source: here

Babcock issues business update

Today Babcock International Group issues a business update for the financial year ending 31 March 2021 (FY21) including an update on reviews currently taking place and our headline unaudited results. This announcement is being made ahead of the Group’s Preliminary Results announcement to provide some early transparency on key issues.

To view the business update click here

Babcock pledges to reduce emissions to net zero by 2040

Babcock is pleased to announce we have signed the Business Ambition for 1.5o Pledge to limit global warming in line with the Paris Agreement, enabling us to join the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), Race to Zero and the We Mean Business Coalition.

This pledge commits Babcock to setting science-based emission reduction targets aligned with 1.5oC, which we aim to achieve by 2030, and sets us on course for decarbonising our estate, assets and operations to reach our overarching goal of net zero emissions by 2040.

David Lockwood, CEO said: “Babcock is committed to playing our part in addressing the Global Climate Crisis. Through our Plan Zero 40 approach, we will minimise the impact of our operations and strive to embed the highest standards in environmental management and protection. We will also grasp the opportunity to be a leader in low carbon enablement and drive low carbon innovation throughout our value chain. Achieving our targets will require commitment, innovation and collaboration between our employees, customers, suppliers and wider stakeholders and we look forward to working together will all our partners on the journey to net zero.”

View this article on our website – here

Babcock retains Carbon Trust Standard for Carbon

Babcock is pleased to have secured recertification of the Carbon Trust Standard for Carbon, which it has held since 2010.

The certification process included a quantitative assessment of carbon emissions, as well as a qualitative assessment of governance, carbon accounting and carbon management.

The Carbon Trust confirmed that Babcock achieved 14.9% absolute carbon reduction across its UK based operations in the 2018 – 2020 compliance period. The recertification demonstrates Babcock’s ongoing commitment to the highest standards in energy and carbon management and its effectiveness in addressing the global climate crisis.

Babcock CEO David Lockwood said: “We are fully committed to minimising the impact of our operations and strive to embed the highest standards in environmental management and protection.  This recertification by the Carbon Trust is another positive step on our journey towards decarbonising our estate, assets and operations, and achieving our goal of net zero emissions by 2040.”

View this article on our website

Babcock’s role in support of the UK’s Carrier Strike Group tour

And they’re off! Described as the Royal Navy’s most significant deployment in a generation – the UK’s Carrier Strike Group tour of duty has commenced.

Led by flagship HMS Queen Elizabeth the group will visit more than one fifth of the world’s nations covering 26,000 nautical miles. Babcock is proud of our strong association with the Royal Navy and all of the platforms in the deployment – our very best wishes go to everyone serving and supporting this fantastic opportunity.

Proud to play our part – watch our video on LinkedIn to find out more about Babcock’s contribution.

https://www.linkedin.com/company/babcock-international-group/videos/?lipi=urn%3Ali%3Apage%3Ad_flagship3_company%3B48X03Ob3SE2UfWjDxXtrRQ%3D%3D

Balazs Bagi, Managing Director of Improved Ways Limited

My name is Balazs Bagi and I am the Managing Director of a young and upcoming business to business service provider and consultancy company called Improved Ways Limited. We’re based in North Devon. The company’s primary focus is to provide business services and management system improvement advice for reputable organisations just like yours. What we are offering is to provide a professional service including Quality, Environmental and Health and Safety (QEHS) management systems implementation / upgrade / integration and to assist in delivering various QEHS improvement programmes to private and public sector organisations (5 to 250 employees) across the UK. We also have extensive experience with aerospace quality management systems such as AS9100D.

Services:

1. Installation of ISO business management systems (ISO 9001:2015, ISO 14001:2015 and ISO 45001:2018)
2. Installation of EN9100:2018 aerospace quality management system
3. Installation of integrated business management systems. ISO 9001:2015, ISO 14001:2015 and ISO 45001:2018 integrated into one single business management system reducing certification and operational costs and maximising benefits
4. Delivery of quality, environmental and health and safety training. As part of the service our company would take care of your organisation’s quality, environmental and health and safety training needs starting with planning through implementation and training efficiency monitoring.

Company website: www.improvedwayslimited.co.uk

Best regards,

Balazs Bagi

MSc, Tech IOSH, CQP MCQI, CMgr MCMI

ISO 9001, ISO 14001, ISO 45001 & AS9100 Management Consultant

Managing Director

Improved Ways Limited

Mobile: 00-44-(0)7986558587

Skype: Improved Ways Limited

Website: www.improvedwayslimited.co.uk

E-mail 1: balazs.bagi@improvedwayslimited.co.uk

E-mail 2: improved.ways@gmail.com

Bandvulc Celebrates 50 years with its eyes firmly on the Future

Retreading experts Bandvulc mark its 50th anniversary this year, and while the successes of the past are celebrated, the organisation has its eyes firmly on the future.

Bandvulc is Britain’s foremost commercial retreader.  The Devon-based operation began re-using rubber to make retread tyres back in 1971, retreading just 30 tyres a week for local use. Acquired by Continental Tyres in 2016, Bandvulc now produces a premium quality retread tyre every three minutes to serve commercial vehicle customers across the country.

Its 50th anniversary is marked by the introduction of the next generation of quality retread products, with major investment planned for their facility at Lee Mill, just outside Plymouth.

“We believe in the old saying that ‘standing still is going backwards’,” says Bandvulc Operations Director Tony Mailling. “So we keep innovating, we keep developing and creating new products, and we look at changes in manufacturing and technology that will make us more effective and more energy efficient, into the next 50 years.”

Bandvulc pioneered retread technology, which prolongs the lifespan of tyres and contributes to lower carbon emissions in tyre production. Its Ivybridge plant unites tyre recycling and retreading under one roof, setting new benchmarks in sustainability.

The 2016 Continental acquisition saw mutual benefits for both brands, who had existing 25 year working relationship, including a five-year investment plan, with projects designed to increase efficiency at the Bandvulc plant aligned with predicted increase in demand for retreads.

Tony Mailing says, “Sustainable manufacturing developments and legislative changes are being driven at an accelerated pace,” he says. “We are well ahead of the game and remain at the forefront of sustainable tyre manufacturing – the reuse and recycle approach is in our DNA.

“This year we’ve made a £1 million investment in automation in one of our build cells which is due to be on stream later this winter. It’s a huge investment, the biggest for many a year, and we plan more investment next year with a further robotics project.”

And for Mailling, such investment is only half the story, crediting the development of its 300 strong manufacturing workforce as another key to the brand’s success. He says, “We mark our 50th anniversary with many employees able to count their association with the company in decades rather than years.

“We invest to ensure the tyres we produce deliver exceptional levels of quality and performance, we are quick to respond to customer needs, and we invest in training to ensure our people have the right skills for each area of production.”

Read the complete article – here

In addition to recognising their history within the business, Bandvulc also used its milestone birthday as an opportunity to say thank you to its local community. The company has given away a series of £250 grants to charities and community groups that shared the same Devon postcode – PL21. Read the full article here.

Bandvulc Launches Wastemaster 5

Devon-based Bandvulc are preparing to roll out the latest state-of-the-art tyre in their Wastemaster range after extensive testing and field trials. The launch of the Wastemaster 5 marks the 5th generation of the Wastemaster tyre product which has been developed, tested and produced at Bandvulc’s Ivybridge factory.  The Wastemaster 5 will replace the Wastemaster III, a proven product in the waste sector that has been around for more than 20 years.

Tony Mailling, Operations Director at Bandvulc comments; “Over the past 2 years we have seen strong growth in the waste and construction market, which is buoyant at the moment because there’s lot of infrastructure and housing being built.  Our understanding of UK roads and vehicle operating conditions has been a key tool in our market research for this exciting new product.  The waste collection market is changing; waste is more segregated now with more collections a week and the collection vehicles are operational in all weather conditions such as sleet, snow, or heavy rain.  Our roads can be subject to a lot of debris especially in urban areas so our tyres need to be equipped with features to perform for the driver in all conditions”.

Specialist waste vehicles providing kerbside waste collections and operating in recycling sites require a hardworking tyre.  Tyres in this industry can be subject to sidewall damage from kerbing, tread damage from stone trapping, chip and chunking from rough surfaces, all which can result in premature removal and not achieving the full life of the tyre.

Read the full story – here

Bandvulc’s environmental and sustainability actions recognised at Western Morning News Business Awards

Ivybridge-based Bandvulc has been recognised at this year’s Western Morning News Business Awards after being selected as a finalist for the Environmental and Sustainability Award. A finalist’s trophy was presented to Bandvulc’s team during an exclusive awards ceremony in Exeter, which celebrates innovative businesses from across Devon and Cornwall.

To be in with a chance of winning the Environmental and Sustainability Award, judges sought out companies that were working to achieve an environmentally conscious operation. The businesses also needed to demonstrate that they had steps in place to reduce carbon emissions, implement sustainable working and maximise energy efficiency.

As part of its submission, Bandvulc was able to highlight its department-wide ‘zero to landfill’ policy, as well as its ability to save 30kg of rubber, 20kg of steel and 60kg of CO2 on every retreaded tyre it produces.

Bandvulc has also reduced the number of solvents it uses, in favour of water-based products. Plans are being drawn up to add to the existing solar technology, which already contributes to powering the site and machinery. Employees are encouraged to take waste materials, such as disused wooden pallets, home for use in DIY projects.

Justin Holloway, Quality and Environmental Manager at Bandvulc, said: “We’re delighted to have made it as a finalist against stiff competition from a number of similarly innovative companies. The whole business of retreading is based upon the recycling of tyre casings, so we are passionate advocates for sustainable business practices. Although we didn’t take the top prize, our position as a finalist is still a result of lots of hard work by every Bandvulc employee to embrace and deliver against our environmentally focused policies, and we’re all proud to have been recognised locally for our efforts”.

Image: Bandvulc Business Awards_Team

(L-R) Rob Atkinson – Health and Safety Manager (Bandvulc); Peter Robb – Marketing Director (Continental); Laura Johnston – Brand Marketing Communications Manager (Continental); Zoe Scott – Fleet Pricing Co-ordinator (Continental); Katie Johnson – Brand and Product Marketing Specialist (Bandvulc); Sinead Jones – National Fleet Key Account Manager (Continental); Peter Pritchard – Production Manager (Bandvulc Mixing); Dan Simpson – SHEQ Auditor (Bandvulc)

Bank of England Agency for the South West Monetary Policy Report Briefing May 2021 – Open to all PMG members

South West Webinar – Wednesday, 12th May. Online presentation by Malindi Myers (Agent) and Jamie Barber (Deputy Agent). The event will start at 10am and finish by 11am.

The webinar will be held on MS Teams and joining links will be sent to registrants a couple of days ahead of the event.

Register – https://app.keysurvey.co.uk/f/41564138/2f79/

Bank of England Financial Stability Report

Bank of England latest Monetary Report

The Bank of England published its latest Monetary Policy Report in February 2022

The February 2022 Monetary Policy Report can be found in full at https://www.bankofengland.co.uk/monetary-policy-report/2022/february-2022

For a pdf version of the Report please use this link https://www.bankofengland.co.uk/-/media/boe/files/monetary-policy-report/2022/february/monetary-policy-report-february-2022.pdf

The Summary and Minutes of the latest MPC meeting are at https://www.bankofengland.co.uk/monetary-policy-summary-and-minutes/2022/february-2022<https://crm-lw-web01/_static/%20https:/www.bankofengland.co.uk/monetary-policy-summary-and-minutes/2022/february-2022%0d>

A pdf link to the Agents’ Box in the Monetary Policy Report can be found here https://www.bankofengland.co.uk/-/media/boe/files/monetary-policy-report/2022/february/monetary-policy-report-february-2022.pdf#page=39

This is one of a range of publications from the Bank of England to keep people informed about our work.  You can subscribe to other publications here<https://www.bankofengland.co.uk/subscribe-to-emails>

Bank of England publishes its latest Monetary Policy Report

The Bank has published its latest Monetary Policy Report on the 5th May 2022

The May 2022 Monetary Policy Report can be found in full at https://www.bankofengland.co.uk/monetary-policy-report/2022/may-2022

For a pdf version of the Report please use this link https://www.bankofengland.co.uk/-/media/boe/files/monetary-policy-report/2022/may/monetary-policy-report-may-2022.pdf

The Summary and Minutes of the latest MPC meeting are at https://www.bankofengland.co.uk/monetary-policy-summary-and-minutes/2022/may-2022

A pdf link to the Agents’ Box in the Monetary Policy Report can be found here https://www.bankofengland.co.uk/-/media/boe/files/monetary-policy-report/2022/may/monetary-policy-report-may-2022.pdf#page=78

This is one of a range of publications from the Bank of England to keep people informed about our work.  You can subscribe to other publications here<https://www.bankofengland.co.uk/subscribe-to-emails>

Contact details you provide will be used to maintain an Agency contact list and for providing you with relevant information from the Bank of England.  Personal information will not be passed to 3rd parties, except for the administration of Bank of England events to which you have accepted an invitation.  Please see our Privacy Notice<https://www.bankofengland.co.uk/-/media/boe/files/about/regional-agencies-privacy-notice.pdf?la=en&hash=EA505456E86A4098D7B3354F5EBD125916B5450F> for further details.

Barclays Bank Report into Exporting “Made in Britain” 2021

Become more Mental Health Informed

The Coronavirus pandemic has taken a significant toll on businesses as they face unprecedented levels of challenge and uncertainty, particularly in terms of employee mental health. At Psychology Associates, our passionate and expert team of Psychologists and Therapists are dedicated to helping businesses address and overcome these challenges.

We aim to help businesses become more mental health informed in order to improve wellbeing in the workplace and to get the most out of teams though services such as bespoke training packages, consultation, improving interpersonal skills, psychologically informed recruitment and supervision sessions.

Further information about our services can be found in our Services to Business Leaflet and on our website.

Please note that we offer free consultations with our Clinical Director to ascertain the individual needs of your business.

To arrange this, please contact us on 0300 303 5233 or email enquiry@psychologyassociates.org.uk.

Brexit Effects “More Negative Than Expected” KPMG/BCCG Survey: Companies Draw Conclusions

Around 100 days after Brexit, most companies are experiencing Brexit effects that are more negative than they expected at the beginning of the year.

This is evident from a recent survey conducted by KPMG and the British Chamber of Commerce in Germany (BCCG) among 93 member firms of the BCCG. 80 percent of these companies are based in Germany, the rest in the UK.

As a result, companies are drawing the first conclusions.

For example, one in six of the companies surveyed has decided to cease exports to the UK altogether. To avoid additional import and export burdens, companies have also decided to look for suppliers from other countries and another 13% percent are replacing imports with goods/services from local suppliers. Only around 30% of those surveyed still intend to look for new sales markets and product opportunities within the German-British corridor.

Full story – here

This follows earlier stories: –

UK exports to EU rebound partially after January’s slump – here

Brexit’s toll on Scotland’s exporters highlighted in Fraser of Allander-Addleshaw Goddard survey – here

Burts reduces fleet size and makes efficiency gains with Toyota forklifts

(This article appeared in Materials Handling World)

Toyota Material Handling UK has helped the award-winning premium snack producer, Burts Snacks, to reduce intralogistics costs and achieve significant handling efficiency gains across its business.

During a review of the company’s materials handling operation, Toyota identified that by replacing counterbalance machines with multi-functional reach trucks capable of operating outside a building, Burts Snacks could not only reduce the number of forklifts within its fleet – with a resultant drop in maintenance expenditure – but also boost productivity and improve on-site safety.

Burts Snacks manufactures its growing range of own-brand, licensed and private label snacks from sites in Plymouth and Leicester. At both facilities Toyota recommended switching counterbalance trucks for Toyota Reflex outdoor reach trucks.

The Toyota Reflex outdoor reach truck has greater ground clearance than traditional models, which along with rubber wheels with tread and a revised gearbox configuration, allows it to work in yards, block-stacking, servicing outdoor racking and loading and unloading vehicles from the side.

It can also perform inside a building and at Burts Snacks’ Plymouth site, the trucks are fitted with Kooi extra long forks with fork cameras to allow pallet loads to be put away within the storage unit’s double deep racking scheme.

In addition Toyota provided a mix of electric counterbalance models, powered pallet trucks and order pickers.

The equipment at both sites has been supplied on a long-term rental contract that includes service and maintenance.

Burts Snacks’ warehouse manager, Daniel Cresswell, originally approached Toyota to supply new, ultra energy efficient trucks to replace a number of existing electric-powered counterbalance models that had been under utilised for some time and were nearing the end of their fixed contract period.

“After seeing the Toyota proposition for our fleet, it was a simple decision for us,” Daniel Cresswell says.

All of Burts Snacks’ new machines feature Toyota’s I_Site integrated telematics package as standard. The I_Site system allows truck operating hours to be closely monitored along with battery utilisation across the fleet. This feature has been particularly beneficial at the Plymouth site where the trucks are powered by a combination of Nexus fast charge, lithium-ion and lead acid batteries.

“The I_Site system monitors the forklift’s battery and highlights if the power source is being managed incorrectly. For example, if a lead acid battery is opportunity charged, this can cause significant implications to the battery. The I_Site technology can identify this before any harm is done,” says Mr Cresswell.

I_Site also provides valuable data on the efficiency and safety of Burts Snacks’ lift truck operators, as Daniel Cresswell explains: “Because each operator requires his or her own PIN code or smart access card to operate a truck, they quickly realise that they are accountable for their actions during the course of a shift. We find that this accountability prompts forklift drivers to take more care when going about their daily routine, which of course, in turn, results in a safer environment and reduced product, truck or building infrastructure damage.”

www.toyota-forklifts.co.uk

https://mhwmagazine.co.uk/snack-producer-burts-snacks-reduces-fleet-size-and-makes-efficiency-gains-with-toyota-forklifts.html

Burts Snacks ‘committed’ to UK sites after Europe Snacks deal

Burts Snacks has been acquired by France-based producer Europe Snacks which will allow the business to unlock growth in the snacking market.

Burts will also continue to operate from its two manufacturing facilities in Plymouth and Leicester, led by managing director, Dave McNulty.

More details are reported here

Burts Snacks celebrates selling 5.8million RNLI charity packs in 2021

Burts Snacks, one of the UK’s leading premium snacking companies, is celebrating selling 5.8million Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) charity crisp packs in 2021. In order to support the charity, the brand announced a two-year partnership with the RNLI in June 2021, when the charity’s branding was introduced on Burts Sea Salt & Malt Vinegar 150g and 40g crisp packs.

The packs were rolled out in 100 stores across the South West including ASDA, Morrisons, Tesco, Co-op and RNLI shops with the charity’s key FLOAT TO LIVE messaging. Over July and August, the partnership was supported by a £1million summer marketing campaign which helped boost sales of the crisps.

Dave McNulty MD of Burts Snacks, said: “We are excited to launch the second phase of the partnership later this year, with the launch of a brand new crisp flavour and pack developed by Burts and the RNLI together. By supporting the RNLI, Burts hope to play a role in supporting local communities and ensuring people enjoy coast lines safely”.

Alice Dewsnap, senior partnerships manager at the RNLI, added: “As a charity, the financial support is also incredibly important to us and will help us to save many more lives. We are very much looking forward to a long-standing relationship with Burts Snacks and everything 2022 has in store.”

Currently one of the UK’s fastest growing snack brands, Burts has grown 300% in the last five years. As a British family-owned brand, the company is incredibly proud of its heritage and success in the coastal South West region of England, which made the partnership with the RNLI – a charity synonymous with the great outdoors – a perfect fit.

Burts Snacks creates 20 Plymouth jobs to capitalise on surging growth

Business Live reported that Burts had seen ‘rapid expansion’ despite the coronavirus pandemic and now seeks to capitalise on “surging growth”.

The firm is looking to recruit more planners, warehouse and production staff at its factory on the outskirts of Plymouth, as it prepares for a rebrand and new product launch.

Read the full Business Live article about PMG member Burts Snacks here

Business Bulletin – Brexit: New rules are here

Issue 79: 19 April 2021

This bulletin is issued by the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy and provides the latest information for businesses. Includes:

o              Apply for a grant to help small and medium-sized businesses new to importing or exporting

o              New Guidance

o              Updated Guidance

o              Webinars

Download the bulletin – here

Business Revival Post Co-vid 19

This fully-funded, four week on-line course is aimed at businesses looking to adapt and thrive in the new normal.

Covid-19 has changed the world as we know it and as a result has had a significant change on consumer behaviour. This course explores the consumer trends that are emerging as the world starts to return to a ‘new normal’. The course looks at how you create commercial opportunities in this changing world.

Each course will cover the following key elements:

• Predicting the changes in consumer trends due to COVID-19
• Looking for new market opportunities
• Understanding your consumer
• Being adaptable
• Managing employees through times of change
• Motivating teams through times of change
• Understanding the importance of having personal resilience to help deal with the changing environment

Covid-19 has changed the world as we know it and as a result has had a significant change on consumer behaviour. This 4 week course explores the consumer trends that are emerging as the world starts to return to a ‘new normal’. The course looks at how you create commercial opportunities in this changing world.

Tuesday June 1st (1pm – 3 pm)

Thursday June 3rd (1pm – 3 pm)

Thursday June 10th (1pm – 3 pm)

Tuesday June 15th (1pm – 3 pm)

Thursday June 17th (1pm – 3 pm)

Tuesday June 22nd (1pm – 3 pm)

Thursday June 24th (1pm – 3 pm)

Tuesday June 29th (1pm – 3 pm)

To book a registration of interest, please book through Eventbrite https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/152844013559

Can a Virtual Internship help your manufacturing business?

The PMG iMayflower Virtual Internship Scheme will see current students and recent graduates from across the University of Plymouth’s Faculty of Arts, Humanities and Business working on short term projects on behalf of a PMG member business.

Interns working on projects will be paid by the University of Plymouth, at a standard rate of £13/hour, up to a maximum of 38 hours per project (£494), which will be funded and supported by iMayflower.

How does this work in practice?

Bridgewater based Dan’s Engineering Ltd recently collaborated with a 3D Design undergraduate who undertook a small scale research project evaluating the viability of replacing traditional measurement methods with 3D laser scanning.  The resulting report supported the team in their assessment of the potential for technology, providing information on everything from the hardware and software required; processing power and file sizes; skills and training; and costs.

 About the Faculty of Arts, Humanities and Business

“I believe the Faculty of Arts, Humanities and Business is quite unique in the kind of experiences, skills and knowledge it can offer. Our students design and build the spaces we live, work and play in. They are the business graduates who drive forward and support our economic health and sustainability. They learn to change the world through social action. They become the teachers who shape our journeys through primary and secondary school. They are the lawyers, sociologists and criminologists who hold our justice system to account. They are the historians, literary scholars, artists, performers, musicians and writers who engage with, interpret and create our cultural heritage.”

Professor Chris Bennewith, Interim Executive Dean of the Faculty of Arts, Humanities and Business

The Faculty brings together a diverse community to build a culture of ingenuity, diversity and distinctiveness, a culture that has far reaching benefits that go beyond the faculty, beyond the University and reach out into the community, industry and economy at large.  Read more about our Schools here:

• School of Art, Design and Architecture
• Plymouth Institute of Education
• Plymouth Business School
• School of Society & Culture

The application process

Businesses and organisations wishing to access support through this scheme are required to provide a brief project proposal for the internship, providing an overview of the research project, details of the anticipated time commitment and the type of skills they are looking for from the student.

Applications are being accepted now, and a maximum of 10 individual projects can be supported for PMG member businesses.  Funding will be awarded on a first come, first served basis and will be withdrawn when the maximum allocation has been reached.  All projects must now be completed by 30^th June 2022.

Internships will be awarded to businesses and organisations who have identified a project that is suitable for a student or graduate to deliver over 38 hours and which would contribute to business development and growth during the COVID-19 era and beyond.

The chosen projects will be promoted through our online careers platform, and directly to 2^nd & 3^rd year undergraduates, Masters students and 2020 / 2021 graduates through colleagues within the Faculty of Arts, Humanities & Business.

All applications will be shared with the business (the Sponsor) who will be supported through the selection and management of their intern.

We’re pleased to say that many of our previous clients have continued to work with their intern in a freelance capacity.  Any company that continues to work with their intern beyond the initial 38 hours will be responsible for paying agreed costs for student time, materials and other costs directly associated with the project, above and beyond their allocated funding of £494.

To submit a project under the PMG iMayflower Virtual Internship Scheme, please complete the short form in the info doc linked below (Appendix B) and return to plymcreative@plymouth.ac.uk, copying in sarah.holcombe@plymouth.ac.uk

PMG Virtual Internship Scheme November 2021 UPDATE[90]

If you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact:

Sarah Holcombe, Knowledge Exchange Specialist – iMayflower

E: sarah.holcombe@plymouth.ac.uk

Can you help with a major international study to shape future of asthma treatment ?

Researchers from the University of Plymouth are part of a major international study to assess the benefits of new medications for asthma.

Led by Plymouth Marjon University, the study is looking for people with asthma to complete an anonymous online survey (participants must be 18 years or older and regularly be prescribed preventer inhalers for asthma)

To complete the survey click here

The survey answers will inform the creation of a new asthma questionnaire, the Generic Asthma Questionnaire, for patients with mild to moderate asthma, to get a full picture of how the condition impacts their quality of life. It follows on from the Severe Asthma Questionnaire (SAQ), an existing research programme led by the University of Plymouth for patients with severe asthma, which is now being used in international studies.

Why is the new study taking place?

Biologics are new medications for asthma that interrupt the inflammatory pathways in the condition. They can only be provided by a specialist and are given by injection every month or two. So far, biologics have been used to treat severe asthma but now attention is turning to how they might help in patients with mild to moderate asthma. Potentially, if biologics were more widely available, then many people could benefit from improved asthma control, with less reliance on the use of steroid treatments (which are effective but with many side effects).

The new questionnaire, when developed, will be used in large international clinical trials of new biologic treatments for asthma. Fourteen European universities are collaborating on this stage of the project, alongside University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust, Royal Devon and Exeter NHS Trust the University of Exeter.

Study lead, Rupert Jones, Honorary Professor at Plymouth Marjon University and Honorary Associate Professor at the University of Plymouth, said: “Most of us know someone with asthma and, while lots of cases are relatively well managed, the condition can have varying impacts on people’s quality of life. Trials of biologics show big improvements in asthma attacks, lung function and reduction of hospital admissions. They are very well tolerated and seem to be very safe. Other studies, however, have reported a mixed or negative picture of the quality of life associated with these medications – so it’s important that we shape and develop the right questionnaire, asking the right questions, to properly assess how effective they are for people with mild to moderate asthma.”

“The Severe Asthma Questionnaire is on the way to doing this for those with severe asthma, and we’re looking forward to developing the Generic Asthma Questionnaire to go alongside it.”

For further information on this research please contact:

• Hazel Dickinson – hdickinson@marjon.ac.uk
• Rupert Jones – Rupert_jones@outlook.com or 07974 975389

Carbon emissions – manufacturing and music…

This article was written by Ross Primmer from Action Sustainability. 

Carbon is an ever increasingly important consideration for companies across the manufacturing sector in the UK. It is interesting how innovation and societal change affects how we consume the goods and services we need. We can look at the music industry as an interesting example – but consider how the principles discussed below can be applied to any business in the manufacturing sector!

A recent article in the New Statesman which compared the carbon dioxide equivalent emissions emitted during the manufacture of the three most common formats for consuming music; streaming, CD, and vinyl. You can see the results from their study in the graph below.

