UK NEWS

Duncan & Toplis names new head of manufacturing

Audit, accountancy and business advice specialist Duncan & Toplis has appointed Charles Burrell, previously the company’s Assurance Director, as its new head of manufacturing, further strengthening the firm’s commitment to supporting one of the Midlands’ most important industries. Charles succeeds Julie Chapman, who is stepping down from the role after two years. The appointment of Charles, forms part of Duncan & Toplis’ wider growth strategy as part of Kinbrook Group, which continues to invest in sector expertise, regional expansion and specialist advisory services across the UK.

More information www.duncantoplis.co.uk

Hurco secures orders worth £1.5m+ on MACH stand

According to David Waghorn, Managing Director of Hurco Europe, the recent MACH 2026 exhibition in Birmingham generated outstanding results for the company. There were huge positives in terms of the quality of enquiries for new machines and the volume of business done on the stand. Taking all these factors into account, the show was significantly more successful for Hurco than two years ago.

“The outcome from a MACH show is always difficult to assess,” said Waghorn. “It can be as much as two years later that an enquiry results in a machine purchase. However, based on orders in excess of £1.5m taken on the stand, plus more than 200 quotations we’re preparing following enquiries at the exhibition, it’s assured that Hurco will be returning for MACH 2028 with a similar presence.”

More information www.hurco.com/gb

Subcon: The manufacturing solutions show

Subcon, the UK’s leading event for subcontract manufacturing and supply chain solutions, is taking place this week (3-4 June) at the NEC in Birmingham. Whether exploring new manufacturing partners, looking for ways to streamline supply chains, or aiming to reduce costs, this is the place to connect and discover ideas that can make a real difference.

The show offers the opportunity to connect with 200+ leading UK and international suppliers, all in one place. Visitors can also: take part in ‘Skills Sprint’ workshops packed with practical tools ready for immediate application; gain fresh insights through CPD-accredited talks delivered by industry leaders from Airbus, Bentley Motors, Rolls-Royce, Make UK and more; and follow tailored visitor trails designed around key sectors.

More information www.subconshow.co.uk

Economic upheaval redefining manufacturing resilience

As global economic uncertainty continues to reshape industrial strategy, supply chain resilience is becoming an increasingly important differentiator across sectors such as aerospace, defence and advanced engineering. OEMs and tier-one manufacturers are placing greater emphasis on agile, dependable supply networks capable of delivering precision components with shorter lead times, tighter tolerances and complete traceability.

For subcontract manufacturers such as Rowan Precision, this shift is driving continued investment in advanced CNC machining technologies designed to support high-precision, scalable production. The company’s manufacturing capability centres on high-performance CNC sliding-head technology, as well as machining centres and multi-axis machining systems.

Originally developed for the Swiss watchmaking industry, sliding-head machining remains one of the most advanced forms of CNC turning available. By supporting the material bar close to the cutting tool using a guide bush, the process minimises vibration and deflection, enabling the production of highly intricate components with exceptional dimensional accuracy.

Rowan Precision operates 13-axis CNC sliding-head machines alongside twin-spindle, fixed-head CNC mill-turn platforms capable of combining turning, milling, drilling, threading and deburring operations within a single cycle. The approach reduces handling, improves repeatability and significantly increases throughput.

The company’s investment strategy is focused on supporting customers that require flexible UK-based manufacturing capability capable of scaling efficiently from prototype work through to full production programmes.

“Customers are looking for far more than capacity,” states Glenn Aston, CFO at Rowan Precision. “They want engineering partners capable of delivering consistency, technical capability and responsiveness under pressure.”

Neil Williams, technical sales manager at Rowan Precision, adds: “There’s a growing emphasis on resilient UK supply chains, particularly within aerospace, defence and advanced engineering. Building that resilience requires investment not only in machinery, but also in programming capability, process control and skilled people.”

More information www.rowanprecision.co.uk

Orders roll in for Star’s CNC sliding-head lathes

Star took several orders for sliding-head lathes on its stand at the recent MACH 2026 exhibition in Birmingham. Three orders, in particular, stood out.

Metal Assemblies Ltd, a tier-two manufacturer delivering precision-engineered metal pressings and assemblies, reinforced its machinery upgrade strategy with an order for two new SR-32JIII Type B sliding-head lathes. The investment replaces a pair of older SR models, each having delivered nearly 15 years of reliable service. The order was finalised between Iain Collis and Nigel Mason of Metal Assemblies and Star’s new Midlands area sales manager, Sam Ayres (pictured).

Featuring the latest Star technology – including Step Cycle Pro chip-breaking software – alongside enhancements in rigidity, swarf management and operator ergonomics, the new machines will support increased productivity, expanded capacity and greater operational efficiency.

Also placing an order at MACH was All British Precision, a subcontract supplier of precision machined components based in Derbyshire, which strengthened its long-term machinery investment strategy with the purchase of a new ST-38 sliding-head lathe. The order marks a significant milestone as it replaces the company’s very first ST-38 machine after 15 years of reliable service. Notably, the investment demonstrates All British Precision’s continued commitment to upgrading its production capabilities.

Hervé Engineering, a Southend-based manufacturer of precision CNC machined components for a wide range of industries and applications, was among further companies to place an order on the Star stand. The company is expanding its sliding-head production capacity with the order of a new SR-38 Type B. Complementing the company’s upcoming relocation to a larger facility, the latest investment will be the company’s highest capacity sliding-head lathe to date, increasing productivity and opening up new business opportunities.

More information https://stargb.com/