The EIA, now part of the MTA, has announced the sad passing of its former president Sir Ronald Halstead CBE, at 94 years of age. Sir Ronald led the EIA for over 25 years and had a distinguished career. He gained a CBE in 1976, followed by a knighthood in 1985. In its statement, the EIA says that Sir Ronald will always be remembered for his outspoken views and contribution to industry, especially his lobbying on behalf of SME companies in the engineering sector during his later years. He is survived by two sons, Andrew and Richard.

For further information
www.eia.co.uk

Pioneering graduates from a new East Midlands Institute of Technology (IoT) would lead the UK’s green and digital revolution, and form the beating heart of the country’s post-pandemic recovery. Loughborough University, the University of Derby, Loughborough College and the Derby College Group (DCG) have joined forces on a £13m plan to create the highly advanced workforce needed to lead the digital revolution – otherwise known as Industry 4.0. The East Midlands IoT would focus on levelling up the critical engineering, manufacturing and digital skills needed by employers to address the engineering challenges of clean growth.

For further information www.lboro.ac.uk

The Manufacturing Technologies Association’s Technology, Design and Innovation (TDI) Challenge competition for secondary school entrepreneurial STEM students has once again showcased the skills and imagination of the UK’s young engineers. This year, first place went to Ella Freeman from Henrietta Barnett School in London with her recyclable modular mobility aid for those needing support or rehabilitation. The device benefits users because it is three products in one; easily transforming from a walking frame into crutches or a walking stick, depending on user needs and how they may change over time.

For further information www.mta.org.uk/tdi

IES, a global provider of machine moving services, logistics and project management in high technology industries, is celebrating its 30th year of operations. Founded in 1991 by a small team, IES now employs over 70 skilled staff at its 30,000 sq ft facility in Bristol. Since its inception, IES has continued to grow year-on-year, ending its 2020/21 financial year positively despite a turbulent 12 months for all.

Evolving alongside technology trends, IES specialises in the decommissioning, relocation and recommissioning of complex equipment and production lines, as well as complete factory moves. IES also re-engineers, maintains and upgrades machinery in the UK and worldwide, and is a provider of compliance assessment and testing for CE Marking, UKCA Marking and low-voltage electromagnetic compatibility, along with Machinery Directive work.

For further information
www.ies.co.uk

In a survey carried out by the Safety and Health Engineering Partnership (SHEP), 84% of respondents stated that the pandemic has made them more aware of how virus, bacteria and other particles transmit through the air, with 70% advising that Covid-19 has made them more mindful of the dangers of airborne particles.

“What is worrying is the fact that 27% of responses said that their employer does not provide training on how to use control measures, while 21% admitted that their local exhaust ventilation [LEV] systems are tested by a competent person less than once every 14 months,” says SHEP chairman Chris Buxton, CEO of the British Fluid Power Association (BFPA). “Providing controls is a great start, but if operatives do not understand how to use them, they may have little impact. LEV is widely regarded as the most effective control for airborne particles and COSHH regulations require a minimum testing frequency of 14 months, which means that many UK manufacturers are potentially still not adhering to this requirement.”

For further information www.shepuk.co.uk.