Our 10,000 Steps Challenge!

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This March, we’re getting on the move with a brand-new step challenge! The goal is to hit 10,000 steps per day, every day, for the entire month.

We’re looking forward to as many of our team as possible to take part – it’s a great way to boost fitness, have some fun, and enjoy a bit of friendly competition. Unlike some of our previous challenges, we think this one is much more achievable, so we will be rising to the occasion!

To keep things engaging, we’ll be setting up a group chat where we can report our daily steps and cheer each other on. All that we’ll need is a device to track our steps – a smartwatch, fitness tracker, or phone.

Let’s make March a month of movement and see just how far we can go!

Christmas Drinks: A Festive Night Out in Thetford

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On Saturday 14th December, our team swapped the workbench for Wetherspoons as we gathered in Thetford to kick off the festive season with a few Christmas drinks. It was our annual Social Saturday night out, and a last-minute venue change from Norwich to Thetford meant more of us could join the celebrations.

We started the night at The Red Lion (Wetherspoons), where the festive cheer was already in full swing. By the time Estee arrived at 7 pm, the party spirit had well and truly taken hold—let’s just say a few people were feeling merry already!

From there, we made our way to the Green Dragon, on the hunt for some live music. We were in luck, as a singer was performing, and we didn’t hesitate to join in, belting out a few classic tunes. The Green Dragon’s cosy size led to a bit of a divide in the group, though, as not all of us could get in.

After the Green Dragon called last orders at 11 pm, we carried on at The Albion, ensuring the festive fun didn’t end too soon. Unfortunately, this time Estee didn’t make it to the legendary ICE nightclub, but that’s all the more reason to plan another Thetford outing in the future!

Thank you to everyone who came along – it was great to catch up and socialise outside the workplace. Nights like these remind us how important it is to celebrate our hard work and enjoy some well-earned downtime together. Cheers to that! 🎄🍻


We’re Finalists in the Apprenticeships Norfolk Awards 2025!

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We’re thrilled to announce that we are finalists in the Apprenticeships Norfolk Awards 2025!

Apprenticeships Norfolk plays a vital role in supporting both individuals seeking apprenticeships and employers aiming to provide them. Their free advice and step-by-step guidance ensure that the apprenticeship journey is a rewarding experience for everyone involved.

The Apprenticeships Norfolk Awards is a fantastic platform to shine a spotlight on the dedication and talent of Norfolk apprentices and employers. We’re proud to be part of an initiative that celebrates the positive impact apprenticeships have on individuals, businesses, and the wider community.

The awards are sponsored by the East of England Apprenticeship Ambassador Network (AAN), a passionate group of around 860 employers and 340 current or former apprentices. Their work inspires and promotes the value of apprenticeships across the region.

We can’t wait to join fellow finalists at the awards ceremony in February and celebrate the achievements of apprenticeships in Norfolk. A huge thank you to our brilliant team and apprentices for their hard work, enthusiasm and dedication, which have made this recognition possible!

Giving away an Amada Co2 4-kilowatt laser machine – a rare opportunity!

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At Warren, we’re always focused on innovation and efficiency. As part of our commitment to optimising our manufacturing processes, we’ve upgraded our laser cutting capabilities to accommodate thicker aluminium materials. This means we now have a fantastic opportunity for someone to take ownership of an excellent piece of machinery – completely free of charge!

We’re giving away an Amada Co2 4-kilowatt LASER machine, purchased new in November 2009. This machine has been an integral part of our operations, delivering precision cuts and reliable performance. While we’d love to keep it, we need the floor space for our new equipment. Here’s everything you need to know about this offer:

  • This machine cuts steel effortlessly, with a maximum capacity of up to 20mm thick.
  • The 3m x 1.5m bed size is ideal for a variety of applications.
  • It has been meticulously maintained, with all servicing up to date and carried out by Amada engineers.
  • The Amada Co2 LASER is a trusted choice in engineering and manufacturing sectors worldwide.

This machine has served us incredibly well, and we are confident it can deliver the same results for its next owner.

What’s the catch?

The machine itself is free. The only costs involved are related to removal and transport, which will need to be covered by the recipient.

This is a fantastic opportunity for businesses or educational institutions looking to expand their laser cutting capabilities without the upfront cost of purchasing new equipment.

Machine specifications

For more info and the technical details, you can view the full machine brochure here:
LC-F1 Brochure

Get in touch

If you’re interested or know someone who could benefit from this opportunity, please don’t hesitate to get in touch. Contact Richard Bridgman at:

Festive Fun at Warren: Christmas Jumper Day 2024

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On 13th December, Warren Services was brimming with festive cheer as we celebrated Christmas Jumper Day 2024! From reindeers and penguins to dalmatians and even a dinosaur, the office was alive with colourful, creative, and humorous Christmas jumpers.

