Category Archives: Engineering

Apprenticeships, Engineering, L&D, News, STEM

Lowe & Oliver Celebrates Record Apprentice Intake for September 2024

Lowe & Oliver, a prominent electrical and mechanical contractor based in Oxford who just celebrated 100 years in the industry, is proud to announce a record-breaking intake of apprentices, who started their journey on September 2nd 2024.

Underscoring the success of the company’s apprenticeship programme, further solidified by the recent launch of their custom-built apprentice training facility, the Centre for Excellence.

Apprentice in the facility

The facility was launched in February 2024 during National Apprenticeship Week. It is designed to provide apprentices with hands-on, practical training that mirrors real-world conditions, ensuring that they are well-prepared for the challenges of the industry. With dedicated electrical and mechanical training bays, the centre offers an immersive learning experience that complements the apprentices’ formal education.

The significant surge in apprenticeship applications, surpassing 85 earlier this year, highlights the growing appeal of Lowe & Oliver’s scheme and the essential role it plays in addressing the industry’s skills gap.

 

Fred Lowe, Director of Lowe & Oliver, expressed his enthusiasm for the new intake:

“We are thrilled to welcome our largest group of apprentices. The overwhelming response to our offering reaffirms our belief that investing in training facilities like the Centre for Excellence is critical to inspiring and equipping future engineers.

Our commitment to quality training is an investment in the industry’s future, and we’re excited to see these young talents develop.”

 

Chairman Paul Tuson commented on the educational framework:

“Our Centre for Excellence is designed to deliver top-tier training that goes beyond traditional classroom learning. By integrating practical skills with academic knowledge, we ensure our apprentices receive a comprehensive education that equips them for the demands of the industry.

The simple equation is that, as an industry, we are not training enough engineers. As a company, we decided to implement a long term plan to reverse this trend, and I’m delighted to see that come to fruition. We expect to feel the benefits following our initial sizeable investment for many years to come.”

Boardroom News, Engineering, Glasgow, News

Edwin James Group rebrands as MARCH to provide a total engineering solution

Leading engineering services firm Edwin James Group today announced its rebrand to MARCH. The strategic move simplifies its market presence under a unified identity while enhancing its ability to deliver a total engineering solution to customers in high-tech, complex, and regulated environments.

The transition to MARCH represents a significant evolution of the business, consolidating the strengths of group companies ACS, Musk Process Services, Parker Technical Services and Peak Technology Solutions under a single name. The change will improve operational efficiencies, streamline customer interactions, and enhance the company’s ability to meet the evolving needs of industrial clients.

 

“Rebranding as MARCH is a natural evolution for us” said Christopher Kehoe, CEO, MARCH. “Edwin James Group was formed through the acquisition of ten specialist companies, each bringing their own unique expertise. At our heart we’re engineers. Our teams are at the forefront of addressing the most pressing challenges facing our customers, from ensuring the reliability and efficiency of critical infrastructure to advancing digital transformation.”

 

The rebrand supports MARCH’s strategy to expand its position in the UK market and target future growth, both organically and through acquisition. By focusing on performance improvements across key sectors such as food and drink, nuclear, defence, and utilities, MARCH enhances the efficiency of buildings, processes, and digital control systems.

A key part of this strategy is addressing the industry’s most pressing challenges, including the growing skills gap, which the MARCH Academy is tackling head-on. The Academy is pivotal in developing multi-skilled engineers who will drive the future of the industry, ensuring MARCH is well-equipped to meet both current and future customer needs.

“Our customers are increasingly concerned about the shrinking talent pool,” Kehoe continued. “Our Academy actively tackles this by developing engineers who understand safety, quality, and performance from the ground up. MARCH Academy graduates are multi-skilled, and they think beyond the basics. They look at the bigger picture and are trained for excellence across disciplines. It’s about making progress with purpose—step-by-step optimisation and improvement—and doing it together as one unified team.”

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About MARCH

MARCH delivers critical engineering services to support some of the UK’s leading brands. With a network of 18 offices and service centres across the UK, it specialises in managing complex, regulated environments, using technology to address the biggest challenges its customers and their industries face.

MARCH provides a total engineering solution, from infrastructure management and process optimisation to digital automation. The company focuses on delivering in highly-regulated, asset-rich industries, where it offers a single point of contact for managing assets across their entire lifecycle.

