Goodbye to Tom Render

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As the year draws to a close, we bid a heartfelt goodbye to a cherished member of the Warren team, Tom Render.

Tom’s journey with us began back in 2010, a young enthusiast straight out of school. His connection with Warren started even earlier as a special “Young Apprentice” in the day release “Work Experience” scheme in conjunction with his school, the Rosemary Musker (now Thetford Academy), West Suffolk College and Warren.

Tom’s determination was evident from the start. Despite the school’s encouragement to continue into the sixth form, Tom knew his passion lay in becoming an engineer. Joining Warren as an apprentice in 2010, he embarked on a learning adventure with EAGIT in Norwich, earning his level 3 certificate.

Over the years, Tom has worn many hats within our organisation. From the initial apprenticeship, he transitioned through different areas, making his mark in milling and later settling into the turning area. His dedication and skill set have also led him to take on the role of a Quality Inspector.

Tom’s commitment isn’t limited to the workplace. Outside of his professional life, he has generously devoted his spare time to serving as a Special Constable (PCSO). His rise through the ranks to Inspector reflects not only his commitment to excellence but also his leadership qualities.

From a 15-year-old boy joining our ranks, Tom has undergone a significant transformation. Now happily married with a child and a home of his own, we’ve witnessed the remarkable journey of a young apprentice evolving into a seasoned professional.

Tom has become an integral part of Warren’s history. His contributions, growth, and the positive impact he’s had on his colleagues and mentors will be fondly remembered. As he steps into a new chapter of his career, we extend our warmest wishes for success and fulfilment.

To Tom, we say farewell with gratitude for the time, dedication, and spirit you brought to Warren. Remember, there will always be a place for you here should you decide to return in the future.

We wish Tom Render the very best in his new endeavours. Your journey with Warren may be ending, but the impact you’ve made will endure. Cheers to your future, Tom!

It’s Christmas Jumper Day!

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‘Tis the season to be jolly, and at Warren, we’re not ones to miss out on the festive fun! As December rolls in, we decked the halls, adorned our workspaces with twinkling lights, and slipped into our cosiest Christmas jumpers to celebrate Christmas Jumper Day today – Thursday, 7th December.

Our team pulled out all the stops to showcase their individuality. There were snowflakes, reindeer, elves, and a few snowmen spotted on jumpers. The cheerful atmosphere resonated through the hum of machinery as we worked with an extra dose of enthusiasm!

As we approach the festive season, we’d like to inform our valued customers and partners about our Christmas and New Year opening hours:

📆 Closing for Christmas:

Friday, 22nd December at 2PM 🕑

🎉 Reopening for the New Year:

Tuesday, 2nd January at 6AM 🕕

From all of us at Warren, we wish you a joyous holiday season filled with warmth and laughter. Merry Christmas!

 

Daniel Sobczyk Crushes the Press Up Challenge for a Great Cause.

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In the spirit of determination and giving back, November witnessed an inspiring feat by our very own Daniel Sobczyk. Throughout the entire month, Daniel embraced the Press Up Challenge with unwavering commitment, conquering 100 press ups every single day.

We extend our gratitude to everyone who rallied behind Daniel, offering their support through sponsorship. Your generosity and encouragement played a crucial role in making this challenge a success.

Daniel’s dedication raised a total of £200 for Cancer Research UK.

Daniel’s Press Up Challenge serves as a reminder of the positive impact individuals can make when they channel their energy towards a cause they believe in.

 

Cailum Wilson’s Remarkable Academic Journey

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In 2015,Our Founder Owner Richard Bridgman became an Honorary Fellow of UCS for his dedication to young people’s training, with a particular focus on West Suffolk College. Over the years, he has regularly attended the Graduation Ceremonies at Bury Cathedral, donning the traditional hat and gown, surrounded by graduates, their families, and friends. Richard says the atmosphere in the Cathedral has always been nothing short of incredible. Unfortunately, he had to miss this year’s ceremony as he was abroad.

This year holds a special significance for Warren Services, as Cailum Wilson, who commenced his journey as an Apprentice with us in 2016, achieved a remarkable milestone by becoming the first person from Warren to earn a degree. Despite Cailum leaving our team during his final year of study, his determination and perseverance led him to successfully complete the qualification. We take immense pride in Cailum’s accomplishment, a well-deserved recognition of his unwavering dedication.

The attached photo captures the moment CEO Nikos Savvas personally congratulated Cailum after the ceremony, fulfilling Richard’s request. Looking ahead, we are optimistic that we will have more reasons to celebrate during the next graduation day. Two of our current Apprentices are currently in the final year of their degree course, raising hopes for a double celebration in the near future!

A few words from Cailum:

“I joined Warren back in 2016 after finishing college. I wanted to join a degree apprenticeship program in-stead of attending university on a more traditional pathway. Through a mutual friend I got the opportunity to have a phone call/interview with Richard and Will, and they were kind enough to offer me some work experience before joining the degree apprenticeship.

“Over the next few years I got the opportunity to work in most of the departments at Warren, learning from some of the best engineers in the industry. While working I studied for my HNC/HND through West Suffolk College. After being in the workshop for 4 years I then moved into design and worked on prototyping ma-chines for various customers and studied for the last leg of my degree. In the last year I moved on to Mar-shalls ADG as a Systems Development Engineer. I can’t thank enough everyone at Warren for putting up with me during my apprenticeship and teaching me vital industry knowledge, including to check what fuel you are putting in the company truck!”