The manufacture of a vinyl record is roughly the same as 3.3 CDs, or streaming for 19 hours, or driving 5km in a petrol car, who knew?! It is perhaps easier to understand and visualise the carbon emissions associated with a physical product versus the huge power-hungry data centres which streaming services rely on.

However, streaming has also been accompanied with a huge increase in the consumption of music worldwide – there are an estimated 487 million people subscribed to a streaming platform. This means that despite streaming being by far the most efficient “per unit” way to listen to music, the overall footprint of music is increasing. It is estimated that in the USA carbon emissions of recorded music formats increased by 45% in the period 1977-2016 and 94% of this increase is in digital formats.

There are clearly limitations to this study. Is renewable energy being used? What if you buy your records and CDs second hand? What is the CO_2e  footprint of the equipment you are using? How power hungry is the amplifier you play your music through etc,?

This is known as the Jevons paradox, which occurs when technological progress increases efficiency but also increases overall consumption.  In short, as things become cheaper more people consume the resource and, consumption increases globally, in some cases massively. For example, in 1985 Do They Know It’s Christmasachieved 3.8 million sales in the UK and was number 1. The current UK number 1 streaming record is Easy on Me by Adele who achieved 24 million (UK only) streams on week ending 28/10/21.

However, the purpose of this article is not to stop you listening to music. Far from it. As I write this article, I am enjoying the benefits of a well-known streaming platform! I think it is fair to say that the  cultural, societal and even the economic benefits (just ask Lennon & McCartney) of music listening outweigh the negative impact from the carbon it generates.

In the big scheme of things, there are far bigger issues to tackle when it comes to the climate crisis. And as renewable energy plays an increasing role in energy generation globally, the carbon footprint of streaming is likely to improve too.

The publication of the New Statesmen article shows that we can get locked into the “carbon tunnel” which fixates on carbon, to the detriment of other sustainability considerations which must be factored in to form a balanced picture.

For example, in the aftermath of the Covid-19 pandemic many music venues and artists face significant financial challenges. Losing them would be a huge cultural loss to society. The World Wildlife Fund also highlighted the instrument manufacturers Fender as scoring zero trees in their 2019 Timber Scorecard Report – meaning they have failed to communicate meaningful information about the sustainable sourcing of the timber they use.

As such, the carbon emissions associated with music consumption is perhaps a metaphor for the often glossed over and uncomfortable fact that we need to consider both efficiency savings and overall consumption to develop truly sustainable solutions.

My advice would be stream away, buy the odd CD or vinyl for your favourites, go to a few gigs, and, if you’re considering buying that Fender you always wanted, maybe get a second hand one!

About Action Sustainability

Action Sustainability are an organisation which provide bespoke sustainability consultancy solutions. Services include strategy development, workforce training and development, measurement and reporting and supply chain management, meeting the needs of clients from a wide range of sectors including automotive, rail, construction, hospitality, utilities and the public sector. The team also run and manage the Supply Chain Sustainability School.

If you would like to have a conversation about how to make your business more sustainable please contact ross@actionsustainability.com.    

Catch up on the latest South West Skills news!

Read the latest University of Exeter South West Skills newsletter here!

Chancellor marks Help to Grow scheme launch with teach-in alongside business owners

The Chancellor has called on small and medium business leaders to sign up to a new programme designed to hone their expertise as he attended one of the first courses in the UK today (August 2).

Rishi Sunak joined a class taking part in the government-funded management scheme at Aston Business School alongside small business owners to see first-hand how it is giving them the tools they need to innovate, grow and help drive the recovery from Covid.

The Chancellor delivered a talk to participants at the business school in Birmingham on the critical role small businesses can play in boosting UK productivity. He then took part in a group activity and led a discussion about their own business models and opportunities for growth.

The scheme, which was announced by the Chancellor at the March Budget and opened for applications in May, will give 30,000 SMEs access to world-class business expertise on everything from financial management to marketing, and is a pivotal part of the government’s Plan for Jobs.

The Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rishi Sunak, said: Small businesses are key to our innovation and economy and will therefore be an essential part to our recovery from the pandemic, which is why we are levelling up their skills through the Help to Grow schemes.

I want to bring some of the best bits of management training from around the world to help boost productivity here in the UK.

Help to Grow: Management will ensure our brilliant SMEs seize every opportunity to grow, fuelling our Plan for Jobs by boosting productivity in all corners of the UK.

Five universities have already started to offer courses – Aston, Portsmouth, Derby, Nottingham, and Birmingham City. Over August, four universities will follow – Coventry, Kingston, Strathclyde and Nottingham Trent.

The programme is being delivered by business schools across the country and was developed in close partnership with the business community to ensure it is as relevant as possible.

Leading business groups – including CBI, FSB, BCC, IoD and Make UK – have also played a key role in supporting the programme design.

According to the ONS, making small improvements in management practices can lead to a 10% increase in productivity. Analysis from the CBI suggests that boosting the productivity profile UK SMEs to match that of Germany could add up to £100bn to the economy.

Access the complete article – here

Change at the top of Teignbridge Propellers International Ltd.

As part of a planned succession strategy, the New Year saw a change at the top of Teignbridge Propellers International Ltd.

Mark Phare has moved to the position of Group Managing Director, succeeding David Hunt.
Hunt remains a Director and shareholder of the company along with David Duncan the Chairman. Phare who has been with Teignbridge for 19 years previously held the positions of Operations Director and Group Sales & Marketing Director.
“Mark is an experienced executive with a strong track record of leadership and an extensive knowledge of the marine industry and the sectors in which we operate,” said David Hunt.
He went on to say, “The Teignbridge board has done an excellent job steering the company through the past two years of the pandemic. We have developed a strong cash position which has underpinned the rollout of the company’s strategic initiatives. I have every confidence that Mark and the board will continue this work”
Mark Phare commented “David has implemented a number of positive and successful changes in recent years that have made Teignbridge a stronger brand in the global propulsion market.  We invested $1.0m USD last year in new CNC lathes to enhance our capabilities and just before Christmas we moved into our newly built $1.5m USD offices.

I look forward to developing the established strategy with my fellow directors and continuing with the purchasing of new machinery to further enhance our capabilities.  We will be turning the previous office space in the main factory building into additional manufacturing space which will include a designated area for training our team of apprentice engineers.  A further new building is already underway at our Newton Abbot headquarters as we continue to invest in the future.  The outlook for Teignbridge is extremely positive.  We have a unique arsenal of highly qualified, experienced and skilled people supported by pioneering software, modern technically advanced machinery and our own test boat.  Our focus is on innovative product development, designing and manufacturing highly efficient propulsion systems and customer service excellence.”

Mark Phare :

Mark began his career as a Deck Officer in the merchant navy, studying at Plymouth University up to Master Mariner and serving for 11 years on a wide range of merchant vessels across the globe.

He then joined Caleb Brett (Intertek) as a Marine Surveyor and then Operations Manager before moving to Teignbridge in 2003.

He has held several senior management roles within the Company including Operations Director and Sales & Marketing Director.

Mark is an Associate Fellow of the Nautical Institute (AFNI).

Mark is now responsible for all the Teignbridge Group Companies including the UK Headquarters in Newton Abbot, the Foundry and Factory in India, the Sales Office, Workshop and Warehouse in Dubai and the Sales Office in Penang.

(Photos below of Mark with and without David)

Ciject Success at Composite Integration

Q1 2023 sees Composite Integration successfully launch the next generation Ciject® Two with equipment already commissioned in both Germany and Turkey, and more machines due to go out in the coming weeks.

The Ciject range has long been the cornerstone of RTM and Infusion processes. A major contribution to the product’s long-term success is the team’s passion and enthusiasm to create innovative market leading equipment. Congratulations are deserved for all the Ciject Two project team at Composite Integration from product development through to test and equipment build, collaborating to deliver a successful launch.

As well as multiple mechanical upgrades, Senior Automation Engineer Oliver Powlesland has taken the Ciject Two operating software to unrivalled levels and pushed the boundaries of innovation and flexibility. Whilst ease of operator use remains a core principle, new features further develop the capability of the Ciject Two and create a comprehensive yet flexible control system for liquid resin processing.

Composite Integration’s Design Engineering Director, Stephen Ward comments, “Setting out to redevelop the Ciject Two, Oliver and the team have excelled, particularly in software development. These new improvements pave the way for the future advancement of the Ciject range, providing further benefits to the end user. The team should all be proud”.

Already recognized for its proven technology across a variety of sectors, this latest addition to the Ciject family is targeted specifically towards manufacturers who require precision control and process information, with the flexibility to be used for RTM, LRTM and Infusion processes all within one machine.

Congratulations to the Composite Integration Team!

Circular Economy “Mini-Masterclass” Workshop for SMEs by Exeter Centre for Circular Economy

City College Plymouth – Employer Connections Conference – Marine, Defence, Engineering & Digital Technologies

Thursday 23 September 2021, 8.00am – 10.30am

It has been six months since we got together over Zoom to consider the future of the engineering industry in the wake of COVID and Brexit, whilst also facing the problems caused by a skills shortage. The talks and presentations were informative and really stirred a lot of interest, but the virtual format denied the opportunity to properly discuss the matters on the table: and a conference is never quite the same without hearty discussion and debate. With indoor hospitality now allowed, we want to invite you to enjoy another full programme of talks from industry leaders, but with the added bonus of being able to discuss your thoughts and opinions with like-minded industry colleagues who share the hopes and concerns for the future of this vital sector.

See the full programme – including speakers from the PMG – here

City College Plymouth appoints new director to oversee Apprenticeships

By Pauline Hands, Executive for Commercial Operations at City College Plymouth

As part of an ongoing review of employer engagement, we at City College Plymouth have made valuable changes to the management of our Apprenticeship provision to ensure external stakeholders have every opportunity to have a say on training needs.

With this in mind, I’m delighted to be able to tell you about a new role that was created to ensure a constant link between you – the employers – and the College as part of our promise to provide training of the highest possible quality that meets the needs and expectations of the city.

Our new Director of Apprenticeships and Employer Solutions, Jamie Rowley, joined the College in September 2021 as Head of Academy for Construction and the Built Environment and brought with him a rich combination of teaching experience and industry knowledge. As a former plumber and heating engineer, Jamie still enjoys numerous links to industry but also has a deep understanding of the further education sector and a dedication to meeting the needs of employers.

Jamie said: “City College appreciates how valuable Apprenticeships are to both employers and those looking to enter industry via this route. Being Devon born and bred, I want to see the area prosper and grow and it’s only through well-informed and employer-led training that we can achieve this.

“I would like to emphasise that City College isn’t just about Apprenticeships. We can offer employers a lot more: we can offer bespoke training that will match their precise needs. We are the city’s anchor institution for skills but we cannot support you and your business goals without your input. Talk to us – tell us your vision for both your industry and the city and together we can achieve this.”

We are inviting anyone who might have questions about staff training, Apprenticeships or the needs of businesses in the city to get in touch with Jamie. You can contact him by e-mailing jrowley@cityplym.ac.uk.

City College Plymouth joins national call to end FE funding squeeze and enable colleges to deliver the skills needed for economic growth

‘Adequate funding for colleges is essential for bridging the skills gap but more needs to be done long-term’

The UK economy is likely to miss out on vital growth without a national strategy to address the growing skills gap, says one of the city’s key voices on education.

City College Plymouth’s Chief Executive is calling on the government to end its disjointed approach to skills and training, as further education leaders across the UK lobby the Chancellor Jeremy Hunt to reverse 12 years of cuts to the FE sector ahead of the spring budget.

Jackie Grubb says the UK is facing a myriad of challenges, from rising levels of regional and social inequalities, to a major skills shortage that is already being felt by almost three-quarter of businesses according to a joint report from the Open University and British Chambers of Commerce.

Jackie explained: “Today, further education leaders are calling for proper investment for our vital industries by ensuring further education colleges – which are the very lifeblood of these industries – are properly funded.

“Further education colleges teach the skills that our essential carers need to look after the most vulnerable members of society. Further education colleges teach the skills that our engineers need to develop the technologies that will help the UK meet its net-zero pledges. Further education colleges teach the bricklayers, the carpenters, the plumbers and the other construction professionals the skills required to build the thousands of houses every year that our country desperately needs.”

Further education leaders are responding to a call by the Association of Colleges (AoC), which is looking to address the strangling cuts experienced by further education providers across the UK. The College will be supporting the AoC’s Mind the Skills Gap campaign by hosting a series of events and sharing a number of case studies to highlight how crucial further education colleges are supporting the people and businesses here in Plymouth and the wider region, and the urgent need to address funding.

But Jackie added that the conversation needs to go further than just funding, calling on a national strategy for skills that includes a statutory right to lifelong learning.

Jackie said: “Adult education rates have dropped at a time when more and more jobs require level 3 (A Level) equivalent qualifications. Only 60% of young people reach this level by the age of 19, and this is being felt by our employers. A statutory right to lifelong learning would make access to funding and grants more straightforward for adults wishing to return to education, addressing this shortage.”

A fairer funding formula is also required, according to the College chief, who said: “The post-18 education system is unsustainable. We have students leaving higher education institutions with huge levels of debt whilst our further education colleges are feeling the impact of over a decade of underfunding.”

Jackie continued: “In the short term we need to address funding to support our staff and to address the growing workforce crisis that our colleges are facing. Long-term, a complete overhaul of the system is needed in order to support both younger and adult students who in turn will be working at the very heart of our vital industries.”

Just last month the College shared details about its new partnership with one of the city’s biggest employers, Princess Yachts, which is recruiting new outfitters to help meet its business growth across the globe. Another highlight for the College is a joint project with Exeter College to support post-16 teachers of maths and English with access to free CPD.

Other campaign activities include hosting a live podcast on Monday 13 March with the support of Devon and Plymouth Chamber, and the College will be collecting responses to a questionnaire that will aid a bigger piece of work to address the city’s skills priorities.

To learn more about these activities or to see ways in which the College is supporting skills in the city, visit cityplym.ac.uk.

Climate Action: The Time is Now – Low Carbon Devon Inspire Event – 22nd April 2021 at 4.30pm

Declarations of Climate Emergencies, the Race to Net Zero, Reducing Carbon Footprints – these are now daily headlines, but what does this mean for you and your enterprise here in Devon?

The first in a series of Low Carbon Devon expert panel led discussions aiming to inspire action, this event will address the worldwide context of Climate Emergency, what this means for Devon and how you can take action today.

Featuring;

• Andy Middleton, Chief Exploration Officer, TYF Adventure; Partner, NOW Partners, helping organisations correlate their ambition, goals and actions to the speed and scale of response that’s needed for large scale sustainability change.
• Phil Hawthorne, Head of Design at Red Paddle Co and advocate for creative and responsible design which embodies Circular Economy processes.
• Natalie Whitehead and Alice Mills, co-founders of the Exeter Science Centre, a visionary project creating a public space where science is accessible to everyone.

Be inspired this Earth Day, 22nd April, and find out why the time for climate action is now and how you and your enterprise can be a part of it.

Visit the Low Carbon Devon website to find out about our future events, including practical action workshops helping you to calculate your carbon footprint and starting enterprises on the journey to becoming a registered B-Corp.

Climate Change Agreement Update – New Application Window

The UK Government has reopened the Climate Change Agreement scheme to new entrants allowing those eligible to save up to 92% on electricity Climate Change Levy (CCL) and 86% on gas.
The deadline for new applications is 31st March 2022 – but be aware that some trade associations may require your submissions up to 4 weeks before this date.
An eligible applicant with annual consumption of 3GWh for electricity and 2.5GWh for gas will save over £100,000 between April 2022 and March 2025.

MAXIMISE BENEFIT, MINIMISE RISK

Many businesses are being squeezed by a drop off in orders, increased cost of production and soaring energy costs. Plus, they don’t have the time or the resources to dedicate to achieving CCA compliance.
However, it is estimated that the CCA scheme could save businesses around £300m a year – so if your business is eligible for the scheme, it pays to participate.
So, don’t let the admin involved in achieving CCA compliance prevent your business from gaining a substantial discount on the CCL – Inspired Energy’s Levy Exemption service is here to take the burden off your in-house team.

There are only a few months left to apply for up to 92% saving of your CCL charges. Register your interest for a no obligation consultation to validate your eligibility.

How can our experts help?

Our Levy Exemption service has been designed to take the hassle out of the CCA application and compliance process. Our expert team can support you with a fully-managed solution, including:

Eligibility assessment

We can determine whether your organisation is eligible for a CCA and submit an application on your behalf.

Admin handling

We’ll take over all of the admin involved in applying for and/or achieving ongoing CCA compliance.

Performance monitoring

We’ll provide you with regular performance reports, so you can address any issues with your performance quickly to make sure that you meet your targets for the period.

Expert guidance

Our compliance experts have been supporting businesses with CCA compliance since the scheme was introduced in 2001, so you can rest assured that you’re in safe hands.

Chaz Lawrence

Director Business Development   South West

Inspired PLC

Direct Dial: 01752 858760

Mobile: 07923 250602

Email: Chaz.Lawrence@inspiredenergy.co.uk

College’s new vision and purpose hailed inspiration after special launch event

City College Plymouth launched its new vision and purpose at an innovative event on Thursday, with guests hailing the College’s plans as bold, ambitious and inspirational.

Staff and governors were joined by councillors, local business leaders and other well-known names in Plymouth as each of the College’s strategic actions were presented in a series of informative videos.

Jackie Grubb, City College Chief Executive & Principal, said: “It was a privilege to officially launch the new visionary direction for our college. Our organisation is very clear on the vital role we play in our city and the positive impact we have on the lives of our community.

“For the past 18 months there has been a cross-College effort involving students, staff, governors, employer partners and other stakeholders in developing our strategic plan in line with the city and employer needs. This includes investing in exciting, cutting-edge facilities that are aligned to industry requirements and will make certain our students are receiving the very best and most up-to-date training.”

In addition to the videos setting out the College’s intentions for areas such as staff development, finance and its estates, guests also heard from the Leader of Plymouth City Council, Nick Kelly, whose speech pointed out how closely aligned the College’s vision is to the Council’s.

Chair of Governors, Richard Stevens, said: “Those who call Plymouth their home are fiercely proud of their city, and rightly so. We all want to see it develop and thrive, and through this new vision and purpose, the College has clearly stated the role it intends to play in achieving this, which involves working closely with the city’s employers to ensure it is equipping their workers with the skills they need.”

Since the event, the College has been inundated with messages and social media comments about the strength of its new Vision and Purpose and expressing their thanks for being invited to the launch. In a tweet, Sharron Robbie, Managing Director of the Devon & Cornwall Training Provider Network, said: “Fantastic event! Good to hear how the College of the city is gearing up to meet the skills needs of Plymouth, whilst fostering robust partnerships with key stakeholders to enable economic growth and success.”

Both the College’s Vision and Purpose and Strategic Intent for 2021 to 2031 are available to read in full at www.cityplym.ac.uk/about/strategic-intent

Colleges awarded grant to improve region’s maths and English skills

Collins Aerospace wins the fourth Queen’s Award for Enterprise

Collins Aerospace’s inertial systems business in Plymouth, UK, has won a 2021 Queen’s Award for Enterprise, the highest official UK honour for British businesses. The award, in the category of international trade, recognizes outstanding export sales year on year. Collins Aerospace is a Raytheon Technologies business.
“This prestigious award recognizes the outstanding achievement of our teams in Plymouth to provide support to our customers in a very competitive global market,” said Kevin Pindard, Managing Director Collins Aerospace Inertial Systems in the UK. “Over the last 3 years, working with UK government agencies, overseas earnings grew by more than 75 % thanks to new export opportunities, secured export licenses and introductions to new customers. On the same period, we invested in highly skilled engineers doubling our headcounts, and major investments in our operations have enabled volumes to increase 400%. Complemented by advancement of our digital infrastructure and Lean credentials removing waste, reducing lead times and maximizing efficiency all help make us the supplier of choice for many customers.”
Now in its 55th year, the Queen’s Awards for Enterprise recognize outstanding achievement by UK businesses in the categories of international trade, innovation and sustainable development. The awards are made annually by Her Majesty The Queen, are judged to a demanding level, and are only given for the highest levels of excellence demonstrated in each category.
In 2013, Collins Aerospace won the Queen’s Award for Innovation, and this new award for International Trade makes it the 4th recognition for the Company.

Collins Aerospace in Plymouth designs, develops and produces miniature high performance solid state inertial systems that provide stabilization, guidance, navigation and control for an array of systems from land vehicles to satellites. The company is a market leader in micro- electric-mechanical systems (MEMS) based inertial systems, and it supports products in service with 23 military forces worldwide.

Original story – here

Community Request for Raffle prizes, Royal British Legion, Plympton

The PMG Office has been contacted by the Plympton Club of the Royal British Legion.

They have an open day coming up on the 16th July 2022 to raise funds for the club and are seeking donations of raffle prizes.

If you can help, please email: plympton.web@rbl.community

You can also follow their facebook page here: https://www.facebook.com/RBLPlympton/

Composite Integration appoints Dr Tim Searle as new Research and Development Director

Composite Integration has carried out both collaborative and internal Research and Development activities since its beginnings in 2002. These activities have continued to develop and grow. Dr Tim Searle CEng MIMechE has supported our internal team for several years on a consultancy basis, and we are delighted to announce that he has joined the company full time in a new position of Research and Development Director.

Tim has a long and successful background in Composites, having started as a Marine Engineering Student at the University of Plymouth, followed by his PhD in Composites before a period lecturing and consulting as the Commercial Manager with the Advanced Composites Manufacturing Centre (ACMC) at Plymouth. Tim set up a private composites consultancy company, Composite Innovations Ltd in 2005 and carried out a very wide range of commercial research projects over the past 16 years.

More recently, the Research and Development work of both Composite Integration and Composite Innovations Ltd has been highly complementary and we look forward to continuing this work with new and existing customers within Composite Integrations’ Research & Development division.

https://composite-integration.co.uk/news/

Composite Integration Strengthens Leadership Team

Composite Integration, Saltash, UK is pleased to announce further developments in its leadership structure. Kelly Ellis has been promoted to Managing Director from her previous role as Operations Director. Kelly has been with the company for 13 years, working her way up through multiple roles. She has been instrumental in the success of Composite Integration and has shown exceptional determination, ambition and leadership qualities throughout her tenure. In her new position, Kelly will be responsible for setting the company’s strategic direction and driving growth and innovation. She will be supported by the appointment of a highly experienced Production & Quality Manager, Matt Owen.

Richard Bland, one of the original founders of Composite Integration and its current Managing Director, will move to take on the role of Technical Director. With 30 years of experience in the industry, Richard will use his expertise to provide support to the business and the team as the company continues to expand. Kelly & Richard are further supported by a highly experienced senior team of Directors covering Engineering Design, R&D and Sales.

Kelly expressed her excitement about the promotion, stating, “It has been an ambition of mine for many  years. With our team’s continued hard work and dedication, I believe that we can achieve even greater success in the future.”

Richard shared his thoughts on his new position, saying, “I am proud of everything that we have accomplished at Composite Integration. Kelly has been a key part of the company’s growth and ambition and I look forward to continuing to work with her and contributing to the company’s development in my new role as Technical Director.”

Investing in research and technology has always been a key factor in Composite Integration’s success. With a focus on innovative equipment, processes and new technologies, the company is positioning itself at the forefront of the composite manufacturing industry. Continued investment in people and resources will enable Composite Integration to further enhance its existing offerings and expand its capabilities. Ultimately, the new structure is expected to drive significant growth for Composite Integration and cement its position as a leader in the composite manufacturing industry.

The CI Team prides itself on its strong culture and commitment to employee growth and development. Composite Integration has created a positive and productive work environment that not only benefits its staff but also results in exceptional outcomes for its clients.

Composite Integration is growing strongly with multiple projects with the Wind Energy, Aerospace and Marine sectors. The team continues to evolve rapidly to meet these new challenges. The company is confident that this leadership change will enable them to continue their excellent work and drive future growth and success!

About Composite Integration

From the outset the company focus has been sharing knowledge to support customers in understanding the process, alongside delivering easy to use, reliable tooling and equipment. This has developed further with providing a wide range of standard equipment and tooling, tailored solutions and carrying out collaborative R&D for a wide range of parts and processes.

Media Contact for Composite Integration

Kelly George

E: Kelly.george@composite-integration.co.uk

T: +44(0)1752 849998

Composite Integration wins Composites UK Industry Awards – Innovation in Composite Manufacture  

Composite Integration has been named the winner of this year’s Composites UK Industry Awards for the ‘Innovation in Composite Manufacture’ category.

The company started in 2002 and has grown to serve a wide range of sectors including marine, wind energy, aerospace and automotive amongst others, with customers in more than 20 countries. It has developed tooling, meter mixing equipment and process technology to provide customers with the ability to manufacture a wide range of components at both high volume and large scale, with the largest components up to 85m in length.

From the outset the company focus has been sharing knowledge to support the customer in understanding the process, alongside delivering easy to use, reliable tooling and equipment. There is a strong R&D focus, with a dedicated team carrying out both internal and collaborative R&D for a wide range of parts and processes.

Composite Integration was nominated for the Innovation in Composite Manufacture award for their recent work within the aerospace sector. The innovation involved Composite Integration pushing the boundaries of traditional composite manufacturing processes, working alongside Hill Helicopters to develop a complex, vacuum tight, multi-part tool and appropriate process techniques to manufacture a carbon fibre prototype helicopter fuselage in a single piece, single shot, liquid resin infused moulding, with no bonded joints.

The team used their extensive experience in closed mould and infusion process technology to design and manufacture tooling and first off components for the high-performance composite fuselage.

Managing Director, Richard Bland commented “Hill Helicopters gave us an incredibly difficult challenge, and thanks to the ambition, skill, passion and hard work of the project team, supported by Innovate UK funding, the work was extremely successful and pushed the boundaries of what was considered possible. It was an honour to be recognised by Composites UK for our commitment to being at the forefront of innovation in composites manufacturing.”

The awards event took place 2^nd November at the National Motorcycle Museum, Birmingham, where over 200 people attended to celebrate Composites in Manufacturing.

Coronavirus (COVID-19) Businesses and Employers Bulletin – 1 April 2021

Coronavirus (COVID-19) Businesses and Employers Bulletin – 1 April 2021

This bulletin is issued by the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy and provides the latest information for employers and businesses on coronavirus (COVID-19). All coronavirus business support information can be found at gov.uk/business-support

• Workplace testing
• New grant funding and Business rates relief in England
• Workplace Guidance
• New and Updated Guidance
• Job Retention Scheme
• Haulier Advice

The newsletter can be downloaded – here

Coronavirus (COVID-19) Businesses and Employers Bulletin – 25 March 2021

This bulletin is issued by the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy and provides the latest information for employers and businesses on coronavirus (COVID-19). All coronavirus business support information can be found at gov.uk/business-support

It includes details of the Brexit Support Fund – a £20 million Support Fund for SMEs new to importing and exporting.

The bulletin can be downloaded – here

Cosmic Kitchen – Plymouth Climate Challenge

BEST VEGAN SPOT IN THE UK, 3RD IN THE WORLD!

Cosmic Kitchen, which started as a pop-up in Plymouth in 2019, recently received the top accolade of No1 Vegan Spot in the UK and 3rd in the World from TripAdvisor.

After navigating the lockdowns, Cosmic Kitchen founders, identical twins Gabriela and Lucia are committing to a long-term lease of their historic Plymouth building. They need your help to create a low-carbon, sustainable business that can inspire the city and region to reduce its meat consumption, and in turn increase the health and well-being of the residents.

