Three of our apprentices started at Reagit this week

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At Warren, we’re proud to support the next generation of engineering talent. This week, three of our promising apprentices, Alfie McElvogue, Tadas Difartas, and Reino Monument, have started their six weeks of study at Reagit in Norwich. This marks the first step in their journey towards achieving their Level 2 Engineering Operative qualification.

During their time at Reagit, Alfie, Tadas, and Reino are gaining essential theoretical knowledge and hands-on skills that will form the foundation of their careers in manufacturing and engineering. After completing this intensive study period, they’ll return to Warren to begin their factory rotations, where they’ll apply what they’ve learned in a real-world setting.

We’re excited to watch these apprentices grow and develop their expertise, and we’re confident they’ll become invaluable members of the Warren team. Supporting apprenticeships is a key part of our commitment to nurturing talent and helping shape the future of engineering.

National Manufacturing Day 2024

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Warren will open up to 260 primary school children as part of Make UK’s National Manufacturing Day celebrations on 26 September 2024

Warren will open up to primary schools in the local community on National Manufacturing Day to showcase first-hand the amazing careers that are available in Britain’s manufacturing sector.

During the day the company will put on a series of tours and interactive activities, designed to demonstrate what manufacturing is really about.

Warren has been part of the Thetford community, manufacturing for over 30 years.

Will Bridgman, Warren’s Managing Director said:

“We are delighted to be taking part in National Manufacturing Day and have the chance to show our products, processes, tools and people. We can’t wait to welcome so many young learners!”

To make it easy to see what’s going on across the local area, Make UK has created a dedicated microsite www.nationalmanufacturingday.org where companies taking part will post what they produce and detail the events they are planning for National Manufacturing Day itself.

Manufacturing covers a wide range of sectors including aerospace, engineering, chemical and pharmaceutical, food and drink, defence, automotive and renewable technologies. So there will definitely be something around on the day to interest everyone.

Stephen Phipson, CEO of Make UK, the manufacturers organisation added:

“This is a really exciting day where the whole manufacturing sector will come together to celebrate the amazing things that Britain designs and makes.

“Britain’s manufacturing companies are at the forefront of global renewable technology development and some of the most innovative engineering developments seen anywhere around the world.”

To find out more www.nationalmanufacturingday.org

About Make UK

Make UK, the manufacturers’ organisation, is the representative voice of UK manufacturing, with offices in London, Brussels, every English region and Wales.

Collectively we represent 20,000 companies of all sizes, from start-ups to multinationals, across engineering, manufacturing, technology and the wider industrial sector. We directly represent over 5,000 businesses who are members of Make UK. Everything we do – from providing essential business support and training to championing manufacturing industry in the UK and the EU – is designed to help British manufacturers compete, innovate and grow.

From HR and employment law, health and safety to environmental and productivity improvement, our advice, expertise and influence enables businesses to remain safe, compliant and future-focused.

The Plantlife Project: Supporting Biodiversity

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We’re always on the lookout for opportunities to contribute to our community and environment. Recently, we had an exciting encounter that aligns perfectly with our commitment to sustainability and conservation. During a lunchtime walk, Ian, Becky, and Sophie spotted Jo Jones from Plantlife outside our Brickfields factory, and it turns out she’s working on a fascinating project that we’re thrilled to support.

The Field Wormwood project

Jo Jones, who gave an inspiring talk at the Thetford Business Forum in July, is involved in a crucial conservation project at Plantlife. The focus of her work is the reintroduction of a rare plant called Field Wormwood to our local area. This plant is critically endangered and can only be found in two sites across the entire UK. Interestingly, the most thriving population is located on an industrial estate on London Road in Brandon.

Field Wormwood has seen its habitat diminish due to the increasing nutrient levels in the soil and the encroachment of building projects. However, verges on industrial estates, like those around our Brickfields factory, present an ideal environment for this plant. These verges are remnants of old heathland that have never been fertilised or sprayed, providing the perfect sandy and chalky soils that Field Wormwood thrives in.

