THIS WEEK’S HIGHLIGHTS

Dates released for Advanced Engineering

Advanced Engineering UK is set to return to the Birmingham NEC on 29-30 October 2025,
showcasing the latest innovations from the manufacturing and engineering sectors. With
seven months remaining, the exhibition halls are filling up as companies across the supply
chain secure their spots. Currently, 70% of the space is already booked, so interested
exhibitors should act promptly to reserve their place.
For exhibitors, the event offers an opportunity to showcase the latest solutions in
composites, automation, additive manufacturing, testing, green technologies and more.
With access to almost 10,000 industry leaders from tier-one suppliers and OEMs, businesses
can position themselves at the forefront of industry transformation, helping manufacturers
overcome critical challenges such as supply chain resilience and the journey to net zero.
More information www.advancedengineeringuk.com

BGB welcomes third generation to team

Family-owned engineering firm BGB has welcomed Alex Holt, son of CEO David Holt, to its
team, marking the third generation of the Holt family to step into the business. Founded in
1976 by David’s father, David Holt Snr and his two partners, Grantham-headquartered BGB
quickly became a stand-out provider in fully engineered solutions for smart rotary
applications. Alex Holt, a business and finance graduate from De Montfort University in
Leicester, will spend the next 18-24 months rotating through key areas of the business as a
management trainee.
More information www.bgbinnovation.com

Progressive Apprentice Academy boost

Edging closer to its 50 th  anniversary, Newbury-based Progressive Technology Group
opened its Apprentice Academy in 2015. For this bedrock for developing the talent of
tomorrow, Tooling Intelligence has donated a SmartDrawer vending solution. The
Apprentice Academy at Progressive Technology enlisted 18 apprentices as part of its 2024
cohort.
With technical partner Industrial Tooling Corporation (ITC), Tooling Intelligence installed its
first SmartDrawer vending solution at the subcontract outfit in 2014. The most recent
SmartDrawer arrival means there are now four such systems on site. Understanding the
inventory management process is essential for apprentices, which is why Tooling
Intelligence has made its generous contribution.
More information www.toolingintelligence.co.uk

Parklands Capital buys Laser Expertise

Laser Expertise, a laser-cutting fabrication specialist established for 40+ years, has been sold
to Parklands Capital, a private equity fund which invests in established UK SMEs with
ambitious management teams and strong growth prospects. Based in Nottingham and
operating nationally, Laser Expertise has around 2787 m² of workshop space and employs
more than 80 people. The deal was led by Matthew Sibley, associate director of company
sales specialist KBS Corporate.
The staff at Laser Expertise that customers currently deal with for all facets of the business
will remain the same, along with the company name and contact details. With the support
and infrastructure of Parklands Capital, Laser Expertise will be able to continue investing in
the latest technologies.
More information www.kbscorporate.com

SpeedFlex secures £650k finance deal

Independent SME lender Time Finance has provided a specialist £650,000 asset-based lending facility to Midlands-based engineering company, SpeedFlex, helping to support its future growth plans. The multi-product solution consisted of a £250,000 confidential invoice finance facility and a £400,000 asset finance facility, allowing the business to invest in its operations and prioritise expansion.


Based in Stourport-on-Severn, SpeedFlex Engineering specialises in the production of components for the aerospace, automotive and gas turbine industries, all of which are integral to the UK’s economy. Having achieved a growth in turnover from £500,000 to £1.6m, the business required a funding boost to help fulfil its ongoing growth strategy.

More information www.timefinance.com