Our team didn’t hold back – alongside the jumpers, there were hats, beards, and flashing lights, adding an extra sparkle to the day. It’s always great to see everyone embracing the holiday spirit and bringing a little joy to the workplace.

Well done to all who took part and made the day such a fun and memorable occasion. You helped spread holiday cheer throughout the company.

Thank you for making Warren Services a place where we can work hard and have fun together! 🎅✨

Spreading Christmas Cheer with the Nourishing Norfolk Christmas Appeal 2024

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This year at Warren, our annual Christmas raffle was about more than just festive fun, it was about giving back to our community. We were proud to support the Nourishing Norfolk Christmas Appeal 2024, a local initiative dedicated to spreading holiday cheer to families in need across Norfolk.

About the Nourishing Norfolk Christmas Appeal

For many families, the holiday season brings added pressures, and the need for support is greater than ever. Nourishing Norfolk’s food hubs play a crucial role in providing affordable food and essentials to thousands of people throughout our community. This year, they asked businesses like ours to help stock Christmas crates full of holiday treats and essentials, ensuring that every family could enjoy a festive meal, regardless of their circumstances.

A stocked Christmas crate costs less than £5 per family and includes items like gravy, stuffing, and mince pies – simple treats that can make a world of difference. With a total goal of £1,500, the appeal aimed to provide over 300 families with a little extra joy this Christmas season.

How we supported the cause

At Warren, we rallied behind this wonderful initiative through our Christmas raffle, with all proceeds going directly to the Nourishing Norfolk Christmas Appeal. As always, we included supplier gifts in the raffle, and we encouraged everyone to buy tickets to help us raise as much as possible for this fantastic cause.

A warm meal, a festive treat, and the knowledge that their community cares – these are gifts that can transform the Christmas for families facing challenges. Every donation, big or small, had a real and lasting impact. Thank you for your generosity, and for making a meaningful difference this festive season.

Building Connections and Insights: Make UK Derby Defence Event

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This month, we had the opportunity to attend the Make UK Defence event in Derby, an invaluable two-day gathering for learning about the defence sector and networking with industry professionals. Held at the Derby Football Club, the event provided a unique platform to explore opportunities and challenges within this dynamic industry.

Day one: navigating snow and making connections

The event coincided with an unexpected snowstorm, which made the journey an adventure in itself! Once settled, the day offered a mix of keynote speakers from across the defence sector and valuable networking sessions. These conversations provided a chance to engage with potential customers and learn more about their needs and expectations.

Day two: meet the buyer

The highlight of day two was the ‘Meet the Buyer’ event, where we had the chance to pitch to industry buyers. Sophie Hall, our Business Development Manager had requested eight meetings and was fortunate to secure four, although her first meeting didn’t go as planned due to a no-show. Despite that hiccup, the remaining three meetings were productive and offered valuable insights into what buyers in this sector are seeking.

Key takeaways from the event

The event was as much a learning experience as it was a networking opportunity. Here are the main insights Sophie took away from the two days:

  1. Quality is non-negotiable
    Success in the defence sector depends on a relentless focus on quality. It’s not just about meeting standards, it’s about embedding quality as a core value within your business culture.
  2. Qualifications open doors
    Having the necessary certifications and qualifications is crucial. This sector requires adherence to strict regulations, and businesses must demonstrate their ability to meet these consistently.
  3. Longevity is the reward
    Once established in the defence industry, the potential for long-term, repeat business is significant. However, getting to that point requires patience, persistence, and a commitment to building trust with clients.
  4. It takes time to establish credibility
    Breaking into the defence sector isn’t quick or easy. Building the right connections, earning trust, and proving your capabilities can take years, but the rewards are worth the effort.

Looking ahead

Attending the Make UK Defence event was a valuable step in our journey to explore opportunities in this sector. It reinforced the importance of continuous improvement in quality and qualifications while highlighting the long-term potential for businesses that persevere.

We’re excited to take what we’ve learned and apply it to our processes, ensuring we’re well-positioned to meet the demands of this challenging and rewarding industry. Thank you to Make UK for hosting such a fantastic event – we’re looking forward to the next one!

Advancing Quality and Capability: Weld Procedure Trials at Warren

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At Warren, we pride ourselves on continually improving our processes and meeting the evolving demands of our customers. Over the past few weeks, we’ve been undertaking a significant initiative to qualify our weld procedures. With customers now requiring greater scrutiny and standards, we recognised the need to elevate our practices.

