Will Bridgman announced as Chair of EEIN

/in , ,

We’re proud to share some fantastic news from the Warren Services team – our Managing Director, Will Bridgman, has been appointed as Chair of the EAL Engineering Industry Network (EEIN).

Will’s appointment is a reflection of his longstanding commitment to training, apprenticeships and education in the engineering and manufacturing sectors. His passion for developing the next generation of talent is well known across Norfolk, and he has been a driving force behind many local initiatives to support learners and close skills gaps.

As Chair of EEIN, Will will continue to strengthen partnerships between industry and education. He actively collaborates with schools and colleges to help shape learning experiences that are meaningful, relevant, and aligned with real-world needs. Whether it’s inviting students into our facilities to see engineering in action, or helping shape sector-wide qualifications, Will is focused on making a difference.

His mission is clear: to ensure qualifications are not only fit for purpose but also empower learners to succeed in their chosen career paths.

Congratulations, Will. We know you’ll bring your energy, insight and leadership to the role, and we’re excited to see the positive impact this will bring to our industry and community.

Lighting the Warren Beacon in tribute

/in , ,

At 9:30pm on Thursday 8th May, we gathered at the Fison Way roundabout to take part in a nationwide moment of reflection. The Warren Beacon was lit as part of a coordinated tribute across the UK, joining hundreds of other beacons shining brightly in towns and communities across the country.

It was a fantastic fire – a striking and symbolic display, and our thanks go to Scott Fraser for organising the event and lighting the beacon on the night.

These commemorative moments are always moving, and this one was no different. As the beacon burned, we stood alongside others from our local area, quietly taking a moment to reflect on times passed and the significance of the occasion.

Thank you to everyone who came along and made the evening so memorable. It was a simple yet powerful reminder of the strength we find in coming together – something that holds true both in our community and in our company.

Warren hosts Make UK East of England Advisory Board meeting

/in , ,

In March, Warren was proud to host the latest meeting of the Make UK East of England Advisory Board – bringing together representatives from manufacturing and engineering companies across the region.

The event was well attended, with businesses of all sizes joining us at our premises for an afternoon of discussion, collaboration and knowledge sharing. As long-standing members of Make UK – dating back to our days in Feltwell when it was known as the EEF, we value the opportunity to stay connected with the wider industry and help shape its future.

These advisory board meetings take place several times a year and serve as a forum for member companies to discuss a broad range of industry matters. Topics on the agenda typically include current business challenges, investment plans, wages, training, health and safety and available grants.

It’s a valuable opportunity to share insights, learn from each other’s experiences and explore how regional and national trends are affecting businesses across the sector.

As is tradition at these meetings, the host company gives a short presentation to introduce their business to the group. We were pleased to share our story with fellow members – from our early beginnings to our growth, our commitment to apprenticeships and training and our ongoing investment in people and technology.

Following the meeting, attendees were invited on a guided tour of our facilities to get a closer look at how we work and see our operations in action.

We’re always glad to play an active role in the regional manufacturing community, and hosting the Make UK Advisory Board meeting was a great opportunity to strengthen those ties. Our thanks to all who attended and contributed to the discussion – we look forward to seeing everyone again at the next meeting.

Skills for success – Warren takes a stand on training and apprenticeships

/in , ,

We at Warren have long recognised a challenge that continues to impact our industry – the national shortage of skills across all areas of manufacturing and engineering. While there’s no shortage of meetings, reports and initiatives set up to tackle the issue, lasting change still feels frustratingly slow.

Recently, Make UK and the Government launched a new Skills Commission, bringing together influential voices from education, manufacturing and Parliament, including Lords, policy makers and senior figures in industry. While the creation of another commission might raise a few eyebrows, we took the opportunity to make our voice heard in a different way.

Not another survey…

Rather than simply ticking boxes on the Commission’s initial survey, we decided to take a more direct approach. We told our story. We shared how Warren began, how we built our apprenticeship programme from the ground up and what we’ve learned – the successes, the challenges, and the reality of training in a fast-changing industry.

