Three of our apprentices started at Reagit this week

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At Warren, we’re proud to support the next generation of engineering talent. This week, three of our promising apprentices, Alfie McElvogue, Tadas Difartas, and Reino Monument, have started their six weeks of study at Reagit in Norwich. This marks the first step in their journey towards achieving their Level 2 Engineering Operative qualification.

During their time at Reagit, Alfie, Tadas, and Reino are gaining essential theoretical knowledge and hands-on skills that will form the foundation of their careers in manufacturing and engineering. After completing this intensive study period, they’ll return to Warren to begin their factory rotations, where they’ll apply what they’ve learned in a real-world setting.

We’re excited to watch these apprentices grow and develop their expertise, and we’re confident they’ll become invaluable members of the Warren team. Supporting apprenticeships is a key part of our commitment to nurturing talent and helping shape the future of engineering.

Discover the XR Lab at West Suffolk College: Revolutionising Engineering Education

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At Warren, we are proud to support the groundbreaking advancements in engineering education made possible by the new XR Lab at West Suffolk College. This state-of-the-art facility, the first of its kind within an educational institution, is dedicated to educating the next generation of engineers—something we passionately believe in.

To showcase this remarkable facility, Richard Bridgman, the Owner and Founder of Warren and its holding company Rawner, has been collaborating with West Suffolk College for many years. Richard commissioned this in-depth video (below) with MTDCNC about the XR Lab, highlighting how the lab is revolutionising engineering education and providing a glimpse into the future of immersive learning.

What is the XR Lab?
The XR Lab combines the latest in virtual, augmented, and mixed reality technologies, creating a dynamic and immersive environment for learning. This purpose-built facility offers students unparalleled access to cutting-edge technologies, providing an innovative space where theoretical knowledge meets practical application.

Why you should check out the XR Lab
If you’re an aspiring engineer or considering a career in the manufacturing industry, the XR Lab is a must-see. Specialising in Virtual Reality (VR), Augmented Reality (AR), and Mixed Reality (MR) with integrated Artificial Intelligence (AI), the XR Lab bridges the gap between education and industry. By embracing a hands-on approach, it equips students with the skills and experience needed to excel in practical engineering roles.

Supporting the future of engineering
At Warren, we recognise the importance of preparing students for the future. The XR Lab at West Suffolk College is a prime example of how innovative educational tools can transform learning experiences and better prepare students for the challenges of the engineering and manufacturing sectors.

Explore the XR Lab and see how this revolutionary facility is shaping the engineers of tomorrow. Join us in supporting this exciting venture and discover how immersive technology can enhance your educational journey.

Social Saturday: A Night of Fun and Camaraderie

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At Warren Services, we believe that building strong team bonds is (almost!) as important as our engineering and manufacturing projects. This belief was in full swing on Saturday, 8th June, during our latest social night out in Norwich.

Thirteen of us gathered at the Riverside in Norwich for an evening of drinks and crazy golf. The night kicked off with everyone eager to showcase their golfing skills—or at least try to! The friendly competition soon took a hilarious turn, and by the 10th hole, the game had become more about fun than finding a winner.

Laughter, conversations, and perhaps a few too many drinks defined the evening. It was a wonderful opportunity for everyone to relax, unwind, and strengthen the personal connections that contribute to our collaborative work environment.

Our next social night out is on Saturday, 7th September. We look forward to another evening of laughing, games, and great company. Here’s to more memorable nights with the Warren Services family!

Subcon 2024: A Showcase of Subcontract Engineering Excellence

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With over 150 subcontract engineering firms exhibiting at this year’s SUBCON show, the event was bustling with activity. Representing Warren Services, Sophie Hall, our Business Development Manager attended Subcon 2024 to gauge the event’s impact and determine its potential value for future participation.

Here’s what she said about it…

“From an attendee perspective, Subcon is exceptionally well-organised. Held at the NEC in Birmingham, the event was easy to access, with ample parking and efficient shuttle services from the car park to the main arena. Arriving at the opening allowed for an early exploration before the venue became crowded, providing an opportunity to take in the extensive exhibits and network with industry peers.”

Subcon is scheduled alongside other significant shows such as Air Tech, Drives and Controls, Fluid Power & Systems, Smart Manufacturing, and TCT. This convergence attracts a diverse crowd from various engineering disciplines, enhancing the event’s appeal.

One of the standout features of Subcon is the buyers’ lounge, designed to facilitate meetings with buyers throughout the two-day event. This dedicated space underscores the show’s focus on fostering business connections and creating opportunities for collaboration.

In addition to networking, Subcon hosts numerous speaker events throughout the day, covering a wide range of industry topics, for instance, the latest advancements in technology or exploring new manufacturing processes, the speaker events provide insightful and engaging content for all.

Subcon is a vibrant and engaging environment and Warren Services will undoubtedly consider visiting future Subcon shows, recognising the immense value it brings to our ongoing journey of growth and innovation.