A unique ecological relationship

One of the most intriguing aspects of the Field Wormwood project is its connection to a rare beetle known as the Moonshine beetle. This beetle has a unique and exclusive relationship with the Field Wormwood. In the autumn, the Moonshine beetle climbs the flower stalks of the Field Wormwood to eat its seeds. What’s remarkable is that this beetle has only ever been found in areas where Field Wormwood grows, despite extensive searches elsewhere. This rare plant and beetle duo highlight the importance of preserving such unique and delicate ecosystems.

Warren’s role in the project

It turns out that our MD Will had already been in touch with Jo to explore whether our sites might be suitable for assisting with this vital conservation effort. As we completed our walk, we saw Tim from The Horticulture Industry Scheme C.I.C. was deep in conversation with Jo, discussing the best locations to plant Field Wormwood at our sites. Their goal is to ensure that these rare plants are protected and thrive without interference from regular maintenance activities.

We’re excited to be part of this project and to contribute to the preservation of such a rare species. By reintroducing Field Wormwood to suitable areas around our industrial estates, we’re helping to safeguard not only the plant but also the unique Moonshine beetle that relies on it.

This collaboration with Plantlife is just one of the ways Warren is committed to supporting biodiversity and environmental sustainability. We’re proud to play a role in this project and look forward to seeing the positive impact it will have on our local ecosystem.

Welcoming David: Our New Mechanical Engineering Intern

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At Warren, we’re committed to nurturing the next generation of engineering talent, and we’re thrilled to introduce David, our new Mechanical Engineering Intern. David joins us for his work placement year as part of his Aerospace Engineering degree from Leicester University. At just 19 years old, David brings a fresh perspective, a passion for engineering and a wealth of experiences that make him a valuable addition to our team.

David’s background and education

David’s journey in engineering began during his A-Level studies, where he gained hands-on experience working part-time at a saw servicing company. This early exposure to the mechanical aspects of engineering sparked his interest and led him to pursue a degree in Aerospace Engineering. Now in his placement year, David is eager to apply his academic knowledge in a real-world setting at Warren.

A passion for the outdoors and volunteering

When David isn’t immersed in his studies or working at Warren, he loves to explore the great outdoors. Cycling through the countryside is one of his favourite ways to unwind and stay active. His love for nature also extends to his volunteer work. As part of his Duke of Edinburgh Award, David volunteered with the Suffolk Wildlife Trust at Lackford Lakes.

Ambitions and future plans

David’s ambitions extend beyond his current studies. He’s particularly excited about the prospect of joining the Formula Student Team during his Master’s degree, where he hopes to contribute to the design and development of an ultimate racing car. His experience as a CAD design engineer during his second year at university, where he worked on a Beetle weight BattleBot project, has equipped him with practical skills and a keen understanding of the engineering design process.

Looking ahead

David’s enthusiasm for learning and his dedication to his craft make him an excellent fit for Warren. As he begins this work placement year, we’re excited to see how he’ll contribute to our projects and grow as a budding engineer. David is eager to gain as much experience as possible during his time with us, and we’re confident that his time at Warren will be both productive and enriching.

Welcoming Natalia: Our New Business Admin Apprentice at Warren

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We’re delighted to introduce Natalia, who has recently joined us as a Business Admin Apprentice. With her passion for learning and strong dedication to her family, Natalia brings a fresh perspective to our team.

Natalia’s background and career transition

Natalia comes to us with a background in Childcare, having spent several years working with children. As a proud mother of two boys, Natalia’s experience in nurturing and managing a dynamic environment is impressive. Her decision to switch career paths reflects her eagerness to explore new challenges and develop a broad set of skills in a different field.

The transition from Childcare to Business Administration is a bold move, and Natalia is excited about the opportunity to grow and learn within a new professional setting. She believes that Warren is the ideal place to embark on this journey, and we couldn’t agree more.

A family-oriented life

Outside of work, Natalia’s life is very much centered around her family. She enjoys spending her spare time with her two boys, engaging in creative arts and crafts projects, and exploring the great outdoors. Whether it’s taking walks with their Shih-Tzu or finding new ways to stay active together, Natalia values the quality time she spends with her family.