Women in Manufacturing – Changing perceptions

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Estee Ross, our HR Director had the privilege of attending the Changing Perceptions conference organised by the Women in Manufacturing initiative, held at the impressive Manufacturing Technology Centre (MTC) in Coventry on October 31st. The event drew a significant turnout from major players in the manufacturing sector, creating a dynamic atmosphere for collaboration and insight. The MTC’s spacious layout and lunch (which Estee says was amazing!) further enhanced the conference experience.

The afternoon session featured engaging workshops that led to inspiring conversations on various topics, including:

  • Be Who You See: diverse roles and opportunities in manufacturing
  • Building Professional Profiles and supporting peers on social media
  • Overcoming Imposter Syndrome
  • Shaping the Future of Manufacturing Jobs: digital technology, job appeal, and your ideal career
  • Take Your Seat Inside the Board Room – From Critic to Cheerleader: how to shine without feeling like a horrible show off
  • Digital Technologies for Improving Diversity in UK Manufacturing.

A prevalent theme throughout the discussions was the under-representation of women in the manufacturing sector. Conversations revolved around strategies to change this narrative, emphasising the need to raise awareness about the vast career opportunities within the industry. Warren, standing alongside industry giants such as Rolls Royce, Siemens, and Omron, continues to be held in high esteem—a testament to the exceptional work of Richard and Will Bridgman in promoting our SME both in person and across various social media platforms.

The event left a lasting impression, and Estee would very much like to send another member of our team to participate in this fantastic initiative next year.

West Suffolk Gala Evening

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On October 13th, Richard Bridgman, our Founder Owner had the honour of being invited by Cliff Waterman, the new leader of West Suffolk Council, to join his table as a guest at the prestigious West Suffolk Gala Evening held at the Apex. The invitation was extended in recognition of Richard’s role as the Chair of the West Suffolk Manufacturing Club. This event is a highlight in the calendar, shining a spotlight on individuals and companies that have demonstrated exceptional achievements throughout the past year.

The evening was nothing short of fantastic, featuring exquisite food and entertainment that set the stage for the much-anticipated awards ceremony. Richard’s table engaged in valuable networking opportunities around his table and beyond. The awards were hosted and presented by Becky Jago, one of the main presenters of ITV Anglia News, as shown in the photo.

Adding to the excitement, a noteworthy achievement unfolded as our valued customer Portable Space, which is run by Mark Dolman, clinched the prestigious Business of the Year Award. Interestingly, Richard had the privilege of visiting their premises earlier that day for a meeting with Mark, making the victory all the more meaningful.

A Decade of Dedication: Neil Coker’s 10-Year Milestone!

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This month (November), we proudly marked a significant milestone as Neil Coker completed a decade of unwavering commitment to our business. Neil embarked on his journey with us as a data analyst in the finance department, showcasing his talents right from the start. Recognising his capabilities, Neil quickly transitioned into various roles within the company, including Quality, Health and Safety, and Quality Management Systems.

Over the years, Neil has guided us through numerous audits, and our expectation on auditing is now higher than it ever was. Starting our BSI journey with a single accreditation, we now proudly hold four:

ISO 9001:2015 Quality Management Systems
ISO 45001:2018 Occupational Health and Safety Management
ISO 14001:2015 Environmental Management Systems
BS EN 1090-1:2009 + A1:2011 Execution of Steel and Aluminium Structures

Neil’s meticulous attention to detail and impeccable written communication have consistently set a high standard. He embodies the spirit of an employee who not only strives for excellence but also remains a steadfast and loyal member of our team. Interestingly, Neil is known for always apologising, even when he hasn’t put a foot wrong!

Despite the occasional ribbing Neil receives for the nature of his role, it’s crucial to acknowledge that he plays a pivotal part in maintaining a safe and compliant workplace, ensuring our continued success.

As we reflect on the past decade, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to Neil for his tireless efforts, dedication, and instrumental role in navigating us through numerous customer audits, BSI audits, and HSE visits. Here’s to you, Neil – thank you for an outstanding 10 years!

Tom’s Final Farewell

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Tom recently completed his work placement here at Warren, and this is what he said as a final farewell:

“Having recently completed my work placement with Warren, I would like to say an enormous thank you to everyone for all the help, support and encouragement I have received, you have all been incredible and I will miss you all very much.
“There are some truly awesome people at Warren, who have been kind enough to share their years of expertise and wisdom with me. I have thoroughly enjoyed my time in milling, and have gained so much knowledge to take back to my university studies.
“Once again thank you all very much for everything, I am very grateful to have had this opportunity.”

Tom’s parting words are a tribute to the individuals at Warren who shared their wealth of experience with him. We hope that the knowledge he has acquired helps with his future endeavours in university studies.

Aluminium for Thetford Academy

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Thetford Academy asked us to supply essential material for a special school project. With Year 8 students set to embark on an exciting endeavour, the Academy urgently required small aluminium pieces to create innovative bottle openers and stylish key fobs. The Academy recently showcased the finished articles at their recent Open Evening and they kindly provided some photos of the finished articles.

 

 

 

Chairman of Norfolk County Council Tours Warren

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On Tuesday 3rd October, Warren had the privilege of hosting a visit from Counsellor Barry Stone, the Chairman of Norfolk County Council.

Barry’s purpose for the visit was to engage in a discussion about apprenticeships and to have a tour of our facilities at Fison and Brickfields Way.

Counsellor Barry is committed to ensuring that young people receive the necessary encouragement to make informed career choices beyond the age of 16. During his visit, he expressed a keen interest in this aspect of education and career development.

Barry was very impressed by the scale and cleanliness of our factories, as well as the wide diversity of work taking place within our organisation, leaving him with a positive impression of Warren’s operations.