Celebrating a Decade of Dedication: Nick Claydon’s Journey at Warren Services

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In the fast-paced world of engineering and manufacturing, milestones often go unnoticed amid the daily hustle of innovation and production. However, when an individual’s contributions significantly shape a company’s journey, it’s important to pause and celebrate. Today, we honour Nick Claydon, who has dedicated ten years of service to Warren Services.

Nick’s journey with Warren Services began a decade ago when he joined as an apprentice in the newly formed Automation and Controls Department. Fresh from West Suffolk College with an HND in Electrical Engineering, Nick dove headfirst into the world of automation, bringing fresh perspectives and eager enthusiasm.

From the outset, Nick’s work demonstrated exceptional quality. His very first controls panel was a testament to his meticulous nature and commitment to excellence. Over the years, this high standard has been the hallmark of all his projects, earning him a reputation for reliability and precision.

Throughout his career at Warren Services, Nick has contributed to a wide array of projects spanning various industries. His versatility is evident from his involvement in sectors ranging from the print industry to the stage industry. Two projects highlight the breadth of his expertise: the innovative PaveGen project and the complex swimming pool moving floor project.

 

The PaveGen project, renowned for its sustainability focus, involves generating electricity from footsteps. Nick’s work on this project showed his ability to merge cutting-edge technology with practical engineering solutions. Similarly, the swimming pool moving floor project displayed his capacity to tackle unconventional challenges, ensuring the seamless integration of advanced controls in dynamic environments.

Beyond his technical skills, Nick is known for his positive attitude and resilience under pressure. These qualities have made him an invaluable team member. His ability to remain calm and resourceful during challenges has earned him accolades from both colleagues and customers.

Customers frequently commend Nick for his approachability and expertise.

As Nick celebrates this significant milestone, he steps into a new role as the Technical Department Supervisor. In this capacity, he is now responsible for guiding the next generation of apprentices and team members. His transition into this leadership role is a natural progression, reflecting his understanding of the company’s operations and his ability to inspire and lead others.

As we celebrate Nick’s ten years at Warren Services, we extend our gratitude for his unwavering dedication and exceptional contributions. Nick, thank you for the first ten years. Your efforts have not only shaped the success of our projects but have also set a standard for excellence that inspires us all. We look forward to the next decade.

A Milestone in Our Journey Towards Innovation and Sustainability

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At Warren, we are thrilled to share the latest development in our ongoing commitment to innovation and sustainability. We recently had the honour of welcoming Chris Starkie from Norfolk County Council (NCC) to officially open our new laser cell. This event marks a significant milestone in our company’s history and showcases the collaborative efforts that drive progress in our industry.

A major investment in cutting-edge technology

The new laser cell represents Warren’s largest single investment to date, totaling £1.5 million. The project has been a long-term vision brought to reality, and it is only through the generous support of Norfolk County Council’s grant of £100,000 that we were able to achieve this ambitious goal.

Partnership with Norfolk County Council

Our collaboration with NCC has been instrumental in the realisation of this project. As part of our application for the grant, we worked closely with NCC on a comprehensive decarbonisation plan. This plan not only justified our investment but also aligned with our commitment to sustainable practices.

Creating jobs and opportunities

The benefits of this investment extend beyond technological advancements. We are proud to announce that the establishment of the new laser cell has already enabled us to employ seven new staff members. Among these are four apprentices, who represent the future of our industry. By providing these young professionals with the opportunity to learn and grow within our company, we are investing in the next generation of engineering talent.

Supporting the transition to Net Zero

This project is part-funded by Norfolk County Council through the Business Transition to Net Zero Scheme. This initiative is designed to support businesses in their efforts to reduce carbon emissions and transition to more sustainable operations. At Warren, we are committed to playing our part in this vital global effort.

You can learn more about the Business Transition to Net Zero Scheme and how it supports businesses like ours in achieving sustainability goals. For more information, please visit this link.

Thank you to Chris Starkie and Norfolk County Council for their invaluable support.

Achieving Cyber Essentials Certification

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In an era where digital threats are increasingly sophisticated and prevalent, cybersecurity has become a top priority for organisations across the globe. We continue to bolster our cybersecurity defences by updating our Cyber Essentials certification.

View our certificate here.

This government-backed scheme is designed to protect organisations from a wide range of the most common cyber attacks, ensuring the safety and security of their data and operations.

The Importance of Cyber Essentials Certification

The Cyber Essentials certification is a crucial benchmark for any organisation committed to safeguarding its digital infrastructure. Backed by the UK Government, this certification provides a robust framework to protect against the majority of cyber threats. It serves as a testament to Warren proactive stance against cyber attacks, demonstrating to customers, investors, insurers, and other stakeholders that the company has implemented essential cybersecurity measures.