This honest, first-hand account was shared with members of the Commission and made its way into the right hands.

Warren welcomes the Commission

As a result, on 13th March we were proud to welcome a delegation from the Industrial Strategy Skills Commission to Warren. The visit was led by the Chair of the Commission, the Rt Hon Robert Halfon MP, who spent time learning about our approach to skills and training.

He and the team met with both current and former apprentices, gaining valuable insight into the practical realities of developing talent in the manufacturing sector. It was a great opportunity for open dialogue and we’re proud to say, they were very impressed with what they saw and heard.

We also took the opportunity to recommend a visit to West Suffolk College – our long-standing training partner, so they could see the full picture of how local collaboration plays a vital role in delivering real training outcomes.

A mention in Westminster

Following the visit, Warren was invited to attend the official presentation of the Commission’s final report at Make UK headquarters in Westminster on 1st April. The report is a weighty one, but we were pleased to see Warren mentioned several times throughout the document, a real acknowledgement of the work we’ve put in over the years.

Will things change?

So, will this Commission lead to real change? We remain cautiously sceptical. Too often, these initiatives generate discussion but little action. But one thing’s certain, Warren will continue doing what we’ve always done: investing in people, developing skills, and creating opportunities for the next generation of engineers.

We’ll keep doing our bit. And we’re proud to share our story, if it helps inspire others to do the same.

Warren attends national AAN meeting at The Oval

/in ,

Warren are proud supporters of apprenticeships and the value they bring to individuals, businesses and the wider engineering and manufacturing industry. That’s why we’re actively involved in the Apprentice Ambassador Network (AAN) – a community of employers, training providers and apprentices who champion apprenticeships across the country.

Recently, Estee Ross, our HR Director attended the AAN’s national meeting, held at the iconic Oval cricket ground in London. While Estee regularly joins the local and online meetings, this was her first time attending one of the network’s national events and it did not disappoint.

A day of ideas, inspiration and advocacy

The day brought together a diverse mix of people, all united by a shared belief in the power of apprenticeships. From employers and training providers to apprentices themselves, it was inspiring to connect with others who are passionate about creating opportunities and shaping future talent.

The programme featured a range of speakers and workshops, with the keynote speech delivered by The Rt Hon Baroness Smith of Malvern, Minister for Skills. Her insight into the future of vocational learning and the government’s commitment to skills-based education set a positive tone for the day.

A fitting venue for a national conversation

The event was hosted at The Oval – a venue Estee hadn’t visited before, but one that left her with a lasting impression. With its history, atmosphere and stunning views of the pitch, it made for a fantastic setting to discuss something as future-focused as apprenticeship development.

Looking ahead

The day was both insightful and motivating, reinforcing the importance of the work we do in supporting apprentices at Warren. We came away with new ideas, fresh perspectives and a renewed commitment to investing in skills and training.

We’re already looking forward to the next national meeting – and continuing to play our part in shaping the next generation of engineering talent.

Honouring VE Day with a Warren-made beacon

/in ,

On Thursday 8th May at 9:30pm, Warren will proudly mark VE Day by lighting the beacon located on the roundabout.

This annual moment of reflection gives us all a chance to pause, remember and pay tribute to those who lived, fought and died during the Second World War. Lighting the beacon is a symbolic gesture of remembrance and unity, and we’re honoured to be part of this tradition once again.

In true Warren style, there’s also a touch of mystery involved. It seems Father Christmas is still in the beacon (yes, really!) and no one quite knows how he got there. Perhaps he’s keeping watch until the big night!

The VE Day Tribute

As we light the beacon, we’ll also be sharing this powerful tribute to those who served, supported and sacrificed:

The Tribute

Let us remember those who gave their lives at home and abroad, whose sacrifice enables us to all enjoy the peace we have today.

Let us remember those who came home, wounded, physically and mentally, and the friends and family who cared for them.

