UK NEWS

Enginuity to partner with Babcock and BBC star

The Enginuity Skills Awards 2026, the ‘Oscars of Skills’, is partnering with Babcock, marking a significant step forward in the shared mission to tackle the skills gap across the UK’s engineering and manufacturing sector. The glittering awards night, to be hosted by BBC star Swarzy Shire and held at the Park Plaza, Westminster Bridge, on 1 July, is firmly fixed as a focal point for industry and skills provision. The collaboration with Babcock brings together two organisations committed to inspiring the next generation of talent, recognising excellence and driving meaningful change across the industry.

More information www.enginuity.org/skills-awards-2026

Accounting firm supports ABB’s acquisition of IPEC

A northwest accounting and professional services group has completed its involvement in a high-profile cross-border deal, which has seen IPEC Ltd become part of ABB, a world leader in electrification and automation. DJH provided corporate finance support and complex tax structuring advice to the owners of Stockport-based IPEC during the sale. “The project shows how DJH understands the bespoke requirements of firms involved in technology and manufacturing, overcoming complex tax structures and international regulations to arrive at a transaction that works for all,” explains Natasha Millward, DJH client services director.

More information www.djh.co.uk

In-Comm MD to run London Marathon for charity

A manufacturing training leader and novice runner is preparing to take on the iconic London Marathon, taking place on 26 April, to raise vital funds for the Good Shepherd in Wolverhampton. Gareth Jones is MD at In-Comm Training, which provides apprenticeships and upskilling opportunities to engineering and manufacturing firms. Located across two technical academies in Aldridge and Telford, the firm recently completed a 12-month partnership with the Good Shepherd as its Charity of the Year, providing over £25,000 worth of contributions through corporate volunteering, in-kind support and fundraising.More information www.bit.ly/424g7lw

Finecast welcomes UK industry stakeholders

Finecast, a West Sussex-based precision casting and machining specialist, opened its doors to a diverse delegation last month to address one of the most pressing challenges facing UK manufacturing today: the future of the domestic casting industry. Delegates comprised members of the Worshipful Company of Founders, a historic livery company dedicated to supporting and promoting the modern metals and casting industries. Also attending the event were industry leaders, academics, engineers and apprentices. 

The day began with an informal roundtable discussion, followed by a behind-the-scenes tour of Finecast’s advanced foundry and machine shop. Finecast has recently invested £2m in its machine shop capabilities and is in the process of achieving NADCAP accreditation.

The company also employs advanced inspection technologies such as GOM optical 3D metrology systems for precise geometric measurement.

More information www.finecast.co.uk

Two new automotive contracts secured by Brandauer

Brandauer has secured two major automotive contracts, reinforcing its strategy to evolve into a long-term engineering partner for global clients. The Birmingham-based manufacturer, which recently completed a management buy-out, is now working with Ford Motor Company and a leading Eastern European tier one supplier on projects focused on electrification.

Both collaborations highlight Brandauer’s shift towards early-stage engagement, offering consultancy and design for manufacturing support before progressing through tooling, production and automation to full-scale volume output. This end-to-end approach aligns with the company’s growth ambitions and its target of reaching £12m in revenue by 2029.

Chief executive Rowan Crozier says the business is transitioning from a traditional stamping specialist into a full-service precision engineering partner capable of supporting customers from concept through to high-volume global supply. He notes that automotive remains a key sector, particularly as electrification drives demand for increasingly advanced and precise components.

A milestone within the Ford project sees Brandauer manufacturing a lamination progression tool exceeding 2500 mm in diameter for the first time. The solution incorporates integrated automation to stamp, bond, stack and skew thin-gauge laminations for electric vehicle applications, demonstrating new approaches to motor production. The company has supported the programme with design validation, prototyping and process expertise, with full tool manufacture now underway.

The second contract follows a similar model, centred on the development of a fully automated production line featuring multiple high-performance tools to maximise efficiency and tolerance control.

Together, these projects underline Brandauer’s expanding capabilities and its commitment to delivering integrated engineering solutions, supported by ongoing investment in skills, technology and quality standards.

More information www.brandauer.co.uk