Find out more about Cosmic’s crowdfunder here

Creating a clean, safe and secure environment- thoughts from Carlton Cleaning

‘Places of work’ come in many different shapes and sizes and manufacturers’ are no different to office spaces. So long as you employ people, you have to create a safe and secure environment in which to work and that also means a clean environment.

What employers can never under-estimate is that a clean working space is not only safer and more secure but it’s also simply a nicer place to work. That in turn helps recruitment and overall level of staff well-being and as they say, happy staff are productive staff.

The reason for our success within the industry is due to creating a consistent cleaning team with efficient schedules which allows them to increase productivity as well as focusing on the attention to detail required. And as a family run business, our team has our full support and guidance, both professionally and in their personal lives.

Industrial workspaces are never easy to clean though, often because of equipment, shift patterns and compromised spaces. Here at Carlton Cleaning, we specialize in these sorts of environments and have been cleaning for members of Plymouth Manufacturers’ Group for 20 years.

Having been in the cleaning industry since 1985, our experience is second to none in the Southwest. We understand industrial cleaning, whether that’s a big or small unit space and most importantly we understand just how important it is that we work around you the client.

Don’t forget an external cleaner like us takes on the responsibility of our staff, we take on the liability to the client and the commitment to the job that we undertook. Asking your existing staff to clear up after themselves or even employing your own cleaner is a compromise, inefficient and just not a sensible approach to business.

Whoever you appoint as your contract cleaner, they should be willing to offer you a cast iron guarantee. At Carlton Cleaning our guarantee is simple … if the job’s not done properly, as briefed and as contracted then we’ll redo it for free.

We’re experienced, we know the job inside out and we’re good at what we do.

E: lewis@carltoncleaning.co.uk

T: 01752 204119

M: 07888604996

W: www.carltoncleaning.co.uk

Crown Estate maps out five areas off Cornwall and Wales for floating offshore wind schemes

Business Live reported:

“Floating technology is key to unlocking the full potential of our coastline”

The organisation has identified five broad “areas of search” for developing the innovative technology, which can be deployed in deeper water with higher wind than conventional offshore wind farms, to support efforts to tackle climate change.

The areas are in the Celtic Sea, which the Crown Estate said was rich in natural resources including wind, and have been identified following technical analysis and engagement. They will be refined into small project development areas within which the first generation of commercial-scale floating windfarms could be built, which will be open for competitive tender in mid 2023.
Read the full Business Live report here

CV’s received into the PMG Office

The PMG Office receives CV’s from people who are looking for work in different fields of the manufacturing sector, from Quality Assurance to Engineering Graduates and Marketing and more, do check back regularly for updates.

CV Ben Ireland – Engineering Graduate

Manish Kumar – Supply Chain Manager

Sabrina Cheung CV June 2022 – Marketing Graduate

Szandra Drobina – Quality Assurance

Data Cubed

Data Cubed are an award- winning global data lab based in Bristol, helping businesses with the challenges of data. Every business has the same challenge of multiple data tools and disconnected data, we provide a single source of truth to remove challenges and improve business performance.
Since 2017 we have worked with 50+ clients on 70+ projects helping to provide data clarity for our clients. Our team of data experts are passionate about working with businesses to help them become data driven.
We develop bespoke data strategy plans to allow businesses to overcome their data challenges allowing management teams to make better, quicker and more insightful data-driven decisions.
Clients we’ve worked with have seen ROIs of 5:1 and increased profit by >10%.
The volume of data is only getting bigger every day, the time to sort your data is now. Book a call with Data Cubed and let’s explore how to start your journey to become data driven.
We’re Data Cubed and we make data simple.

If you would like more information or to schedule an initial call with the Data Cubed team, use the contact information below.

Schedule a Meeting

aaron@data-cubed.co.uk

07535012326

https://data-cubed.co.uk/how-much-is-my-business-data-worth/

Deadline for entering PlymouthLive Business Awards is approaching!

December Update from Make UK

Make UK have released their Q4 Manufacturing Economic Outlook outlining the recent performance and trends of the sector – read it here

Book now for these Opportunities to network:

• Inspiring Solutions – National Manufacturing Conference – taking place in Westminster, London at QEII on 7th March 2023. Early bird offer ends 7^th Jan, tickets are discounted to members > Book Here
• Make UK National Awards Gala Dinner – taking place at East Wintergarden, Canary Wharf, London on 26^th January 2023. Book Here

Further Briefings

• Make UK and PwC Executive Survey 2023 webinar: Key challenges and opportunities for the sector > 17^th January, 11:30 – 12:30. Book Here.

Manage the Energy Crisis

• Make UK Energy Market Update – 24^th January, 13:30 – 14:00. Book Here.
• Procure your energy with Make UK’s preferential partner Inspired Energy.
• SME’s ensure you are tapping into local funding and programmes of support.

Retain and Recruit Staff:

• HR Inform: Winning the Battle on Staff Retention – 8^th February 2023, 10:30 – 12:00. Book Here. Book Here.
• Complete our Make UK Manufacturing Salary Guide survey closes on 16 December, you still have time to complete it and secure your free copy of the guide. You can take the survey here: Salary Guide 2022 (snapsurveys.com)

Don’t forget to book our National Manufacturing Conference taking place in Westminster, London at QEII on 7^th March 2023. Book your place here – early bird offer ends 7^th Jan.

Devon businesses urged to apply for £1,000 grants

The Meet the Expert business support programme is due to end this year and there are still grants available for businesses to apply for.

Grants are on offer to help small or medium-sized enterprises in Devon to access valuable consultancy support and business owners are encouraged to apply soon, before the support programme ends later this year.

The Plymouth-based ‘Meet the Expert’ programme, now in its final year of operation, offers businesses across the county the chance to learn from experts in a range of fields such as strategy, sales, marketing, finance and legal advice. It aims to give support and advice to help overcome barriers, setting businesses on a more productive growth path. More than 230 businesses have been supported by the programme since it launched in 2020.

Fixed sum grants of £1,000 in match funding are available and businesses are asked to contribute just £515 themselves in order to receive bespoke business consultancy support. Applications for the next tranche of funding must be made by the end of July

Digital marketing: it’s not rocket science and it’s not mysterious – Insights from ARO PR and Marketing

Digital marketing can help to reach customers, staff, funders, and suppliers. This goes for existing customers and markets in which you are already strong. But for this article, we’re going to focus on finding new customers and pivoting into new industries.

Using digital marketing to reach potential customers and new industries

Digital marketing has moved a long way from its beginnings when the main activity was email campaigns. Then search engines optimisation (SEO) became the hot topic and now it has evolved to encompass a wide range of tools that can very precisely reach people that are, or could be, important to your business.

Digital marketing has become much more sophisticated – just think about the ads that pop up when you are browsing the web or in your social media feed; these are targeting specifically you, based on your interests and online activities.

Audience and keyword research

SEO will help your website appear at the top of the page in Google searches.

There are many techniques to win that coveted position on Google, from ensuring that the keywords that your potential customers, say, type into the search engine when they need your products or services, are present, on your website.

Determining what those keywords are would be an article in its own right, so we’ll leave it there. Another marketing activity that will help put you at the top of the rankings is profile – is your company referred to by other companies, especially technical media publications

Social Platform Selection

Not all social media platforms are equal. Each of the four major platforms (Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and LinkedIn) has its type of user, posting and sharing their different types of content. By taking a closer look at data about your target audience and competitors, we can determine which platform your digital marketing efforts would yield the best results on.

Sending the Right Message

The digital space is all about messages. Think about what you’re doing right now: you’re reading an article about digital marketing.  The thing is, there are so many different and conflicting messages online that it can be difficult for potential customers to wade through the barrage.

This is where all the research about keywords and audiences comes into play. By using in-depth research and proper planning, we can deploy exactly the right message to the right customer (existing or potential) at the right time.

Digital Marketing Reports

The amazing thing about digital marketing is the wealth of data that it provides. Every click, every search query, and every ‘Like’ represents valuable data that can help us tailor the most effective digital marketing campaign. In the digital space, nothing is set in stone; the content on a website can be changed with just a few clicks, and so can your digital marketing strategy.

We constantly collect, analyse and review data, so that we can always ensure that the campaigns we’re running are fully optimised to reach their full potential. Providing reports to our clients also keeps us honest, because the numbers never lie!

Want to find out more about digital marketing? 

If you’re looking to reach potential customers and new industries, potential employees, digital marketing can put you right in front of them. It can start the conversation or it can keep the conversation flowing.

If you’d like to explore this further, do get in touch. We are a specialist agency, based in Ivybridge, for engineering and scientific companies. You can email me jayde.hobson@aroprandmarketing or visit our website to find out more www.aroprandmarketing.co.uk.

Dr Jan Vlieghe, member of the Bank of England Monetary Policy Committee discusses the outlook for the economy and monetary policy Thursday, 27 May 2021 12:00 – 13:00

An online talk hosted by the Department of Economics and the Institute for Policy Research (IPR), University of Bath

About this event

In this talk, Dr Jan Vlieghe will discuss the outlook for the economy and monetary policy. He will focus in particular on recent developments in yields on government bonds, and what we can learn from these developments about the perceived risks to future growth and inflation. He will also reflect on the extent to which Quantitative Easing has influenced yields over the past year.

Speaker Biography

Dr Jan Vlieghe is an external member of the Bank of England Monetary Policy Committee. Jan joined the MPC in September 2015, and his term is due to run until August 2021. He has previously worked at the Bank of England, between 1998 and 2005, as well as private sector investment houses, covering macroeconomic trends and their interaction with asset prices.

Register to attend – here

Photo above shows Dr Vlieghe (right) guest speaker at our PMG Christmas Lecture in 2018, along with Craig Moore, Partner with Womble Bond Dickinson (UK) LLP who were our sponsors on the night.

Dr. Dan Jones BEng. PhD from Composite Combinations is offering consultancy services

‘My mission’ is to help companies develop and launch more innovative composite products by selecting and developing the right combinations of resins, reinforcements, and processes to optimise performance and cost. And to lower the barriers to successful product launches by guiding companies through setting up reliable, documented processes for robust manufacture to reduce the risk of product performance variability and consequent failure.

Full description of services – here

E-Bikes come to Plymouth with opportunities for Corporate Partnerships

Engineering Growth podcasts

A recently launched podcast platform to spread engineering news and topics.

Our Goals and Vision

We love helping engineering companies to grow. It’s a simple philosophy and we don’t see the need to complicate it with jargon, or bullshit!

The idea for the podcast is to talk to people that are involved in the engineering sector about how they have overcome challenges, solved problems in their businesses and achieved success themselves, in the hope that it inspires others to do the same.

We understand there are many facets of engineering, and one person’s widgets are very different from another’s. By concentrating on the human element we hope this cuts through those complexities and provides common sense advice on how to grow your business.

Our Story

With our collective experience in manufacturing and engineering, the formation of the Engineering Growth podcast was a natural evolution.

In an industrial B2B environment, where the requirements for lead generation, and the sales process, are often very different to many other industries, there is an appetite to share experiences and solutions.

We hope the podcast can shed light on common issues and provide some guidance as to how your engineering business could achieve sustainable growth.

We encourage you to think differently about engineering! Advance your leadership, elevate your team and tackle your problems head-on with new solutions.

Connect with like-minded engineers across the industry to grow your business, and face the challenges we all need to master. Whether its leadership, technology, workforce, community or process, Engineering Growth aims to give you the insight and the means to take ’em all on.

We talk to leaders and influencers, analyse industry news and hunt out tips and tricks to help your engineering business grow.

The Engineering Growth Podcast

A series of podcasts dedicated to helping Engineering businesses grow. Stay up to date with the latest industry trends, and learn how problems became solutions from some of the industry’s leading figures. Can you afford not to listen!

SUBSCRIBE NOW for free.

As recommended by Sylvain Briand, Business Development Manager at the Manufacturing Technology Centre (MTC) Catapult.

Explore the Commonwealth Week – Export Events from 26th to 30th July 2021

With one year to go until the Commonwealth Games 2022 join us for a week of free virtual events to learn about opportunities for your business in a range of Commonwealth markets. Expect virtual 1:1 meetings with market and sector experts, peer to peer learning from Export Champions and market exploration webinars…

Today’s 54 Commonwealth countries account for over 17% of world GDP in Purchasing Power Parity and contain 2.4 billion of the world’s 7½ billion people.

Even without any formal arrangements, trading between Commonwealth countries is 19% cheaper than with non-members. Massive cost cuts come from shared history, cultural links, common legal systems, business practices, and a common language between many Commonwealth countries. This is also known as ‘the Commonwealth advantage’.

We want to support your business in exploring new and exciting markets across the Commonwealth. You can join a range of free events including….

Game On: Explore the Commonwealth

When? 26 – 30 July 2021

Exporting to the Commonwealth: Discovering Local Successes

When? 28 July 2021, 09:30 – 12:00 (BST)

Full details are available – here

Find out about the Digital Manufacturing on a Shoestring project.

DIGITAL MANUFACTURING ON A SHOESTRING OFFERS A LOW RISK, LOW COST APPROACH TO DIGITAL SOLUTIONS

Digital Manufacturing on a Shoestring is a collaborative project that brings together a range of people working in the manufacturing industry with university researchers to adapt low-cost accessible technologies for companies to use. Conceived in 2016 by Duncan McFarlane, Professor of Industrial Information Engineering at the University of Cambridge Engineering Department, the project launched in 2018 and in the following three years demonstrated its potential for industrial impact with the help of industry partners.

The following content gives a quick overview of Shoestring:

• The 2 minute animation explaining Shoestring in a nutshell is on the home page
• There is a 4 min video case study at the top of the industry case studies page, plus scroll down to read more (and see 2 more videos)
• A 3 min ‘rough and ready’ video showing how a construction company implemented a job tracking solution

If you’d like to keep up to date with the project, please sign up for the Shoestring newsletter – enter a few details on this registration page .

Find out the latest news and growth initiatives from the South West Growth Hub

Check out the latest from South West Growth Hub in their December newsletter.

Also save the date for the Growth Hub’s popular in-person Business Resilience Event to you at Plymouth Science Park, Plymouth on 8th February – more details to follow….

Firm behind UK’s first gigafactory boosts partnership with University of Warwick in multi-million-pound deal

Coventry Live reported that the company behind the UK’s first gigafactory to build batteries for electric cars has strengthened its partnership with the University of Warwick with a new multi-million-pound deal. Britishvolt, which is building the facility in the North East, has extended its contract with WMG at the University of Warwick.

The company has announced the extension of an existing contract which will see the university develop battery cell technologies in moves to accelerate their route to market. The deal follows a successful initial 12-month project between the two organisations, triggering the new two-year programme of work.

Britishvolt is currently onsite at the former coalyards of the old Blyth Power Station in Northumberland as part of a £3.8bn electric vehicles battery plant project. The factory will eventually lead to 3,000 jobs, as well as thousands more through its supply chain.

Read the full article here on Coventry Live

First South West green hydrogen plant announced in net zero drive

The £2.5m facility at the Bristol and Bath Science Park will form the basis of a regional hub for green growth with more than 30 cross-sector partners.

The South West’s first green hydrogen plant is set to be built, as part of efforts to find clean energy alternatives for achieving net zero targets.

The production and storage facility will be based at the new Institute for Advanced Automotive Propulsion Systems (IAAPS) research facility at the Bristol and Bath Science Park.

Read the full article here.

Flying high with great ideas… How psychological safety can help foster innovation

By John Bessant

Try this. Get hold of a group of people, mostly strangers, and have them gather at the opposite side of a large room. Now run very fast towards them and, just before you reach them, leap off the ground and let yourself fly through the air.

Sounds a crazy thing to do and one which is not too healthy if they fail to catch you — yet it is a typical warm up exercise in the world of theatre. Groups of actors gather together to try and create a theatrical experience which will be memorable, drawing an audience into a journey of imagination. And in order to innovate in this fashion they need some core skills around building a sense of support for each other as they take risks and explore new ways of delivering that experience.

Flying through the air and hoping someone will catch you is a powerful way of developing that sense of support — and it underlines a key element in our understanding of what makes for effective innovation. We need a sense of psychological safety.

Innovation isn’t a solo act, never has been. It’s a team sport, a multiplayer game in which interaction amongst members helps create value from ideas. And a lot of innovation, particularly of the more radical variety, is about making it up as you go along — improvisation.

Read the complete article – here

Foot Anstey Employment & Pensions Bulletin 31st March

March newsletter – here

Forder Valley Link Road – First Beam Lift

The Forder Valley Link Road project reached a major milestone on Monday (17^th May) as work got underway to install the first of 28 concrete beams that will form the 140-metre bridge across the valley.

Each u-shaped beam measures 32 meters in length and needs to be carefully installed by an eight-strong crew.

Work to start installing the first of 28 beams got underway on Monday at the southern end of the bridge, nearest to Novorossiysk Road.

The Council has commissioned 2 videos:

how the beams got to Plymouth

and

first beam lift

Please do click on the links; there are some fantastic images of the work in progress.

Thanks for your interest in the project

Regards

Jon Cartwright

Senior Project Manager, Balfour Beatty, Southern Delivery Unit

Forward looking approach to meeting engineering and manufacturing skills needs

Exciting updates and improvements planned for around 50 engineering and manufacturing apprenticeships have been unveiled in an influential new report focused on how to support the full spectrum of current and future skills training needs for these vital sectors.

Publication today (18^th November) is the culmination of an extensive and employer-led review of training requirements for the engineering and manufacturing sector.

In addition to preparing the way for large numbers of apprenticeships to be brought up to date, the review report has recommended eight to be decommissioned due to insufficient demand or changing training requirements.

Feedback from the sectors also led to the Institute’s route panel of employer experts revising the engineering and manufacturing occupational map.

The map covers three pathways for progression from entry to higher levels covering: engineering, design and development; maintenance, installation and repair; and engineering, manufacturing process, and control.

Consultation feedback also identified the following priority jobs in need of consideration for new apprenticeships and wider technical education, which can for example include T levels and Higher Technical Qualifications, guided by employer-designed occupational standards:

1. Product development manager
2. Chemical engineer
3. Mechanical engineer
4. Simulation & modelling engineer
5. Glass manufacturing operative
6. Quality manager
7. Safety engineer
8. Engineering compliance manager

The resulting occupational map can be found on the Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education (the Institute) website.

Relevant T Levels set to be added to the skills offer that will be taught from September 2022 will cover Design and Development for Engineering and Manufacturing; Maintenance, Installation and Repair for Engineering and Manufacturing; and Engineering, Manufacturing, Processing and Control.

The report published today also highlights future challenges and opportunities around skills training supporting Brexit, recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic, and keeping pace with emerging technology and sustainability issues.

Employers will form new partnerships with our new Green Apprenticeships Advisory Panel to see how all apprenticeships and technical education can help tackle climate change and support the national drive to net zero carbon emissions by 2050.

Full article – here

Free business finance event for South West SMEs – 10th May 2022

The Heart of the South West LEP is holding a business support event in Paignton on 10th May, aimed at foreign-owned SMEs in Devon, Somerset, Plymouth and Torbay.

Accessing financial and business support is crucial for business growth. As part of the Heart of the South West LEP’s aims to support economic and business growth in the region, the LEP are holding a free Access to Finance event for foreign-owned SMEs.

The Access to Finance seminar will offer guidance on Government funds and grants available to foreign-owned businesses, and business support available from the Heart of the South West Growth Hub, HSBC, and British Business Bank, with expert advice from SME lending specialists.

The event will feature speakers including:

• Eifion Jones, COO at Heart of the South West LEP
• David Hynd, Programme & Partnership Manager at Heart of the South West Growth Hub
• Paul Jones, Senior Manager UK Network Team at British Business Bank
• Chris Mears, Principal at BOOST&Co
• Richard Bowles, Director at ThinCats
• HSBC
• Wayne Loschi, Direct at EPIC

The Access to Finance seminar will be held on 10th May, 10am to 1pm, at the Electronics & Photonics Innovation Centre (EPIC) in Paignton.

Register here: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/heart-of-the-south-west-access-to-finance-seminar-registration-310348058397

ENDS

For more information, please contact:  Isobel Shaw, communications@heartofswlep.co.uk,  07753 666438

About The Heart of the South West Local Enterprise Partnership
The Heart of the South West Local Enterprise Partnership – covering Devon, Plymouth, Somerset and Torbay – is one of the 38 LEPs in England. The Heart of the South West LEP is a business-led partnership between the private sector, local authorities, universities and colleges.

European Regional Development Fund

The project has received £900,000 of funding from the England European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) as part of the European Structural and Investment Funds Growth Programme 2014-2020. The Department for Communities and Local Government is the Managing Authority for ERDF. Established by the European Union, ERDF funds help local areas stimulate their economic development by investing in projects which will support innovation, businesses, create jobs and local community regenerations.  For more information visit https://www.gov.uk/european-growth-funding

Free Event – Solar Hour: Shedding light on solar panels for businesses

This is a unique opportunity to understand your options for installing solar energy on your business premises.

Solar energy will reduce your carbon footprint, energy bills and is a great way to demonstrate that you are taking climate action.

You’ll have the opportunity to find out about the different installation options available from Plymouth Energy Community, Olympus Power and SunGift Solar, including whether you can benefit from free installation and maintenance.

The event will take place virtually on Wednesday the 26th of January between 1.30pm to 2.30pm.

Sign up here: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/solar-hour-shedding-light-on-solar-panels-for-businesses-tickets-228796264787

If you have any further questions please contact Beth Whittaker: beth.whittaker@plymouth.gov.uk

This event is part of the delivery programme for the Interreg-funded C-Care Programme, in conjunction with the Resurgam Charter Environment Theme, supporting businesses in Plymouth to recover strongly from the recent economic crisis. Signatories to the Resurgam Charter have committed to a fairer, greener future for Plymouth, benefiting from being part of an exclusive network which helps business growth and allows the sharing of best practice. If you want to get involved with the Resurgam Charter, please contact resurgamcharter@plymouth.gov.uk.

Free virtual Jobs Fair on 26th May

Calling all South West employers! Are you looking for fresh new talent and candidates with digital or technical training to join your team? Want to situate yourself as a leading regional employer?

Register for our free virtual Jobs Fair on 26th May as an employer and host a virtual table, giving up to 6 Train4Tomorrow learners the chance to learn about your company and exchange vacancy information and contact details.

You can register to attend for a full day, or a half day to meet with as many of our high-skilled learners as possible.

Find out more and sign up at: http://soc.devon.cc/WCg0F

FREE Workshop – Intro to Metal Additive Manufacturing

Freeport welcomes new Chair and appoints permanent CEO

The Plymouth and South Devon Freeport has appointed Jan Ward CBE as its new Chair. Jan takes over the role, which has been held on an interim basis since May last year, from Adrian Bratt, Executive Director at Princess Yachts.

Richard May, who has held the role of interim CEO since last July, has now been appointed permanently and will officially take up his role from the 1st March.

These pivotal permanent appointments will continue to help shape and steer the Plymouth and South Devon Freeport, which was given the green light by government last December following approval of its Full Business Case. As just one of eight Freeports in England, it will play a central role in unlocking investment opportunities, delivering infrastructure and promoting innovation both in the UK and globally.

Adrian Bratt, Executive Director, Princess Yachts:

“It has been a privilege to hold the role of Interim Chair of the Plymouth and South Devon Freeport. The Freeport has already started to accelerate opportunities and growth in its identified key sectors and I’m delighted to welcome Jan as Chair to continue to guide, advise and help shape the Freeport for the future.

 The Freeport will bring investment, growth, job creation and the introduction of new innovations into the region and Princess Yachts will remain committed to supporting this venture as Plymouth really does become open for business.”

Jan Ward CBE is the founder and CEO of Corrotherm International, an international business which specialises in supplying advanced materials for fabricating oil, gas and power generating equipment. Jan has been involved in international trade since the outset of her career and has always been a highly enthusiastic promoter of manufacturing and international trade as an economic driver for prosperity globally.

Alongside her new role for the Freeport, Jan is currently a Director of the UAE-UK Business Council and a member of its Advisory Committee and holds a number of Non-Executive posts with manufacturing businesses.

Jan Ward CBE, Chair, Plymouth and South Devon Freeport:

“I’m delighted to be appointed to this exciting role as Chair of the Plymouth and South Devon Freeport. The introduction of Freeports across the UK enables local authorities and private partners to work together to develop the economies of their regions. The Plymouth and South Devon Freeport is no exception and working alongside the three local authorities, the private sector and a wider range of stakeholders presents the opportunity to advance the regions’ internationally significant capabilities in marine, defence and space to the benefit of the local economy and its residents. It is our ambition to ensure that this beautiful and historically important region achieves its full potential, flourishes and thrives.”

Richard May led the successful Freeport bid and is Senior Responsible Officer for its delivery. Prior to his interim role, and now permanent position as CEO, Richard previously managed marine investment for Plymouth City Council bringing together marine technical businesses with affiliated research, knowledge partners and the wider ecosystem, under the collective name of Ocean Futures; a programme that the Freeport will play a key part in.

Prior to joining Plymouth City Council, Richard was Innovation Director at Oxford Innovation managing business support programmes for 140 small tech companies and leading incubation programmes for the UK Space Agency. He also has over 25 years of business and senior management experience gained in the technology and consulting departments of leading global companies like Credit Suisse, PriceWaterhouseCoopers and Arthur Andersen.

Richard May, Plymouth and South Devon Freeport said:

“It is my absolute privilege to be taking up the position of CEO for the Plymouth and South Devon Freeport. Having worked on the project from the initial bid stage in late 2020 through to getting the green light from government just two months ago, and being one of the first Freeports in the programme to do so, I’m excited to be part of the next stage in the journey. I look forward to working with Jan, the Board of Directors and Member organisations as we begin to welcome investment, partnership opportunities, innovation and new jobs into the Freeport – it really is only the beginning for this highly ambitious and crucially important project to the region.”

The Freeport is a dynamic public/private partnership with Plymouth City Council, South Hams District Council and Devon County Council working alongside Babcock, Princess Yachts, Carlton Power, the Sherford Consortium and a wider range of stakeholders including the Universities of Plymouth and Exeter, ABP (Associated British Ports), Cattewater Harbour Commissioners, skills providers and the Heart of the South West LEP to ensure its success.

Jan Ward CBE will commence her role of Chair of the Plymouth and South Devon Freeport following a Freeport Board meeting this month. Richard May will take up the role of CEO from 1st March. Both appointments are made by Plymouth and South Devon Freeport Limited, a private company limited by guarantee without share capital.

Freeports: have your say

Please take part in Womble Bond Dickinson’s Freeports business sentiment survey, have your say and help us understand how businesses and regions feel about Freeports.

There’s been a lot of excitement and noise in the market following the government’s budget announcement, which confirmed the locations of UK Freeports (East Midlands Airport, Felixstowe and Harwich, Humber Region, Liverpool City Region, Plymouth, Solent, Thames, Teesside).

Our aim is to collect survey responses from across the UK as an ‘industry pulse’ to better gauge how business owners and leaders feel about Freeports at a regional and national level. Once the survey has concluded, we will publish a report outlining our findings.

The survey should take no more than seven minutes to complete and your data will be used on an anonymous basis. There will be a question towards the end where you will able to submit your details if you’d like to receive the report.

Take the survey – here

Freeports: truths, myths and misconceptions – post event resources

Courtesy of our hosts Womble, Bond Dickinson, we are pleased to share with PMG members the recording and slides from the event held on 13th July.

The session led by Craig Moore, Malcolm Dowden and Peter Snaith explored what the real opportunities are regarding Freeports, with a focus on Plymouth and South Devon Freezone.