Let us remember those who returned to restore their relationships and rebuild their working and family lives after years of conflict and turmoil.

Let us remember the families that lost husbands, wives, sons, daughters and sweethearts.

Let us remember the servicemen and women of other nationalities and faiths from Commonwealth and allied countries who fought, suffered and died during six years of war.

Let us remember those in reserved occupations and the brave people who kept us safe on the home front – the doctors, nurses who cared for the wounded, the men and women who toiled in the fields, the fisherman who fished the seas, those who worked in the factories and the air-raid wardens, the police officers, firemen, ambulance drivers and the young people of the Scouts and Guides who played such a vital role in the war effort at home to.

God Save The King

 

A little bit country – and a whole lot of fun!

/in ,

At Warren, we’re always proud to celebrate the talents and interests of our team, both in and out of the workplace. And on Friday 28th March, one of our own took centre stage for the debut gig of their country band, A Little Bit Country!

The venue was buzzing with energy as a great crowd gathered to enjoy an evening full of toe-tapping tunes, classic country hits, and plenty of good cheer. With low-priced drinks and some some good ole country dancing, it was a night to remember.

While the band delivered an authentic country sound, there was one humorous twist – the only American in the group was also the only one not wearing cowboy boots, a cowboy shirt or even a cowboy hat! It’s safe to say they’ve promised to correct that as soon as they find the nearest cowboy outfitters.

Missed it? You’ve got another chance!

If you couldn’t make it to the British Legion on the 28th, don’t worry, the band is already gearing up for their next performance. A Little Bit Country will be playing at the Elveden Inn Festival on 23rd May. If the last gig is anything to go by, it’s going to be another fantastic evening filled with great music and good vibes.

So polish up those dancing boots and save the date – we’ll see you there!

Warren Attends Make UK National Manufacturing Conference 2025

/in ,

On Tuesday 5th March, our Founder Owner, Richard Bridgman and Commercial Manager, Iain Milroy attended the Make UK National Manufacturing Conference 2025 in Westminster. This event brought together representatives from manufacturing businesses across the UK, offering valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities within the sector.

A day of insightful discussions

The conference was expertly hosted by Steph McGovern, who delivered the day’s welcome speech. With a background in engineering and manufacturing – having started her career at Black & Decker before moving into journalism – Steph’s understanding of the sector made her an engaging and insightful host.

The Keynote Speaker, journalist Robert Peston, provided an intriguing analysis of recent global political events. He shared insights from his first-hand experience in the Oval Office last week, where he witnessed discussions between Keir Starmer and Donald Trump. His speech focused on key topics including:

  • The war in Ukraine and its impact on UK and US relations
  • Potential UK/US trade deals and tariff concerns
  • Uncertainty following a difficult meeting between Zelensky and Trump

His analysis highlighted the potential challenges ahead for UK manufacturers navigating global trade and geopolitical uncertainty.

Exploring opportunities in nuclear defence

Later in the morning, we attended a breakout session on Defence – Nuclear, which proved to be both relevant and thought-provoking.

Breaking into the nuclear sector is notoriously difficult due to high security requirements and stringent standards. However, an interesting takeaway was that while these regulations apply to core nuclear operations, many infrastructure support services around nuclear projects do not.

With the development of Sizewell in our region, this could present new opportunities for Warren. As we continue to expand our capabilities, this is certainly an area worth exploring further.

Defence investment: a boost for UK manufacturing

The conference closed with a speech from the Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rachel Reeves, who emphasised investment in the defence sector. With the increasing need to bolster UK and European defence capabilities, she highlighted several key initiatives, including:

  • Single source procurement – speeding up the MOD’s order placement process and giving SMEs greater access to defence contracts
  • The Defence Innovation Hub – a new initiative supporting tech and AI development in the defence sector

This was particularly encouraging for Warren as we continue to grow our involvement in the defence sector. The government’s focus on ensuring UK businesses benefit from defence spending aligns well with our ambitions.

