UK NEWS

£13m nuclear programme

The University of Manchester has been awarded a major grant to lead a new programme that will transform the lifecycle of graphite in nuclear energy. The five-year ENLIGHT programme (Enabling a Lifecycle Approach to Graphite for Advanced Modular Reactors) will develop critical technologies to support the deployment of next-generation nuclear energy technology and address two of the UK’s most pressing nuclear challenges: securing a sustainable, sovereign supply of nuclear graphite; and finding solutions to manage the country’s growing volume of irradiated graphite waste.

More information www.manchester.ac.uk

New Vocational Celebration Day launched

The UK skills sector is to hold an annual Vocational Celebration Day, a new initiative designed to shine a spotlight on the vital contributions of vocational training and skilled trades to the nation’s prosperity. The day, set to be observed every year on the first Thursday of August, honours those whose passion, expertise and dedication in vocational fields form the backbone of the UK’s economy and society. Devised and driven by former Sector Skills Council Enginuity and awarding organisation EAL, the first Vocational Celebration Day will take place on Thursday 6 August 2026.

More information https://enginuity.org/

UK Battery Manufacturing Training

Helping to bridge a national skills gap that is challenging manufacturers, Atlas Copco Tools and Industrial Assembly Solutions is actively supporting a new training initiative for advanced battery manufacturing, which is the UK’s first fully accredited and industry-backed programme.

Launched by University College Birmingham, in partnership with City & Guilds and Innovate UK, the Battery Manufacturing Skills Pathway (B-MSP) is the first of its kind to be developed with the direct involvement of industry, to tackle a critical skills deficit in UK battery manufacturing. From day one, B-MSP students interact with live production equipment used in gigafactories and the broader supply chain, building their capabilities, confidence and workforce readiness.

More information www.atlascopco.com/en-uk/itba

40 years of engineering innovation at EMS

Electro Mechanical Systems (EMS), a UK-based distributor and manufacturer of precision drive solutions, is marking its 40th anniversary. Founded in Berkshire in 1985 by two employees, the company has since grown to 90 team members. Today, EMS has eight motor and actuation partners and is the sole UK and Ireland distributor of precision micro-motor manufacturer, Faulhaber. Housing 80 highly skilled workers, the site includes precision CNC gear cutting, multi-axis milling and turning, fixed- and sliding-head lathes, 3D printing, and in-house design, testing and assembly services.

More information www.ems-limited.co.uk

Whitehouse Names Business Development Manager

Whitehouse Machine Tools, a supplier of CNC production solutions to manufacturers in the UK and Ireland, has expanded its national sales team with the appointment of Owen Gibbons. As business development manager, Gibbons will be responsible for supporting customers across the southeast of England. 

With a strong technical background and a proven track record in engineering, Gibbons has spent virtually his entire career in the machine tool industry. Known for his personable approach and deep understanding of customer needs, he is set to play a pivotal role in strengthening relationships, helping customers identify the right equipment for their production challenges, and driving business growth in the region.

More information www.wmtcnc.com