We were also joined by Kevin McKenzie, Policy & Intelligence Advisor for Plymouth City Council and Stuart Elford, Chief Executive for Devon & Plymouth Chamber to help people to understand what the opportunities are whether you are within, adjacent or nowhere near a Freeport.

Please click below to watch the recording or download a copy of the slides. As always, if you have any queries regarding Freeport opportunities, do not hesitate to get in touch with your usual contact.

Webinar recording – https://tinyurl.com/k9cecbj6

Webinar slides – https://tinyurl.com/ydbsf7h2

email me for the recording password stevegerry@dsl.pipex.com

During the course of proceedings, Malcolm Dowden referred to the Electronic Consignment Note (eCMR). The eCMR protocol (https://www.iru.org/what-we-do/facilitating-trade-and-transit/e-cmr ) has been ratified by 28 countries including the UK in December 2019 and provides a legal framework and standards for the use of electronic means to record the CMR consignment note. The eCMR schema holds comprehensive data sets that can be integrated directly with HMRC Customs Declaration and Goods Vehicle Movement data sets, as well as with waybills across all other modes of transport to automate customs declaration submissions and compliance.

If you need to know more about eCMR and a Customs Gateway developed expressly for the purpose of managing declaration communications with HMRC please contact Jonathan Bowker, CEO & Founder,  Innovative Integrations and efreight.uk

Email: jonathan@innovativeintegrations.co.uk

Contact/Whatsapp: +44 (0) 755 204 5721

Fully Funded Student Virtual Internships with the University of Plymouth Business School

I’m contacting you to see if your PMG members would be interested in a scheme Plymouth Business School is running.

I have secured funding to pay for student Virtual Internships, whereby we want to support local businesses and organisations and give our students or recent graduates experience at the same time.  The scheme allows us to fund a limited number of student Virtual Internships.  Interns working on projects will be paid at a standard rate of £13/hour, up to a maximum of 38 hours per project (£494), which will be funded by the Plymouth Business School Virtual Internship Scheme.  We have run a similar scheme last year elsewhere in the University, and it was very successful in helping deliver specific projects for business and organisations.

Plymouth Business School students and graduates study a range of courses including knowledge of finance, economics, marketing, HR/leadership, strategy, logistics and supply chains and events/hospitality/tourism.  Some students will have knowledge of French and Spanish.

If your members are interested and have discrete projects they feel our students could help them with I attach the application form – here – which needs to be returned by Friday 16^th April, with funding allocated on a first come first served basis.  I do not think the application form is complicated, but hopefully a small funded project may help some of your members.

Please contact me if you have any questions.

All the best.

Nigel

Dr Nigel Jackson

Reader in Persuasion and Communication

Associate Head of School

Knowledge and Engagement

Plymouth Business School

Fully funded Training Dates for manufacturers in April 2021

Fully funded Training Dates for manufacturers in April 2021 courtesy of Cornwall Marine Network.

See here for details – https://bit.ly/3r8rlkg

Lisa Hutchings

Maritime UK South West – Skills Manager

Visit our COVID Business Support Hub for up to date information and resources and links

Cornwall Marine Network Ltd

Tel:        07494 898134

Email:    lisa.hutchings@cornwallmarine.net

Funded internship and work experience initiatives with the University of Plymouth

SME PMG employers! If you would like some support with a project, from a student or recent grad, for up to 100 hours (funded), then the brand new Santander Employability Scheme https://bit.ly/39nOvgy could be of interest to you.

The University of Plymouth has worked in partnership with Santander for several years. Funded internship and work experience initiatives have always proven popular and beneficial for students, graduates and employers. Building on previous successful schemes we are pleased to announce two new programmes available to SMEs for the remainder of the 2020/21 academic cycle.

If finances are currently holding you back from offering a workplace experience to our students or recent graduates then either initiative could be the solution for you, whilst the funding is available.

Funding will be allocated on a first come first served basis, to those who meet the eligibility criteria and at the discretion of the Employer Engagement team within the Careers Service. All bursary payments will be coordinated by the University and made payable direct to the individual. 

For more info please contact our team on: internships@plymouth.ac.uk.

Funding Competition- Made Smarter Innovation: Sustainable Smart Factory

UK registered businesses and organisations can apply for a share of up to £20m for digital innovation projects that will improve the resource efficiency and energy efficiency of manufacturing processes in factories.

• Competition opens: Monday 1 November 2021
• Competition closes: Wednesday 26 January 2022 11:00am

Further applications invited to LEP’s £900k inward investment fund

The HotSW LEP has announced a second round for applications to its £900k ERDF Inward Investment Support Grant Scheme. The fund, designed to boost economic recovery and create new jobs in Devon, Somerset, Plymouth and Torbay, offers grants of between £25k-£150k which require match funding, to foreign-owned businesses based in the region who are looking to grow.

Two businesses who successfully secured grants of almost £190k between them in the first round are EFFECT Photonics and Vexcolt, which will lead to the creation of over 70 new jobs.

More – here

G&H Enhances Coatings Expertise with Acquisition of Artemis Optical

G&H, a leading provider of precision optics and photonics solutions, announced today the acquisition of Artemis Optical, a leader in advanced thin-film coatings. This acquisition further enhances G&H’s product portfolio and creates new opportunities for vertical integration and the cross selling of enhanced combined capabilities.

Under the new company name, G&H | Artemis, this partnership marks a significant milestone in the journey of both companies. With origins dating back almost 200 years to a pioneering optician in Victorian London’s Wigmore Street, the Plymouth-based Artemis Optical currently employs 40 talented individuals. G&H plans for the newly acquired site to become a dedicated Centre of Excellence for coatings within the Group.

G&H selected Artemis Optical due to its state-of-the-art facilities and highly skilled team. This investment also complements G&H’s recent acquisition of GS Optics, further advancing the Group’s position in the aerospace, defence and life sciences sectors at the same time as fostering greater innovation within the organization.

“The addition of Artemis Optical to G&H is an exciting new chapter of accretive growth for the company and innovation for our combined customers. Artemis’ renowned excellence in thin-film coatings complements our existing capabilities to enable us to deliver advanced photonics technology and unparalleled value for our customers. Together, we are well-positioned to accelerate our customer focused innovation plans and create a better world with photonics,” said Charlie Peppiatt, CEO of G&H.

The acquisition is a hugely complimentary fit to the Group’s existing extensive coating capabilities and enables enhanced vertical integration opportunities for G&H to provide comprehensive solutions to customers in defence and other industries that require robust laser protection and advanced optical filtering.

“With Artemis Optical joining forces with G&H, we are entering a new era of possibilities,” said Stratos Kehayas, G&H Chief Commercial Officer. “Artemis’s thin-film coating expertise significantly expands our ability to offer customers diverse choices that ensure the perfect fit for their unique requirements.”

Through this new partnership between Artemis and G&H, which celebrates its 75th anniversary this year, customers gain the advantage of selecting precise substrate and coating materials of the highest quality that perfectly align with their application or product requirements. Artemis will continue to maintain its dedicated focus on serving markets such as aerospace, military and defence, life sciences, and various other technology applications.

“The acquisition of Artemis by G&H is an exciting milestone for both of our journeys,” said Jamie Pindard, General Manager of Artemis Optical. “I am confident that existing customers of both companies will benefit from the combined expertise, resources and global reach that we can now bring to the market. We look forward to continuing to provide our customers with groundbreaking solutions.”

About G&H

G&H is a world leader in optical designing, testing, and manufacturing. As experts in the technology of light, G&H works with customers to provide optical systems, assemblies, and components for demanding applications. Headquartered in Ilminster Somerset, UK with operations in the USA and Europe, G&H is recognized for the breadth of their acousto-optic, electro-optic, crystal-optic, fiber optic, and precision optic products. G&H is recognized as the preferred source for OEMs in the life sciences, industrial, and aerospace and defence industries, with a history of quality and excellence that dates back seventy-five years.

About Artemis Optical

Artemis Optical is a thin-film coating company renowned for its expertise in a variety of cutting-edge applications. While they are recognized as global leaders in designing optical filters for tailored electro-optical and laser protection, as well as bespoke head-up display combiners, their true specialty lies in developing customized, system-enabling optical filtering, mirror and window alternatives. Spanning from 400nm to the Long wave infrared, Artemis Optical’s offerings cater to the diverse needs and applications of industries such as defence, aerospace, industrial and life sciences.

Media Contacts

Brittany Ryan

Global Marketing Manager, G&H

+1 (216) 453-8616

bryan@gandh.com

www.gandh.com

Going with the flow – How great ideas sometimes come from following the natural flow of things…..

In our continuing series of articles on the subject of innovation taken from John Bessant’s blog, this one features James Brindley, who was born in 1716, and offers a good reminder of some key innovation themes involved in bringing large scale ideas to fruition and having an impact at scale.  He might have been nicknamed  ‘the Schemer’, improvising his way to solving engineering problems, but he also understood things like:

• the importance of systems thinking and the need for complementary assets – identifying and putting in place the many interlocking pieces of the puzzle
• the value of prototypes and working models to help persuade and accelerate adoption. Legend has it that when he was presenting his ideas to a sceptical group of Members of Parliament whose approval he needed for the Bridgwater canal route he used a cheese out of which he carved a model of the aqueduct he proposed to build!
• the power of open innovation, learning from the many different sectors and projects he worked with and integrating knowledge from these different worlds – for example, using his knowledge of ceramics to develop the puddling clay liners for his canals
• the importance of business models in laying out the architecture through which ideas can create value. He not only understood the literal flow of water, he was also skilled at managing cash flow, acquiring a reputation for being ‘careful with money’ which undoubtedly helped realise some of the huge schemes with which he was involved.

Read the full article, taken from John Bessant’s blog – here

Image: James Homans on Unpslash

Government to make it simpler for businesses to apply new product safety markings

Great South West formally recognised in Levelling Up plans

From Business Live:

A bid for the South West to become the ‘UK natural powerhouse’ has been formally recognised by the Government.

The Great South West initiative which arose from a campaign kickstarted by the Western Morning News and Pennon Group, has been namechecked in the Levelling Up White Paper, published recently.

Read the story in full on Business Live here

Greenlight Safety & Training

Greenlight is a Plymouth-based family-run business that understands a one-size-fits-all approach to Health and Safety is problematic. Every company is different and has different needs. That’s why we offer a bespoke approach to providing our services, based solely on client requirements. There’s no flab, nothing extraneous – we give our clients what they need, and we appreciate that what a client needs varies greatly from business to business. When you hire us, we’ll tell it like it is. Greenlight will undertake an internal safety audit within your organisation in the first instance, and then tell you exactly what you need to do to make sure you are fully compliant with the very latest industry legislation. We’ll provide clarity and practical advice as to your next steps, and we won’t dress it up with unnecessary jargon.

Our clients get industry-leading advice and guidance, and the confidence to know they’re supported by our expertise. We ensure that staff are looked after, that projects can go ahead without delay, and that work can continue in the safest way possible. We enable businesses to develop and assist them as they go on to larger, more ambitious projects. Our friendly, matter-of-fact team brings a no-nonsense approach to all interactions, whilst never forgetting that safety and professionalism is at the forefront of everything we do.

To find out more please visit www.greenlightsc.co.uk

Heart of the South West Quarterly Bulletin Winter 22/23 is out

Access the bulletin here.

Heart of the SW launches ERDF Inward Investment Support Grant Scheme

The Heart of the South West Local Enterprise Partnership (HotSW LEP) has launched a grant scheme for foreign-owned companies investing in the area to create jobs in Devon, Plymouth, Somerset and Torbay. £560,000 of funding is available for businesses across Devon, and £300,000 for those in Somerset. The scheme is open to businesses that meet the criteria below:

• Open to SMEs only. SMEs employ fewer than 250 persons and have an annual turnover not exceeding 50 million Euro, and/or an annual balance sheet total not exceeding 43 million Euro
• The SME must be located in the Heart of the South West to be eligible. We cannot support SMEs whilst they are abroad and the funds cannot be used for the direct costs of relocation. However, a package of support would be available once the SME has located to the Heart of the SW to help pave the way for the move.
• We cannot support the relocation of SMEs from other EU countries as this would be displacement.   However, we can support the expansion of SMEs from other EU countries already located in the HotSW area.
• The funding can be used for both Capital – which can cover items such as machinery, fixtures, fittings, business accommodation and workspace and  Revenue costs – which can cover items such as services and consultancy, digital marketing, IP, quality management, IT systems

Businesses operating in the following sectors are not eligible under ERDF rules/state aid rules:

• Farming/fishing/primary production
• Processing and marketing of agricultural products
• Coal/steel and shipbuilding sectors
• Synthetic fibres sectors
• Banking and insurance companies
• Services already provided by the state including education and healthcare (including day nurseries and schools)
• Retail facilities
• Nuclear commissioning or decommissioning

To discuss the grant scheme and your eligibility lease contact the LEP’s Inward Investment Manager Carla Modley at carla.modley@heartofswlep.co.uk

Alongside the grant scheme businesses will be entitled to a business support brokerage.

This funding is part of the European Structural and Investment Funds Growth Programme 2014-2020. The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government is the Managing Authority for ERDF. Established by the European Union, ERDF funds help local areas stimulate their economic development by investing in projects which will support innovation, businesses, create jobs and local community regenerations.

Go to the webpage here

HellermannTyton to create 100 jobs in Plymouth after factory expansion

Plymouth manufacturer HellermannTyton has broken ground on phase II of a major expansion of its factory which is expected to create 100 jobs.

The multi-million-pound investment will see its site at the Plymouth International Medical and Technology Park, in Derriford, double in size to support market growth and increase its capacity.

Delayed due to the Covid pandemic, the expansion is part of HellermannTyton’s 10-year plan to reinforce its status as the leading supplier of cable management solutions.

The Plymouth site is one of two manufacturing facilities HellermannTyton operates in the UK, alongside its sister site in Manchester.

Already, more than four million components are manufactured at Plymouth every year; the expansion will see capacity increase even further. The expansion gives HellermannTyton the ideal combination of production space, warehousing, shipping docks and R&D labs.

Key manufacturing processes at the new facility will concentrate on solutions for manufacturing, industrial, earthmoving, defence and rail applications.

The full article that appeared on the Plymouth Herald, Business Live website is available – here

Help Eggbuckland Community College to engineer our future workforce!

Please support Eggbuckland Community College as they raise funds through Crowdfunding to replace aging equipment within their Technology Department.  This equipment, to include a laser cutter and CNC router will help to develop students knowledge and skills so they are ready for the workplace, particularly within the engineering, manufacturing and construction sectors.  Please check out this Crowdfunder video link for further information.

Eggbuckland Community College’s Crowdfund to Engineer our Future Workforce

How is Social Media Driving Innovation?

This is a second in a series of blogs on the subject of innovation courtesy of John Bessant

Every organization should strive for innovation. By coming up with fresh ideas and concepts, as well as properly implementing them, organizations can collectively work towards a brighter and more successful future. However, generating new concepts and aiming for true innovation does not come easy.

Thankfully, various advancements in technology have allowed us to easily exchange ideas and gather data. One such tech tool that can drive innovation today is social media. According to a recent report, at least 70% of Americans use social media for various purposes, such as connecting with one another, sharing information, entertaining themselves, and engaging with news content. The sheer amount of data generated on social media platforms can help organizations produce new and innovative concepts, services, or products.

Here, let’s take a closer look at how social media positively impacts innovation.

It allows for active social listening

In order to connect with an online community and learn from consumers, organizations need to practice social listening. However, this process is not as simple as talking to customers via social media or looking at comments. In order to unlock actionable insights that can be used for innovation, organizations need to develop processes that capture, measure, and analyze comments on social media. When gathered correctly, the data from active online listening can have a bigger impact compared to those collected through traditional processes like focus groups or surveys. It also allows for companies to respond to any issues much quicker. Research shows that 71% of customers who receive quick, effective responses on social media are more likely to recommend the brand to others.

It helps organizations safeguard their ideas and data

Driving innovation in an organization requires the assistance of some key professionals. In order to be successful, a company will need to hire someone who has been trained in the latest trends. One area that this is particularly true in is cybersecurity. Social media is driving innovation in cybersecurity because the amount of people who use it makes it a huge security risk. Cybersecurity degree holders can help a company overhaul its security protocols, protect their novel ideas and concepts through offensive and defensive strategies. In a world where data is considered a commodity, organizations have to bolster their cybersecurity through virtualization, digital forensics, malware analysis, and event management.

However, it can be difficult to hire these professionals nowadays, as it is reported that there are 3 million unfilled job openings for skilled security professionals around the world. Thankfully, organizations can connect with and hire these professionals through professional social media platforms such as LinkedIn. With over 720 million users, LinkedIn allows businesses to screen and employ professionals who can help them bolster their security and protect their data.

It allows organizations to streamline the innovation process

Some organizations find it hard to break out of their linear structure. After collecting customer insight and data, an organization then goes through the long process of developing a product, marketing it, and hoping that it turns a profit. However, this step-by-step approach is a cumbersome and costly process that organizations need to transform in today’s fast-moving world.

Through social media, organizations can shorten their approach to product development, as well as conduct multiple experiments for various innovative concepts. As the customers interact with their experiments on social media, organizations can shorten the feedback loop and quickly figure out what concepts work best for their target market. For more information on this subject, do check out our post on platforms for social innovation.

This feature was prepared by JBurris and appeared on John Bessant’s website –  here

Image courtesy of unsplash

How to avoid the pitfalls of reshoring manufacturing

The Made In Group published this interesting article about reshoring in late March 2022

“Three in four manufacturing businesses are looking to relocate elements of their production in-house or establish UK-based supply chains, according to The Manufacturer. Doing so would provide a welcome boost to the sector and the wider economy but it’s not something businesses should rush into.

Jonny Williamson sat down with Darren Webb, Sales Manager at Global Precision, to learn why. “

Read the full article here

How your business can engage with SailGP

SailGP is sailing redefined. Not only for the sailing enthusiast – but for anyone that wants to be part of a truly thrilling, adrenalin packed, annual global sports championship. It will culminate with a $1 million winner-takes-all match race in the final in San Francisco in March 2022.

However, major events such as SailGP bring more to a city than fan excitement. In addition to the thrills of the on-sea action, SailGP will funnel millions of pounds into the local economy – whilst attracting global attention and supplying the cobbles with a boost to tourism.

We want to make sure that this is not only a valuable event for those that visit Plymouth, but for all of us in Plymouth too. Making sure there is ‘wind in your businesses sails’ before, during and long after SailGP hits the sound.

Involvement and engagement are key to the success of your business benefiting from SailGP’s two-day event, and with that in mind, we have created a SailGP Business Engagement Pack for ways that your business can unlock value from this thrilling close to shore yacht racing event

View the SailGP Business Engagement Pack

Find out more on the Invest Plymouth SailGP page

Watch SailGP live

The Great Britain SailGP Team has unveiled its squad that will race in the global sailing championship this year. The team will be racing in the SailGP Great Britain Grand Prix, which takes place in Plymouth on 17^th and 18^th July 2021.

British fans will be able to watch all the action live on Sky Sports, SailGP’s Official Broadcast Partner in the UK, who will air each of the global races live, starting with the Bermuda event which took place over the weekend, and can be watched on demand – https://sailgp.com/watch/

Hymid wins award for Sustainability and has a facility facelift!

Hymid has been having a busy Spring and Summer 2023 with news on their socials!

Not only have the team been winning awards, creating fantastic collaborations with their clients but they have also been undertaking works on site to give the production facility a facelift.

In mid-June it was with immense pleasure that Hymid announced that in partnership with SageTech Medical, they had been awarded the Sustainability Award at the Med-Tech Innovation  Awards 2023!

The company described the award as “strongly reflecting the potential of the revolutionary, eco-conscious and environmentally friendly solution created by SageTech Medical, in collaboration with the design and manufacturing excellence of Hymid. While the competition was fierce, Hymid emerged as winners in the Sustainability category and had a fantastic night at the awards show in Birmingham.”

Read the full awards news article here

Also this year, Hymid has been undertaking series of work to give their production facility a facelift – outside there is a new roof on the whole facility with additional insulation for greater energy efficiency. This new roof is also now capable of taking solar panels; so watch this space! Read the whole story of updates here.

Earlier in the Spring, Hymid also dipped its toes in the TikTok waters – amazingly quickly their subscribers have risen to over 1000. As TikTok is often enjoyed by a young demographic, we at the PMG salute Hymid for gaining traction for celebrating design, engineering and manufacturing on this platform and hope that it will encourage the growth of young talented engineers and designers! If you would like to see what Hymid are up to on TikTok and You-Tube – check them out here:

Hymid on TikTok

Hymid on YouTube

Hymid wins Plastic Industry Design Award and looks forward to celebrating 25th Anniversary.

Just as Hymid is about to begin the year that they celebrate their 25th anniversary, they have also become proud winners of the Plastic Industry Award for ‘Best Consumer Product Design – International’ with Chilly’s and Studio Wood.

Everyone at Hymid is delighted to have their hard work on the Chilly’s Series 2 range recognised with such a prestigious award.

The Chilly’s Series 2 range focuses on the reusability of portable drinks containers, negating the need for single-use disposable bottles and cups. The range includes both a water bottle and coffee cup which are thermally insulated, designed to keep drinks warm or cold for long periods of time. Work on the Series 2 range involved extensive collaboration between Hymid, Chilly’s and Studio Wood to create designs which not only look fantastic but are also highly innovative in the techniques and technologies employed. As one of only a handful of injection moulding companies in the UK capable of complex two-shot moulding, Hymid was able to provide the expertise required for the ambitious designs of the Series 2 range to become a reality.

Read more about Hymid and the award here

Having had a record year in 2021, where the company served more customers, created higher quality products than ever before and pushed the boundaries of what is possible in injection moulding, the company is now raring to go in 2022.

Hymid posted on Linkedin that not only do they plan another record year, but they also plan on making some big improvements to their processes, including starting their journey of becoming a net zero company!

Fantastic news – the PMG will stay tuned for these exciting developments!

Implementing the Circular Economy – A Course for SME’s and their partners

A new executive education course for SME’s is being launched by the University of Exeter in the Exeter Centre for the Circular Economy.

Launching in Feb. 2022, the course is designed and delivered by the university’s world leading circular economy business research centre which has been recognised as a ‘Global Pioneer’ for Circular Economy by the Ellen MacArthur Foundation.

This new offering is specifically targeted at supporting SMEs transition to the circular economy. Here are some of the course aims:

The 6-week online course will show you the opportunity from Circular Economy. We target how to create and capture value from circular economy, achieve competitive advantage and grow your business. 

The course will give you  

• Insights from real world SME practitioners telling their story of success and how they overcame the many challenges on their journey 
• In depth case studies showing how it works up close 
• Tools and resources showing how to get started, how to implement and how to scale 
• Weekly Challenges designed to move you towards action planning and clearly defined value creation impacts  
• Mentoring and active peer-to-peer interaction
• A community of liked minded practitioners with active post-course networking
• And much more….“

The course is 6-weeks, and is delivered online with live (also recorded) webinars each week. The price per head is £1,750.

See the Course Brochure here:

Implementing the Circular Economy – A course for SMEs and their partners

Industrial AI in action: Creating business value at scale in smart manufacturing

Industrial Solutions Event ONLINE- Marine science and technology – 18 May 2022

Plymouth Electron Microscopy Centre (PEMC) is pleased to announce the second Industrial Solutions Event  on Marine Science and Technology on 18 May 2022, 10:00 – 12:00 

Please register here for this ONLINE event

Supported by Innovate UK, UKRI and our partners JEOL UK and Oxford Instruments, Plymouth Electron Microscopy Centre (PEMC) is hosting a series of free, business-focused events.

These quarterly Industrial Solutions events will show how different sectors (including those highlighted in the UK government’s Industrial Strategy Fund) can benefit from working with PEMC and will focus on priority areas for the Heart of the South West Local Enterprise Partnership (HotSW LEP). The series will also support the establishment of an Analysis & Imaging Network of previous beneficiaries of PEMC’s industry support, intended to promote knowledge exchange and collaboration between industrial, technical, and academic stakeholders.

We warmly invite companies to join us for one or more of these events, not only to discover what electron microscopy could do for your business but also to find out about the latest UK funding opportunities for industry, particularly SMEs. Designed to be informative, relevant, and useful in terms of practical analysis and future funding opportunities, each event is packed with useful information for businesses engaging with electron microscopy.

Innovate UK action plan for business innovation 2021 to 2025

This publication sets out how Innovate UK will support business innovation in the UK between 2021 and 2025.

Innovate UK is the UK’s innovation agency, helping UK businesses to grow through innovation.

This action plan explains how the focus of activities will be in five strategic theme areas:

• future economy
• growth at scale
• global opportunities
• innovation ecosystem
• government levers.

It also outlines the strong foundations that underpin the support Innovate UK give for innovation:

• UK science and research
• design
• responsible innovation
• innovation talent and skills
• equality, diversity and inclusion
• place and levelling up.

Innovate UK SMART Grants: Aug 2021

UK registered organisations can apply for a share of up to £25 million for game-changing and commercially viable research and development innovation that can significantly impact the UK economy.

This funding is from Innovate UK, part of UK Research and Innovation.

Eligibility summary

This competition is open to single applicants and collaborations.

To lead a project your organisation must be a UK registered:

• business of any size
• research and technology organisation (RTO)
• carry out your research and development (R&D) project activity in the UK
• intend to commercially exploit the project results from the UK
• be or involve at least one micro, small or medium-sized enterprise (SME).

Full details – here

Insights from Mental Health Training Provider – Simpila

When things feel too much, what do you do?

by Simpila Mental Health

“I feel agitated, my head hurts and just wish everyone would leave me alone”

Does this sound familiar? That is ok to admit. These are just some of the most common symptoms of stress and everyone at some point experiences it. In fact, 74% of people reported that they have felt so stressed they have been overwhelmed and unable to cope (Mental Health Foundation and YouGov, 2018). It isn’t surprising that more and more of us are feeling it, the world around us is changing and not to mention the pressure of the cost-of-living crisis. You are not alone, stress is real, but you can make things better.

Before we explore some techniques that could be helpful to combat stress, let’s take a closer look at why we even get stressed in the first place. Firstly, it is normal, we are only human, and it is a natural response to having pressure and stress applied to us. And secondly it isn’t always bad to feel some stress, it can be motivating.

But why do we sometimes feel that things get too much? Like we can’t cope with it?

I like to think of it as being, we all carry an invisible container around with us which represents how much stress we can go through each day. Every time a stress is applied to us, our container fills up a little bit more. There is a limit to what we can take on, and this limit is determined by our levels of vulnerability. (Mental Health First Aid England, 2022).

We can’t see our own containers; we can feel it though. If we take a moment to check-in with ourselves first thing in the morning and think, how big is my container today? How full is it? We can start to tune in to how we are really feeling, take control and plan to make things better.

Brain dumping can be cathartic. Taking a pen and scribbling down on a piece of paper everything in your mind, don’t overthink it, just let your pen do the talking. Once you start to slow down with dumping your thoughts, read it back, place a star next to anything causing the most stress. Ask yourself; what needs my attention now? What can I change? Can someone help me with this? Where can I get more support? You may find this a positive step to lighten the load and give you some breathing space.

Dedicating some time to focus on YOU can be a fantastic way to increase the size of your container or create more space. Take a look at the ’10 keys to happier living’ https://actionforhappiness.org, here you can find some brilliant ways to look after yourself, lower stress and live a happier lifestyle. Challenge yourself, why not try something new.