Despite the uncertainty of current global affairs, the Make UK National Manufacturing Conference 2025 was a positive and productive event. It provided valuable networking opportunities, industry insights, and discussions on key challenges and opportunities for manufacturers like Warren.

We left the conference with a stronger understanding of where the sector is heading, and we are excited about the potential opportunities in nuclear infrastructure and defence manufacturing.

Supporting Local Talent: Warren Attends Norfolk Apprenticeships Network Meeting

/in , , ,

At Warren, we are always looking for ways to support and invest in future talent, so attending the Norfolk Apprenticeships Network Meeting on Wednesday, 26th February was a great opportunity to connect with other local employers and discuss the latest apprenticeship initiatives.

Meeting at Able2B – Supporting Inclusivity Through Physical Activity

The meeting was held at Able2B in Norwich, an inspiring organisation dedicated to supporting children and adults with disabilities through physical activity. Able2B runs group classes and one-to-one sessions to help improve fitness levels, build self-confidence and promote inclusion. Their work aligns with our values of providing opportunities for people to develop and thrive, regardless of background or ability.

Norfolk Apprenticeships: A Positive Growth Story

One of the key takeaways from the meeting was the fantastic rise in apprenticeship starts across Norfolk. Compared to a national increase of just 1.32%, Norfolk has seen a remarkable 11% rise – a testament to the dedication of local businesses, training providers  and young professionals eager to gain industry skills.

At Warren, we are proud to contribute to this growth by providing hands-on training, mentorship  and career development opportunities for apprentices. Skilled workers are the backbone of the manufacturing and engineering sectors  and we believe in nurturing the next generation of talent.

Connecting with Local Employers

The meeting also provided a great platform for networking with other local businesses that employ apprentices, exchanging ideas and identifying opportunities to collaborate on initiatives that could enhance training and employment prospects in the region. Engaging with these networks ensures that Warren stays at the forefront of workforce development, helping us attract skilled and motivated individuals to our team.

We are excited about the positive momentum in apprenticeships across Norfolk and look forward to exploring how Warren can continue to support and grow opportunities for young people in engineering and manufacturing.

If you’re interested in an apprenticeship or career at Warren, keep an eye on our website for opportunities – or get in touch to learn more!

Strengthening local manufacturing: Meeting with Peter Prinsley MP

/in ,

At Warren, we are always keen to engage with policymakers to ensure that the voice of the manufacturing and engineering sector is heard. As part of our ongoing efforts, our Founder Owner, Richard Bridgman recently arranged a meeting with Peter Prinsley, the newly elected Labour MP for Bury St Edmunds and Stowmarket, during his visit to the Make UK Conference in London on 4th March.

A timely meeting in Westminster

With the conference taking place just across the road from the House of Commons, the timing was perfect to arrange a meeting with Peter. Their paths had first crossed on the eve of the election when Peter was out campaigning in Bury, proudly wearing his large red rosette.

They met in Portcullis House for a productive half-hour discussion about his new role as MP for Bury & Stowmarket. Peter, a practising surgeon in Norwich, is now in the process of stepping away from his medical career to dedicate himself fully to his parliamentary and constituency responsibilities.

Engaging with the West Suffolk Manufacturing Club

Ahead of their meeting, Richard had sent Peter information about the West Suffolk Manufacturing Club, an initiative that has been instrumental in supporting local manufacturers. As Chair of the Club, Richard was keen to introduce him to the network and highlight the critical role that manufacturing plays in the local economy.

While his demanding schedule has so far prevented him from attending one of our meetings, Peter expressed a keen interest in engaging with the club when his diary allows. They both agreed to stay in contact and explore the possibility of him addressing club members during a parliamentary recess.

Building strong relationships between industry leaders and policymakers is essential for driving forward the interests of the manufacturing sector.

We look forward to welcoming Peter Prinsley to a future West Suffolk Manufacturing Club meeting and continuing to work together to champion the manufacturing and engineering sector in our region.