EDITORIAL ROUNDUP

Affordable apprenticeships

Enginuity, a UK skills body dedicated to closing the skills gap in engineering and manufacturing, is urging the Government to take decisive steps in the Budget later this week to restore the affordability of apprenticeships. Recent years have seen a major decline in apprenticeship starts, with 170,000 fewer places available in 2024 than in 2014. Enginuity wants policymakers to review employment costs and ensure that SMEs can continue investing in talent and training. Only by prioritising apprenticeships will it be possible to secure the future of industry and provide meaningful opportunities for young people.

More information www.enginuity.org

Helix Tool expands with new Blackburn office

Helix Tool Company, an independent distributor of cutting tools, has opened a new office in Blackburn, marking an expansion into the northwest. The new facility will offer same-day access to tooling brands such as Sandvik Coromant, Iscar, Walter, Tungaloy, OSG, Sumitomo, Dormer Pramet, Vargus and Quickgrind. The Blackburn team will also deliver on-site engineering support, tool-vending solutions and cost-saving assessments, helping customers improve output, tool life and efficiency. Helix says the move underlines its commitment to customers through smarter tooling and better technical support.

More information www.helixtools.co.uk 

Nasmyth Group acquired by Sigma Advanced

Nasmyth Group – a provider of precision engineering services to the aerospace, defence and related industries – has been acquired by Sigma Advanced Systems, a global manufacturer and service provider of advanced defence systems and security solutions. The acquisition marks an important milestone in Nasmyth’s evolution, providing a foundation for continued innovation, expanded capacity and the delivery of engineering solutions to customers worldwide. Sigma’s proven track record in design and manufacturing will bring strategic insight and financial strength to support Nasmyth’s next growth phase.

More information www.nasmyth.com

CBM calls on Government for energy support

Manufacturers are facing an ‘energy apocalypse’ as recent non-commodity changes and a new stealth tax have added millions to crippling bills. That is the stark message from the Confederation of British Metalforming (CBM), which is calling on the Government to do something for the many, rather than just a few larger high-intensity energy businesses.

Leaders at SME manufacturers have reached the end of their tether trying to compete globally while facing extortionate prices for gas and electricity exacerbated by the amount of taxes and levies that form parts of the bill. CBM members have already come forward to explain what this means on the shop floor, with many expecting rises of 10-30% in the cost of energy over the next six months. In some cases, this equates to an extra £1m of charges.

More information www.thecbm.co.uk

ASG Group director appointed to NMC

ASG Group reports that Mandy Ridyard, director of ASG Produmax, has been appointed to the National Manufacturing Commission (NMC) as part of its newly launched inquiry into how the Government’s Industrial Strategy can best support UK SME manufacturers. The NMC, the research arm of the All-Party Parliamentary Manufacturing Group, plays a vital role in shaping policy recommendations that strengthen UK manufacturing.

She says: “SMEs are the lifeblood of UK manufacturing and play a crucial role in creating innovation, resilience and jobs across our regions. I’m honoured to join the NMC at such a pivotal time, ensuring the voice of SME manufacturers is heard loud and clear as the Industrial Strategy takes shape.”

More information www.asg-group.co