UK NEWS

Experience adds value at XYZ

A recent run of long-service awards at XYZ Machine Tools highlights the value of people to a successful business. Out of the 80 employees at XYZ, 30 of them have a combined service of almost 500 years. “Our philosophy has always been that when a customer commits to buying from XYZ, we commit to supporting that customer,” says Nigel Atherton, managing director. “This support ranges from our applications and training teams, which get customers up and running, through to the free programming helpline for users of our ProtoTrak and Siemens controlled machines, as well as the spares and service back-up that we provide with our nationwide team of engineers.”

Recognising that the pool of skilled machine tool builders was getting smaller, XYZ implemented a training plan two years ago that has seen a number of new recruits join the business, including several apprentices who will eventually take up the mantle of applications, programming support and service engineers over the next 10, 20, 30 years.
For further information www.xyzmachinetools.com

Online MAS helpdesk

Made in the Midlands has launched the Manufacturing Advisory Service (MAS) as a dedicated online helpdesk and signposting service to support Britain’s manufacturing industry. The launch event was attended by over 150 Midlands manufactures. MAS was initially a Government initiative that was introduced as part of the Business Growth Service (BGS). However, in 2015 the service was ended as a result of funding cuts — much to the dismay of businesses and entrepreneurs. With the launch of the MAS helpdesk, Made in the Midlands hopes to create something that lasts and evolves. “This is the business community showing leadership,” says Jason Pitt, chief executive of Made in the Midlands. “At times of political uncertainty, as we have seen in recent years, this is vital. The UK’s industrial strategy needs to be strengthened, and businesses need to
lead the way and help the sector grow.”

For further information www.manufacturingadvisoryservice.com

Semta Skills Awards

An industry-backed set of engineering awards is now open for nominations – and the body responsible is urging talented individuals and companies to put themselves forward to be in with a chance of winning. Semta has been running its annual Skills Awards for five years. The 2018 awards – which will be hosted by BBC journalist, presenter and former Young Engineer for Britain, Steph McGovern – will take place on 1 March at the Park Plaza Westminster Bridge in London, with entries open until 30 November. Over 500 people attended the 2017 awards ceremony, including senior names from industry and politics.

For further information http://semta.org.uk/skillsawards

ActOn appoints Master Abrasives

Master Abrasives has been appointed as an official agent for the range of vibratory finishing machines manufactured in the UK by ActOn Finishing. Companies looking to introduce mass finishing to their manufacturing process can now turn to Master Abrasives for complete solutions and applications advice, whether the process is deburring, descaling, cleaning, polishing or superfinishing. Vibratory finishing machines are available as bowls, troughs, duals and dryers, each with their own advantages. ActOn machines are built with a wear-resistant polyurethane lining to prevent damage and keep maintenance costs low.

For further information www.master-abrasives.co.uk

Barometer highlights free trade hopes

SME manufacturers have underlined their hopes for a free trade arrangement with the EU following Brexit, according to the latest National Manufacturing Barometer. The quarterly survey, which questioned 331 industry leaders, asked SMEs to share their concerns about leaving the EU. Maintaining a free trade arrangement was cited as a key priority by around 50% of respondents, as well as the need for the government to move more quickly through the negotiation process.

Conducted by SWMAS (part of the Exelin Group) in partnership with Economic Growth Solutions (EGS), the survey also asked about the impact of the Brexit process on business to date. Worryingly, 41% of manufacturers said it had already had a negative impact, while 47% anticipate that business conditions will get even tougher once the UK leaves the EU.
For further information www.swmas.co.uk