Estee visits the House of Lords for Apprenticeship celebration

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Thursday 12th June was a proud and exciting day for Warren, as our HR Director, Estee Ross was invited to attend the Apprenticeships Ambassador Network Celebration at the prestigious House of Lords in London.

The event, which had been postponed from 2024 due to the general election, finally took place on a beautiful sunny day in the capital. It was a fitting setting to recognise the ongoing efforts of organisations like Warren that are actively promoting apprenticeships across Norfolk and beyond.

Estee said:

“It was such a special moment to be at the House of Lords – what a fantastic building! It’s actually much bigger than I imagined. I felt truly honoured to be there, representing Warren and all the work we’ve done to support apprenticeships in our region.”

Estee was invited by The Rt Hon Baroness Smith of Malvern, who unfortunately had to send her apologies on the day, as she was required in the House of Commons. Nonetheless, the event was a great success, with guests from across the apprenticeship community coming together to share ideas and celebrate progress.

Estee was also able to catch up with Lisa Peter from Norfolk Apprenticeships, whose support has been invaluable over the past few years – especially in helping Warren benefit from Levy sharing arrangements with larger employers to support the cost of training.

One exciting announcement from the day was the confirmed date for the next National Apprenticeship Week:
9th–15th February 2026 – a key date for the diary as Warren continues to champion skills development and opportunity through apprenticeships.

Congratulations to Estee on being recognised at such a significant event – and thank you for continuing to fly the flag for apprenticeships and future talent at Warren.

Wicked memories at the Apollo Victoria Theatre

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On Saturday 24th May, our HR Director Estee enjoyed a special day out with her daughter Marley, attending a performance of “Wicked” at the iconic Apollo Victoria Theatre in London.

The show – a West End favourite for nearly 20 years, didn’t just delight Estee and Marley. It also brought back some memories for Warren’s Founder Owner, Richard Bridgman, who recalled a unique experience from behind the scenes…

In 2006, Warren was commissioned to build a BT390 Winch for the show – a substantial piece of kit that needed to be installed in the roof space of the Apollo Victoria. It was a job that presented one challenge after another, as Richard shared:

“We assembled the winch in Thetford, then disassembled it to transport to site. It was Leeroy and myself – I drove down and parked outside the theatre, only to be met by a traffic warden who told me I couldn’t park there as it was a Red Route. She gave me a hefty parking fine on the spot. I said, ‘Well BU**ER you!’ and just started unloading. What else could I do?”

The winch had to be carried – in pieces – up several flights of stairs, as the theatre’s lift was out of order. Richard and Leeroy were helped by other contractors on site, but the biggest challenge was lifting the huge drum up narrow stairwells using straps, teamwork and sheer determination.

“Once we got everything up there, we reassembled it in the tightest space imaginable. It was sweltering hot. No lifting gear. But somehow, we managed it.”

To this day, that same winch is still up in the roof space – working reliably after nearly two decades. Proof if ever it were needed, of Warren’s quality in action.

“I later went to see the show with Sharon,” said Richard, “and didn’t really enjoy it – but plenty of people must, because it’s still running!”

We’re happy to report that Estee and Marley thoroughly enjoyed the performance – a fantastic mother-daughter day out and a reminder of how Warren’s work can often be found in the most surprising places.

From Thetford to the West End – Warren engineering continues to play its part in spectacular ways!

Farewell to the Amada laser!

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Well, it’s finally gone! After years of service, the old Amada laser machine and its tower have officially left the building.

Out with the old…
The Amada served us well, but as with all technology, the time came to move on. Being older-generation equipment, we virtually gave the machine away, knowing it had limited resale value – but plenty of potential for the right user.

If we’d had the space, we might have kept it for occasional jobs, but the reality is, room is at a premium. The good news is that the machine has gone to a good home, and even better – we didn’t incur any removal costs. The company that took it off our hands kindly covered all logistics and even paid the fees charged by Amada during the process.

The whole process was sparked by a LinkedIn post from Richard Bridgman:
“FREE LASER” – and just like that, interest came flooding in. Companies from all over the country responded, including some local colleges. One of the early hopefuls was West Suffolk College, which would have been an ideal fit with Warren’s values around skills and education, but unfortunately, like others, they soon realised the machine was just too large for their space.

Initially, we had some interested buyers, but they didn’t follow through – so we’re glad the machine ultimately found a suitable home with no strings attached.

What’s next?
We kept the Amada on site during the installation of our new Bysotronic machine and loading system to avoid any teething issues. With that now bedded in, it’s time for a refresh.

Kieran and the Laser & Brake Press team are now looking at how to reconfigure the area. Kieran has some big plans – not just for the freed-up space, but for a wider shake-up of kit and workflow in that part of the factory.

