UK NEWS

Supplychain resilience

Digital Catapult has named five start-ups that will join its accelerator programme to improve industrial supply chain resilience in the defence industry and drive the practical application of deep-tech innovation. Dataline Labs, CamyPro and Technia will work to address the Technical Data Packs (TDP)-Digital Inventory Connectors challenge, developing software solutions to extract and standardise metadata from PLM systems, whileVistory Group and Quaisr will tackle the Federated Digital Inventory challenge to develop a unified, permissioned platform to view and share technical data across the entire supply chain. 

More information www.digitalcatapult.org.uk

Shepley Spring boosts efficiency and safety

Huddersfield-based Shepley Spring has transformed efficiency and improved safety with the support of improved factory access. The company appointed Tadweld, an expert UK steelwork and safe access supplier, to complete a series of bespoke solutions and structural steel modifications that included staircases, platforms and conveyor crossovers at its 16,000 sqft factory.Tadweld addressed complex challenges,such as operating in highly confined and irregular spaces, and adapting existing structure to include cutting and relocating overhanging steel supports to accommodate new platforms.

More information www.tadweld.co.uk

Did Budget herald new dawn for investment?

There has been a fair bit of uncertainty around the UK’s financial landscape of late, but amid everything, therecent Budget has actually delivered something many business owners have been waiting a long time for, at least according to Rory Crisp-Jones of Jones & Co Finance. After two years of economic hesitation, SMEs finally have a more predictable fiscal landscape and with it, a genuine incentive to invest.

A steady corporation tax rate, improved capital allowances, and renewed support for growth, innovation and skills gives UK businesses reasons to be cautiously optimistic. According to a  survey by Barclays, while many firms paused investment ahead of the Budget, 42% agree it has given them a clear and stable direction for future plans, while 38% of businessesthat delayed investment until the Budget now plan to increase it.

More information https://jonesandcofinance.com/

Hurco Increases Turnover By 5%

Machine tool supplier Hurco Europe, which has its headquarters in High Wycombe, says the company increased turnover by more than 5% over its current financial year compared with the previous 12 months. Total revenue exceeded £25m. Hurcoreports that machine tool sales to subcontractors serving the aerospace, defence and motorsport sectors held up well in 2025 and continue to do so.

More than a third of machining centre and CNC lathe sales were secured from first-time buyers of theHurco brand, rather than existing users. The company says this proportion remains remarkably consistent from year to year, enabling Hurcoto maintain its strong position and increase market share in the UK and Ireland. The business also reports growing demand for refurbished preowned Hurco machines.More information www.hurco.com

Engineering firms back STEM competition

Not-for-profit organisation EngineeringUK says Thales will join Siemens as a key supporter for top awards at the next Big Bang UK Young Scientists & Engineers Competition. A global specialist in advanced technologies, Thales will support the UK Young Engineer of the Year award for the first time, while Siemens will return to support the UK Young Technologist of the Year award. The Big Bang Competition invites students aged 11 to 18 from state-funded schools, home education or community groups to enter a STEM project. All participants receive feedback from STEM professionals to help them learn and improve their skills.

More information www.bit.ly/48NjrVc