We know that stress is normal but what causes us to feel stress? One of the most common causes of stress is work-related, in a study conducted on adults it was reported that 79% of those asked said they felt it often. Of those who said they were feeling stressed, 51% reported also feeling depressed and 61% anxious, (Statista, 2020). It is difficult to ignore the impact that this can have on absenteeism but also presenteeism in the workplace. The Office for National Statistics (ONS) Labour Force Survey has found that 17.5 million working days were lost last year (2021) due to mental health related sickness absence.

Do you feel ready to take some positive steps to support your employees? Help to create a happier and healthier workplace for all? We can help.

Simpila is a consulting and training company focused on helping companies create happy and healthy workplaces through gradual cultural change. We have partnered with various small and large businesses from QinetiQ, British Airways to HR companies offering Mental Health First Aid & Refresher Training (MHFA), Mental Health Awareness Training, Mental Health First Aid Champion Training, along with also offering many bespoke mental health training courses (https://www.simpila.com/awareness-courses/#mentalhealthawarenessformanagers).

We would love the opportunity to work with you and your team by providing training, resources and creating a plan to make a difference. We have something for everyone whether you have a small team or a larger organisation, we work with you and your team to provide a service that is right for your needs.

If this is something you are interested in, please feel free to reach out and we can discuss more.

Louisa Downs, Mental Health Trainer and Wellbeing Business Consultant. Simpila Mental Health. www.simpila.com

Email: louisa.downs@simpila.com

Phone: 07531825682

https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/explore-mental-health/mental-health-statistics/stress-statistics

 https://www.statista.com/statistics/1134359/common-types-of-stress-in-the-uk/

https://www.nice.org.uk/

Institute for Apprenticeships & Technical Education unveil plan for world class and unified skills system.

To compete and thrive on the world stage, the nation needs a high-skilled and adaptable workforce backed by training that delivers what employers need right across the board.

The Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education (the Institute) is uniquely placed to deliver on that, given our success with harnessing the expertise of thousands of supportive employers to shape the new generation of fantastic apprenticeships and T Levels.

The Skills and Post-16 Education Bill, which is currently progressing through parliament, is a huge endorsement set to extend our influence right across technical education. It will allow us to unite the skills system and meet an even broader variety of skills needs.

The Institute’s new ‘Employer Centred – Future Facing’ strategic plan sets out our key priorities for making this happen through to 2024, which are:

1. Delivering for employers: The Institute is unashamedly employer led because only they know what training is really needed to fill the nation’s skills gaps and support learners into long and successful careers. We will:

• Implement forward-looking and employer-led strategic plans for each of our 15 occupational routes, covering the full spectrum of sectors and industries across the economy.
• Review how all larger and smaller employers support our work, capitalising on digital solutions to streamline their involvement and maximise insights.
• Create authoritative knowledge about future skills needs, for example supporting digital innovations and the drive to net zero carbon emissions.
• Make it far easier for learners from all backgrounds to progress from entry right up to degree level training, supporting the economy’s broad skills needs.

2. Building a more integrated skills system: We will create a single technical education system that drives up quality and meets the skills needs of all our nation’s employers and learners. We will:

• Support the Skills & Post-16 Education Bill into law. If approved, this will grant new functions to the Institute, including approval of most post-16 qualifications. Everything will follow the same employer-defined training requirements set out in our occupational standards.
• Chart all technical education onto the same occupational maps, which must be accessible and easy to use for employers, learners, careers advisors, awarding organisations, educators and others.
• Ensure that apprenticeships and other technical qualifications are sufficiently adaptable to support the widest possible uptake and use, for instance to deliver regional and social agendas.

3. Securing continuous improvement: The Institute is always prepared to listen and learn. We have shown that we can adapt and deliver quickly, through launching T Levels and providing over 130 flexibilities that supported apprenticeships through the COVID-19 pandemic. We will build from this by:

• Introducing a long-term assurance model that supports the delivery of improved quality by all.
• Delivering a directory of industry experts to secure the employers’ voice in the external quality assurance of assessments.
• Promoting a continuous improvement philosophy and new approaches to ensure all our customers have good experiences with the Institute.

Download the full strategy.

Internationalisation Fund now open for businesses in England

The Department for International Trade has launched its new Internationalisation Fund for eligible businesses in England.

Match-funded grants of between £1,000 and £9,000 will be available for future activity (subject to eligibility and availability).

To secure a grant, you will need to fund a proportion of your costs yourself. This varies according to where your business is based and will be either 40 or 50% of the total cost.

The fund can be used to support areas including (but not exclusively limited to):

• Market research
• IP advice
• Translation services
• International social media/SEO
• Trade fairs (where no TAP funding is available)
• Independent market visits
• Consultancy and other international commercial services

Is your business eligible?

• The company must be based in England
• The company must be a small or medium sized enterprise (SME) with up to 250 employees
• No more than 25% of the business is owned by an enterprise which is not a SME
• Annual turnover does not exceed €50 million or annual balance sheet does not exceed €43 million

The fund is supported by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF).

Intro to Legitimate Leadership – Half day Session – 12th May 2022

Legitimate Leadership are running a half-day Intro Session in Plymouth on the 12th May 2022 asking the question “Why Do We Willingly Follow Some
Leaders And Not Others?”

View the Flyer for the Workshop here: Legitimate Leadership – Half Day Event 12052022

More about Legitimate Leadership

Manufacturing is complex and difficult. Our licence to run the factory is predicated on safety, quality, delivery and cost. Too often we rely on machinery, process and control to ensure we run a tight ship. Yet it is our people who define whether those products leave the factory on time, at the right standards of quality and produced in a safe and sustainable way.

Legitimate leaders create a willingness in their people to pursue the goals of the business, to go the extra mile when the chips are down. Legitimate leaders create a workplace that buzzes, you can feel the pace, you can see the initiative. Legitimate leaders create leaders.

This collection of characteristics can be summarised as a shift from taking to giving at work. All things being equal a motivated and inspired group will significantly outperform their uninspired and demotivated mirror image.

We in Legitimate Leadership work with you to create the conditions where this transformation can take place. We help you to grow your leaders into people who can cultivate those around them to deliver outstanding results, without resulting to suffocating controls. We have done this successfully for over 30 years in more than 300 diverse organisations, all over the world in many different cultures.

Currently our UK team are enabling leaders from the front line to the C-suite in Babcock’s Devonport dockyard, Harrison Packaging, Johnson Matthey and TKE Access. Do you need to improve that safety record, bump up that yield or reduce the number of employee relations cases at your site? If so then it’s time to find out more about how to cultivate willingness and loyalty in your people – managers progress the work, leaders progress the people.

When leaders at every level of the organisation have won the willingness and loyalty of their people, when trust and collaboration between people is high, the only result is excellence. Get in touch with us now so we can get to work.

Introduction to University of Plymouth’s PMCN project

Over the past 18 months, the University of Plymouth has invested more than £1.7million to enhance our Plymouth Electron Microscopy Centre (PEMC).

The PEMC has expanded into new premises at the heart of the city centre campus and populated it with the latest cutting edge technology, doubling the number of microscopes from four to eight.

Our electron microscopy technology enables particles to be viewed at greater than one million times their actual size, meaning technicians can examine items not visible to the human eye in great detail.

Electron Microscopy can be used to image and analyse a range of solid materials, often non-destructively, at increasingly high magnification in both 2D and 3D. Whether it is fatigue or failure analysis, contamination identification, new materials development, or materials characterisation, electron microscopy may be able to provide an answer.

The Plymouth Materials Characterisation Network Project  has secured EU funding to provide free access to small and medium registered enterprises within Devon and across the UK until March 2023, and reduced-cost access for large enterprises too.

This funding will allow unrivalled access to state of the art instrumentation to help develop business and increase collaboration between the industrial and academic environment. Previous support has focused on new and improved dairy products for Langage Farm, developing new coatings for industry in support of patent applications with South West Metal Finishing, andfatigue and failure analysis for when things go wrong.

PEMC has a strong track-record of working with businesses great and small including 50+ years of industrial partnership. We have worked with large, multinational names, as well as hundreds of micro and small enterprises right here in Devon, aiming to provide  free access to leading technology that would otherwise be out of reach.

Our dedicated team of technical specialists are on hand to expertly advise on the use of electron microscopy within your business or industry, no matter which industry that may be.

If you have ever wondered if scientific analysis may help improve your product or increase efficiency within your business, or if you wish to do fatigue or competitor testing  ,please get in touch with either Jayne Stanyer or myself to discuss how you can benefit from this fully funded project .

Please find out more with our PDF poster here: PMCN  and PDF presentation here: PEMC_AvailableTechniques

Kind regards

Patricia Monaghan

Business Engagement – Plymouth Materials Characterisation Network (PMCN)

Plymouth Electron Microscopy Centre

Faculty of Science and Engineering

University of Plymouth

Drake Circus

Plymouth

PL4 8AA

M: 075 77 99 5913

E: patricia.monaghan@plymouth.ac.uk

W: PMCN

*My working days are Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays

PMCN

Invitation to Participate in Low Carbon Research Project Investigating Environmental Conditions in Factories

This email below came into the PMG Office. The study is connected to the Low Carbon Devon initiative with a view to support businesses with the following:

Dear Plymouth Manufacturers

I was wondering if you would be able to help me with the following. I am working on a research project investigating the thermal comfort of workers in factories. It involves monitoring the indoor environmental conditions of the factory with non-intrusive sensors (temperature, humidity, air quality, light, etc) and some physiologic variables of the workers (heart rate, body temperature, etc) by means of a wearable watch. Overall, it is a non-intrusive experimentation and has no added costs to the company. The results can help companies to better understand the environmental conditions of their factories and the PPE/clothing requirements to improve workers’ comfort, wellbeing and productivity.

We are looking for manufacturing companies in Plymouth that would be interested in allowing us to run this experimentation (of around 2 weeks).

I was wondering if you had a direct contact with any of the manufacturing companies in Plymouth?  Please feel free to circulate this email and my contact details.

Thanks for your help.

Best,Alba

Dr Alba Fuertes

Associate Professor in Construction Engineering and Management

Programme Leader

Built Environment, Roland Levinsky Building 302, Plymouth University, PL4 8AA, UK

( +44 (0)1752 585196 | * alba.fuertes@plymouth.ac.uk| 8 staff webpage

Invitation to Register Interest in SWMAS Make it Net Zero Programme

Join in with Jeremiah’s Journey Charity Events 2022!

Dear PMG

My name is John Naismith, I work for Jeremiah’s Journey. Many of your network have supported us in our work over the years. Hopefully you will have seen some of the recent social media posts that have gone out around our upcoming events.

We are hosting our first Charity Golf Day at Boringdon Park Golf Club, Plympton on Wednesday 11^th May and we are now actively selling tickets for the day and seeking sponsorship of the event? Entry is £200 for a team of four. For this, in addition to their round of golf, players will get a bacon butty and coffee on arrival and a two course dinner on completion of their round. There are men’s and women’s prizes as well as a raffle and other competitions for those taking part. Sponsorship opportunities for the day start with individual hole sponsorships at £50 per hole right up to headline sponsor (we shamelessly promote businesses sponsoring us).

We are also asking any sailors that might be considering taking part in the Eddystone Charity Sailing Pursuit if they would consider Jeremiah’s Journey as their charity for the event this year.

Finally we jointly hosting a Glitz and Glamour Charity Ball with Plymouth YMCA at the Crowne Plaza on Saturday 2^nd July. There will be a live band, DJ and three course dinner with welcome drinks on arrival. Tickets for the ball are £55 each or £500 for a table of ten.

If anyone would like to speak to me about our events, whether that be taking part or looking for a sponsorship opportunity, or any other aspect of our work such as having Jeremiah’s Journey as a charity of the year or joining our Follow the Bear campaign my contact information is below.

Thank you for taking the time to read my email.

Warm regards

John

John Naismith (he/him)

Corporate Events Fundraiser & Volunteer Co-ordinator

Karen Friendship, MD at Aldermans, appointed as new PMG Chair

It is with great delight that we can announce our new Chair of the PMG is Karen Friendship, MD at Alderman Tooling.

Karen, having served as Vice Chair for the last two years, has taken over the role from Mike Snaith, (Chief Operating Officer at Plessey).

Of course, before we introduce Karen, we must give our thanks to Mike who, despite having an incredibly busy “day” job has been a steadfast Chair to the group over what could be described as a testing time for everyone in all industry sectors. The PMG secretary, Steve Gerry has said “We are hugely grateful to Mike for his leadership over the last two years. Amongst several notable activities, we must highlight the Partnership Bond that Mike helped develop with the University of Plymouth – our relationship with such a key educational establishment in the region has grown in strength during this time and we thank Mike for his support with this. While the pandemic has brought challenges to everyone, Mike has taken a steady approach to chairing our group and we would like to convey our immense appreciation of his time and dedication to the PMG throughout this period.”

So now to our new Chair! Karen is well-known to the PMG and its connections as Karen has been Chair of the “PMG Network” group of SME Manufacturers since its inception. During her tenure she encouraged smaller member companies to collaborate, enabling them to access training and development that would normally be the preserve of larger entities.

Technology and engineering has always had a strong pull for Karen from a young age and she followed this passion to Bristol University to study Civil Engineering. Whilst pursuing this career, she spent a brief working holiday at the business founded by her father, Bill Alderman, and was drawn into the work of metal fabrication. Appointed as MD of Alderman Tooling in 2005, Karen focussed on developing the business by analysing markets, winning new contracts and expanding services through investment in the latest machinery. The accolades followed, including being named among the UK’s Top 50 Women in Engineering in 2018. Karen remains a committed STEM ambassador and mentor, in demand locally and nationally as a panellist, speaker and advocate for the manufacturing sector.

We chatted with Karen as she approached her first full month as Chair and asked what the PMG meant to her and why it was important for her to take on this role.

Karen said “The Plymouth manufacturing community is a significant, vital part of our local economy; but its unique strength lies in collaboration. Across the PMG we see not only the enrichment of supply chain partnerships, but also knowledge sharing, best practice development, promotion of skills, and a strong voice for the manufacturing sector. PMG has been a huge benefit and encouragement to me, and has created opportunities for Aldermans and our team members too. It is a pleasure and honour to chair this influential group into its next phase, and I look forward to us supporting each other through the challenges and opportunties ahead.”

Karen is pictured above with Steve Gerry, the PMG Secretary at the PMG’s 40th anniversary event. Karen thoughts about her new role really describe the essence of the PMG and we are looking forward to working with Karen as we take the PMG forward, strengthening our sector in the ever evolving economic landscape.

Last chance to book your stand for the University of Plymouth Careers Fair

University of Plymouth – South West Local Opportunities Fair

Wednesday 23^rd February 2022 | 11:00 – 15:00

University Campus (in-person event)

BOOKING DEADLINE – 9th February 2022

The University of Plymouth’s Careers Service are pleased to invite regional organisations, particularly SMEs, to our inaugural South West Local Opportunities Fair to showcase internship, placement and graduate roles.

The University attracts many of its students from the South West and a vast majority of these wish to remain and work in the area post-graduation. With SMEs accounting for nearly 49% of the regions employment (Gradsouthwest, 2018), this event aims to highlight the benefits of working with a smaller organisation.

This fair is for you, if:

• You are recruiting students and graduates into work experience, internship, placement or graduate roles starting in 2022
• You wish to raise awareness of your organisation and its’ opportunities amongst our student population

This event is most suitable to:

• SMEs (Small or Medium-sized Enterprises) based within the South West, or
• Larger/national organisations that will have opportunities based within the South West

Please note that for the purposes of this event we are defining the South West to include the counties of Cornwall, Devon, Somerset, Bristol, Dorset, Wiltshire and Gloucestershire.

Spaces are limited and a small fee (starting from £60+VAT) is required to secure you space.

Subject to current COVID-19 restrictions it is planned for this event to take place in person, however a virtual/online offer will also be available in the occurrence that this cannot go ahead.

For information on how to book and for further details, please contact the University’s Employer Engagement Team on 01752 587729 or employers.careers@plymouth.ac.uk

Latest Building Brands Newsletter – marketing insights, updates and links

Latest Business News & Updates from Plymouth City Council Economic Development Service

Plymouth City Council’s Economic Development Service creates a regular E-Newsletter with the latest business news and useful updates for business across Plymouth and beyond.

You’ll find an overview of the latest business advice and guidance, as well as events and funding streams.

And we post the links to the latest e-newsletter here;

18th August 2023 News and Updates for Plymouth Businesses

You can sign up to receive your own PCC Business News Updates here: Subscribe to PCC Plymouth Business News

Latest Manufacturing Barometer leads SWMAS to launch Business Transformation Programme

Latest News from BEIS – 15th March

BEIS Business Bulletin 15 03 21

Latest News from BEIS – 29th March

Business Bulletin

Brexit: New rules are here

Issue 78: 29 March 2021

“The UK has left the EU, and the Brexit transition period has ended. There are new rules for businesses doing business with the EU from 1 January, and you need to take action now. All information on Brexit can be found at www.gov.uk/transition. This bulletin is issued by the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy and provides the latest information for businesses.”

Download the latest bulletin here:

Latest news on Electron and Atomic Force Microscopy in Plymouth

Two pieces of news regarding microscopy facilities in Plymouth.

Firstly, Plymouth Electron Microscopy Centre (PEMC) at the University of Plymouth has secured EU funding to provide free access to small and medium enterprises within Devon and across the UK until June 2023, and reduced-cost access for large enterprises too.

This funding will allow unrivalled access to state-of-the-art instrumentation, including three brand new instruments in 2022, to help develop business and increase collaboration between the industrial and academic environment.

Join the PEMC team to find out exactly how this new round of funding can help your business now and in the future.

This launch of our successful ERDF funded project, Plymouth Materials Characterisation Network (PMCN) follows on from our extremely successful Plymouth Materials Characterisation Project (PMCP), which concluded last year.

This free online event will introduce PEMC, our facilities and team, and explain the new project in more detail; how exactly can businesses benefit from this funding? How can businesses get involved?

There will also be a live Q&A session delivered by our technical specialists where you can ask anything you might want to regarding the use of electron microscopy for industry on the following topics:

• Materials or Engineering
• Biological, Medical, or Marine Science
• Geological or Environmental Investigations
• Food Science
• Space or Aerospace

Questions for the Q&A can be submitted here before the event, but live questions will also be taken on the day.

Target Audience

• Devon-based companies looking to develop new products – particularly those who work in food, advanced engineering, photonics, microelectronics, manufacturing, composites, robotics or new energy.
• Larger companies in the same sectors. Business groups (e.g. Plymouth Manufacturers Group, North Devon Manufacturing Association, Hi Tech Forum)
• Business support organisations (e.g. HOTSW LEP Growth Hub)

There are no restrictions on attendance. Please book your place online, or by contacting either Tom O’Hanlon or Jen Mitchell.

Also, while writing …

On a related topic, the University of Plymouth is in the process of applying for an EPSRC equipment grant (deadline 7 Sep) for a specialised Nanosurf Atomic Force Microscope (details – https://www.stevegerryconsulting.co.uk/app/download/5818580059/Nanosurf-DriveAFM-Brochure.pdf ). They are interested to hear if anyone else could potentially make use of this piece of equipment in the future (if the bid were to be successful)?

They ideally need to demonstrate in the application that the equipment will be used extensively by different groups and external agencies (beyond academics within the university), hence my email!

Here is a brief description of the equipment and please see brochure with further info:

The Nanosurf Atomic Force Microscope has extensive range of capabilities for applications in material and life sciences, nanotechnology etc. On imaging mode the AFM can map surface topography, characterise electrical, magnetic, mechanical material properties. For life sciences the instrument can image down to atomic scale, i.e image DNA strands, molecules, proteins, cells and viruses. There is even a possibility to deposit such biomaterials locally or at a specific location on a substrate. Therefore, it is a very versatile instrument with a very broad range of applications.

If this could be of benefit to you/your business in the future, please contact Ewa Thompson , who would be very happy to provide more details and keep you updated on the grant application.

Latest Newsletters Received into the PMG Office

Newsletters received into the PMG Office in early 2023 will be updated here

Engineering UK March Newsletter

The Manufacturer Smart Factory Digital Briefing

South West Skills March Newsletter

Heart of the South West Growth Hub March Newsletter

Latest SWMAS Manufacturing Barometer Results

With predictions for future sales and profits at the highest they’ve been since January 2020, this quarter’s Manufacturing Barometer reveals heightened optimism from a number of SME manufacturers.

Read more here: https://lnkd.in/gxYV3Wf

Latest Virtual Internship offering from the Plymouth Business School for PMG members

Hi there PMG

I wanted to share news of our latest Virtual Internship offering before the funding gets allocated.

Following two successful rounds of Virtual Internships, we’ve secured additional funding through Plymouth Business School and are about to go live with another call for projects.

Our Virtual Internship scheme sees current students and recent graduates from Plymouth Business School working on short term projects to benefit local businesses and organisations, whilst improving their own employability. Interns working on projects are paid at a standard rate of £13/hour, up to a maximum of 38 hours per project (£494), which is funded by Plymouth Business School and supported by iMayflower. Example projects include:

• Business Development Intern: To conduct market research to identify key prospects within a defined market
• Communications Intern: To assess existing and draft new promotional content
• Customer Service Intern: To critically evaluate current customer service delivery
• Evaluation Intern: To conduct an impact study assessing the effect of organisational activity
• Events Intern: To support with planning and management of a specific event, or work with you to develop plans for COVID era events
• Fundraising Intern: To identify funding sources, draft action plan for achieving funding goals, or focus on bid writing
• HR Intern: To conduct an assessment of Corporate Social Responsibility opportunities, and devise an appropriate plan of activity
• Learning & Development Intern: To create a basic system for monitoring mandatory compliance training
• Marketing Intern: To conduct a strategic review or existing marketing activity suggesting new opportunities
• Operations Intern: To identify improvements in supply chain
• Research Intern: To devise and conduct data collecting projects of either secondary or primary sources
• Social Media Intern: To analyse social media opportunities and create content
• Sustainability Intern: To conduct an audit/plan of sustainability activity

We will be accepting project proposals on the attached form from Monday 23rd August and are able to support a maximum of 40 individual projects. Funding will be awarded on a first come, first served basis and will be withdrawn when the maximum allocation has been reached.

Let me know if you have any questions.

Sarah Holcombe

Plymouth Business School

University of Plymouth

sarah.holcombe@plymouth.ac.uk

Launch of British Business Bank’s £200m South West Investment Fund empowers small businesses across the region

The British Business Bank has launched the £200m South West Investment Fund aimed at fostering growth and prosperity for small businesses across the South West of England.

Levelling-Up & County Deals – What does this all mean?

The decision by Devon County Council to bid for a “County Deal” has significant business implications and needs to be understood as part of the National Recovery Programme.

Here’s an interesting article written by Tim Jones, Chairman, South West Business Council and friend of the PMG.

You can access it – here

Livewell SW launches new Wellbeing Training offer.

Livewell is excited to announce their new training package which aims to provide individuals with awareness around mental health and wellbeing, along with useful contacts to signpost others for support and advice.

View the Livewell WellBeing Training Flyer here

Living and Working in Plymouth Publication

Located at the heart of the South West, Plymouth is a city by the sea with so much to offer. With an amazing quality of life, stunning waterfront location, vibrant city centre and fascinating maritime history, there is quite simply nowhere better to live, work and play than Britain’s Ocean City.

Plymouth City Council’s Invest Plymouth team has recently updated their Living and Working publication – access it on-line – here

Low Carbon Devon – Latest Information

Click here for the Low Carbon Devon Flyer

Low Carbon Devon provides free support to Organisations
and Enterprises who want to:

• Reduce their carbon emissions through energy efficiency in buildings
• Reduce energy bills using existing building data and improving occupants’ behaviour
• Develop energy visualisation tools to monitor energy use
• Improve indoor environment quality to increase staff productivity and satisfaction

Potential Benefits to Enterprises/Organisations

• Reducing energy consumption and saving on energy bills
• Changing occupants’ behaviour
• Improving indoor quality and increasing occupants’ productivity

Contact Dr Sepideh Korsavi, Industrial Research Fellow in Energy Efficiency in Buildings to find out how Low Carbon Devon can help your business meet net zero targets.

Email: sepideh.korsavi@Plymouth.ac.uk
www.Plymouth.ac.uk/low-carbon-devon
LinkedIn: @LowCarbonDevon

LATEST NEWS – JUST IN!

Devon Net Zero Innovation Fund – Round 2 – applications open Monday 31 January 2022

• Are you an academic working with a business to develop a new low carbon technology or service?
• Are you a business looking to take advantage of the opportunities presented by the Green Industrial Revolution and a low carbon future?

The Devon Net Zero Innovation Fund (DNZIF) enables collaborations between Devon enterprises and University of Plymouth academic researchers. These collaborations will help to accelerate the development of new products or services in any sector to lead to a reduction in carbon emissions. There is funding available of up to £7,500 per enterprise to spend on researcher time and related consumables.

The opportunity aligns with the UK Government’s Build Back Better strategy as the UK shifts towards a net zero carbon future; recognising that working towards net zero is a major opportunity for economic growth and job creation across the UK and particularly in Devon with its rich natural capital and innovative technologies. Round 1 of the DNZIF in 2021 resulted in our academics collaborating with Devon companies in the following areas:

• developing cost effective ways to improve the efficiency of photovoltaics
• an analysis of different Devon soil types and their suitability in cob building materials
• development of nutritional and therapeutic products from agricultural by-products
• development of innovative and disruptive carbon neutral packaging solutions
• seagrass related research and innovation

Applications for Round 2 will open from Monday 31st January. From this date our webpage will be updated with further information, details of how to apply and our contact details so we can help with any questions.

Closing date: Thursday 31 March 2022

Low Carbon Devon showcases new film about their Internship and Leadership Programme

The team at Low Carbon Devon are excited for PMG Members to see their new film about the Future Shift: Low Carbon Devon Internship and Leadership programme.

The team explained that they are particularly proud of this part of the Low Carbon Devon project which is set to provide an intern for a low carbon project in around 30 Devon businesses. From lowering carbon footprints in care homes to the design of clothes made from recycled plastic, Devon small and medium sized enterprises are working hard to reduce their carbon emissions.

To find out more watch the 2 minute film on You Tube!

100% of both the hosts and the interns recommend the programme. The interns’ career prospects have been given a boost and many are now employed in related role. The current cohort have just started their 3 month internships and the next cohort runs from October – December, details to be announced in August on the programme webpage.

The Internship and Leadership Programme background:

The Low Carbon Devon Internship and Leadership Programme is a 3-month fully-funded internship opportunity placing current students or recent graduates of the University of Plymouth within Devon SMEs to work on a low carbon project.

The internship programme provides invaluable support for Devon-based enterprises combined with practical work experience and leadership development for current students and recent graduates. This allows local organisations to deliver a low carbon project, develop or implement a new low carbon idea, product or service, and/or reduce their carbon emissions.

The innovative leadership component comprises of change-leadership and personal development workshops for the interns to enable them to become future-fit as change-makers, leaders and role models of a low carbon society. These weekly 1-hour workshops focus on sustainability leadership and developing the skills and tools combined with the inspiration, confidence and ability to facilitate compassionate and proactive change to tackle the climate challenge. They are framed using the Plymouth Compass leadership tool.

