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.

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

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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

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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.

 

The Laser Cell Floor: Paving the Way for Innovation

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Exciting developments are on the horizon as we gear up for the installation of our new laser in February/March. As we embark on this journey towards enhanced capabilities and cutting-edge technology, we want to keep you all in the loop about the remarkable preparations taking place behind the scenes. Today, let’s delve into the meticulous groundwork that has gone into strengthening the foundation for our upcoming laser cell.

Groundwork and tower automation: a huge task

Preparing for the installation of our new laser involved reinforcing the ground works to support the tower automation, a crucial component with load points of up to 40 tonnes. This meant that our dedicated ground workers were hard at work over the Christmas period, diligently digging a hole nearly one metre deep. Thank you to those of you who took proactive measures to cover the machines, recognising that the process was not without its share of noise and dust.

Concrete progress: layer by layer

The efforts put into place during the Christmas break bore fruit upon our return. The first layer of concrete was expertly poured into the carefully excavated space, setting the stage for a robust foundation. A week later, the second layer was added, solidifying the groundwork laid by our team. This critical phase of the project required precision, patience, and collaboration, and we are pleased to report that everything is progressing seamlessly.

A note of appreciation

We extend our heartfelt appreciation for the team’s understanding during this period of intense groundwork. Their cooperation has been instrumental in ensuring the success of these preparations. We understand that the noise and dust might have presented some challenges, and their positive attitude and flexibility have not gone unnoticed.

Stay tuned for more updates as we eagerly anticipate the arrival of our cutting-edge laser in the coming months.

Congratulations, Ali!

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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!

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.