UK NEWS

BAE invests in start-up

BAE Systems has made a strategic investment in Oxford Dynamics, a UK-based deep-tech start-up specialising in AI and robotics, as part of its ongoing drive to identify and harness innovative technologies for rapid deployment. The collaboration will see BAE Systems combine its defence and security knowledge with Oxford Dynamics’ AI-driven data expertise to explore ways to deliver next-generation advantages to the UK and its allies across all domains of the modern battlespace; air, land, sea, space and cyber. The first stage of this work will embed the company’s AI technology into BAE Systems’ Prophesea platformMore information www.baesystems.com/digital 

Specialists drive growth

Expanding aerospace leader Airframe Designs has bolstered and expanded its senior team as it continues its growth journey in producing complex products for the aviation industry and related sectors worldwide. Phillip le Mottee has been appointed from Marshall Aerospace and Defence Group as the head of structures at the Blackpool-based company while Tom Baynes takes up the role of deputy head of design supporting head of design Chris Fleet. Martin Stones has been appointed design team leader and Paul Burrow has been recruited as senior designer and checker.

More information www.airframedesigns.com

Unison Ltd appoints UK sales manager

Unison Ltd, a UK-based pioneer in high-precision all-electric tube manipulation, has promoted Luke Gibson to the position of UK sales manager. Previously a sales applications engineer at Unison, Gibson joined the business in August 2022. Sales director Steve Chambers says: “In the three years since he joined our business, Luke has more than proved himself, initially applying his considerable skills to developing our tooling division and more recently becoming involved in machine sales. He is a real asset to the business and its future growth.”

More information www.unisonltd.com

Sarah Champion MP visits Productive Machines

Sarah Champion, MP for Rotherham, visited the offices of Productive Machines recently to learn about the company’s transformative impact on UK manufacturing. During her visit, she had the opportunity to experience first-hand the capabilities of Productive Machines’ flagship product, SenseNC, an autonomous milling optimisation software. The visit included a demonstration of the company’s ‘tap testing’ process, which is said to optimise machining operations and eliminate costly inefficiencies. Alex Cotton from AML Sheffield, an aerospace manufacturer and key customer of Productive Machines, also supported the visit.

More information www.productivemachines.co.uk

Bridge Engineers Set to Fast Track Growth

A company that has helped deliver some of the UK’s most high-profile bridge infrastructure projects has raised almost £1.4m in debt funding to support its further growth. The funding for EKSPAN is the largest loan to date from NPIF II – Mercia Debt Finance. The Sheffield-based business now plans to expand its capabilities and increase turnover by 50% in the next three years.

Max Angerer, managing director of EKSPAN, says: “This support from NPIF II will allow us to accelerate our growth plans, expand our capabilities here in Sheffield and strengthen our position as the leading independent bridge engineering specialist in the north. Our goal is to increase turnover and continue delivering some of the UK’s most challenging and innovative bridge projects.”

More information www.mercia.co.uk