About Low Carbon Devon

 The Sustainability Hub: Low Carbon Devon project provides an exciting new catalyst for low-carbon economic growth in Devon. Supported by an investment from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), the £2.6m project, finishing in 2023, supports Devon-based organisations to access research, business support, and engage with the University of Plymouth around the low-carbon agenda. https://www.plymouth.ac.uk/research/sustainability-hub-low-carbon-devon

For more information please contact:
rosie.mascall@plymouth.ac.uk

Make UK Diversity, Equality & Inclusion and Apprenticeship Survey

Research tells us that diverse businesses outperform others. Companies in the top-quartile for ethnic/cultural diversity on executive teams are 33% more likely to have industry-leading profitability. By 2025, 75% of the global workforce will be made up of millennials who want their workplace to be inclusive. Make UK wants to ensure that no manufacturing business is left behind. We are surveying manufacturers to determine what the average manufacturing business looks like and what, if any, measures companies are taking to encourage greater diversity within their business. This will form the basis of a report that will showcase best practice and offer support to those companies that want to pursue the diversity agenda further in their business. This survey also includes questions on apprenticeships. With the number of apprenticeship starts falling we want to understand what will encourage manufacturers to recruit more apprentices. All responses are completely anonymous.

Please complete the survey – here

MAKE UK Manufacturing Outlook 2021 Quarter 1

Make UK’s Q1 2021 Manufacturing Outlook Report, in partnership with BDO, updates on the tumultuous year that was 2020 which saw manufacturers deal with both the COVID-19 pandemic and leaving the EU. 

Download the Report here;

Make-UK-BDO-Manufacturing-Outlook-Q1-2021

Make UK’s Decarbonising Manufacturing Survey

Complete the Survey here

Make UK’s latest policy paper – Cyber Resilience: The Last Line of Defence

The Covid-19 pandemic undoubtedly pushed many businesses, including manufacturers, at speed towards remote ways of working. For office staff working at home is the new norm, accessing often sensitive files on hastily purchased laptops, while production staff have had to adjust to remote monitoring and production and virtual commissioning using mobile apps.

Our latest figures show that just under half of manufacturers have been the victim of cyber-crime in the last 12 months. Of those companies that experienced an attack, 63% said it cost them up to £5,000 while almost a quarter (22%) revealed a cost to their business of between £5,000-25,000.

The acceleration of digital adoption, primarily by the pandemic, has propelled cyber risk to the forefront of Britain’s boardrooms, with 61% of companies now having a board director responsible for cyber security.

But it is not just the adoption of industrial digital technologies that is bringing cyber-security back into the spotlight. As we move out of lockdown and into the ‘new normal’ it is increasingly clear that the new normal is one that brings with it more hybrid working and greater use of digital tools and technologies. Ensuring manufacturers are cyber-secure is a now not a nice-to-have but a necessity.

Make UK’s latest policy paper – Cyber Resilience: The Last Line of Defence – explores how cyber-crime has impacted the manufacturing industry with the move to remote working and the continued focus on digital adoption. It offers advice to companies from cyber experts as well as considerations to Government on how best support companies in their quest for cyber-skills.

Download available resources – here

Make UK’s Q2 2021 Manufacturing Outlook report, in partnership with BDO

Exactly one year on from the publication of Manufacturing Outlook’s worst results in the survey’s history, the mood music has changed dramatically. In what has recently been a dejected patter of quarters for the industry, manufacturers are now finally able to look to the future with earnest confidence. The industry is certainly not without its challenges, both ongoing and new, but the sector has now demonstrated that it can generate growth despite the still perilous circumstance.

While the industry gets back to work at an unprecedented pace, it does so now more keenly aware, and prepared, to mitigate the impacts of the trials that the rest of the year has poised to test it with. These trials, which are by no means mutually exclusive, form the basis for somewhat of a triple-threat to the sustainability of the recovery that is being exhibited within the manufacturing sector in this second quarter.

The first of these antagonising musketeers comes in the form of the novel Trade Cooperation Agreement (TCA) between the UK and the EU. The onus of new protocols and paperwork wreaked havoc for British exporters in the first quarter of the year, reflected in the 40% drop in exports to the EU in January. Since then, businesses have overcome many of the hurdles imposed on them by this new arrangement, with this report detailing significant export improvements compared to the start of the year. Nevertheless, snagging issues continue to emerge with customers and partners in the EU which hamper the speed of trade recovery for the sector.

The second dampener to the industry’s recovery is the ongoing uncertainty generated by unpredictable COVID-19 regulations both here and abroad. While the UK has come leaps and bounds in recent months in terms of the economy reopening, many events critical to the prosperity of UK manufacturing, such as trade shows, struggle to go ahead. This is particularly pronounced in the case of international business travel, where companies and delegates must worry not only about the viability of an event, but also must endure the mercurial travel and quarantine regulations both domestically and abroad.

The third, and perhaps the most prolific of challenges facing the sector lies in supply-chain disruptions. As the international business community enjoys a sudden spike in demand as the economy has sped up faster than expected, so too the strain on these already delicate supply-chains increases. Of course, just prior to this demand spike supply-chains were already significantly stressed owing to COVID-19 related pressures, but now with demand outstripping supply, or rather, the ability to supply in many cases, UK manufacturers are finding that they cannot affordably source inputs for their product, or cannot source inputs at any rate. Supplier delivery lead times are floating at an all-time high, container shipping prices are ballooning, and core inputs are seeing waning availability.

However, despite these obstacles, the manufacturing sector has set off the starting blocks of recovery. The trajectory of which is encouraging, with performance outpacing expectations for the first half of the year. Confidence within the sector is soaring, fuelled by orders and demand across the industry which has been long-missed since the start of the pandemic. Much needed investment expenditure is set to be rendered and employment within the sector looks to expand. The industry is confident that it will be able to overcome the obstacles put before it in the coming year, now equipped with the crisis management ability that it was forced to learn under duress at the inception of the pandemic. It’s with these lessons learned that the sector now has the opportunity before it to build back better, with business resilience and sustainability at its core.

Download the full report – here

Manufacturers explore immersive technology at Devonport Market Hall

On Tuesday 28th September, 2021, the Plymouth Manufacturers’ Group and Real Ideas welcomed PMG members and their connections to the Devonport Market Hall to explore and discuss the building’s ‘state of the art’ immersive dome facilities, and the collaborative opportunities in immersive technology and digital fabrication.

Immersive and other modern digital technologies can potentially impact on many aspects of business from new product or factory layout design to product launch.

Immersive technologies are predicted to become a $160 billion market. While much of this demand is consumer-led, the deployment of immersive technology in the manufacturing sector is fast becoming the dominant driver for future growth around the globe. It is vital that UK manufacturers ride the crest of this wave and become early adopters, or risk losing competitive advantage and market share: BMW, for instance, has already incorporated virtual reality into its automobile design process.

The UK is well-placed to make the most of this technology and Plymouth in particular.

Plymouth has been awarded a grant of nearly £3.5 million from the Cultural Development Fund (CDF) to deliver the iMayflower project; one of only five projects in England and the only one in the South West. It’s a three year project that has also raised £2.5 million of match funding from partners – that’s £6M in total.The iMayflower project involves working with partners across the city who are developing digital technology, such as 3-D printing, virtual reality or immersive technology to help the city expand its expertise in advanced manufacturing, robotics and digital making.

The Market Hall is a world-class space for digital innovation and learning situated in the heart of Devonport, Plymouth. The Immersive Dome is the first of its type (15m diameter, 210 degrees over the top, with a flat floor) in Europe. The only other like it in the world can be found at SAT in Montreal, Canada.

In addition to exploring the Devonport based facility, the event attendees heard from a variety of iMayfower partners including the University of Plymouth; the Plymouth College of Art and private sector providers whereafter they divided into small discussion groups to consider collaborative opportunities in more detail. Members also received a twenty-five page iMayflower & PMG Prospectus which can also be viewed here

Steve Gerry, Secretary of the PMG, said “After a gap of more than eighteen months, it was great to have the PMG members meeting together, once again, in person. Thank you to members of the iMayflower project for what was a very informative and potentially beneficial two hour event.”

For more information, visit these sites:

The Immersive Dome, Devonport – https://tinyurl.com/crzt4y4a

University of Plymouth – https://tinyurl.com/3n3hf7z2

Plymouth College of Art

https://www.plymouthart.ac.uk/posts/plymouth-becomes-the-uks-first-city-to-join-fab-city-network

For a report by the High Value Manufacturing Catapult Visualisation and VR Forum.

https://www.amrc.co.uk/files/document/200/1540805826_HVM_CATAPULT_IMM_TECH_DL2.pdf

Manufacturers herald new digital age with tech investment set to increase in 2023

Even with supply chain challenges and the rising costs of energy and components, the UK’s manufacturing industries will invest more cash into transformative technologies in the next 12 months, paving the way for faster adoption of digital solutions by industry in order to retain a competitive edge, according to new research from Digital Catapult, the UK authority on advanced digital technology.

Read the full article on TheManufacturer.com here.

Manufacturing input prices rise at 30-year survey record rate as supply chain pressures remain intense

UK manufacturers continued to face a challenging operating environment in November, as severely stretched supply chains disrupted production schedules and drove up input prices to the greatest extent in the 30-year survey history.

The seasonally adjusted IHS Markit/CIPS Purchasing Managers’ Index® (PMI®) rose to a three-month high of 58.1 in November, up from 57.8 in October. All five of the PMI components had a positive influence, as production, new orders, employment and stocks of purchases rose and supplier lead times lengthened. Output increased for the eighteenth month running in November, with the rate of expansion accelerating slightly from October’s eight-month low. Companies reported that improved new work intakes – especially from the domestic market – and efforts to build safety stocks supported increased output. There remained widespread mention of input and labour shortages stymieing efforts to raise production, however. This led to existing stocks being depleted to satisfy customer orders.

The strain on supply chains also led to further substantial lengthening of average vendor lead times. Resulting shortages of components and commodities, combined with input demand outstripping supply, led to a survey record increase in average purchase prices. Around three-quarters of manufacturers reported a rise, compared to less than 1% seeing a fall. Cost and market pressures also affected selling UK Manufacturing PMI at 58.1 in November (3-month high) Output growth edges higher as domestic order intakes rise New export business falls for third straight month Data were collected 12-25 November 2021. prices, which rose at a rate close to October’s series-record.

November saw inflows of new business increase for the tenth straight month, underpinned by stronger UK market conditions, returning customers and rising client confidence. The trend in new export orders worsened, however, with intakes dropping for the third month in a row. There were reports of weaker demand from China, disruption to trade with the EU (in part due to ongoing Brexit complications) and the cancellation of some orders due to extended lead times.

Capacity also remained stretched at UK manufacturers during November, with backlogs of work rising to a near record extent. This supported further job creation in the sector, with employment rising for the eleventh month running and at the quickest pace since August.

Purchasing activity rose for the tenth month running in November. Increased input buying reflected rising production needs, safety stock building and efforts (including over-purchasing) to minimise supply chain delays. Input stock holdings expanded solidly as a result.

UK manufacturers maintained a positive outlook during November, with business optimism rising to a three-month high. Over 63% of companies expected output to rise over the coming 12 months, with only 6% forecasting a decline. Positive sentiment was linked to COVID recovery, economic growth, new product launches, planned marketing campaigns, business expansions, diversification, innovation and reduced supply chain stress.

The original article can be read – here

Manufacturing PMI at near-record high in April but sector still beset by supply-chain disruptions

April saw a further acceleration in the rate of expansion of the UK manufacturing sector. Growth of output and new orders were both among the best seen over the past seven years, leading to a solid increase in employment. The sector remained beset by supply-chain delays and input shortages, however, which contributed to increased purchasing costs and record selling price inflation.

The seasonally adjusted IHS Markit/CIPS Purchasing Managers’ Index® (PMI®) rose to 60.9 in April, up from 58.9 in March and above the earlier flash estimate of 60.7. The latest reading is the highest since July 1994’s record high (61.0).

Manufacturing production increased for the eleventh successive month in April. Output growth was attributed to a loosening of lockdown restrictions, improved demand and rising backlogs of work.

Underpinning the latest robust expansion of production was a similarly marked improvement in intakes of new business. Total new orders rose for the third straight month, largely due to a further revival of domestic market conditions. Stronger client confidence, the re-opening of parts of the economy and improving global market conditions all contributed to sales growth.

Although new export business also rose in April, the growth rate was weak in comparison to that registered for total new orders. Companies reported improved new work intakes from several trading partners, including mainland Europe, the US, China and South-East Asia. Large-sized manufacturers saw a UK Manufacturing PMI at 60.9 in April (321-month high) Production and new order growth strengthen Output prices rise at record pace Data were collected 12-26 April 2021. substantial expansion in new export order intakes, compared to only a marginal rise at small-sized firms.

Read the full article by IHS Markit / CIPS UK Manufacturing PMI® – here

Manufacturing recovery continues despite challenges – Make UK/BDO survey

Make UK published their Q2 Manufacturing Outlook Report showcasing that manufacturing recovery continues despite challenges. Britain’s manufacturers are seeing a continued rebound in activity in the second quarter of the year, easing fears of a significant recession for the sector. See the full copy of the report here; Make UK Manufacturing Outlook 2023 Q2

Aerospace and Electronics sectors are driving growth

Key findings:

• Output and total order performance similar to last quarter
• UK and export orders remain steady, but balance between the two even.
• Margins steadily becoming positive, prices cooled from peak but still high
• Labour demand still strong, pay settlements remain elevated
• Investment intentions fail to continue growth seen last quarter
• Manufacturing output growth for 2023 forecast -0.3%, and 0.8% for 2024

 Britain’s manufacturers are seeing a continued rebound in activity in the second quarter of the year, easing fears of a significant recession for the sector according to a survey published today by Make UK and accountancy and business advisory firm BDO.

The findings in the Make UK/BDO Q2 Manufacturing Outlook survey show a continued positive picture with the improvement being driven by strong demand in the Other Transport and Electronic sectors in particular, with the balance of output in Other Transport (largely aerospace) extremely strong at +82%.

According to Make UK and BDO, this reflects continued recovery in the aerospace sector with the increase in passenger miles, together with a spate of large orders for new aircraft over the last year. Furthermore, strong balances for electronics are becoming embedded as companies invest in digitalisation and extra capacity to counter labour shortages. These investments are now translating into consistently strong balances for the South East where electronics is the second largest industrial sector in the region.

However, despite conditions remaining positive, Make UK is still forecasting a slight contraction for manufacturing in 2023, although the picture remains far better than the significant contraction Make UK was forecasting at the end of last year and in Q1.

James Brougham, Senior Economist at Make UK, said:

“Manufacturers are seeing a gradually improving picture but the word ‘gradually’ is doing a lot of heavy lifting. However, companies are at least seeing a relative period of stability after the political and economic turmoil of the last few years when they have spent most of their time firefighting. Substantial challenges still remain, however, and so long as there is an absence of an overarching industrial strategy growth prospects will remain anaemic at best.”

Richard Austin, BDO’s National Head of Manufacturing, says the burden on manufacturers still lays heavy, adding:

“Despite the first half of the year seeing some pressures easing, there are longer-term systemic challenges in the UK market, with built-in inefficiencies that need to be addressed urgently in order for UK manufacturing to effectively plan and invest.  “Supply chain pressures, for example, are an endemic issue for the businesses we talk to, particularly medium-sized firms. They are facing continued disruption and increased costs, at home and abroad, with many choosing to onshore operations but facing major barriers in doing so. These issues cannot be overlooked by policymakers or we run the risk of tepid-at-best growth for UK manufacturing while neighbouring countries outpace us.”

According to the survey, the balance on output increased slightly from Q1 (+24% from +21%) and is expected to remain at a similar level in the next quarter at +22%. Total orders fell slightly to +21% from +28% in Q1 although companies are more optimistic for increased orders in Q3 with a balance of +27%.

In line with this stable picture, UK orders fell slightly to +15% from +20% in Q1 although as with the picture for total orders are expected to pick up in Q3 to +21%. Export orders also saw a rise from +12% to +15%, although companies see a slightly weaker picture in the next quarter at +12%.

The scramble to attract and retain talent also shows no signs of abating, with recruitment intentions remaining stable at +18% (+19% in Q1) improving substantially to +30% in the next quarter. These employment balances are very elevated by historic standards and, apart from the initial quarters of the pandemic, have been at elevated levels since the EU referendum.

Investment intentions, whilst still positive at +10% eased back from the 14% in the first quarter, perhaps reflecting the crossover between the end of the super-deduction scheme and the onset of the benefit from full expensing.

The survey also shows that, in the face of continued skills shortages and strong labour demand, wage growth shows little or no sign of easing with a fifth of pay settlements reached in April at 5% and a further 15% of settlements at 6% or above.

In terms of overall output this year Make UK and BDO are forecasting a contraction of 0.3% although this is a significant improvement from the contraction of -3.3% made in Q1 and the -4.4% forecast at the end of last year. However, Make UK is maintaining its previous forecast for growth of just 0.8% in 2024. UK GDP growth is at 0.4% for 2023 and 1.3% for 2024.

 The survey of 327 companies was conducted between 19 April and 24 May.

Manufacturing upturn continues at end of 2021

The manufacturing sector saw further growth of production, new orders and employment at the end of 2021. Although a slight easing in supply chain delays helped lift output volumes and take some of the heat out of input price increases, logistic disruptions and staff shortages were nonetheless still stymieing the overall pace of expansion.

The seasonally adjusted IHS Markit/CIPS Purchasing Managers’ Index® (PMI®) rose to 57.9 in December, little-changed from November’s three-month high of 58.1. The PMI has remained above the neutral 50.0 mark for 19 months.

Output rose across the consumer, intermediate and investment goods sectors during December, with the overall pace of expansion improving to a four-month high. Increased output was underpinned by rising intakes of new business, as domestic market conditions continued to strengthen.

The trend in new export business remained negative, however, as inflows of new work from overseas dropped for the fourth month in a row. This mainly reflected a steep decrease at consumer goods producers. In contrast, export demand for UK capital goods rose at the quickest pace since August. Manufacturers indicated that logistic issues, Brexit difficulties and the possibility of further COVID restrictions (at home and overseas) had all hit export demand at the end of the year.

Manufacturing employment increased for the twelfth successive month in December, with the rate of jobs growth staying close to November’s three-month high. Companies Output, new orders and employment all rise New export orders fall for fourth month running Selling price inflation hits fresh record high Data were collected 6-20 December 2021. linked this to meeting improved demand, rising backlogs of work and efforts to address staff shortages. Capacity remained under strain, however. This was highlighted by a further increase in outstanding business, although the pace of expansion in work-in-hand volumes eased sharply to its lowest since February.

Companies maintained a positive outlook at the end of 2021. The majority of firms (63%) forecast that production would increase over the coming 12 months, compared to only 6% anticipating a contraction. Optimism reflected expectations of renewed global economic growth, planned investment and hopes for less disruption caused by COVID-19, Brexit and supply chain issues.

Inflationary pressures remained elevated in December. The rate of increase in factory gate selling prices accelerated to a fresh series-record high, as companies passed on (at least in part) rising costs to their customers.

December saw a further substantial increase in average input prices, with the rate of inflation staying among the steepest seen in the survey history. There were reports of higher costs for chemicals, electronics, energy, food products, metals, timber and wood. Freight, shipping and air transportation costs were also higher, while ongoing supply disruptions, raw material shortages and issues relating to Brexit and COVID-19 also led to higher prices paid.

The full press release can be viewed – here

Meet the Business Export Expert

You are invited to join a FREE interactive business advice workshop.

The ‘Getting Your Business Ready To Sell Overseas’ workshop will be delivered by Emily Lambert, Trade Advisor for the Export Academy South West, Department for International Trade, in partnership with the ‘Meet the Expert’ Business Support Programme and will offer practical advice on getting your business ready to sell overseas and much more. The interactive workshop will cover:

•     The opportunities for British businesses overseas
•     The benefits and barriers of export
•     Health checking your business for export
•     Writing an export strategy
•     Using market research effectively
•     The opportunity to ask questions and receive bespoke advice

 Date: Wednesday 15^th June 2022

Time:  10.30 – 14.00 (including free lunch)

Location:  Oceansgate, Endeavour House, 2 Vivid Approach, Plymouth, PL1 4RW

To find out more and register for the event please go to EVENTBRITE Please feel free to share this event with anyone that would benefit from the support on offer. Please book early to avoid disappointment as spaces for Meet the Expert Workshops are limited.

Meet The Expert – GRANT OFFER – January 2022 – Priority notice

Meet The Expert programme Plymouth wanted to give you priority notice of our Grant Call coming in January 2022.  Access a fixed sum £1000 for external consultancy support.

• Are you an SME or start up business looking for financial support?
• Not sure exactly what you need?

If you are looking for new ways to develop and grow your business, then ‘Meet The Expert’ Business Support Programme is for you. The support available is funded by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) and is completely free to SME’s across Devon.

Info PDF is here:

MTE GRANT CALL 2022

‘Meet The Expert’ offers a bespoke service so if you are interested to pursue this and would like an appointment please contact Louise.Creber@plymouth.gov.uk

Appointments will be made on a first come first served basis.

Mental Health at Work – an HR professional’s perspective

Everyone is talking about mental health at work and it is reasonable to assume that absence due to mental health issues is going to continue to increase and it is becoming a significant challenge. Here, Adrian from AB HR Solutions discusses the nature of responding to and supporting an employee with mental health issues.

Mental Health and Medical Certification

You don’t very often see a medical certificate that says the reason for absence is mental health. We are seeing all sorts of different language on medical certificates these days – low mood, anxiety, fatigue, work related stress, depression. Recently – one said “stress due to workplace bullying.”

These are all terms being used by GPs and they should send out warning signals for the employer because it is suggesting that the employee is demonstrating signs of struggling with mental health.

Mental health and disability discrimination

Dismissing an employee with mental health issues can give rise to a disability discrimination claim so it is important that employers tread carefully when dealing with employee mental health issues.

Employers often think that if the employee has mental health issues and less than 2 years service, there is no comeback. This is incorrect because even though the employee cannot bring a claim for unfair dismissal, they can potentially bring a claim for disability discrimination. However, an isolated 2 week medical certificate for work related stress does not automatically mean that the employee has mental health issues and can claim disability discrimination.

Conflict of interest

The employer also has to tread a fine line because they owe their employees a “duty of care” and the natural instinct is to be supportive. Recently, whilst supporting a client with an employee mental health issue, I challenged the client and asked – “hold on – are you their therapist or their employer?” They looked aghast at the comment.

Here is our dilemma – the majority of us are not mental health specialists and think that we should help an employee when they have difficulties but actually, there is a risk that our actions are compounding the problem. Employees who display mental health issues are often reluctant to seek specialist help and are in denial. Also, many businesses now have Mental Health First Aiders, who do an excellent job and are trained to identify and recognise mental health issues but not to provide specialist help because they aren’t clinically qualified.

About 12 months ago, a client told me about an employee who had “issues” and he insisted on coming to work because he said he preferred to come to work because of the social inter-action and he got lonely if he stayed at home. The workplace is not a social club or a therapy centre and in those situations, an employee should be getting medical help but the biggest challenge with mental health is actually those who are unwilling to face up to their problems.

The natural instinct of most Companies is to be supportive to their people but there may come a point where a difficult conversation has to take place about their future in the business.

If you look at some work environments, specifically Helpdesk Contact Centres or large scale transactional processing centres, the Supervisors get very close to their team, socialise with them, befriends them on social media……and actual forget that their core role is to line manage them and socialising with them can lead to a conflict of interest when they have to have difficult conversations.

Similarly, a lot of employees confide in their work colleagues about their mental health issues on the basis that “I’m going to tell you something but you mustn’t say anything…..” This is putting people in a very difficult situation and often they feel conflicted and they want to be supportive but people with serious mental health issues need specialist help.

How can employers help?

Companies can help in many ways. Often a first step is to refer the employee to an Occupational Health clinician – this may be a Doctor but they will be clinically able to help. It is quite common for an OH referral to involve obtaining a report from the employee’s GP under the Access to Medical Reports Act.

An OH assessment in conjunction with a GP report is likely to give useful insight into the employee’s condition and history of mental health as well as details of medication and side effects, likelihood of return to work and whether the employer should make any reasonable adjustments to accommodate the employee’s return to work.

It is also likely that an OH report will recommend carrying out a stress questionnaire or risk assessment – this can be a very useful exercise because it highlights “trigger points” for the employee which are likely to accentuate the problem.

Some Companies support the employee by funding counselling but there can be long waiting lists for counselling. Sometimes, the employee will be referred through their GP.

Employee Assistance Programmes (EAPs) are excellent because they give employees an opportunity to off load in confidence with a trained specialist who is independent of the business.

Note the words – “specialist” and “independent”. Employees often need specialist help from people who are trained, qualified and experienced in dealing with such issues and wherever possible, such people should be independent – remote, distant, separated from the busines to avoid a conflict of interest.

Mental health issues in the workplace are going to increase and Companies have a responsibility to put processes and procedures in place, run workshops to increase awareness to ensure that employees with mental health issues can be supported.

Many larger Companies are now seeing the benefits of training Mental Health First Aiders. These are people in the business who are trained to spot early warning signs of mental health issues with employees and they can sign post the employee in the right direction for specialist help and support.

Keeping in touch with employees who have mental health issues

Someone once told me that you can’t contact someone when they’re off with mental health issues.

Not true – you can keep in touch with employees who are off with mental health issues but you must be careful. Too much contact and you will be accused of pestering the employee and hampering their recovery and if you have too little contact, you will be accused of not caring.

So, it’s almost impossible to get the balance exactly right and it is beneficial to have a single point of contact to avoid countless people always getting in touch. One solution does not fit all when dealing with mental health issues.

Need advice and support on managing mental health issues with employees – get in touch with AB HR Solutions – adrian@abhrsolutions.co.uk or call on 07885 714771.

Miscellaneous newsletters and other articles received recently by the PMG office

Rather than post each of these newsletters and articles individually, I thought it would be better to collect a number of them together for you to look at.

Available to read – here

More mentors sought

Some months ago the PMG commenced a new mentoring service.

We now need more mentors

Do you know one? That is, a senior manager who is appropriately experienced and has perhaps retired from a PMG member firm who is interested in making a contribution and ‘putting something back’. We would like to build up a database of contacts to work across the membership.

More details – here

If you know of someone who you think may be interested, please give me their name and contact details.

stevegerry@dsl.pipex.com

More than 200 apprentices and graduates join Babcock in Plymouth

Engineering and defence giant Babcock International has welcomed more than 200 new apprentices and graduates to its Devonport operations.

The aerospace, defence and security company said the 138 apprentices and 78 graduates will support a variety of projects and business areas, from life extension programmes on frigates and submarines, to advanced manufacturing happening at the vast site in Plymouth.

The apprentice roles are varied, from welders, fabricators and pipe workers, to electrical fitters, mechanical fitters and computer numerical control (CNC) machinists, while the graduates are involved in a wide range of roles within the business including: mechanical, electrical, process and civil engineers, naval architects and project managers.

The full article that appeared on the Plymouth Herald, Business Live website is available – here

Motortronics expands UK manufacturing footprint

Nash invites you to a Mock Tribunal

Have you ever wondered what an Employment Tribunal is like?

Nash in Plymouth are running a Mock Employment Tribunal event on Thursday 13th October 2022.

Tickets are going fast so act now to reserve your spot.

View the flyer here for more details:Mock Employment Tribunal a4[79]

The Mock Tribunal will be delivered by 3 of the best employment law barristers in the country. It’s going to be a great morning with loads of opportunity to learn more about the tribunal process, talk to Nash employment lawyers and the barristers too. Light breakfast and drinks will be provided throughout the morning too.

And 100% of the ticket fees will be donated to the Primrose Foundation Breast Cancer centre at Derriford Hospital.

New Customs Rules from January 2022

From January 1^st 2022 new trading rules come into play for businesses in Great Britain (GB) importing and exporting to the European Union (EU).