Watch this space – exciting things are on the horizon!

Celebrating 10 years of Dmitrijs Ahundovs at Warren

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This month we’re proud to celebrate 10 years of hard work, dedication and growth from one of our valued team members, Dmitrijs Ahundovs.

Dmitrijs first joined Warren through an employment agency, working the night shift with very little prior engineering experience. He later moved over to the twilight shift, and it didn’t take long before we recognised his potential and offered him a permanent position.

From day one, Dmitrijs showed a willingness to learn and a natural ability to pick things up quickly. He settled in brilliantly and has made an impression on everyone with his focus, precision and positive attitude.

Danny Goodman, who was running the shift at the time, played a key role in training Dmitrijs during those early months. But it wasn’t long before Dmitrijs took ownership of his development. Originally brought in as an operator, he has steadily built his skills – and today, he is confidently programming his own work and using all of the measuring equipment with ease.

His attention to detail, tidiness and consistently high quality of work make him a standout team member and a great example of what can be achieved with the right mindset and support.

Thank you, Dmitrijs, for 10 fantastic years.

Connecting through innovation: Space East networking event

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Earlier this month, Sophie Hall, our Business Development Manager attended the Space East Networking Event, hosted by Roland Plastics.

The event brought together manufacturers, engineers and innovators from across the East of England, all with a shared interest in the future of the space sector. Sophie had a brilliant morning making new connections and gaining insights into the exciting developments and challenges facing our industry.

The agenda featured thought-provoking presentations from SuperSharp, Made Smarter UK, and Minima – each offering a unique perspective on technology, growth and the evolving demands of space sector manufacturing.

A highlight of the event was a fascinating tour of Roland Plastics’ facilities. Like Warren, Roland provides a diverse range of products and services to several sectors, including Space, Defence and Flooring. It was great to see their setup and learn more about how other companies in our region are innovating and adapting.

Thank you to Roland Plastics and Space East for organising such a valuable event – it’s great to be part of a region so committed to collaboration, innovation and progress.

Estee attends the King’s Garden Party at Buckingham Palace

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We were incredibly proud to see our HR Director, Estee Ross attend one of the King’s Garden Parties at Buckingham Palace on Wednesday 14th May, accompanied by her husband.

Estee was invited to this prestigious event in celebration of Education and Skills – one of just four garden parties hosted each year by the Royal Household.

Estee described the experience as one she will never forget:

“It was a wonderful day and although I didn’t actually get anywhere near the King due to the size of the crowd, it was a fantastic occasion. I was truly honoured to have been invited. Everyone made such an effort with their outfits – it felt like attending a huge wedding! There were several bands playing throughout the afternoon, and the food served at the garden tea was absolutely amazing. We were also incredibly lucky with the weather – the sun shone all day.”

Each year, over 30,000 guests are invited to enjoy a relaxed summer afternoon in the beautiful gardens of either Buckingham Palace or the Palace of Holyroodhouse in Edinburgh. Garden Parties offer a special opportunity for the Royal Family to meet people from all walks of life who have made a positive impact in their communities.

It’s a huge honour to be included among them – and we’re delighted that Estee, who is so dedicated to both the Warren team and to supporting skills development in our region, was recognised in this way.

Well done Estee and thank you for representing Warren at such a special event!

Easter raffle raises £500 for local NHS charity

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We were delighted to receive a thank you letter and certificate from the team at My WiSH Charity, who recently received a £500 donation from Warren – raised through our Easter raffle.

The funds have been directed towards the WiSH Upon A Star Appeal, which supports the care of young patients across the West Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust. Whether children are being treated in hospital, at home or at a child development centre, this appeal ensures they receive the support they need.

Sally Daniels, Fundraising Manager at My WiSH Charity, wrote:

“Thank you so much to everyone at Warren Services for donating £500 for our WiSH Upon A Star Appeal. This appeal allows us to enhance the care of young patients.”

We’re incredibly proud to support such a meaningful cause, and it’s a great reminder of the impact we can make when we come together as a team – even through something as simple as a raffle.

A big thank you to everyone who bought tickets, donated prizes, and helped organise the event. Your generosity has helped to brighten the lives of children and families in our local community.

Wishing Colin Browne a happy retirement

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On 31st May, we said goodbye to a much-valued colleague and friend as Colin Browne officially retired from Warren.

Colin’s relationship with Warren goes back much further than his time as a team member. Our Founder and Owner, Richard Bridgman had known Colin for many years through his leadership at Allaway Acoustics, a company just round the corner from Warren. Over the years, the two businesses worked closely together, developing a strong and trusted partnership – with Colin playing a major role in that relationship.

