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!

Warren celebrates 35 years- then and now

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This year, Warren proudly marks 35 years in business. From its modest beginnings in a garage to becoming a leading name in precision engineering, the journey of Warren (formerly Warren Services), is a story of family, dedication and a passion for British manufacturing.

Here is a brief history of how Warren started, with photos of back then and now. You can read more about our main milestones on our website here.

Buildings

Then:
It all began in 1990, when Richard and Sharon Bridgman officially started Warren in the Old School at Feltwell. But as HR Director Estee Ross reminded us, the very first home of Warren was actually their garage!

Old School at Feltwell

In 2004, Warren made a bold move by investing in a near-derelict 30,000 sq. ft building on Fison Way, Thetford.

Now:
Today, Warren operates from two impressive facilities in Thetford. The original Fison Way factory was joined in 2014 by a second site at Brickfields Way. Together, these sites provide over 80,000 sq. ft of advanced manufacturing, fabrication and assembly space.

Fison Way site

Brickfields Way site

Staff

Then:
The Warren team began with just five people. Richard and Sharon were joined by three trusted colleagues from Richard’s previous business in Brandon: Paul Green (fondly known as Squeak), Paul Tuffs (Tuffy), and Ray Underhill. Tuffy left in 1993 to pursue a new role, but Paul and Ray stayed on to help shape the company’s future.

The original Warren Services team

Between 1990 and 1997, Warren invested in its people, bringing in apprentices and even acquiring its first computer to generate professional invoices – a forward-thinking move at the time!

Now:
Warren now employs 113 skilled individuals. Paul Green remains a vital part of the team – a testament to his loyalty and the close-knit culture Richard and Sharon fostered from the beginning. Ray has since retired and his contribution lives on in the business he helped build.

The current Warren team

Ray recently returned, alongside his wife, to help celebrate Warren’s 35-year anniversary milestone.

Richard, Paul and Ray

Branding – Logo and Website

Then:
In its early days, Warren’s branding was simple and functional, much like the business itself.

Warren Services’ original logo

 

Warren Services’ original website

 

Warren Services’ lorry with original logo

Now:
In 2023, Warren Services rebranded to become simply ‘Warren’. The refreshed logo and newly designed website represent a confident, modern business that’s still rooted in its values but looking firmly to the future. The updated identity better reflects the scale, ambition and professionalism of Warren today.

Warren’s new logo

Warren’s new website

 

Warren’s newly branded clothing

Directors

Then:
A key moment in the company’s growth came in 2001, when Will Bridgman, (Richard and Sharon’s son) joined the business after studying Business and Finance at the University of Birmingham. By 2002, Warren had reached a £1 million turnover and Will stepped into the role of Managing Director.

Richard, Sharon and Will celebrating the acquisition of the Fison Way site.

Now:
Today, Warren is led by a dynamic board of directors: Will Bridgman (Managing Director), Estee Ross (HR Director), Becky Mason (Financial Director), and Lee Charlton (Operations Director). This talented team is continuing to drive the company forward, combining decades of experience with fresh ideas and strategic vision.

Will, Estee, beck and Lee – current Directors of Warren

Projects

Then:
Warren’s early success came in the theatre and stage industry, with bespoke winches and automation systems taking Richard and his team as far as the United States. This vintage photo shows Richard hard at work in America – a snapshot of Warren’s hands-on origins and global ambition.

Richard – working in America

Now:
While still known for its engineering versatility, Warren has diversified into a broad range of industries. Today, the company works extensively in the construction, agriculture and turbine sectors, building on its solid reputation for innovation and quality.

One of Warren’s recent projects – modular balconies

Here’s to the next 35 years!
As Warren reflects on this incredible journey, the Bridgman family and all at Warren thank everyone – staff, customers, suppliers and supporters who’ve played a role in reaching this milestone. From a garage in Brookville to a multi-site engineering powerhouse, Warren’s story is proof that with vision and hard work, anything is possible.

Celebrating 20 years of dedication – Fraser Craigen

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This year marks a major milestone for one of our longest-serving team members – Fraser Craigen, who is celebrating 20 years with Warren Services.

Fraser’s journey into the world of manufacturing began in an unexpected way. Originally a Game Keeper, Fraser made a career change due to health reasons. Through word of mouth and a family connection (his brother Darren was our very first apprentice), Fraser was offered a role with us and the rest as they say, is history.

Starting out briefly at our Feltwell factory, Fraser has been with us through decades of growth and change, from our expansion to two factories and the development of the Kilverstone site. A true constant throughout it all, Fraser has taken every challenge in his stride, always willing to go the extra mile.

As one of the first employees at our Fison Way site, Fraser was instrumental in shaping and managing our Goods In & Out processes, as well as coordinating transport across all sites. His work ensures finished goods are correctly booked out, securely packaged, and delivered to customers across the country — no small task when you’re dealing with large and complex items like balconies, which require careful coordination between our Brickfields and Kilverstone locations.

In more recent years, Fraser has also taken on the growing challenge of recycling management, working closely with Sackers to ensure our waste and scrap processes are efficient, compliant, and environmentally responsible.

What’s written here only scratches the surface of the contribution Fraser has made over two decades. He carries enormous responsibility and his knowledge, reliability and calm approach are appreciated by everyone who works with him.

From all of us at Warren, thank you Fraser for your 20 years of service, dedication and hard work. We look forward to the years to come and the continued success we’ll share together.

Easter raffle raises £500 for children’s charity

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We’re delighted to share the final update from our Easter raffle – and we’re proud to announce that we raised £500 in support of West Suffolk Hospital’s WiSH Upon a Star Children’s Appeal.

This important charity works to enhance the care that young people receive across the West Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust, both in hospital and in the wider community. The Trust supports a population of around 280,000 people – with more than 160,000 of those aged 18 or under, so the impact of this appeal reaches far and wide.

The Warren team came together to deliver another fantastic fundraising effort for a truly worthy cause. A huge thank you goes to Becky and Christine for all their hard work in organising the raffle, selling tickets and collecting donations – your dedication makes events like this possible.

Thank you also to everyone who donated prizes and to those who bought tickets so generously. Your support means a lot and helps us continue to give back to our community in meaningful ways.

Well done, team Warren – and happy (belated) Easter to all!

A royal honour: Visit from Lady Dannatt, Lord-Lieutenant of Norfolk

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On Thursday 10th April, we had the privilege of welcoming a very special guest to Warren Services – Lady Dannatt, the Lord-Lieutenant of Norfolk.

As His Majesty’s representative in the county, the Lord-Lieutenant plays a unique and important role in promoting goodwill, supporting community initiatives, and recognising excellence across Norfolk. Lady Dannatt, who holds this position, is deeply committed to strengthening local communities and takes a keen interest in businesses, voluntary organisations and education.

Her visit to Warren Services focused on our work with young people, particularly in the areas of skills development, apprenticeships and engagement with local schools and colleges. We were proud to share how we support learners, help bridge the skills gap in engineering and manufacturing, and encourage others in the sector to follow suit.

The tour went smoothly and the discussions that followed were both meaningful and encouraging. We were honoured to learn that Lady Dannatt plans to write to His Majesty The King to share details about our company and the positive impact we are making.

In a further mark of recognition, we were delighted to receive an invitation to attend The King’s Garden Party at Buckingham Palace on Wednesday 14th May – a true honour and a testament to the dedication of our team in promoting education and opportunity within our industry.

More news and photos from this exciting occasion will be shared soon.