A Milestone in Our Journey Towards Innovation and Sustainability

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

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

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

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

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.

Celebrating Success: the Reagit Open Event

It was a pleasure to take part in the first official Swarm REAGIT open day.

Here is what Swarm REAGIT had to say about the event:

Thank you so much to everyone who took part in the first official Swarm REAGIT open day!!!!

We were overwhelmed by the attendance and support of so many phenomenal local and national businesses, to our guest supporters and guest speakers who helped the day run without a hitch!! With more than 50 guests through the doors who were all greeted by our apprentices, treated to coffee by Richard Norman of Mad About Coffee Ltd and challenged by Sophie Harris from Miganglia Ltd on the virtual welder, we managed to raise over £105 for Big C Cancer Charity.

Thank you to all of the apprentices who attended on their ‘non-college’ days to be part of the event, thank you to the 17 members of Swarm REAGIT, Swarm Training and Swarm Recruitment staff who worked so hard all day with teaching and hosting, thank you to the guests speakers – Sophie Harris from Miganglia Ltd, Katy Dorman from Apprenticeships Norfolk and Will Bridgman from Warren, and to the 56 guests that passed through the centre today!

We are absolutely blown away from the feedback that we received and so many things we have taken away from the event to follow up on!

Without your support we would never have got this far and we thank you for being part of our journey!

Estee Ross Clinches Norfolk Apprenticeships Award for Mentor / Manager of the Year!

In a proud moment for Warren, Estee Ross, our HR Director, was honoured with the prestigious Norfolk Apprenticeships award for Mentor/Manager of the year! The accolade was presented to her on Wednesday night, the 7th of February, at a grand ceremony held at The Assembly House in Norwich.

The event, which witnessed a remarkable turnout, saw attendees from various sectors, all gathered to celebrate excellence in in all things apprenticeship. Adding a delicious touch to the occasion, catering was thoughtfully provided by the commis chef apprentices from City College in Norwich, further highlighting the collaborative spirit of the apprenticeship community.

Estee’s award was sponsored by Investors in People and represented by Lord Mayor of Norwich, Cllr James Wright, the attendees recognised Estee Ross’s outstanding contributions to mentoring and guiding apprentices.

Apprenticeships Norfolk have lauded Estee’s dedication and hard work and have said. “Mentoring an apprentice takes dedication and hard work, and Estee has shown not only this, but has also pushed her own boundaries, all whilst mentoring 12 apprentices! From the never-ending support of those on-programme and incredible quotes from apprentices, to working with the local community offering pre-apprenticeship work experience. Estee really embodies being a champion of apprenticeships. Well done Estee!”

In response to the recognition, Estee expressed gratitude and emphasised the importance of nurturing talent and fostering growth within the workforce: “Receiving this award is a tremendous honour, and I am truly humbled by the recognition,” said Estee Ross. “Mentoring apprentices has been an immensely rewarding experience, and I look forward to continuing to support and inspire young talents in their journey towards excellence.”

Warren extends heartfelt congratulations to Estee Ross for this well-deserved achievement, reflecting the company’s steadfast commitment to mentorship, innovation, and excellence in the manufacturing sector.

Congratulations Estee on your well-deserved award!

Adam Wheatley – Celebrating 20 years’ service at Warren

At Warren, we take immense pride in our team members who contribute to our success and growth. We are thrilled to celebrate a remarkable milestone as Adam Wheatley marks two decades of dedicated service with our company.

Adam’s journey here at Warren began as an apprentice, where his passion for the manufacturing industry and commitment to excellence quickly set him apart. Over the years, he has exhibited unwavering loyalty and has become a trusted pillar of our organisation. From the shop floor to his current role as the factory manager, Adam has been instrumental in shaping our success.

We are delighted to honour Adam with a special recognition gift. In a heartfelt ceremony, Will, our Managing Director, expressed gratitude for Adam’s exceptional service and presented him with a token of appreciation.

Will, speaking about Adam’s journey, said, “Adam’s story is a testament to the values we hold dear at Warren Manufacturing – hard work, dedication, and continuous growth. His progression from an apprentice to the factory manager is a source of inspiration for all of us. Adam’s journey exemplifies the opportunities for career development and advancement that we strive to provide for our team members.”

Congratulations Adam, on this incredible milestone! Here’s to 20 years of excellence and many more years of success with Warren.

 

Congratulations, Ali!

We are thrilled to share some exciting news that unfolded on 15th January, as we proudly presented Alistair with his well-deserved apprenticeship certificate. The culmination of hard work, dedication, and unwavering commitment, this moment marked the completion of Ali’s comprehensive training programme, including the successful conclusion of his end-point assessment.

Congratulations, Ali!

Completing an apprenticeship is no small feat, and we couldn’t be prouder of Alistair for conquering every challenge that came his way. It’s been a journey filled with learning, growth, and, undoubtedly, a few hurdles. However, Ali’s perseverance and determination have shone through, proving that hard work truly pays off.

Here’s to Alistair, to new beginnings, and to the bright future that lies ahead for our remarkable team at Warren Manufacturing. Congratulations once again, Ali!