With a team of over 1,000 skilled professionals, MARCH is committed to enhancing productivity, efficiency, and sustainability, helping clients navigate the challenges of decarbonisation and operational improvement. Through long-term partnerships, March serves key sectors such as industrial manufacturing, nuclear, aerospace & defence, the public sector, life sciences, food & beverage, and utilities.

MARCH also owns and operates compressed air management specialist, Motivair, which was acquired in July 2024 to deepen maintenance and asset care offerings.

Business, Business News, Electronics, Engineering

Former Wales Rugby International Scott Baldwin Joins Kontroltek as Business Development Manager

Kontroltek, a leading provider of industrial electronic and mechanical repairs, has appointed Scott Baldwin as its new Business Development Manager. Baldwin, renowned for his distinguished rugby career, brings a wealth of strategic insight and valuable connections across the UK to his new role.

In his capacity as Business Development Manager, Baldwin will focus on creating opportunities to expand Kontroltek’s market presence and enhance client relationships. His extensive experience in high-performance environments, coupled with his proven ability to cultivate strong partnerships and build robust team cultures, makes him a valuable addition to the Kontroltek team.

Andrew Follant, CEO, Kontroltek, said: “We are delighted to welcome Scott Baldwin to Kontroltek. His track record of success and his passion for driving growth align perfectly with our vision for the future. We believe his support will play a crucial role in advancing our business objectives via his UK-wide network.”

Baldwin, a seasoned professional with a deep understanding of competitive dynamics both on and off the field, said: “I am thrilled to embark on this new chapter with Kontroltek. The opportunity to apply my skills, experience and extensive network in a different context is really exciting. I look forward to contributing to Kontroltek’s continued success.”

Prior to joining Kontroltek, Baldwin enjoyed a successful rugby career, representing Wales internationally and earning 37 caps. He played for Ospreys, Worcester, and Harlequins, where he was instrumental in winning the English Premiership. Baldwin also served as vice-captain of Harlequins and was part of the senior leadership group. Additionally, he worked as a defence coach at Newcastle.

Acquisitions & Partnerships, Engineering, Glasgow, News

Edwin James Group Expands Service Offering with Acquisition of Motivair

Engineering services provider Edwin James Group has announced the acquisition of the entire share capital of Pettits Ltd and its operating subsidiary Motivair Compressors Ltd (trading as “Motivair”) for an undisclosed sum.

Integrating Motivair into the Edwin James Group portfolio aligns with the company’s strategic vision to become a leading critical engineering services provider. The move introduces a new service offering, allowing Edwin James Group to strengthen its portfolio, enhance competitiveness, and explore new markets.

Motivair’s turnkey service model covers a wide range of products and includes maintenance, project management, monitoring, and technical support. As specialists in compressed air management, Motivair manages approximately 9,000 assets, serving a blue-chip customer base across the UK. Their focus spans the industrial, infrastructure, utilities and defence sectors.

Christopher Kehoe, CEO of Edwin James Group, commented on the acquisition: “Motivair’s specialist expertise and strong management team align seamlessly with our strategic vision. This acquisition will deepen our maintenance and asset care offerings creating a solid foundation for organic growth and further service expansion. We look forward to the opportunities this acquisition will bring for both our business and our customers.”

The Motivair management team and all 100 employees will be retained as part of the acquisition, ensuring continuity and stability for customers and employees.

Iain Beadle, CEO of Motivair, continued: “Joining Edwin James Group is an exciting development for the team at Motivair. We share a common vision of delivering exceptional engineering services and supporting our customers’ operational needs. This agreement will enable cross-business collaboration and ensure we can continue to deliver innovation and robust service levels to our customers.”

The deal, made possible due to additional investment from funds managed by Aliter Capital, follows Edwin James Group’s recent acquisition of control systems integration business Automated Control Solutions (ACS) in January 2024.

The Group reported strong financial performance for the year ending February 2023, with a turnover of £175 million and an order book growth from £545 million in 2022 to £800 million in February 2023.

