EDITORIAL ROUNDUP

HBK Porto celebrates new site in style

Following a major two-year expansion plan, global test and measurement specialist HBK celebrated the official opening of its new Porto site in Portugal last month with a host of presentations and local music. This new chapter for HBK was marked by the raising of the Portuguese and British flags, accompanied by a rendition of the national anthems, performed by a group from the Vila do Conde Conservatory. Upon arrival, guests and staff enjoyed a reception, followed by opening speeches from HBK Plant Manager Luís Rodrigues and Director of Optical business Luís Ferreira.

More information www.hbkworld.com

Top UK talent takes on Europe’s finest

The UK’s very brightest and best young apprentices and learners are heading to Denmark to test their skills against the crème de la crème of Europe at EuroSkills Herning 2025. It is Europe’s largest skills competition and takes place on 9-13 September. The more than notable 19, making up Team UK, carry the hopes and vision of the UK’s ambition to grow and prosper on its shoulders.

Selected and trained in skills excellence by WorldSkills UK, in partnership with lifelong learning company Pearson, the team will compete in a raft of skills disciplines. Team members have already been through months of competition and selection processes, and now face the final crucial months of their intensive training programme for EuroSkills Herning 2025.  

More information www.worldskillsuk.org

 In-space production

In a landmark moment for the UK space sector and advanced materials science, Cardiff-based Space Forge has shipped ForgeStar-1 – the UK’s first in-space advanced manufacturing (ISAM) mission – to the US ahead of launch later this year. As a next-generation materials manufacturer, Space Forge is harnessing the unmatched conditions of space – microgravity, extreme temperatures, and a vacuum environment – to produce materials that are impossible to make on Earth. Research suggests that manufacturing these materials in space could reduce CO2 emissions by 75% in high-value infrastructure.

More information www.spaceforge.com

£1m for digital efforts

Made Smarter, the Government-backed digital adoption programme, has launched a new £1m funding round to support technology projects among SME manufacturers in the northwest. The initiative is offering match-funded grants of up to £20,000 to help SMEs adopt advanced technologies including robotics, automation, IoT, AI and additive manufacturing. Businesses registering with the programme gain access to a suite of support, including fully funded technology advice, digital roadmap development, leadership and skills training, and student placement opportunities.

More information www.madesmarter.uk

Council launches in Kent to tackle skills gap

A wide range of local organisations came together recently to explore practical ways to collaborate in addressing current and future job vacancies, while also tackling local skills shortages. Hosted at North Kent College’s Gravesend Campus, the event marked the official launch of the Kent & Medway Industry4Council, which unites employers from the engineering and manufacturing sectors. The new partnership offers a practical forum for employers to collaborate with further and higher education institutions, as well as independent training providers.

More information www.northkent.ac.uk