EDITORIAL ROUNDUP

Young engineers prepare for high-stakes WorldSkills

Team UK has been officially announced for WorldSkills Shanghai 2026, the international competition known as the ‘Skills Olympics’, where the world’s most talented apprentices and young professionals go head-to-head in a high-stakes battle of skill, precision and innovation. Selected, mentored and trained by WorldSkills UK, Team UK brings together a group of 26 competitors at the very top of their fields. Competing against the best from over 80 countries, Team UK will showcase world-class expertise across a diverse range of disciplines in front of over 250,000 visitors. The event takes place on 22-27 September.

More information www.worldskillsuk.org

Electricity bills to be cut for 10,000 manufacturers

Chancellor Rachel Reeves has confirmed electricity bill cuts for over 10,000 manufacturers as the next phase of the Government’s plan to boost Britain’s competitiveness takes shape. It is hoped the move will help manufacturers compete, win and create good jobs. Automotive, aerospace, steel plants and metal fabricators are among the sectors where eligible businesses are to benefit from a one-off additional payment in 2027.

The payment will cover the support firms would have received if BICS had been in place from April 2026. Eligibility has also been expanded by 40%, from 7000 to over 10,000 manufacturers. This targets support at energy-intensive firms on the number one issue they face:  high electricity costs. From April 2027, eligible firms will see electricity bills cut by up to 25%.

More information www.gov.uk

Renishaw expansion

Renishaw has completed a major expansion and refurbishment at its German customer service centre in Stuttgart, creating a modern hub designed to support its European customers. The development forms part of a multi-million euro investment in the Renishaw GmbH facility, enhancing service capability, improving lead times and strengthening warehousing and logistics operations. It also marks a key milestone ahead of Renishaw GmbH’s 40th anniversary in 2026, reinforcing Renishaw’s long-term commitment to customers in Germany and across Europe.

More information www.renishaw.com

ISCAR to adopt MDES

ModuleWorks reports that ISCAR, a major manufacturer of cutting tools, is adopting the Manufacturing Data Exchange Specification (MDES). Through this adoption, ISCAR plans to make its tooling data available in the open MDES format, enabling CAM software and CNC systems to integrate ISCAR tools and assemblies more efficiently. Meir Noybauer, Business Development Officer at ISCAR says: “Supplying our tooling information in the MDES format makes it easier for CAM systems to provide that data to their users, helping manufacturers reduce programming time and machine complex parts with greater confidence.”

More information www.moduleworks.com

Enginuity to partner with Babcock and BBC star

The Enginuity Skills Awards 2026, the ‘Oscars of Skills’, is partnering with Babcock, marking a significant step forward in the shared mission to tackle the skills gap across the UK’s engineering and manufacturing sector. The glittering awards night, to be hosted by BBC star Swarzy Shire and held at the Park Plaza, Westminster Bridge, on 1 July, is firmly fixed as a focal point for industry and skills provision. The collaboration with Babcock brings together two organisations committed to inspiring the next generation of talent, recognising excellence and driving meaningful change across the industry.

More information www.enginuity.org/skills-awards-2026