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About Edwin James Group

Edwin James Group is a leading engineering services provider that specialises in complex, regulated environments. The company leverages technology to support some of the biggest brands in the UK to manage their critical environments and assets. The group operates across a UK network of 17 offices and service centres, offering a complete range of services, including asset care, asset renewal, mechanical, electrical, renewable, energy and process engineering, in addition to complex systems integration and digitalisation to support industry 4.0. Employing over 1,000 staff, the group has a clear strategy to offer a complete range of infrastructure, process and digital engineering services, covering the full life cycle of assets. https://www.edwinjamesgroup.co.uk/

Edwin James Group now operates five brands: ACS, Motivair, Musk Process Services, Parker Technical Services and Peak Technology Solutions.

Business, Business Advice, Engineering, Manufacturing

Cyclica: The Smart Way to Equip Your Industry

Investing in equipment and machinery to start or expand an industry usually involves considerable capital management. Therefore, when purchasing machinery, you must be careful to prevent your investment from becoming a cost. Regardless of the type of industry you work in, you have two options to consider: you can buy new or used equipment. In both cases, you will get ups and downs. However, the difference in the investment between them is considerable.

If you decide to buy used equipment, You might want to prepare beforehand to avoid wasting your money. That way, you can save yourself a lot of headaches, time, and money.

  • Start by reviewing the conditions of the equipment you want to buy, guarantees, and estimated lifespan. Keep in mind that, to the extent possible, it is best to see it working. However, a meticulous system of inspections can also work. That way, you will see the exact status of the machine. A trustworthy company will always support you through a sales representative with experience. They will provide appropriate guidance through the process and buy what you need.
  • Check reviews about the type of machinery you are considering purchasing. You can find valuable information about the useful life and maintenance costs. Also, about the possibilities of obtaining spare parts and their possible obsolescence.
  • Consider aspects such as payment and transportation facilities offered by the supplier. Some provide financing and manage agreements with transportation companies that they trust. With their help, you can ensure your equipment travels in adequate and safe conditions. In addition, they usually have preferential prices for referred clients.
  • The experience and track record of the supplier are vital in this case. In addition, it must have a good reputation and manage competitive prices, guaranteeing after-sales service.

Where is it best to purchase used machinery appropriate for your business?

You can enjoy numerous advantages of buying used machinery besides the financial benefits. Thus, you need to consider different things to make the most convenient decision for your business. And the first consideration that you must comply with is inherent to the supplier. You want someone you can trust. Aim for a supplier with experience in the business and an established reputation in the sector. This is essential, as it guarantees that you are putting your capital to good use.

And precisely, these are some characteristics for which Cyclica stands out. We are talking about the most reliable portal on the market regarding the acquisition of machinery, industrial equipment, and reconditioned spare parts. There you will find what you need for your industry, at the best price and of excellent quality. They have an inventory that is constantly being renewed. It includes more than 600 pieces of equipment from recognized brands and a complete stock of spare parts of more than 10,000 units.

Thanks to its innovative way of conceiving the business of buying and selling used machinery, at Cyclica we all win. Because they not only focus on the commercial aspect, they are also oriented towards caring for the environment. By supporting the sustainable development of the industry, by extending the useful life of any equipment, they reduce waste that is difficult to degrade. In addition, they reduce processes associated with high energy consumption and minimize the use of raw materials and polluting inputs.

 

The reasons why purchasing used machinery is a good alternative

There are several reasons why purchasing used machinery for your business is a good option. That is, as long as you follow the tips mentioned previously, especially going to a reliable supplier.

Less investment

In this case, the best benefit is usually the lower capital requirement. Nowadays, you can get perfectly refurbished equipment with a long life. The best part is that you can grab some offers from recognized brands that have received proper maintenance and have spare parts available. This will help you save a lot of money. That equipment will cost a fraction of what it would cost to buy it new. This way, you can redirect the remaining capital to cover other requirements in your business.

 

Machinery with immediate availability

This is another of the great advantages of purchasing used machinery. You will not have to wait for the distributor to order the machine you need.  This equipment is now available and in perfect condition to start operating. In addition, the previous owner has already carried out quality control. A responsible supplier will certify its proper functioning.

 

A wide variety of options in brands and equipment

Thanks to technology, it is currently possible to quickly access information on a specific computer. This includes prices and technical characteristics, among other aspects. This way, you can easily carry out a complete market study. Well, a responsible supplier will always have all the information you require about the equipment they offer. This will ensure that you are transparent and trustworthy in your dealings.