Companies will have to comply with these new rules if they want their goods to move smoothly between GB and the EU.

Courtesy of our national partner MAKEuk, please read the following information:

What is changing from 1 January 2022 for GB businesses who import from and/or export to the EU?

• Full customs declarations will need to be made when exporting goods from GB to the EU, and if importing goods from the EU to GB. You will no longer be able to delay import declarations from January 1st.
• Your business may be required to obtain different export licences or certificates. Check if your goods come into those categories.
• Depending on the type of goods you import/export you may also need to check the marking, labelling and marketing standards for food, plant seeds and manufactured good and/or the rules for importing alcohol, tobacco and certain oils.
• You will also need to make sure your business applies for a UK Economic Operator Registration and Identification (EORI) number beginning with ‘GB’.
• From 1 January 2022 you can charge customers VAT at 0% on most goods you export to the EU.
• Imported goods will be subject to the UK Global Tariff which will replace the Common External Tariff of the EU Customs Union. Find out more

READ MORE HERE

New FE Skills White Paper published by Government

Newsletters Received into the PMG Office

These newsletters were received into the PMG Office in February / March and contain some interesting and useful links to opportunities and information.

• Latest Business news and updates for Plymouth businesses
• South West Skills Newsletter February 2022
• Maritime South West March Newsletter
• South West Skills Newsletter March 2022

Newsletters Received into the PMG Office

Maritime UK SW April 22 Newsletter

South West Skills Newsletter 01.04.22

Latest Business News and Updates for Plymouth Businesses 08.04.22

Newsletters Received into the PMG Office

South West Skills Newsletter – May 2022

Plymouth Business News from Plymouth City Council Economic Development Service (20th May 2022)

Nexus Open Systems Ltd

Nexus is one of the leading and most experienced IT solutions and services providers in the region. We operate throughout the UK, providing industry-leading services and solutions to over 1,600 customers spanning multiple sectors including education, enterprise, SMEs and local and central government.

Throughout our 20-year history, our aim has been to work with market-leading suppliers and best-in-class partners to deliver the right solutions, services, support and training for any business needs.

• Comprehensive IT solutions and systems integration portfolio
• 1000+ small, medium, and global brand customers.
• Employs 50+ technical and sales personnel.
• Modern IT training and exam centre, technology pilot, testing and demo suites.

As an accredited Microsoft Partner, Nexus has achieved 12 gold and silver competencies in the Microsoft Partner Network, demonstrating our ability to meet the evolving needs of business customers in today’s dynamic marketplace.

This achievement places Nexus within the top 1% of Microsoft Partners worldwide.

GOLD PARTNER

• Application Integration
• Cloud Platform
• Cloud Productivity
• Collaboration & Content
• Communications
• Datacentre
• Messaging
• Small & Midmarket Cloud Solutions
• Windows & Devices

SILVER PARTNER

• Application Development
• Enterprise Mobility Management
• Project & Portfolio Management

PARTNER

• AEP Authorized Education Gold Partner
• CSP Tier 1 Partner

For an informal chat please contact our Business Development Manager Matt Cook – matt.cook@nexusos.co.uk / 07812205983

No cost Smart Skills programme launched – Intro to composites course this friday

The SMART SKILLS programme, funded to the tune of £3.5m by the European Social Fund, can help small and medium sized PMG manufacturers to upskill their staff to gain valuable new skills with no-cost training solutions.

Our experienced and talented SMART SKILLS Advisors are on hand to guide you through the skills and training options available to your business and link you with the relevant training options for your organisation. Help is also available for unemployed people to gain new skills!

Focusing on the advanced manufacturing & engineering sector as well as others, SMART SKILLS Devon is delivered through our SMART Partners, City College Plymouth, Focus Training, Learn Devon, Petroc, South Devon College and the University of Exeter. SMART SKILLS Partners offer a range of flexible training solutions from short courses through to full higher-level qualifications.

Sample courses include:

Digital Bootcamps

Google App Masterclasses

Cyber Security

Leadership & Management

Introduction to Composites

Introduction to Resin Transfer Moulding

Introduction to Resin Infusion

Click here for more information

Contact our SMART SKILLS HUB team today on: 07789 878751 / 07881 551970 or email us on SMARTSKILLS.HUB@cswgroup.co.uk

Nominations open for Plymouth Live Business Awards 2022

The annual awards were launched in front of dozens of business movers and shakers at a breakfast event at City College Plymouth’s PL1 Restaurant. Before tucking into coffee and treats, specially invited guests heard how the awards had celebrated the great and good of the city’s business community since 2011 and had played a key role in promoting Plymouth and its economy.

And 2022 will be no different with nominations being sought from today across 12 categories including:

• Apprenticeship Development Award
• Built Environment and Infrastructure Award
• Corporate Social Responsibility Award
• Environmental Success of the Year
• Innovation Award
• Manufacturing Business of the Year
• Lifetime Achievement Award
• SME Business of the Year
• Start-Up Business of the Year
• Young Business Person of the Year

With two new categories joining them this year:

• Diversity and Inclusion Award – aimed at rewarding organisations with a truly diverse workforce.
• Social Enterprise Award – for businesses making a contribution to the city’s economy and community.

Entries can be made from now until July 14, and the process has been made easier than ever. For details of how to enter simply click HERE .

Notice: Industrial Energy Transformation Fund (IETF) Phase 2: Spring 2022 – how to apply

Phase 2 of the IETF provides grant funding for feasibility and engineering studies, and for the deployment of industrial energy efficiency and deep decarbonisation projects.

From: Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy

Published 10 January 2022

IETF Phase 2: Spring 2022 is open to applications and provides up to £60 million of grant funding for the following project types:

• studies – feasibility and engineering studies to enable companies to investigate identified energy efficiency and decarbonisation projects prior to making an investment decision
• energy efficiency – deployment of technologies to reduce industrial energy consumption
• deep decarbonisation – deployment of technologies to achieve industrial emissions savings

Eligibility

The Phase 2: Spring 2022 competition is open to businesses of any size registered in England, Wales or Northern Ireland.

If your site is based in Scotland, you can apply for the Scottish Industrial Energy Transformation Fund (SIETF): contact IETF@gov.scot for more information.

Industry type

Your business must operate an existing site which falls into one of the following SIC codes:

Please check the SIC code you were allocated at the time of registering at Companies House. If the parent company SIC Code does not reflect the activity carried out at your site, for example where a data centre is owned by a telecoms company, you may still be eligible.

The guidance document provides more detail on the eligibility criteria. You can also contact us about eligibility at ietf@beis.gov.uk: type ‘Eligibility screening assessment request’ as the subject line of the email.

Minimum and maximum thresholds

The funding will be awarded as grants towards the total costs of successful proposals. Your proposal must fall within the stated minimum and maximum award thresholds in this table. Unless otherwise specified, thresholds refer to the minimum and maximum grant that you can apply for.

How to apply

The Spring 2022 competition is open:

• submit an application
• it closes on Friday 29 April 2022, 3pm

Please read the guidance on this page before completing the application form.

November / December 2021 Newsletters Received

Below are links to the various useful newsletters we receive into the PMG office each month.

We will regularly update this post as new links arrive.

NOVEMBER NEWSLETTERS

• Foot Anstey Employment Bulletin 29/11 – here
• Latest Business news and updates for Plymouth businesses 26/11 – here
• All-Party Parliamentary Manufacturing Group newsletter – here
• HotSW LEP November Newsletter – Clean Growth special – here
• Small Business Charter newsletter 25/11/21 – here
• University of Exeter – South West Skills Newsletter 01/11/21
• Heart of the SW Growth Hub newsletter 10/11/21 – here
• Be the Business – a fortnightly newsletter called ‘The Bolt’

DECEMBER NEWSLETTERS

• South West Skills Newsletter, December 21
• Heart of the South West Growth Hub – 08/12/21
• Latest Business news and updates for Plymouth businesses 10/12/21
• Careers Hub Newsletter December 2021
• Engineering UK – Big Bang Fair to return
• BEIS Bulletin 09/12 – register here or you can keep up to date with all their news by following their Linkedin page here.

October 2021 Newsletters Received

Below are links to the various useful newsletters we receive into the PMG office each month.

We will regularly update this post as new links arrive.

• Autumn Budget – overview and key insights from PKF Francis Clark – 27th Oct 21
• Heart of the SW Growth Hub newsletter – 27th Oct 21
• Business Update – South Hams & West Devon Districts – Oct 21
• University of Exeter,South West Skills Newsletter 4th Oct 21
• The BEIS Bulletin – Click here for the Department for Business, Energy, Industrial Strategy Bulletin sign-up page. Or you can keep up to date with all their news by following their Linkedin page here.
• Hinkley Point C Power Station Project Update, October 21
• Latest Plymouth news, events and COVID-19 updates, 15th Oct 21
• Latest Business news and updates for Plymouth businesses, 15th Oct 21
• Forder Valley Transport Improvements Newsletter, October 21
• Heart of the SW LEP newsletter

Opportunities for PMG Member firms to engage with the UTC at Devonport

Dear PMG Member

We have a range of really exciting activities and events coming up in the new year, running up to the end of the summer term, where we would really appreciate some input and support from you.

Our Mission is to ‘transform lives through learning’ by facilitating a high quality, aspirational experience that ignites confidence and expands opportunities within STEAM related industries.  We want you to play an active part in our future and within the development of our students.

In order to implement this, we would love to invite you in to support at the following events:

Additional engagement opportunities

Tuesday Talks:

Every Tuesday we have been inviting a range of speakers to talk to our sixth form and year 11 students about future career opportunities.  If you would like to reach out to the future workforce of STEM related careers please get in touch with us

Projects:

We are always on the lookout for inspiring projects to embed into our curriculum, particularly for our Digital Technology and Engineering courses that we offer as early as year 7.  If you have any project ideas or have previously run a project with another school, we would love to hear from you

Work Experience:

We are in the process of making arrangements for Year 10 and Year 12 work experience for Summer 2022

We are offering students the opportunity to partake in a placement 13th – 17th June 2022 for one week.

Students will be drafting placement request letters over the next few weeks in preparation to send out later this year.

If you are in a position to offer a (or multiple placements) of face-to-face placement opportunity at your company please confirm by replying to this email and we will get students to approach you with a request letter.

We are really looking forward to working with you in the new year and hoping for the doors to open again fully post the Christmas madness, to create some fantastic network opportunities for our students

If you require any further information or are able to engage in any of the mentioned about please do not hesitate to get in touch

Wishing you a very merry, safe and fun Festive Christmas

Peter Bragg

Assistant Head of School,

Strategic Partnerships and Careers Lead

peter.bragg@utcplymouth.org

Our Planet Your Path CROWDFUNDER – Helping young people to help solve the Climate Crisis

A CAMPAIGN to help empower young people to help solve the climate crisis has been launched to create a specialist ‘learning hub’ on the high street for children and families.

The centre will be staffed by scientists, teachers, artists and environmentalists and raise awareness through Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Maths (STEAM) and act as an educational ‘drop in’ centre.

Piloted by environmental activist and polar explorer Antony Jinman, the ‘Our Planet Your Path’ learning centre is part of community interest company Like To Be’s mission to raise awareness for environment issues and solve the climate crisis through helping young people commit to green career pathways and lifestyles.

Antony Jinman, CEO and Founder of LikeToBe said: “When I founded LikeToBe, the idea was to connect young people and organisation to inspire them about different careers. I am proud to play a part in empowering young people across the UK to take their future in their own hands and educate them about green career pathways and lifestyles”.

Today marks the start of the CIC’s fundraising campaign to launch the first pilot learning hub in Plymouth, Britain’s Ocean City. The Crowdfunder has been launched by Our Planet Your Path after the team entered the Plymouth Climate Challenge.

Like To Be founders Antony, Anouk and Martin have the potential to win the £20,000 first prize which will go a long way to helping them in their bid for £65,000 for the climate change learning centre in the heart of Plymouth City Centre.

If successful it will see learning exhibitions, art, outreach activities and information about local and regional green careers in a key, high-profile high street location.

Hannah Harris, Chief Executive Officer at Plymouth Culture, said: “We are working very closely with our partners at the moment to revive the high street and in particular we are looking at projects that are different to retail and give a different experience.

“What Antony and the team are proposing around learning, education, connection and the climate emergency is a really fantastic way of reinvigorating the high street but also bringing opportunities around jobs and education and skills right to peoples’ doorsteps, so we are very supportive of the initiative.”

If successful up to 1 million young people could be engaged in the project over the next five years by combining face to face learning and inspiring virtual campaigns.

The Plymouth based Our Planet Your path learning centre would provide a blueprint for a successful roll-out of similar hubs in towns and cities all across the UK.

The Crowdfunding campaign aiming to raise enough funds to establish this centre has been launched this week to coincide with COP26.

To make a donation, to sponsor or to buy an unique Crowdfunding reward and support the project please click here https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/our-planet-your-path

And to become part of the Our Planet Your Path campaign and attend the virtual event(s), please contact Anjuli Selvakumaran via anjuli@liketobe.org or visit www.liketobe.org.

Output growth slows at start of fourth quarter as supply difficulties provide severe headwind

The manufacturing upturn slowed further at the start of the fourth quarter, as output growth was constrained by rising supply chain disruption, staff shortages and declining intakes of new export work. The seasonally adjusted IHS Markit/CIPS Purchasing Managers’ Index® (PMI®) posted 57.8 in October, up from 57.1 in September, rising for the first time in five months. Although the PMI was boosted by improved growth of new orders and employment, alongside a steeper rise in stocks of purchases and lengthier vendor lead times, a further slowdown in output growth held back the headline index. Manufacturing production rose only marginally and at the slowest pace for eight months. Companies reported that supply chain delays alongside shortages of raw materials, staff and certain skills had contributed to slower output growth.

Lower intakes of new export work also had an impact on production volumes. New export business fell, albeit slightly, for the second successive month. Companies reported that some overseas clients were cancelling or postponing orders due to longer lead times caused by port delays and freight capacity issues.

The domestic market held up better in comparison, offsetting some of the weakness in overseas demand. Overall new order intakes rose at a slightly quicker pace, linked to economic growth and clients increasing (or bringing forward) purchases to avoid expected supply chain delays and further UK Manufacturing PMI at 57.8 in October New order growth ticks higher despite drop in new export work Selling prices rise at record pace Data were collected 12-26 October 2021. price rises in coming months. UK manufacturers maintained an optimistic outlook during October, with almost 62% expecting their level of output to increase over the coming year. That said, the overall degree of positive sentiment dipped to an eight-month low. Confidence was attributed to stronger global and domestic economic conditions, reduced disruption from Brexit, COVID-19 and supply-chain issues and also planned investment spending (including in automation).

Continued optimism at manufacturers, alongside signs of demand growth stabilising, encouraged stronger job creation during October. Employment rose for the tenth month running, with increases signalled at small, medium and large-sized enterprises.

Companies linked increased workforce numbers to higher output, recruitment campaigns, the replacement of leavers and rising backlogs of work. That said, there were also reports of ongoing staff shortages and difficulties in recruiting for certain skills. Work-in-hand rose at the third-fastest pace on record (beaten only by May and June of this year).

Input price inflation accelerated and remained among the highest seen in the survey history, with companies reporting a vast array of inputs as up in price. This fed through to output charges which rose to the greatest extent on record.

The original article published by IHS Markit, CIPS is available  – here

PEMC Industrial Solutions Event Series – Discover what Electron Microscopy could do for your business

Plymouth Electron Microscopy Centre (PEMC) are relaunching their Industrial Solutions events for 2022/23 – and we invite industrial partners old and new to join us to discover what Electron Microscopy could do for your business. Our new design of Industrial Solutions will be Microscopy Clinics and will be based on a 1-2-1 on-line session.

Are you in the sectors of Materials Development, Manufacturing, Aerospace, Food & Drink, Biology, BioMedical & Health, Marine Technology, Marine Science, Geoscience, Environmental Science and Energy?  This list is non exhaustible and we aim to help all that enquire.

Sign up for a 1-2-1 session with a specialist technician and discover what we can help you with, it could be fault analysis, proof of concept thoughts, or to discuss some amazing imagery for your next social media promotion. This can not only be to discuss a current issue you have, but also to find out how Electron Microscopy (EM) can help your company grow.

There is the opportunity to follow on from the Microscopy Clinic and work with us further on our part funded Plymouth Materials Characterisation Network (PMCN) project. PMCN offers up to 30 hours free EM analysis with a specialist technician. We have already helped a large number of SMEs in Devon, please check out our case studies webpage for further information.

So, sign up now for a 1-2-1 Microscopy Clinic , you will never know what you don’t know , if you don’t.

This event is open to all industries and all businesses.

Next session 14th July 2022 10:00 – 12:00

Please sign up using link below:

Registration

Kind regards

Jayne

—————————————————————————————–

Jayne Stanyer (she/her)

Project and Knowledge Exchange Manager – Plymouth Materials Characterisation Network (PMCN)

Plymouth Electron Microscopy Centre

Brunel Laboratories (Room W5)

University of Plymouth

Drake Circus

Plymouth

PL4 8AA

T: 01752 587952

M: 07570 950577

E: jayne.stanyer@plymouth.ac.uk

W: PMCN

Pepper celebrates 40th Anniversary and ups capacity with machinery investment

In early April 2022, Pepper Communications, which employs 50 staff, and is a member of the PMG, began celebrating its 40th Anniversary.

The team have reflected that over these 40 years, Pepper has evolved in a great many ways and would not have achieved such success without their amazing dedicated and hard working team.

Since 1982, the company has also developed relationships with wonderful customers and fantastic suppliers, some of which have been on a journey with Pepper from the very start, supporting each other through the hard times and the good – in their anniversary Linkedin post, the team at Pepper said that they just wanted to express a huge thank you to all these individuals and companies with whom they have created meaningful relationships.
To mark their 40 years of business, Pepper announced their pledge to take 40 planet positive actions throughout this year to reinforce their carbon neutral, planet positive operation and attempt to help others reach their zero carbon goals along the way.

Last year, the company also became a member of print and paper advocacy group Two Sides and again laid out details of its Planet Positive Initiative.

In readiness for their 40th year, Pepper also recently told the PMG Office that they have invested in a Bowe Systec Fusion Lite inserter to increase their productivity and capacity. This investment reported recently in PrintWeek, explained that the machine was installed at the company’s purpose-built Plymouth headquarters in November 2021.

Pepper Communications operations director Jake Whitford said: “The Fusion Lite provides Pepper Communications with the ability to access a greater volume and variety of work and help with the migration of polywrap work to enveloping.This new mailing investment is built immensely well, designed with speed, integrity and quality in mind, and the run ability of jobs and reporting is superb. With Fusion Lite working at a greater speed, we have already started benefitting from the efficiencies gained. Some jobs that would have previously taken us two shifts to complete have been completed in one shift and we haven’t even fully pushed it yet.”

Read the full article in PrintWeek here

It is great to see a member company going from strength to strength with such a great environmental ethos – so it just leaves us to say Happy 40th Anniversary to all the team at Pepper from the PMG Office!

Plans announced to open the city’s one-stop-shop skills service within Barclays Armada Way

Plessey Semiconductors Ltd announces profit due to global hunger for its LED technology

After the firm published its latest accounts, Plymouth Live reported “Brexit-busting Plessey Semiconductors creates jobs and banks £7.8m”

Read the full Plymouth Live article here

Plymouth and South Devon Freeport first to be given full green light.

Plymouth and South Devon Freeport is the first of eight Freeports to be given the full green light along with two others. The approval unlocks millions of pounds of grant seed funding and enables applicable businesses to join and take advantage of the Freeport status.

The Freeport is a dynamic public/private partnership between Devon County Council, Plymouth City Council, South Hams District Council and a wider range of stakeholders. It will enable innovators and investors from across the world to test, trial and take to market cutting edge technology and products.

Businesses that are part of the Freeport can take advantage of a range of tax and customs benefits and incentives to support growth, innovation and investment in the South West including business rates relief, employer National Insurance contributions rate relief, stamp duty land tax relief, capital allowances, VAT and tariff benefits and simplified import procedures.

Approval now enables interested businesses to begin taking the first steps to contracting, designing and planning their place within the Freeport with the Freeport team, landowners and partners and discuss the myriad of benefits this presents. Find out more

Plymouth and South Devon Freeport Outline Business Case approved by the Chancellor

Another significant milestone has been reached for the Plymouth and South Devon Freeport which has now received approval from the Government for its Outline Business Case, along with two of its proposed tax sites.

Read the full update here on Plymouth City Council’s Newsroom webpages

Plymouth and South Devon Freezone Stakeholder information  

Thank you for your interest in the proposed Plymouth and South Devon Freezone. As you know, Plymouth and South Devon are one of eight freeport areas or “freezones” in England proposed by the Chancellor of the Exchequer in the March 2021 budget.

The proposed “freezone” for our region follows a successful initial bid to Government by Plymouth City Council, with support from Devon County Council and South Hams District Council. The Plymouth and South Devon Freezone will harness the power of our marine, engineering, defence, space and logistics sectors to deliver clean growth and provide the high quality jobs we need for the future.

The initiative is intended to support the levelling up of our regional economy and stimulate new investment through tax and business benefits. There is a strong focus on attracting overseas investment as part of a wider Global Britain strategy.

The next step is the preparation of a full business case for the Freezone which must be submitted to the Government this Autumn for final approval.

The three lead local authority partners are keen to co-design the business case with stakeholders such as yourself. We very much want to hear your ideas and priorities so that the business truly reflects the needs and opportunities of our region.

We aim to therefore hold an open stakeholder event and a series of workshops over the summer and would be delighted if you are able to participate.

Please save the date 25^th June 2021 and RSVP to this invitation and we will send full details in due course. In the meantime we attach our Plymouth and South Devon Freezone business snapshot – here – with all the latest information about the freezone.

You can also find our latest updates on our website:

https://www.plymouth.gov.uk/plymouthandsouthdevonfreezone

Kind regards,

Anthony Payne

Shadow Chair of Plymouth and South Devon Freezone Board

Plymouth and South Devon submit freeport business plan to Government

The outline business case for Plymouth and South Devon’s tax-break freeport has been submitted to the government with full report due in April 2022

Plymouth City Council, in partnership with South Hams District Council and Devon County Council, have now submitted the document to the Government following months of close working between public and private sectors to develop a business case that supports local, national and international businesses to leverage the benefits of being part of the region’s only Freezone.

The Plymouth and South Devon Freezone outline business case submission focuses on the city’s high value engineering and advanced manufacturing sectors and builds on Plymouth’s strengths in marine and defence specialisms and further develops opportunities in the space sector. It will be a regional hub for trade and investment, jobs and regeneration and be committed to clean growth.

A Freeport is a designated area within UK borders where different economic regulations apply. The Plymouth and South Devon Freezone satisfies HM Government criteria of being within a 45km radius of the port of Plymouth and as such includes three key sites at South Yard, Langage and Sherford.

The Government are keen to develop a highly ambitious, world leading Freeports model which will include a comprehensive package of measures, comprising tax reliefs, customs, business rates retention, planning, regeneration, innovation and trade and investment support. Plymouth and South Devon are just one of eight proposed Freeports currently in England and the only one in the South West region.

Read more here

PLYMOUTH ARMED FORCES DAY – Sponsorship Opportunities

Plymouth currently ranks 5th in the country for job posting recovery as of April 2021

According to Centre for Cities, a leading think tank dedicated to improving the economies of the UK’s largest cities and towns, Plymouth currently ranks highly in the country for job posting recovery.

Aside from Plymouth, cities and large towns in the North and Midlands have so far witnessed the strongest job posting recoveries. In nine cities and large towns — led by Barnsley, Mansfield and Stoke — there are more job postings now than before the pandemic.

Posting recovery is fastest in manufacturing and distribution hubs.

See the blog posting here

Plymouth is a top ten UK City for Manufacturing

Plymouth’s economy is increasingly reliant on manufacturing and engineering for its success. As a City, it now ranks amongst the top ten in the UK for its concentration of manufacturing employment. This follows the recent publication of the Centre for Cities Annual Outlook Report for 2022 with its accompanying updated dataset[1].

For many years Plymouth has been recognised as being the manufacturing and engineering powerhouse of the south of the country and so that remains true, but its inclusion in the top ten listing in the UK is new.

Steve Gerry, Secretary to the Plymouth Manufacturers’ Group said, “I remember when I first got involved in economic development twenty-five years ago, that commentators used to say that Plymouth was ‘like a northern city that happened to be on the south coast’. These figures still bear that out with other members of the top ten for manufacturing being the likes of Sunderland; Blackburn and Burnley. He added, Whilst that may be true, I know where I would rather live!”

Over thirteen percent of Plymouth’s workforce is employed in manufacturing (13.28% to be precise). This compares with the national average which is almost half as much at 7.69%.

Whilst its important to note that these figures were captured during the first year of the pandemic, Plymouth’s overall manufacturing employment figures have remained largely resilient throughout, with some firms only temporarily utilising the furlough scheme for a relatively short period of time.

Of course, the City still relies heavily on Babcock International’s operation at Devonport Royal Dockyard for these numbers, but there’s much more to manufacturing and engineering in Plymouth beyond the Dockyard walls. Princess Yachts now employs over three thousand personnel and the industrial estates to the north of the City remain home to a significant number of foreign direct investors from across North America; Europe and the Far East. In fact, over two-thirds of Plymouth’s largest manufacturers are overseas owned.

Whilst maritime related industries are the city’s prime source of competitive advantage, Plymouth has manufacturers whose products serve a diverse range of markets, some of which are niche including: micro LEDs; luxury mattresses; medical products; aerospace and military components; infrastructure for the IT sector; automotive parts; confectionery etc. Naturally, we also have a healthy local supply chain – firms that serve the larger companies – both locally and further afield.

For a greater insight into who produces what and where look at our Plymouth Makes website which is designed primarily for usage by careers advisors and secondary-aged school children. https://plymouthmakes.co.uk/

As you might expect, as a corollary to being a significant employer, Plymouth’s manufacturers also contribute significantly to the wealth created in the city. The latest figures reveal that manufacturing accounts for no less than 17.5% of the City’s GVA (gross value added). This is particularly impressive when one considers that nationally, manufacturing barely contributes 10% to the country’s total economy.

All things considered, manufacturing in Plymouth is looking strong at the start of 2022. Long may it continue! Look out for news of our Early Careers Fair at Home Park on Saturday 9^th July.

Source: ONS Regional gross value added (balanced) by industry: local authorities by International Territorial Level (ITL) 1 region: TLK South West

[1] For manufacturing employment, ONS, Business Register and Employment Survey.

Plymouth Kawasaki factory needs staff to cope with sales surge

This story was first reported in Plymouth Live – here

Kawasaki’s only UK factory is the latest business to be hit by recruitment problems as sales are forecast to rise to £64.5m in 2022.

The Kawasaki Precision Machinery UK (KPM UK) needs staff at its base in Plymouth, the company’s only manufacturing plant outside Japan.

But with other manufacturers also seeking more workers, and recruitment issues rife in industries around the UK, Kawasaki is being frustrated in its search for employees.

It needs at least 20 extra workers right now to join more than 260 staff already at the factory.

And this is because production is increasing as demand for the hydraulic pumps and motors produced at the plant soars, much of it fuelled by growth in the construction industry in the UK and abroad.

The products made in Plymouth are used by global brands such as JCB, Caterpillar, John Deere, Terex and Volvo for machinery used in construction, with many of the pumps and motors exported.