According to the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC), undertaking the Cyber Essentials certification process and implementing even one of the five required controls can protect businesses from around 80% of common cyber attacks. These controls include:

  1. Firewalls – Ensuring robust protection from unauthorised access.
  2. Secure Configuration – Maintaining security settings on devices and software.
  3. User Access Control – Managing who can access data and services.
  4. Malware Protection – Safeguarding against malicious software.
  5. Patch Management – Keeping software and devices up-to-date.

The Benefits of Cyber Essentials Certification

Achieving the Cyber Essentials certification brings several key benefits to Warren:

  1. Customer reassurance: customers can be confident that Warren is dedicated to securing its IT infrastructure against cyber attacks. This reassurance fosters trust and strengthens client relationships.
  2. Attracting new business: in an increasingly security-conscious market, having Cyber Essentials certification sets Warren apart. It signals to potential clients that the company prioritises cybersecurity, making it a more attractive business partner.
  3. Clear cybersecurity picture: the certification process provides a clear understanding of the company’s cybersecurity level, highlighting strengths and areas for improvement. this insight is invaluable for continuous improvement and long-term security strategy.
  4. Government contract eligibility: certain government contracts require Cyber Essentials certification. By achieving this certification, Warren is now eligible to bid for and secure these contracts, opening up new avenues for growth and expansion.

A Commitment to excellence and security

Warren has always been committed to excellence, and this underscores our dedication to maintaining the highest standards in all aspects of our operations.

Holly’s Work Experience Journey

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We are excited to welcome Holly to the Warren Engineering team for a dynamic 10-week work experience programme. From the moment she joined us, Holly has been eagerly engaging with different aspects of our operations, showing an impressive eagerness to learn and contribute.

Holly’s enthusiasm for understanding the intricacies of our business is evident. She’s spending time with various teams, gaining insights into each department’s role within the company. This shadowing experience is designed to provide Holly with a comprehensive understanding of how our operations mesh together to create seamless outcomes.

Holly’s work experience goes beyond observation—she’s a hands-on participant in our core activities. From assisting in client meetings to handling data analysis with spreadsheets, she’s becoming an integral part of our daily processes. Her proactive approach not only enhances her learning experience but also brings fresh perspectives to our tasks.

We are thrilled to see Holly’s rapid development and are confident that her time with us will be filled with valuable experiences and growth.

Welcoming the Future: Warren’s New Apprentices for 2024

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Warren is thrilled to announce the selection of four individuals who will embark on an exciting journey as our newest apprentices. This year’s recruitment process has been particularly noteworthy, with a significant increase in applications compared to previous years, signalling a growing interest in the opportunities we offer.

Our approach to recruiting apprentices involves more than just selecting candidates; it’s about nurturing potential and providing opportunities for growth and development. This year, we are proud to have supported six work placements during the Easter break, allowing aspiring individuals to gain firsthand experience and insight into the world of manufacturing.

One of the key factors contributing to the surge in applications is the impactful involvement of two of our current apprentices, Jed and Ali. Their dedication to engaging with Year 11 students during DT lessons has significantly raised awareness about Warren and the diverse range of opportunities available within our organisation. Their enthusiasm and commitment have not only inspired prospective apprentices but also strengthened our connection with the local community.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to all those who have been involved in the work placement process, including our HR Director, Estee, and especially Ali, whose exceptional efforts have made a significant difference. Their dedication and support have been instrumental in providing valuable experiences for aspiring individuals and shaping the future of our workforce.

After careful consideration and evaluation, we are thrilled to announce that offers will be extended to four exceptional individuals who have demonstrated the potential and passion to thrive in our dynamic environment. These apprentices will join our team in September 2024.

At Warren, we recognise the importance of investing in the next generation of talent and providing opportunities for individuals to realise their full potential. As we welcome our new apprentices, we are committed to providing them with the support, guidance, and resources they need to succeed, both personally and professionally.

Congratulations to our new apprentices, and welcome to the Warren family!

Warren Services Showcases Innovation and Support at Thetford Academy Careers Event

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We made an heroic impression at the Thetford Academy Careers event held on Friday, March 22nd. Our brand-new promotional stand, accompanied by Estee and two former apprentices, stood out among numerous local businesses and training providers attending the event.

The Thetford Academy Careers event drew enthusiastic participation from young people, eager to explore various career opportunities. Warren proudly supported this initiative, engaging with students who showed immense interest in our offerings.

A highlight was our Lego challenge, which this time was to create an electric vehicle along with EV charger – quite fitting as it resonates with our commitment to sustainability, reflected in their electric fleet of vehicles.

Our new stand got attention for its striking design and drew positive feedback from the attendees. The inclusion of the Lego superhero on the display stand added an extra dimension of excitement, sparking the imaginations of young attendees and reinforcing the company’s commitment to innovation and engagement.

We will be using the stand again at our upcoming Open Evening for parents and students on Wednesday, March 27th.