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.

Make UK – National Manufacturing Conference

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On February 27th, at the QEII Centre in Westminster, London, the prestigious Make UK National Manufacturing Conference took place, a gathering that brought together industry leaders and policymakers, to delve into the state of manufacturing in the United Kingdom.

Among the attendees was Sophie Hall, our Commercial Manager and Richard Bridgman, Warren’s Found Owner. Reflecting on the event, Sophie shared her thoughts about the day.

“It was lovely to spend time with Richard, catching up and reminiscing. TV Presenter Steph McGovern was the host for the day and was very knowledgeable, funny and passionate about manufacturing in the UK. The conference in the main was very political and dealing with very global policy discussions. It was interesting hearing from both Conservative and Labour MPs.”

In the breakout sessions, Sophie heard about two compelling topics: the UK Defence talk and the discourse surrounding UK steel.

In conclusion, Sophie’s journey to the Make UK National Manufacturing Conference was not just an event; it was a great experience and a reminder of why both Sophie and Richard love this industry. The passion, the people, and the endless possibilities. So, here’s to the future of UK manufacturing!

Warren Sponsors Afghan Refugee’s Cricket Journey

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We would like to share with you a story from one of our apprentices, Alistair Newey.

Recently, I introduced Warren to an Afghan refugee named Bashir. Bashir’s journey has been remarkable. He travelled to find safety in the UK, leaving his family and friends and he has been a big part of my life for the past 5 years.

Bashir found a love for playing cricket and now plays Division 1 standard for Thetford Town Cricket Club. However, he encountered a setback at the end of the 2023 season when sadly, his cricket bat broke. So Warren extended a helping hand.

They very kindly sponsored Bashir a new cricket bat. Not only that, they provided Bashir with a new laptop and furniture for his new flat!

On behalf of Bashir, I extend a heartfelt thank you. Your support has meant the world to him.

Alistair

West Suffolk Manufacturing Group Celebrates 5th Anniversary

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About 5 years ago, Richard Bridgman, Founder Owner of Warren was asked if he would chair a manufacturing group in West Suffolk.

Here is Richard’s account…

It’s hard to believe that it’s been five years since the inception of the West Suffolk Manufacturing Group. What started as a simple idea has blossomed into a thriving community of industry professionals, thanks to the dedication and hard work of everyone involved.

Reflecting on the journey, it all began with a simple question – would I chair a manufacturing group in West Suffolk? Perhaps it was because of my experience in starting and chairing similar groups in Kings Lynn and Thetford. However, the success of these endeavours would not have been possible without the support of the local councils.

At the West Suffolk Manufacturing Group, I have had the privilege of collaborating with James Talbot from the West Suffolk Council, whose efforts have been instrumental in bringing our vision to life. From organising venues to inviting speakers and keeping members informed, James’s dedication has been the cornerstone of our success.

Our meetings, held at members’ factories or the West Suffolk College, have been a highlight of the group’s activities. Each gathering typically begins with a talk and tour by the hosting member, offering valuable insights into their operations and processes. Over the past five years, we have had the opportunity to visit esteemed companies such as Treet, Unisurge, Claydon Drills, Videndum, TAIT, Camden Boss, and even the groundbreaking XR LAB at the West Suffolk College.

As we celebrated our 5th anniversary with our largest attendance yet, (over 40 participants), we had the privilege of visiting Sealey HQ in Bury St Edmunds. The tour of their facilities highlighted their remarkable growth over the years.

Following the tour, we were treated to enlightening talks from esteemed speakers, including Julia Nix from DWP, Yvonne Mason of “icanbea,” and Kate Price-Thomas from the Shoestring Project at IFM Cambridge. To mark this special occasion, our own Suzie crafted a delectable Celebration Cake, which was enjoyed by all. Additionally, the venue was adorned with large No. “5” helium balloons, specially made by our member Oaktree in Mildenhall – which added to the atmosphere, despite some personal aversions!

As we look back on five years of growth and collaboration, I am filled with gratitude for everyone who has contributed to the success of the West Suffolk Manufacturing Group. Here’s to many more years of innovation, partnership, and shared accomplishments. Thank you for being part of this incredible journey.

Celebrating Success: the Reagit Open Event

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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!

Warren Services Hosts Thetford Business Forum HR Meeting: A Step Towards Sustainability

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We recently opened our doors to host the Thetford Business Forum HR Meeting, at our Brickfields Way site. This event proved to be a significant milestone in fostering local business collaboration and advancing sustainable practices within the community.

The gathering commenced with a factory tour, providing attendees with an up-close look at Warren’s operations. Participants gained valuable insights into manufacturing processes and the integration of sustainable practices within such frameworks.

