UK NEWS

Rolls-Royce Site Expands

Rolls-Royce Submarines has officially broken ground and started foundational work on its new manufacturing facility as part of plans to double the size of its entire Raynesway site in Derby. This expansion activity will help meet the increased demand from the UK and Australian Royal Navies to boost manufacturing output for current and future submarine programmes. It will see the construction of over 100,000 m² of new manufacturing and office facilities and the creation of 1170 skilled roles across a range of disciplines, including manufacturing and engineering.

More information www.rolls-royce.com

At Least Six New Warships To Be Built For Royal Navy

At least six new warships will be built for the Royal Navy under the Defence Investment Plan, delivering the UK’s most advanced maritime air defence capability and keeping British shipyards working for decades to come. The Common Combat Vessel (CCV) will replace the current fleet of six Type 45 destroyers, with delivery expected from the early 2030s. Unlike its predecessors, the British-built CCV will act as a control hub for uncrewed systems, extending the Navy’s reach, resilience and firepower without a proportional increase in crew or cost. More information www.gov.uk

Vocational Celebration Day To Salutes UK’s Young

TV host and former Black+Decker apprentice Steph McGovern is set to host the UK’s first Vocational Celebration Day on 6 August 2026. The new initiative, powered by the former Sector Skills Council Enginuity and awarding organisation EAL, is designed to shine a spotlight on the important 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.

More information www.enginuity.org/vocational-celebration-day

Pulling a Historic Steam Locomotive For Charity

Alstom, a global specialist in smart and sustainable mobility, is celebrating after one of its depot teams successfully completed a unique charity challenge earlier this month by pulling a 25‑tonne historic steam locomotive entirely by hand at Didcot Railway Centre. A total of 16 colleagues based at Great Western Railway’s Reading Depot pulled No. 1340 Trojan, built in 1897, along a 250 m stretch of track continuously for an hour.

Clocking up 1500 m, the test of endurance raised vital funds for Variety, the Children’s Charity as the team were cheered on by visitors to the Oxfordshire railway museum. ‘Pulling with Purpose: The Steam Locomotive Challenge’ was the brainchild of Che McCarthy, project supply chain leader at Alstom: “We’ve brought together colleagues, partners and the public to support Variety, and that’s something we’re really proud of.”Donate at www.tinyurl.com/4kwwt2z6

Dan Thombs Named CEO At Automate UK

Automate UK has appointed Dan Thombs as its new CEO, tasked with accelerating the organisation’s reach and impact across the complete industrial ecosystem. He succeeds Peter Williamson, who has taken on the role of policy director further to reaching the end of his term. Thombs brings 30 years of experience in automation and advanced manufacturing to the role. As a neutral, not-for-profit organisation, Automate UK has no vested or commercial interest of its own.

“Our ambition is to make Automate UK the leading force for automation adoption, helping manufacturers unlock productivity, competitiveness and sustainable growth,” he says. “Through stronger collaboration between technology providers, integrators and end users, we can drive innovation that benefits manufacturing in the UK and beyond.”

More information www.automate-uk.com