The Plymouth factory, on the banks of the River Tamar at Ernesettle, also services the marine sector and offshore industries and remained operational during the 2020 Covid lockdowns, with management praising the hard work and commitment of the workforce for their “support and flexibility” during what was described as “the most challenging period in the company’s history”.

Sales fell as demand was affected, but the company still shifted £40.7m of products in Covid-ravaged 2020.

And it has enjoyed a 60% hike in sales revenue since October 2020 as the global economy began to recover.

It is now forecast that sales will reach £55m for 2021 with a 35% increase in pump manufacturing expected during the next two months.

Sales are now predicted to reach £64.5m in 2022 and Lee Crocker, general manager and executive director at KPM UK, said: “We just can’t recruit quickly enough. It’s our biggest issue, we have been recruiting since June and still need more employees.”

The company needs to fill 20 positions right now, and is looking for logistics/material handlers, assembly operators and CNC machine setter-operators.

It has already seen staff numbers rise in 2021, from 235 workers in January to 268 by November, and is anticipating the total could go as far as 290 by the end of the year.

Plymouth manufacturer plays key role in development of innovative wheelchair seating system

A Plymouth manufacturer is playing a key role in helping develop a new seating system for wheelchairs that improves function and corrects body posture.

Source Engineering, a specialist in pressed and machined components, has supported wheelchair seating specialist Matrix Seating with a complex stamped part that acts as a locking clamp for the unique micro modules that are shaped to deliver customised support.

A 5-strong engineering team has worked with inventor Dr Steve Cousins to come up with a 11-stage progression tool capable of producing the ‘lock’ in spring steel – vital for delivering strength and flexibility at a unit price that works.

To date, 120,000 of the components have already been manufactured and delivered, with an increase in sales from the UK, Europe, the Middle East and the US set to result in a surge in volumes.

“This is a really exciting project to be involved in and we are delighted to be able to use our design and manufacturing expertise to help people enjoy a longer and better standard of life,” explained Pablo Gutierrez, Technical Director at Source Engineering

“Steve approached us about coming up with a stamped metal part to replace what was previously a plastic and then hybrid component. He’d been to a number of other suppliers, but we were the only one prepared to invest the design time in trying to come up with a solution that worked.”

He continued: “There was a lot to consider. We had to deliver a critically strong part that still allowed the system, which looks like a robust mesh and is fitted in place of the usual wheelchair back, to move to deliver the potential orthotic spinal correction.

“Initially, it was deemed to be just one part for the locking clamp, but after a number of prototypes and iterations we found that it was best to manufacture two components – a top and a bottom that would be connected with a bolt. Tolerances were really tight and also had to meet clinical specification.”

 The full article can be downloaded – here

Plymouth manufacturers lobby Government for change to self-isolation rules

Plymouth’s manufacturers are lobbying the Government for a change to the rules around self-isolation fearing production will be hit by a shortage of workers.

Factory chiefs are contacting Plymouth’s MPs and the manufacturers’ organisation Make UK to put pressure on Westminster to relax rules.

They say production could be curtailed by large numbers of staff having to stay at home because they have been told to self-isolate for 10 days after being “pinged” by the NHS Test and Trace app.

Car producers Nissan and Rolls-Royce have already raised concerns about low staff numbers at their plants in Sunderland and Goodwood, and now Plymouth’s largest factories are fearing they will follow suit.

A meeting of the Plymouth Manufacturers Group (PMG) heard of concerns across the board as “freedom day” arrives on July 19 just as UK Covid cases rise.

The meeting was attended by more than 15 Plymouth manufacturers, including some of the largest employers such as Plessey, BD, Collins Aerospace, Kawasaki Precision Machinery, and Vi-Spring, with others such as Princess Yachts contacted afterwards and also giving support.

“We are lobbying the Government through local MPs and the offices of MakeUK for a relaxation of the rules, for Test and Trace to not be so indiscriminate,” said Steve Gerry, PMG secretary. “Otherwise production could be affected here, definitely.”

Plymouth has the largest concentration of manufacturing employment on the South coast of England and the sector supports more than 12,000 jobs in the city.

But there have been predictions of a “summer of chaos” for the UK as the number of Covid infections rises to about 50,000 daily, including more than 1,000 cases reported in a week in Plymouth, and the NHS app sent alerts to more than 500,000 people in the UK in a week.

Mr Gerry said: “We have examples of employers saying there is exponential growth in the numbers of workers having to self-isolate, and the projections are not good. We could be going from 40,000 to 100,000 daily cases by mid-August.

“In a matter of days some firms will be finding the situation untenable. The Government desperately needs to do something.”

He said one solution would be for people who have had two doses of the vaccine and have returned a negative test to be allowed to work even if they have been “pinged” by the app.

Meanwhile, he stressed that PMG members were also highly aware of the need for staff safety and have been canvassing and consulting with workers and that polls and surveys are ongoing, adding: “The importance of communication with staff is seen as paramount.”

He said firms had found staff are generally said to feel “apprehensive, nervous and hesitant” at the prospect of safety restrictions being lifted and said most Plymouth manufacturers are not expecting to relax protocols – including self distancing, temperature checking, hand hygiene, mask wearing, one way directions in workplaces – until safe to do so.

Mr Gerry said provisional dates for this were given as late August or September, with some even considering October.

“The rationale for this approach is associate/employee safety based on an assessed risk,” he said. “Having said that, some firms are taking steps to change working patterns. For instance, to reduce shift changeovers. Some are relaxing rules regarding visitors to site.

“Most firms are planning a phased return of home workers to the office. The timing of which varied but is commonly planned for August and/or September. Hybrid solutions are likely to be favoured. The longer term balance of home working is predicted by some to possibly change as people return.

But he added that from the PMG meeting: “There is a general recognition that as a nation – indeed the whole world – we will have to get used to living with Covid-19, much as we do with the common flu.”

This story appeared in the Plymouth Herald – here

Plymouth Manufacturers’ Group – Chairman’s Review of the Year 2021

At the PMG’s AGM last month, Chairman Mike Snaith gave an account of the year just ended.

(This should be read in conjunction with an accompanying slideshow – see slide numbers in the right hand column of the downloadable document below)

Prior to shortly vacating my position as Chair of the PMG – a position I’ve held for a little over two years – it is my duty and privilege to present to you our Review of the Year 2021.

Of course, the year commenced much as the previous one had ended, with the country still in the grip of the Covid-19 pandemic. More on that shortly.

The complete document can be viewed PMG Chairman’s review of 2021 with slide refs along with the accompanying PowerPoint presentation AGM Chairman’s Review of 2021 PwrPt 20 01 22

Plymouth retains title of the southern city with the highest concentration of manufacturing employment

Plymouth set for economic boost from £2bn Devonport Dockyard rebuild

As the business community gathered carefully and safely at the University of Plymouth in early December for the PMG Annual Christmas lecture, William Telford, Business Editor for Plymouth Live took the opportunity to do an interview with the evening’s Guest Speaker, Ruth Cairnie, Chair of Babcock International plc.

In his article, William covers the points explained by Ruth Cairnie, that while plans have already been outlined for a £1bn, five-year redevelopment at the yard, to allow the newest nuclear submarines to be refitted in Plymouth, Babcock has now confirmed that this is only the start of an even longer programme of work, which will see up to £2bn invested over a decade, making it the largest capital investment in the site for 40 years.

Read the article here.

To watch Ruth Cairnie’s talk, please visit our YouTube Channel here:

PMG Annual Christmas Lecture December 2021

Plymouth Trading Standards Service merges with the Devon, Somerset & Torbay

With effect from 1^st April,  Plymouth Trading Standards Service has merged with Devon, Somerset & Torbay. Read the full notice – here

Plymouth’s economy ranked 5th highest in the UK for Good Growth

Plymouth’s health boss urges people to continue wearing masks as Covid cases remain high

Figures released on Friday (24/9) show that Plymouth’s case rate still sits above the national average at 288.0 per 100,000 compared to England’s average of 285.2

Plymouth people are being asked to continue to wear masks in public places because “Covid hasn’t gone away in the city”.

Despite the lifting of government-imposed Covid-19 restrictions, the city’s health and business leaders have united in calling on the public to continue to take the precautions.

Figures released on Friday show that Plymouth’s case rate still sits above the national average at 288.0 per 100,000 compared to England’s average of 285.2.

They have united in a joint plea to the public to help protect “businesses and jobs this winter” by continuing to use face coverings on public transport, in shops, theatres and cinemas.

They warn the number of positive cases in Plymouth is still higher than the national average and that there are more Covid-19-related hospital admissions among younger adults than in the rest of the UK. And they fear “devastating consequences” if the virus isn’t under control by winter with more people hospitalised or suffering from long-Covid.

They add: “For the business community there could also be serious consequences. We do not want to see mandatory measures being brought back. If they are, we could see local businesses close and local people lose their jobs.”

The letter has been signed by the leaders of Plymouth City Council, HM Naval Base, Babcock, the Theatre Royal, Princess Yachts, Marjon University, the Plymouth College of Arts and Plymouth Social Enterprise Network, Plymouth Octopus. It says anyone visiting any of their buildings will be asked to wear a mask.

Read full article – here

Plymouth’s Kawasaki factory steps up hunt for staff as sales surge to £70m

Plymouth’s Culture Plan

An ambitious vision to put culture at the heart of Plymouth’s development has been revealed, supporting and creating hundreds of jobs and businesses while building a world class cultural offer that attracts visitors and connects communities.

Plymouth Culture – the organisation that supports the city’s cultural sector – has united businesses, stakeholders and city leaders as well as artists, creatives and performers to develop the plan, which sets out how culture can give Plymouth the economic and creative support it needs to truly prosper.

The Culture Plan urges Plymouth to be a leader for culture, highlighting the achievements of other cities brave enough to tread a similar path. Liverpool, for example, has doubled the size of its visitor economy thanks to cultural activity, where it is estimated for every £1 invested, £10 is brought back into the city.

Culture is vital to Plymouth’s future in a world after the Covid-19 pandemic – the sector currently employs more than 1,500 people, with an estimated 600 indirect jobs supported by it. The sector accounts for nearly £70 million of economic output per year and 365 businesses in Plymouth are classed as “arts, entertainment, recreation and other services”.

Click – here – for more details of the Culture Plan.

PMG and Building Plymouth host their annual Careers Fair during National Careers Week 2023

PMG and Building Plymouth look forward to their jointly hosted Early Careers Fair as they embark on huge joint recruitment drive.

Plymouth Manufacturers’ Group (PMG) members and Building Plymouth sponsors have joined forces once again to create an inspiring Early Careers showcase event on Saturday 9 July 2022, 10am-2pm at Plymouth Argyle Home Park.

Aimed at engaging young people, their parents and family, higher education leavers, as well as adults who are considering a career change, the Early Careers Fair will promote the breadth of careers and the exciting new entrant opportunities available in and around Plymouth for 2022 and 2023 starts.

Recruiting employers including Princess Yachts, HellermannTyton, Kawasaki, Plessey, Babcock, Plymouth Community Homes, Kier Construction, Lorne Stewart and Vistry Partnerships will be out in force to promote their opportunities across trade, technical and professional career pathways. Local training providers exhibiting include City College Plymouth, Greenlight Safety and Training, The Focus Training Group and for the first time Arts University Plymouth.

In addition, Plymouth Argyle’s Players’ Lounge will be turned into a Careers Café for the event, where visitors will be able to talk with Skills Launchpad Plymouth’s Youth Hub team and Careers Advisors to consider their next steps, with an option to sip a Barista style drink in the same area frequently used by Plymouth Argyle players!

Emma Hewitt, Skills Lead at Plymouth City Council said: “It is brilliant to once again bring together our construction, built environment, manufacturing and engineering employers to showcase the fantastic opportunities available for launching early careers. With Plymouth facing its biggest capital build programme in 25 years, we have massive skills gaps and skills shortages to tackle in the construction industry so it is encouraging to see so many apprenticeships at all levels under recruitment, along with a growing number of graduate level vacancies. Our Fair will be the perfect place to get inspired through meeting local employers, to find out more about apprentice and graduate level opportunities and ultimately improve your chances of securing an early career opportunity – do not miss it!”

Karen Friendship, Chair of the PMG and MD of Aldermans said: “The excitement is certainly building for our Early Careers Fair. It feels great to be back meeting young people and their families, showcasing our busy and dynamic sectors to them. Many of our local manufacturers are recruiting right now across a range of experiences and skill sets, but we’re also thinking about our future employees and how important they will be to the growth and continued success of our businesses.

Activities such as the Early Careers Fair enable us to engage with all those people who are considering the start of their career journey and open their eyes to the far-reaching opportunities they could have with our organisations.

Whether you are looking to do an apprenticeship, A Levels, T Levels, full-time degree study or are graduating, there can be a place for you in a Plymouth manufacturer and you can go far. Of course, we need excellent engineers, fantastic technicians, and amazing designers, but we also need brilliant people in the other parts of the business from HR to Purchasing, and Project Management to Marketing. Anyone thinking about their next steps, should come along to our fair and have conversations with the employers, the training providers and the careers advisors there, it really could be the most valuable step you take.”

There will be a chance to try your hand at taster activities, demonstrations, competitions, and also to meet current apprentices and graduates already working in these dynamic and growing industries.

For more information visit www.buildingplymouth.co.uk and https://plymouthmakes.co.uk/careers-fairs

PMG and City College embark on new partnership bond

PMG celebrates its Apprentices of the Year 2022

At the start of National Apprenticeships Week 2022, Plymouth Manufacturers’ Group joined together online with Building Plymouth to host their annual Apprentice of the Year Awards.

The manufacturing sector had a record 26 finalists with 5 overall winners with judging being an unenviable and difficult task as numerous impressive accomplishments were described throughout the nominations. The PMG was therefore delighted by the members’ enthusiasm for the awards and proud to celebrate the apprentices’ achievements at the awards event.

The first of the PMG Apprentice Awards was that of the Manufacturing Rising Star Apprentice for 2022 – this was awarded to Daniel Rowe of Groeneveld UK who is undertaking a Level 3 Advanced Manufacturing Engineering Apprenticeship with Cornwall College. Daniel said on winning his award, “It meant so much to me that my company had put me through to the apprentice awards but then to find out that I had won… WOW! Reading what my company had to say about me gave me a real confidence boost and I would have been glad just knowing what the company thinks about me so that was its own little award within itself.”

“This apprenticeship has been amazing and I’ve really enjoyed every bit of the engineering work and environment. Since Bob became my mentor I have learnt so much and have gained many skills so I couldn’t have done it without him. I look forward to learning new things in the future and progressing in my apprenticeship.”

Leanne Chubb, HR Officer at Groeneveld UK enthused about Daniel’s work ethic and said, “Dan is enthusiastic and always willing to learn new skills, he has a positive attitude towards work and ready to take up any new challenges that are put to him. Dan is highly professional, makes suggestions for improvement, but never forgets the importance of fun! One could say Dan is “doing his job” but what makes a difference “is the way he does it”; the compassion he shows for others and his commitment and attitude, he is Groeneveld’s ‘rising star’ for the future. We are delighted that Dan has achieved this award it is well deserved and we look forward to watching Dan progress further within the business.”

Recognising the importance of business roles in the manufacturing and engineering industry, the next award announced was for the PMG Business Rising Star Apprentice for 2022.

This went to Liam Spence of Babcock International who, as a Commercial Apprentice with City College Plymouth, is undertaking an Operational / Departmental Manager pathway.

Liam said, “Winning this Rising Star award makes me feel very proud to work for an organisation like Babcock. Just being shortlisted as a finalist is an achievement, but to win is fantastic. I am very excited to see what the future holds with Babcock, both within my apprenticeship scheme and beyond, as I continue to learn and build my career.”

Emma Willingham, Babcock’s Head of Commercial Governance at its Devonport Facility, said: “Liam is a credit to the apprentice scheme at Babcock and it is especially rewarding for him to have won as we celebrate National Apprenticeship Week. We are very impressed with his commitment and personal accountability to progress his development, and delighted that Plymouth Manufacturers’ Group has awarded him this year’s ‘Business Rising Star’ Apprentice, a fantastic achievement that he is quite rightly very proud of.”

The next PMG Award celebrates those who are close to finishing their apprenticeship or have recently completed it.

This year, the standard was so high in the category of PMG Manufacturing Final Year Apprentice, that the judges could not choose between two apprentices and therefore joint winners were declared. They were Lauren Gage of BD, who is following a Level 3 Mechatronics apprenticeship pathway with Cornwall College and James Wood of MB Aerospace, who is undertaking a Level 4 Apprenticeship as an Engineering Manufacturing Technician at Exeter College.

Lauren said of her win, “Firstly I am over the moon to have won this award. I could not have got this far without my fellow colleagues coaching and mentoring me throughout the 4 years of my Apprenticeship. It’s a rewarding feeling knowing that my hard work and dedication has been recognised. It gives me the confidence to go forward and become a truly valued part of the business. Apprenticeships in the modern world are vital for bringing people like me into important engineering roles. Rewards like this encourage me to push further and in turn become the best I can be. I am very grateful for the opportunities I have been given.”

Lauren’s Leader at BD, Mark Jones added, “We are lucky to have a high standard of apprentices here at BD, so an individual has to do extraordinary things to be recognised above their peers. Lauren has done just that. Her hunger for success, knowledge and progression is far beyond her years and due to the very unique circumstances over the last 2 years, Lauren has been put in situations that would normally not cross an apprentice’s path. She has embraced these situations and has shined. Nothing phases Lauren and all tasks are taken on with a smile on her face. A pleasure to work with and Lauren has a very bright future here at BD.”

At MB Aerospace, the team were more than delighted with James’s achievements. Jamie Riggs is the Principal Manufacturing Engineer at the company and said: “Congratulations to James, and all the other nominees and finalists. James thoroughly deserves this award, it’s been a pleasure having him in this team for his last year of his apprenticeship and seeing him develop his skills and mature beyond his years.
 We welcome James into his new role within the engineer team and now look towards our next generation of up and coming apprentices earlier in their development and the apprentice intake for 2022. Our apprentices are an integral part of the MB Aerospace future talent strategy.”

For James, the win came as a happy surprise and he said, “I am very proud to have completed my apprenticeship with MB aerospace and have been given such excellent guidance, training and experience throughout. Thank you for this special award, I am thrilled to receive it. More importantly thank you to everyone at MB Aerospace who have helped me achieve it, I’m excited for the future.”

Last but by no means least, the award for Best PMG Business Final Year Apprentice was announced and this went to Sophie Whitefield at Princess Yachts who is completing a Level 3 Apprenticeship in Business Administration with South Devon College and City & Guilds this year.

Sophie said: “I am extremely proud to have received this award from PMG. I would like to thank not only my colleagues, managers, and everyone at Princess but also my tutors at South Devon College for helping me on my way to earning my Level 3 Business Administration qualification. Working at Princess is a privilege and I am very lucky to be able to undertake my apprenticeship with them after my career took a different turn at the start of COVID. To be able to play a hand in the development and manufacture of our exceptional range of yacht models on a daily basis is an honour and I hope to be part of this growing business for many years to come.”

Sophie’s Manager, Nick Smith, Head of Product Planning at Princess Yachts, added, “Sophie always goes the extra (nautical) mile. The award recognises her efforts to date and I look forward to supporting her further in her developing career.”

Chair of the Plymouth Manufacturers’ Group Karen Friendship said: “It has been a pleasure to present Plymouth’s Construction and Manufacturing Apprentice of the Year Awards which has given us a great platform to shine a light on the amazing opportunities that an apprenticeship brings to employers, individuals and the economy. I would like to thank our local employers and training providers who have gone above and beyond to ensure apprentices have been able to continue their studies and on the job learning during this unprecedented time. I would also like to pay tribute to all our apprentices for their dedication and efforts in working so hard to continue advancing with their apprenticeship despite the impact of the pandemic.”

The finalists and winners of the PMG Apprentice of the Year Awards are:

Winner – PMG Manufacturing Rising Star Apprentice of the Year 2022

• Daniel Rowe, Groeneveld UK with Cornwall College, L3 Advanced Manufacturing Engineering

Finalists:

• Abbie Tucker, BD with Cornwall College, L3 Engineering Technician, Mechatronics

• Amelia Bulley, Babcock International with City College Plymouth, L3 Engineering Technician

• Andrei Hritcu, Olympus Algram with City College Plymouth,L3 Advanced Manufacturing and Engineering

• Bethan Haigh, MB Aerospace with Exeter College, L3 Advanced Manufacturing and Engineering

• Charlie Hill, Princess Yachts with South Devon College, L3 Marine Engineering

• Corey Stapleton, Oakmount Control Systems with City College Plymouth, L3 Machining

• Joe Coutts, Babcock International with City College Plymouth, L3 Maritime Defence Engineering

• Kieran Foster, Oakmount Control Systems with Cornwall College, L3 Engineering and Manufacture – Mechanical

• Kyle Whitford-Robson, Alderman Tooling with City College Plymouth, L3 Engineering Manufacturing Fabrication & Welding

• Lee Cooper, Olympus Algram with City College Plymouth, L3 Advanced Manufacturing and Engineering – Machinist

• Ritchie Reynolds, Babcock International with Trans Plant Mastertrain, L2 Lifting Technician

• Thomas Fyfe, Princess Yachts with South Devon College, L3 Composites Technician

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Winner – PMG Business Rising Star Apprentice of the Year 2022

• Liam Spence, Babcock International with City College Plymouth, L5 Commercial Apprentice

Finalists:

• Chloe Mackie, Meddings Group with City College Plymouth, L2 Accounting

• Lucy Wood, Princess Yachts with South Devon College, L3 Business Administration

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Joint Winners – PMG Manufacturing Final Year Apprentice of the Year 2022

• Lauren Gage, BD with Cornwall College, L3 Mechatronics

• James Wood, MB Aerospace with Exeter College, L4 Engineering Manufacturing Technician

Finalists:

• Abbie West, BD with Cornwall College, L3 Engineering Technician

• Charlie Commander, Babcock International with Trans Plant Mastertrain, L2 Lifting Technician

• Josh Ford, Babcock International with City College Plymouth, L3 Engineering Technician

• Rhys Heslop, Olympus Algram with City College Plymouth, L3 Engineering Technician

• Sam Weaver, Babcock International with City College Plymouth, L3 Engineering Technician

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Winner – PMG Business Final Year Apprentice of the Year 2022

• Sophie Whitefield, Princess Yachts with South Devon College / City & Guilds, L3 Business Administration

Finalists:

• Laura Stephens, Babcock International with ATN Consultancy Training , L4 Procurement and Supply

• Shauna McAteer, Babcock International with City College Plymouth , L2 Customer Service Practitioner

 Read more about the virtual awards event here:

Local Construction and Manufacturing Apprentices Achievements Celebrated

PMG hosts a virtual Apprentice of the Year Awards event for 2021

PMG iMayflower Virtual Internship Scheme 2021-2022

Information for Businesses

Our PMG iMayflower Virtual Internship Scheme will see current students and recent graduates from the Faculty of Arts, Humanities and Business working on short term projects, to explore virtual manufacturing, 3D printing and other manufacturing technological trends on behalf of a PMG member business.

Interns working on projects will be paid at a standard rate of £13/hour, up to a maximum of 38 hours per project (£494), which will be funded and supported by iMayflower.

Case Study: Dan’s Engineering Ltd

Bridgwater based Dan’s Engineering Ltd recently collaborated with a 3D Design undergraduate who undertook a small scale research project evaluating the viability of replacing traditional measurement methods with 3D laser scanning. The resulting report supported the team in their assessment of the potential for technology, providing information on everything from the hardware and software required; processing power and file sizes; skills and training; and costs.

The application process

Businesses and organisations wishing to access support through this scheme are required to provide a brief project proposal for the internship, providing an overview of the research project, details of the anticipated time commitment and the type of skills they are looking for from the student.

A maximum of 10 individual projects can be supported for PMB member businesses. Funding will be awarded on a first come, first served basis and will be withdrawn when the maximum allocation has been reached.

Applications will be accepted from Monday 18th October 2021, with projects due to commence in December 2021. All projects must be completed by 25th February 2022, or later by prior arrangement.

The full details are available – here

PMG Meeting Dates for 2022

PMG Meeting Dates 2022

PMG Member Manufacturers’ and local Construction Apprentices Celebrated!

Outstanding local manufacturing and construction apprentices have been recognised for their efforts and abilities at an awards ceremony held as part of Plymouth’s National Apprenticeship Week 2023.

The Awards were presented jointly by Plymouth Manufacturers’ Group (PMG) and Building Plymouth, with nominations submitted by local employers and training providers, with nearly 40 Finalist apprentices celebrated, and 17 overall winners presented top awards.

Lucy Edwards was awarded the prestigious Building Plymouth Construction Technical Apprentice of the Year 2023. Lucy is undertaking a Higher Level 4 in Construction Quantity Surveying Technician with Ian Williams and City College Plymouth. On winning her award Lucy Edwards said: “This was such an exciting opportunity.  It was a privilege to have been nominated and I was so proud to have received the award. I am looking forward to using this platform to be an ambassador for apprenticeships and also to promote diversity for the industry as a whole.”

David Mears was next up, winning the highly respected Ron Simmonds Construction Trade Apprentice of the Year 2023 Award. David is undertaking an Intermediate Level 2 in Bricklaying with Persimmon Homes Cornwall and West Devon and City College Plymouth. David Mears said: “I feel very honoured to receive the Apprentice of the Year award and I’m very proud of what I have achieved so far during my apprenticeship. I thoroughly enjoy working for Persimmon Homes and I’m looking forward to developing my skills and gaining further experience, so I can become a qualified and competent tradesman.”

For 2023, the PMG Apprentice of the Year Awards were sponsored by Make UK, of which Jim Davison, Make UK’s Region Director for the South of England was on the judging panel and commented, “Make UK is delighted to sponsored the Plymouth Manufacturing Group Apprentice Awards 2023. It was a fantastic evening of celebration, focussed on the achievements of all the apprentices shortlisted. It was a pleasure to present the awards to the winning apprentices and have the opportunity to meet the next generation of rising stars. Manufacturing and engineering offer a broad range of exciting and stimulating careers and such celebrations are vital in recognising and attracting our next generation workforce into the sector.”

Also on the judging panel was Phil Halse of SWMAS who recalled that amongst the nominations, there were apprentices who had transitioned with enthusiasm from a previous career, showed willingness to learn, some had taken on extra responsibilities, acted as ambassadors for their business and supported others, some received numerous endorsements, portrayed exemplary professional attitudes, and consistently exceeded expectations. It was therefore sometimes difficult to differentiate between such strong nominations and they applauded all the finalists’ passion for the manufacturing industry.

The first of the PMG Apprentice Awards was that of the Business Rising Star Apprentice for 2023 – which went to Nicola Mundy of Babcock. Nicola is training as a Higher Level Quality Assurance Apprentice with Capella and said: “It is such an honour to be entered into the awards. To be recognised by management to be worthy of being entered into the awards and then to win, feels like a great achievement and I am very grateful to be recognised for the effort I am putting into my apprenticeship. I feel very proud to be undertaking an apprenticeship at Babcock. The opportunities available to me and my learning experiences so far have been amazing and I am excited to progress within my role.”

Also from Babcock is the Winner of the PMG Final Year Business Apprentice of the Year Award, Laura Stephens, who is a Supply Chain Apprentice training with the ATN Group. Laura said “Being nominated for a PMG award means that my seniors and peers have acknowledged the hard work I have undertaken over the last 2 and half years on my apprenticeship journey. To be the winner of the Final Year Apprentice Award last night means that I am profoundly proud of myself. This represents how far I have come through my apprenticeship at Babcock International which is the gateway to a promising future. Winning this a