Looking forward to new opportunities

As Natalia steps into her new role at Warren, she is keen to contribute to the team’s success while expanding her own knowledge and abilities. The warm welcome she has received from our staff has made her feel at home, and she’s eager to dive into her work and start making a difference.

We’re confident that Natalia’s dedication, enthusiasm, and commitment to personal growth will make her a valuable addition to our team.

Meet Harry, a New Member of our Team

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At Warren, we believe that our people are the foundation of our success. That’s why we’re thrilled to introduce Harry, the latest addition to our Milling department. With his extensive experience and passion for learning, Harry is a perfect fit for our team, and we’re excited to have him on board.

Harry’s journey to Warren

Harry recently made the move to Suffolk after spending many years in Rickmansworth. Before joining Warren, he worked at Martin-Baker, a company renowned for manufacturing ejection seats for aircraft. As a CNC programmer, Harry was responsible for machining critical components, a role he excelled in for over 13 years.

His journey in manufacturing began with an advanced apprenticeship at Martin-Baker, where he honed his skills and gained invaluable experience in CNC programming. Now, Harry brings that expertise to Warren, where he is eager to apply his knowledge in our Milling department and continue his professional growth.

Why Harry chose Suffolk

Harry’s move to Suffolk was driven by a desire for a better work-life balance. With a growing family (Harry and his wife are expecting their third child in September), Suffolk offered the perfect setting. The move has provided them with more space and the opportunity to spend quality time together as a family. When he’s not at work, Harry enjoys exploring the beautiful Suffolk countryside with his daughters.

When he’s not busy in the workshop or exploring Suffolk, Harry enjoys cooking and indulging in a bit of PC gaming.

Looking ahead

Harry is enthusiastic about the new challenges and opportunities that lie ahead at Warren. He’s looking forward to learning new skills, getting to know his colleagues better, and contributing to the team’s success.

We’re delighted to have Harry join us and can’t wait to see the positive impact he’ll make at Warren. We wish him all the best as he settles into his new role and prepares for the exciting arrival of his third child!

Team Warren: 2024 “Only the Brave” challenge

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At Warren, we believe in more than just building world-class products; we believe in building stronger communities. This year, we’re putting our commitment into action by participating in the Only the Brave Obstacle Challenge, taking place at the Euston Estate on Sunday, 22nd September.

The challenge

The Only the Brave Obstacle Challenge is not for the faint-hearted. It’s a demanding event filled with mud, sweat, and tears, designed to push participants to their limits. But for Team Warren, it’s more than just an obstacle course. It’s a way to give back to a cause that’s close to our hearts—the East Anglian Air Ambulance (EAAA).

Our mission: raising funds for EAAA

We aim to raise a minimum of £400 to support the life-saving work of the East Anglian Air Ambulance. EAAA provides a 24/7, 365-day-a-year helicopter emergency medical service across Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire, Norfolk, and Suffolk. Their highly skilled doctors and critical care paramedics deliver urgent care by air to those who need it most.

However, this vital service doesn’t come cheap. Each mission costs an average of £3,750, and with an annual budget requirement of £19 million, EAAA relies heavily on charitable donations. Unfortunately, they do not receive regular direct government funding, making the support of individuals and organisations like ours crucial.

Join us in supporting this worthy cause

We invite you to join us in supporting the East Anglian Air Ambulance. Your donations will help ensure that they can continue to provide their life-saving services to our community. Every pound counts, and your contribution could make the difference between life and death for someone in need.

You can sponsor Team Warren by visiting our JustGiving page here. No amount is too small, and every donation is deeply appreciated.

Donate Here

Last year’s challenge

For those wondering what this challenge looks like, we’ve shared some snapshots from last year’s event. You’ll see a mix of determination, grit, and plenty of muddy faces! It’s tough, but knowing that we’re doing it for such a worthy cause makes it all worthwhile.

Thank you for your support

We know that the success of this fundraising effort depends on the generosity of people like you. From everyone at Warren, we want to extend our heartfelt thanks for your support.

Here are some photos of us at last year’s event.

