Rising energy prices, the impact of life after the EU and labour shortages continue to be the main challenges facing the UK metals sector according to a new report.Nearly a quarter of firms in the UK Metals Council’s ‘State of the Metals Industry in the UK 2023/24’ survey admitted to adjusting supply chain strategies or sourcing alternatives, while just under a third want enhanced Government support to navigate trade barriers and custom procedures in the wake of Brexit.

Some 22% of manufacturers are also looking for improved energy supply contracts to bring prices down to more affordable levels, with just 31% of businesses saying that they have an effective recruitment strategy in place for filling the well-documented labour gaps.However, there were many positive sentiments in the report. For instance, despite the widespread challenges, 70% of respondents are optimistic or very optimistic about future business prospects, underlining the resilience of the sector and its ability to innovate.
For further informationwww.ukmetalscouncil.org

CGTech, the developer of VERICUT verification, simulation and optimisation software, is announcing a reseller agreement with Bristol-based iCOMAT, pioneer of the first-ever defect-free tape-steering process for composite component production. The special worldwide arrangement will see iCOMAT sell and support a dedicated version of VERICUT VCP/VCS software in support of its patented manufacturing process for composites.

iCOMAT’s industrial cells comprise a proprietary tape-laying head mounted as an end effector to a state-of-the-art six-axis industrial robot arm, all located inside a safety cell. As part of this solution, programming and virtual simulation will come via a special version of VERICUT VCP (VERICUT Composites Programming)/VCS (VERICUT Composites Simulation) software complete with a new interface specifically for iCOMAT’s technology. iCOMAT will be the exclusive reseller of this software worldwide.
For further information www.cgtech.comwww.icomat.co.uk

Following recent enhancements to the company’s sales,after-sales andservice teams, TW Ward CNC Machinery (Ward CNC) is appointing Phil Hopkins as itshead of strategic sales.
Hopkins started his career as a CNC machinist in the aerospace industry and developed into a production project engineer before moving into sales, where he has enjoyed a highly successful career. His main focus at Ward CNC will be selling and promoting the company’s Soraluce portfolio of machine tools and value-added services into existing markets, as well as identifying potential new applications and customers.
For further information www.wardcnc.com