Thus, you will have multiple options regarding brands and types of machinery. You will find a whole catalog of options, but always remember to go to a trusted supplier. There, they will give you the advice you need. That way, you can pick the equipment that best suits your requirements and budget.

 

Preparing for the transition

The dizzying spiral of technology quickly makes any equipment obsolete. Therefore, a good plan is to prepare for upcoming transitions to other technologies. Thus, investing in new equipment can be a loss of capital. You want to be ready to face laws that change to limit the operation of modern machinery. Replacing used machinery does not have the same impact as new machinery.

As you can see, buying used machinery has many benefits, as long as you do it with a reliable supplier.

Engineering, News, South West England News, South West News

Duo acquire pioneering engineering company

A specialist manufacturing company which supplies trenchless technology equipment to sectors including water, oil and gas has undergone a buyout.

Business partners Graham Edden and Pat Farrell have acquired Brewis Engineering for an undisclosed sum. The transaction has been supported with financial backing from WeDo Business Services.

Brewis, based in Somerset, specialises in the design, development and manufacture of equipment for the trenchless technology industry worldwide. Its products are used in the laying of pipes and cables in the water, oil and gas and utility industries.

The company was founded in 1984 by Rod Brewis in his garden shed. He invented the Brewis towing head to pull pipes ranging in diameter from 25mm to 900mm.

Other products in the Brewis portfolio include high flow transmitter housings, directional drilling swivels with a pullback capacity of up to 550 tons, along with cable swivels.

Brewis, which has 16 staff and is based at 10,000sq ft premises on the Marston Trading Estate in Frome, exports across Europe, the United States and Canada as well as to New Zealand and Australia, the Middle East, Asia-Pacific, South Africa and India.

Following the buyout, Graham and Pat have become managing director and commercial director of Brewis respectively.

The pair have a wealth of business experience. Pat has spent most of his working life in the trenchless and construction industries. Graham is a seasoned investor and business leader who has built and run companies across a variety of sectors, including automotive, hospitality and waste management.

The deal provides an exit for Rod and his wife Sheila, who was company secretary. Paula Fitch has retired as commercial director. Operations director Michael Rudd remains with the business.

Graham said: “Brewis Engineering is renowned and respected throughout the world for its innovative, market-leading products. Rod and the team have laid a tremendous platform for us to build on and capitalise on the opportunities for growth, especially in the US but also in other territories.

“With the help of our fantastic and loyal workforce, we are looking to expand our manufacturing capacity and develop new products to provide sustainable growth over the coming years.

“Some of the staff have been with the company for more than 25 years, having served their apprenticeships with us, and there is a wealth of knowledge, skillsets and ideas among the team for us to harness and achieve our goals.

“We have some of the best engineers in the world here in the UK. The country’s design and manufacturing sector has a bright outlook despite the challenging economic headwinds, and we are proud to be playing our part in flying the flag.”

Rebekah Middleton and Jim McDonnell at WeDo Business Services arranged a funding package to help facilitate the buyout.

The WeDo group has its headquarters in Greater Manchester and additional offices nationwide. It provides invoice and trade finance, asset finance, loans and start-up funding to a growing client base, as well as accountancy, HR, back-office and IT services.

Rebekah said: “We were pleased to provide a package which enabled Graham and Pat to swiftly complete the acquisition once they engaged us. The founders and vendors, Rod and Sheila Brewis, have traded very successfully for 40 years and we wish them, Graham and Pat and the entire team all the very best for the future.”

Graham added: “Rebekah and Jim did a fantastic job in helping us to successfully complete the transaction. They were thorough, and moved mountains to get things done.

“We are excited to be taking a prestigious brand in the trenchless technology sector forward, using our extensive business and sector experience to support our customers and seize new opportunities.”

David Gledhill, Rachael Killworth and Jenny Chapman, of the asset-based lending team at law firm Bermans, provided advice and support to WeDo regarding the legal documentation involved in the transaction.

James Young and Helen Carter at Harding Evans Solicitors, based in South Wales, advised Graham and Pat on the acquisition. Financial due diligence was carried out by Marcel Frei, of GMT Finances.