Following the tour, the event transitioned into a thought-provoking presentation delivered by our Managing Director, Will Bridgman. Will shared the company’s sustainability journey, emphasising the importance of environmental stewardship and the tangible benefits it brings to both business and society.

A notable aspect of the event was the contribution of guest speakers Maria Shinn and Sarah Everitt, who brought their expertise to the discussion.

The large turnout at the forum underscored the enthusiasm and support within the local HR community for collaborative endeavours aimed at driving positive change. We express our gratitude for the opportunity to host such an engaged and proactive group.

Looking ahead, Warren eagerly anticipates future gatherings of the Thetford Business Forum HR Meeting, which occur bi-monthly. These gatherings not only serve as platforms for networking and knowledge exchange but also reinforce the collective commitment towards sustainable business practices.

Through engaging discussions like these, participants reaffirmed their dedication to driving positive change and shaping a more sustainable future for generations to come.

Warren welcomes recently appointed DWP Minister, Jo Churchill to forge pathways for youth employment

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In late December, Warren proudly hosted Jo Churchill, the Minister of State for the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), for a tour of their Brickfields Way facilities. The visit highlighted Warren’s commitment to championing and supporting young talent in the manufacturing sector and our collaborative efforts with the DWP to create employment opportunities for those furthest away from the labour market.

Commitment to youth empowerment
Warren has long been dedicated to nurturing young talent in the manufacturing sector. Our unwavering passion extends beyond conventional roles, offering work experience across various sectors, including administration, HR, and engineering. This commitment aligns with the broader mission of supporting the youth and creating a pathway for those seeking careers in diverse fields.

Strategic collaboration with the DWP
Collaborating closely with the DWP, Warren has forged vital connections with numerous employers in the area. As a committed supporter of the Kickstart agenda, the company not only provides multiple work trial placements but actively encourages other employers to embrace this initiative. Notably, Warren voluntarily took on the role of a Gateway employer, simplifying access to Kickstart for smaller companies and generously sharing HR resources to facilitate broader participation.

Minister’s support and recognition
Minister Jo Churchill was welcomed by Warren’s Founder Owner, Richard Bridgman, alongside Managing Director Will Bridgman and HR Director Estee Ross.
The visit signified the importance of the partnership between Warren and the DWP. The company welcomes the Minister’s support in further developing this collaborative effort, reinforcing the shared goal of creating impactful opportunities for youth employment and professional development.

Key figures and insightful discussions

Jo had the opportunity to engage with both current and former apprentices, gaining valuable insights into the company’s commitment to skills development and mentorship.

The visit also included a roundtable discussion over lunch, bringing together key partners pivotal to Warren’s community initiatives. Representatives from The Mason Trust and ICanBeA, Baxters Healthcare, Centurion, Boniface Engineering, and Peerless Plastics & Coatings contributed to insightful discussions on youth empowerment, employment strategies, and community engagement.

 

Gallery of photos from the day:

DWP District Manager Julia Nix helped organise the event

Julia Nix, the East Anglia District Manager for the DWP and who has recently been appointed as a Deputy Lieutenant for Norfolk attended the event, bringing with her a wealth of experience gained during her tenure in the Civil Service since 1983. Recognised as a Princes Trust Ambassador for over two decades, Julia was awarded an OBE in 2017 for her outstanding contributions to tackling youth unemployment in East Anglia.

Diverse collaborations with key partnerships for social impact

The roundtable included representatives from organisations like The Mason Trust, an organisation supporting young people in Suffolk and Norfolk, and companies such as Baxters Healthcare, Centurion, Boniface Engineering, and Peerless Plastics & Coatings. Each partner plays a crucial role in creating a collaborative network focused on building a thriving future for the community.

Warren’s collaboration with DWP extends beyond traditional employment initiatives, encompassing projects like Thetford Modern Manufacturing Town, Thetford Partnership Action Group, and Thetford Business Forum. Additionally, their partnership with the High Sheriff of Norfolk, DWP, Norfolk Community Foundation, and Norwich Prison reflects a holistic approach to supporting ex-offenders, demonstrating the company’s commitment to social impact and community development.

Warren’s dedication to youth empowerment and community engagement, coupled with strategic collaborations with the DWP and influential partners, exemplifies a model for creating positive social change. The Minister’s visit underscores the significance of such initiatives, emphasising the shared commitment to building a brighter future for young individuals and the broader community.

Warren’s Festive Raffle for Charity

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In the spirit of giving and gratitude, Warren has a tradition. Every year, the generous supplier/customer gifts received over the festive period are not only appreciated but also transformed into a source of support for a worthy cause. This year, the tradition continued, and the result was remarkable.