We conducted six weld procedure tests across a range of materials:

  • Two tests on high-strength steel
  • Two tests on aluminium
  • Two tests on mild steel

The tests were carried out by our skilled team members – Russell, Mike, and Gavin, under the supervision of our responsible welding coordinator, Ben. These weren’t easy tests. The procedures were intentionally designed to be challenging to ensure a wide range of coverage for future applications. Despite the pressure, the team rose to the occasion, showcasing expertise and resilience.

Long-term benefits of qualified weld procedures

The procedures we’ve developed during these trials are now qualified and will serve as the foundation for welding work at Warren for years to come. While some gaps remain, these are less critical and will be addressed in the new year with additional preparation and practice.

Here’s how these new procedures will enhance our capabilities:

  • High-strength steel procedures: these enable us to manufacture a frame capable of holding an engine. They also position us to attain the DIN 2303 Q2 certification, expanding our work in the defence sector. With this certification, we anticipate a steady stream of work through 2030 and beyond, providing the business with long-term stability.
  • Aluminium procedures: these ensure we remain equipped to handle critical projects for our offshore work, EN 1090 aluminium welding for clients.
  • Mild steel procedures: by filling gaps in our existing library, these procedures allow us to specify requirements upfront, ensuring clarity and efficiency before jobs hit the shop floor. This proactive approach will save time and resources while improving overall quality.

Streamlining and accessibility

With these procedures now qualified, the next step is to document and integrate them into our workflow. They will be easily accessible on job cards and through Warren Web, ensuring our team can quickly find the information they need to maintain consistency and quality.

A team effort worth celebrating

This milestone wouldn’t have been possible without the dedication and skill of Russell, Mike, Gavin and Ben. Their hard work and commitment to excellence have set us up for success, and we’re deeply grateful for their efforts.

As we look to the future, these weld procedures not only solidify our position in the industry but also open doors to exciting new opportunities. Thank you to everyone involved for making this a success. Here’s to a stronger, more capable Warren!

Celebrating Billy Read: 10 Years of Dedication and Achievement

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This December marks a significant milestone for one of our valued team members, Billy Read, as he celebrates 10 years of service with Warren.

From temporary placement to senior leadership

Billy’s story began at the age of 19 when he joined Warren through the Job Centre Work Placement Scheme. Initially a temporary 8-week placement, his talent and work ethic quickly earned him a permanent role as a Goods in Operative at our Fison Way site. This foundational role equipped Billy with in-depth knowledge of materials and components, laying the groundwork for his future progression.

Four years later, Billy transitioned into the role of Purchasing & IT Assistant, under the mentorship of Ian Nixon. In this position, he built and nurtured strong relationships with key suppliers and developed vital negotiation skills. By 2022, his hard work and expertise were recognised with a promotion to Senior Buyer.

Leading the purchasing team

In his current role, Billy oversees our purchasing team, managing over £4 million in company spend each year. This includes handling more than 7,000 purchase orders and 23,000 line items. His role requires a delicate balance – managing cost, quality, and delivery timelines to ensure the seamless flow of goods for manufacturing. Space and cash flow management add to the challenge, but Billy approaches it all with precision.

Passionate about continuous improvement

Billy’s technical mindset and passion for engineering extend beyond his work. Recently, he completed his ILM Level 3 Award in Leadership and Management and introduced an Approved Supplier Onboarding Process, a vital step forward in meeting client requirements.

Thank you, Billy!

Billy’s 10-year journey is an inspiring example of what can be achieved through hard work, curiosity and a commitment to excellence. His willingness to help others, improve processes, and tackle challenges head-on has made a lasting impact on our team and business.

Thank you, Billy, for an incredible decade of dedication and achievement. Here’s to your next 10 years – we’re excited to see what you’ll accomplish!

Movember at Warren: Raising Awareness for Men’s Health

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This year, several of our team members joined the global movement of Movember, growing moustaches throughout November to raise awareness of men’s health issues. While we weren’t the best at capturing before-and-after pictures of everyone, we’re proud to share a snap of Jamie Mills, who represented the effort brilliantly!

Movember is more than just a chance to sport a new look. It’s about sparking conversations and raising awareness for critical issues in men’s health, including:

  • Mental health and suicide prevention
  • Prostate cancer
  • Testicular cancer

These are topics that don’t always get the attention they deserve, and Movember is leading the way in changing that, one moustache at a time.

We’d like to extend a huge thank you to everyone who participated this year – your efforts helped raise awareness for these vital health issues.