Only the brave Warren Team 

Discover the XR Lab at West Suffolk College: Revolutionising Engineering Education

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At Warren, we are proud to support the groundbreaking advancements in engineering education made possible by the new XR Lab at West Suffolk College. This state-of-the-art facility, the first of its kind within an educational institution, is dedicated to educating the next generation of engineers—something we passionately believe in.

To showcase this remarkable facility, Richard Bridgman, the Owner and Founder of Warren and its holding company Rawner, has been collaborating with West Suffolk College for many years. Richard commissioned this in-depth video (below) with MTDCNC about the XR Lab, highlighting how the lab is revolutionising engineering education and providing a glimpse into the future of immersive learning.

What is the XR Lab?
The XR Lab combines the latest in virtual, augmented, and mixed reality technologies, creating a dynamic and immersive environment for learning. This purpose-built facility offers students unparalleled access to cutting-edge technologies, providing an innovative space where theoretical knowledge meets practical application.

Why you should check out the XR Lab
If you’re an aspiring engineer or considering a career in the manufacturing industry, the XR Lab is a must-see. Specialising in Virtual Reality (VR), Augmented Reality (AR), and Mixed Reality (MR) with integrated Artificial Intelligence (AI), the XR Lab bridges the gap between education and industry. By embracing a hands-on approach, it equips students with the skills and experience needed to excel in practical engineering roles.

Supporting the future of engineering
At Warren, we recognise the importance of preparing students for the future. The XR Lab at West Suffolk College is a prime example of how innovative educational tools can transform learning experiences and better prepare students for the challenges of the engineering and manufacturing sectors.

Explore the XR Lab and see how this revolutionary facility is shaping the engineers of tomorrow. Join us in supporting this exciting venture and discover how immersive technology can enhance your educational journey.

Social Saturday: A Night of Fun and Camaraderie

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At Warren Services, we believe that building strong team bonds is (almost!) as important as our engineering and manufacturing projects. This belief was in full swing on Saturday, 8th June, during our latest social night out in Norwich.

Thirteen of us gathered at the Riverside in Norwich for an evening of drinks and crazy golf. The night kicked off with everyone eager to showcase their golfing skills—or at least try to! The friendly competition soon took a hilarious turn, and by the 10th hole, the game had become more about fun than finding a winner.

Laughter, conversations, and perhaps a few too many drinks defined the evening. It was a wonderful opportunity for everyone to relax, unwind, and strengthen the personal connections that contribute to our collaborative work environment.

Our next social night out is on Saturday, 7th September. We look forward to another evening of laughing, games, and great company. Here’s to more memorable nights with the Warren Services family!

Subcon 2024: A Showcase of Subcontract Engineering Excellence

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With over 150 subcontract engineering firms exhibiting at this year’s SUBCON show, the event was bustling with activity. Representing Warren Services, Sophie Hall, our Business Development Manager attended Subcon 2024 to gauge the event’s impact and determine its potential value for future participation.

Here’s what she said about it…

“From an attendee perspective, Subcon is exceptionally well-organised. Held at the NEC in Birmingham, the event was easy to access, with ample parking and efficient shuttle services from the car park to the main arena. Arriving at the opening allowed for an early exploration before the venue became crowded, providing an opportunity to take in the extensive exhibits and network with industry peers.”

Subcon is scheduled alongside other significant shows such as Air Tech, Drives and Controls, Fluid Power & Systems, Smart Manufacturing, and TCT. This convergence attracts a diverse crowd from various engineering disciplines, enhancing the event’s appeal.

One of the standout features of Subcon is the buyers’ lounge, designed to facilitate meetings with buyers throughout the two-day event. This dedicated space underscores the show’s focus on fostering business connections and creating opportunities for collaboration.

In addition to networking, Subcon hosts numerous speaker events throughout the day, covering a wide range of industry topics, for instance, the latest advancements in technology or exploring new manufacturing processes, the speaker events provide insightful and engaging content for all.

Subcon is a vibrant and engaging environment and Warren Services will undoubtedly consider visiting future Subcon shows, recognising the immense value it brings to our ongoing journey of growth and innovation.