At Warren, the festive season is about more than just exchanging gifts; it’s about giving back to the community. Instead of enjoying the generosity of supplier and customer gifts within the company, these tokens of appreciation are turned into a charitable opportunity. All gifts received during the festive period go into a raffle.

The raffle raised an impressive £400.00. This substantial sum was given to a the very worthy charity, Headway Norfolk and Waveney. This cause helps to improve lives impacted by brain injury.

On the day of the raffle, Warren had some adorable and enthusiastic helpers in the form of Will’s children and their friend. These little raffle helpers not only contributed to the success of the raffle but also served as a reminder of the importance of passing down the values of giving and community involvement to future generations. A special thanks go to Christine and Becky, whose dedication to managing the selling of raffle tickets ensured the event’s success.

Headway Norfolk and Waveney’s aim is to improve day-to-day life for every individual they work with. They offer a number of services, activities and support in the community to hundreds of clients, family, friends and carers each year.

To find out more about them and the excellent support they offer, visit their website here.

A Memorable Evening at the Bridge Theatre: Warren’s Grand Project

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We’re excited to share with you a delightful experience that took place on the 76th birthday of Warren’s Founder Owner, Richard Bridgman, November 24th. To celebrate this special day, Richard and his wife Sharon accompanied by a couple of close friends, made their way to the iconic Bridge Theatre in London for a spectacular performance of “Guys and Dolls.”

Now, for those of you who were part of the Warren family before 2017, the Bridge Theatre holds a special place in our hearts. It stands as a testament to one of the most significant projects we’ve ever undertaken. Our team was responsible for constructing every element of the theatre, from the walls and walkways to stairways, tiered platforms, balustrades, and balcony bars. The sheer scale of the fabrications and walls challenged our capacity to the absolute limit, but the end result was nothing short of extraordinary.

Returning to the Bridge Theatre six years later felt like living a dream for Richard. The craftsmanship still looked impeccable, and witnessing the show was the perfect way to reminisce about the challenges we faced during the construction. The performance itself was a rollercoaster of emotions, captivating us from start to finish.

As a special treat before the theatre officially opened its doors in 2017, Warren was generously given tickets for a “Builders Night.” This event was a chance for those involved in the construction to come together, enjoy a show, and relish in the success of our hard work. It was a night filled with camaraderie, laughter, and a shared appreciation for the incredible journey we had undertaken.

As we reflect on this memorable evening, we can’t help but feel a sense of pride and accomplishment, grateful for the opportunity to witness the fruits of our labour continuing to shine on the grand stage.

Here’s to the Bridge Theatre, the memories it holds, and the legacy of excellence that Warren Services continues to build upon. Until next time, cheers to the moments that make our journey truly remarkable!

The Rickshaw Revolution in Thetford

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We have some exciting news about a recent development that has the potential to make a significant impact in our town—the Rickshaw Revolution. Inspired by the success of the Rickshaw Project in Bury St Edmunds, Warren has taken the initiative to bring this fantastic endeavour to Thetford.

For those unfamiliar with the concept, the Bury Rickshaw Project is a remarkable organisation run entirely by volunteers, dedicated to providing assistance and support to those in need. Intrigued by their success, we invited Libby, one of the founders of the Bury Rickshaw Project, to a meeting of the Thetford PAG (Partnership Advisory Group) to share her insights.

Libby’s presentation took us on a journey, explaining how the Bury Rickshaw Project started and detailing their progress to date. The project now boasts six rickshaws that offer rides to individuals who face challenges in getting around, particularly the elderly and those with mobility issues. Additionally, Libby informed us about their efforts to collect surplus food and groceries from supermarkets, bakers, and farmers, distributing these items to various support charities across the town. Libby and Sam, the founders, have received recognition from none other than the King and have made appearances on The One Show.

The pictures below show our Founder Owner Richard Bridgman, Judy and Billie from the Norfolk Community Foundation, Julia Nix from the DWP, and David (one of the volunteers from Bury) driving the Rickshaw.

Inspired by the success story, the Thetford PAG unanimously decided to launch a similar project in our town. Judy Dow from the Norfolk Community Foundation, present at the meeting, generously offered assistance, and with collaborative efforts from Judy, Billie, and the Foundation, we recently hosted our inaugural event at the Thetford Guildhall, provided by the Council.

The event featured a Rickshaw on display for attendees to explore and experience firsthand. we were overwhelmed by the turnout—over 60 individuals from charities, various organisations, councils, and businesses attended, including the Mayor of Thetford.

Special thanks to Judy and Billie from the Norfolk Community Foundation, Julia Nix from the DWP, and David, a dedicated volunteer from Bury, who drove the Rickshaw during the event. Your support and enthusiasm have laid the foundation for what promises to be a transformative initiative for our community.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who contributed to making this first meeting a resounding success.