Engineering, News

Match made in tooling leads to press investment at MACH 2024

A specialist supplier to F1, automotive and aerospace sectors is looking to increase its tool try-out capacity by purchasing its first Bruderer press at MACH 2024.

Alan Spargo Ltd, which celebrates 50 years in business in 2025, has invested in a BSTA 40-tonne machine to help it provide its growing list of customers with the option to test tooling solutions at high speed before they go into production.

The technology can offer up to 1000 strokes per minute at precision accuracy and will support the High Wycombe firm’s desire to increase sales past the £3m mark this year.

It builds on a long-term tooling relationship between the company and Bruderer UK, which has culminated in the development of a turnkey production line for MACH 24 this week, the country’s largest industrial show.

Specialist tooling from Alan Spargo has been developed in just six weeks to run on the Telford-based company’s BSTL 350-88 high speed press, the first time it has ever been run in the UK.

Located on Stand 6-482 at the NEC, the machine comes into its own for precision and continuity and uses up to 30% less energy when compared to older machine models.

Adrian Haller, Managing Director of Bruderer UK, commented: “Alan Spargo works with some of the most demanding customers in the world, thanks to its ability to manufacture precision components and complex tooling.

“The latest investment in a 40-tonne high speed press reinforces this position and gives it additional capacity to try-out new tools at its Buckinghamshire facility, ensuring that the client can tweak stroke speeds and have complete confidence that – when it takes receipt of the tooling – it is going to run at high speed and with absolute accuracy.”

He continued: “This is the natural next step in the relationship, as we have worked together on several projects to build bespoke tooling that can be used on a number of our presses situated in some of the best engineering houses in the UK.”

Alan Spargo is very much a family affair, with the original founder’s sons Michael and Peter now running the business, with the latter’s son Sam Spargo recently joining the business.

Together the company supplies engineering solutions for customers involved in electronics, electric vehicles, solar panels, medical, defence and construction from its Coronation Road facility in High Wycombe.

Peter Spargo, Director, picked up the story: “Our customers are continually pushing the boundaries when it comes to tool performance, and we must respond. One of the ways we can do this is by giving them access to even more tool try-out capabilities and that’s why we’ve pressed the button on our first investment in Bruderer technology.

“This complements our other presses and, importantly, gives us a press that can deliver high-speed performance, testing the tool to its maximum. We’ve already got several existing and new customers who can take advantage of this.

“The last twelve months have been very good for us, and we’ve extended the workforce to 22, with the opportunity to recruit more staff, including new apprentices.”

Bruderer’s production line at MACH will leave Birmingham at the end of the show and make its way to the company’s £multi-million facility that is currently being built at Hortonwood in Telford.

It will form part of a demonstration facility that will be able to prove out machine tools, as well as being used as a potential training ground for future apprentices.

“The BSTL 350-88 high speed press, along with servo-feeder, de-coiler and Alan Spargo tooling represents a £500,000 investment and highlights how committed we are to creating a world class facility in the heart of Shropshire,” added Adrian Haller.

He concluded: “Construction work is progressing well, and we should be open for business in October, with up to six jobs set to be created across service, engineering and finance.”

For further information, please visit www.bruderer.com or www.alanspargoltd.com

Engineering, News

Edwin James Group Accelerates Acquisition Trail to Drive Ambitious Growth

Engineering services provider Edwin James Group is accelerating its acquisition trail to fuel ambitious growth plans. Following the successful purchase of specialist control systems integration services provider ACS in January, the Group is actively seeking additional opportunities that will strengthen an already broad proposition.

By acquiring companies that strengthen its offerings in key strategic areas, including digital, process and sustainability, Edwin James aims to reinforce its position as a leader in the UK engineering services sector.

In 2023, Edwin James Group secured secondary investment from funds under management by Aliter Capital LLP (Aliter), providing a robust platform for its buy-and-build strategy. This capital has paved the way for the next phase of growth.

To execute its expansion plans, the Group has appointed Daniel Longden as its first head of corporate development. A qualified chartered accountant, Daniel brings a wealth of experience from his previous roles at K3 Capital Group Plc and JLA Group.