During his time at Allaway, Colin helped grow the company significantly, both in size and turnover, becoming a respected figure in the local manufacturing community.

When Allaway went through a restructure, it came as a surprise to many – including Colin – that he found himself without a role. But Colin wasn’t ready to take life easy just yet. Looking for a less demanding position, and keen to stay active, he joined Warren’s Paint Department, focusing primarily on Powder Coating.

His transition from business leader to hands-on team member showed the same commitment and work ethic he had always demonstrated. He quickly became a reliable and well-liked member of the Warren team.

Colin had hoped to return after a recent operation, working reduced hours as a way to ease into retirement. Unfortunately, things didn’t quite go to plan, and Colin made the decision to retire completely.

While we’re sad to see him go, we are incredibly grateful for the time he spent with us, and for the energy, knowledge and dedication he brought to the business.

Richard Bridgman shared a few words:

“Colin has been a great supporter and friend of Warren for many years. It was a pleasure to have him with us during the final phase of his career, and I want to personally thank him for everything he’s contributed – both as a client and colleague. We wish him the very best for a happy and well-earned retirement.”

Thank you Colin, for your hard work, your good humour and the legacy you leave behind. Enjoy your retirement – you’ve truly earned it.

Apprenticeship success for Wiktoria!

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Congratulations to Wiktoria, who has officially passed her Level 2 Welder Apprenticeship – and not just passed, but achieved a Merit, the highest possible grade for her course!

This is a fantastic achievement and a proud moment for both Wiktoria and the entire team at Warren.

Wiktoria was among the first four apprentices to train on site at Swarm REAGIT. It’s never easy being first, but Wiktoria rose to the challenge with resilience, determination and a real passion for engineering.

The team at Swarm REAGIT shared the good news with a celebratory LinkedIn post – see screenshot below.

Wiktoria’s success reflects not only her hard work and commitment, but also the strength of the apprenticeship programme we’re proud to be part of here at Warren. She is now well-positioned to begin the next chapter of her engineering career.

We’re especially proud to see more young women like Wiktoria stepping into technical roles and excelling. Her achievement is an inspiration to others and a reminder of the opportunities available in modern manufacturing.

Well done, Wiktoria – we’re all incredibly proud of you and here’s to a future filled with sparks, skills and continued success!

Sophie Hall – Celebrating 20 years at Warren

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This year marks a remarkable milestone for one of our most respected and admired team members – Sophie Hall, who is celebrating 20 years with the company.

Sophie joined Warren at a time when it was still rare to see women in engineering roles – particularly in rural Norfolk. She had completed her Engineering Apprenticeship with Bosch in Stowmarket, but after a less-than-ideal stint at a small commercial glazing company in Brandon, she found herself at a crossroads.

Through mutual friends and family connections, Richard and Will Bridgman approached Sophie with an invitation to join Warren. Initially, she declined – but undeterred, they persisted. Thankfully, she eventually said yes, and joined the business just as it was relocating to the Fison Way site in Thetford.

It proved to be an excellent decision for all involved. Sophie has never looked back, and Warren has never looked the same.

Even in her earliest days, Sophie stood out. Her technical training, professionalism and determination were immediately evident – and so too was her influence on the workplace culture. She quickly instigated the removal of outdated ‘girly’ calendars and helped set a new tone for the business. She was, and still is, uncompromising when it comes to sexism or casual remarks – and helped Warren become a more inclusive, accommodating and respectful company.

Over the past two decades, Sophie has taken on a wide variety of roles across the business. She’s been instrumental in:

  • Estimating, costing and planning
  • Customer visits and site surveys
  • Organising and managing trade shows – including one event that led to securing one of Warren’s largest accounts
  • Mentoring young people, especially during school visits and community outreach

Her technical knowledge, combined with her excellent people skills, make her one of the company’s most trusted ambassadors. When customers come to visit, Sophie is often the one showing them around, offering real insight into our operations, backed by two decades of first-hand experience.

Today, Sophie is focused on Business Development – one of the most challenging roles in any company. Cold calling and pursuing new leads is never easy, but Sophie handles it with resilience and professionalism. She knows that you often only get a few seconds to make an impression, and she uses her wealth of experience to do just that.

Sophie has paved the way for more women to enter engineering. Her example has encouraged a cultural shift that is now becoming visible. This year, for the first time, two of the four new Engineering Apprentices joining Warren from Thetford Academy are female – a milestone that reflects just how far things have come, thanks to pioneers like Sophie.

Sophie, you’ve helped shape Warren into the company it is today. Your strength, your standards, your humour and your humanity are woven into our culture, and we are incredibly proud to have you as part of the team.

Thank you for 20 outstanding years. Here’s to many more!