Commenting on the Group’s plans, Christopher Kehoe, CEO of Edwin James Group, said: “Our recent successes, including a 22% increase in turnover last fiscal year and substantial additions to our forward order book, have positioned us well for accelerated growth. Daniel’s expertise in acquisitions will be instrumental in executing our buy-and-build strategy.”

Daniel Longden, head of corporate development, continued: “It’s great to be joining Edwin James Group at such a pivotal time. The market landscape is notably fragmented, and our vision of creating a cohesive service offering for customers is gaining traction. With the Group’s impressive history of organic growth, I am confident that strategic M&A initiatives will propel our expansion and generate substantial value for our stakeholders”.

 

Engineering, News

Instaspark launches specialist commercial electrical brand, Orbem, following national expansion

Electrical services provider, Instaspark, has today announced the launch of Orbem, a specialist electrical firm servicing the commercial sector.

The news follows a year of unprecedented growth for Instaspark, reaching a turnover of over circa £1.6million in 2023, driving geographical expansion across the UK, and securing multiple lucrative contracts including Co-Op, Haribo and True Learning Partnership.

Having built partnerships with major companies and brands across a wide range of industries, Directors Brandon Rowlands, Chris Stott, and Rob Stone announced the launch of Orbem to further expand the firm’s commercial offering.

Orbem will specialise in a wide range of electrical solutions, including electrical fit-out projects across all major industries, LED lighting upgrades, commercial EV charging and renewable energy solutions.

Part of the Instaloft Group, which turned over in excess of £22 Million in 2023 and aim to achieve over £30m in 2024, Orbem will continue the brand’s commitment to excellence in their values; quality, innovation and reliability, creating tailor-made electrical solutions and cultivating long-term commercial partnerships.

Speaking on the launch of Orbem, Director Brandon Rowlands said: “We are delighted to bring Orbem to the market, and we view it as a massive step towards our goal of changing the face of electrical contracting. Borne from our success at Instaspark, we identified the need for a dedicated commercial brand and we couldn’t be more proud of making that dream a reality.”

Founder of the Instaloft Group and joint Director of Orbem, Rob Stone, confirmed: “I’m proud to introduce Orbem Specialist Electrical, our latest venture, dedicated to providing top-tier commercial electrical services across the UK to a vast range of sectors. With our core values being the centre of our partnerships with our clients, we look forward to meeting the growing demands of this exciting sector and deliver unparalleled services and professionalism.”

Headquartered in Telford with regional offices in Huddersfield, Reading and Southampton, Orbem is already operating throughout retail, defence, education, manufacturing and other sectors with plans to expand in all sectors, and already on track to turn over in excess of £3.3 million this year.

For more information, visit:

https://www.orbem-electrical.co.uk/

Appointments, Engineering, News

Edwin James Group focuses on multi-skilling with new Academy lead

Leading multi-disciplinary engineering services provider, Edwin James Group, has appointed Geoff Bruce to head up the EJ Academy supporting learning and development (L&D) for the group. The newly created role is part of the company’s strategic growth plan and will increase focus on lifelong learning and managing the industry skills gap.

Geoff, who joined the business in March 2023, will lead learning and development efforts across the entire group under The EJ Academy banner.

The EJ Academy programme is designed to support upskilling and reskilling and provides comprehensive learning opportunities from apprentice to boardroom. It delivers training across disciplines to develop the multi-skilled engineers of the future. It also supports the embedding of company processes, bringing together efforts to shape and reinforce the company’s culture.

 

Commenting on the appointment, Mark Longley, corporate services director, Edwin James Group said: “Learning and development plays a key role in our ambition to set a new standard in the UK engineering services sector. As we grow, it’s important that we have the right training and processes in place to ensure that all colleagues have the same experience and can make the most of the opportunities that the group can offer.

“We have a commitment to nurturing talent from within, and Geoff’s appointment reflects his outstanding contributions since joining the company.”

 

Geoff Bruce continued, “This role is an opportunity to build on the values that drew me to Edwin James Group in the first place. Fostering a welcoming environment, bridging the skills gap, and nurturing talent from within all speak to what matters most to me: creating a company where everyone feels valued, supported, and ready to excel.”

 

Edwin James Group recently announced the acquisition of control systems integration provider, ACS, as part of the group’s buy-and-build growth strategy. The deal adds additional specialist engineering capacity and further enhances the group’s industrial digital skillset.