Celebrating 20 years of Christine Webb at Warren

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This year marks a very special milestone for one of Warren’s longest-serving team members, Christine Webb. It’s hard to believe it’s been 20 years since Christine first joined the business, but looking back, it’s clear that her contribution over the last two decades has been nothing short of remarkable.

The beginning – Fulford-Walker and the Brandon days

20 years ago, Warren purchased a small company in Brandon called Fulford-Walker. The factory was a far cry from today’s standards – noisy, dark and more than a little oily – but it came with its own loyal customer base and a hardworking team. Among them was Christine.

Christine mainly handled second operations (or “second-opps”), taking semi-finished parts and transforming them with her speed and precision – her hands moved like lightning!

From Brandon to Fison Way

As Warren grew, we relocated the business to our Fison Way factory. All the old Cam-auto machines made the move too, and the section of the factory where they were housed soon earned the nickname “the Brandon Bungalow” – now known as our inspection room.

In time, as the industry evolved, we transitioned from Cam-autos to more advanced Sliding Head machines. Although the machines changed, Christine’s role remained just as vital. She adapted seamlessly, taking on countless responsibilities across the factory floor without ever missing a beat.

Christine today – still going strong

These days, Christine works alongside her daughter Becky, keeping both of our factories spotless. Cleaning is no small task in a manufacturing environment, but Christine tackles it with her usual efficiency and pride. One challenge we faced in recent years was managing staff overalls – laundering, organising, and redistributing them. Christine and Becky stepped up and took full ownership of the task, and it’s run like clockwork ever since.

Christine’s work ethic, loyalty and can-do spirit have made her a true value to Warren. Even now, while most people might be thinking about winding down, Christine has said she’s not ready to stop completely – and we’ll do everything we can to support her in working at a pace that suits her.

Thank you, Christine

From all of us at Warren – and especially from the family, thank you Christine, for your 20 years of dedication, hard work and loyalty. We really would be lost without you.

A note about Geoff

Many of you will also remember Geoff, who joined us from the Brandon site alongside Christine. Geoff looked after the Cam-autos and later became our Maintenance Engineer at Fison Way. Like Christine, nothing ever phased him, and to this day, he’s remembered as the best Maintenance man we’ve ever had.

Here’s to the people who helped shape Warren into what it is today.

MTC Event in Coventry: Insights, Debate, and Exciting Opportunities

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Earlier this month, our Managing Director, Will Bridgman and Founder Owner, Richard Bridgman headed to the MTC (Manufacturing Technologies Centre) in Coventry for a major industry event. The trip followed a late night in Cambridge, entertaining potential clients with exciting project opportunities for Warren. The previous day had also been packed with activity, as Will followed up on defence sector contacts in Norwich, culminating in a meeting with the Defence Minister – a key step in Warren’s growing involvement in the sector.

What is the MTC?

The MTC provides transformative manufacturing advice to businesses across the UK, helping to drive innovation, efficiency and sustainability in the industry. The event brought together manufacturers from across the country, providing valuable networking opportunities and discussions on the future of UK manufacturing.

Will Bridgman on the Sustainability Panel

Will was invited to take part in a panel discussion in the auditorium, covering sustainability in manufacturing—a subject that is becoming increasingly critical to businesses and policymakers alike. The panel featured Henrik Von Scheel, a highly respected thought leader in the field, as the keynote speaker.

A heated debate on renewable energy

One of the memorable moments of the day came when Will and Henrik clashed on the topic of solar panels and wind energy. The debate became quite intense, with strong words exchanged as both defended their perspectives. However, after a lively discussion Henrik ultimately conceded to Will’s points – a testament to Will’s deep knowledge and passion for the topic.

The discussions continued into the evening at the event’s formal dinner. Richard found himself seated next to Henrik and despite the earlier debate, they managed to get along well. Will wisely, was seated at another table – probably for the best after such an energetic exchange!

The MTC event was a fantastic opportunity for Warren to engage with industry leaders, explore new ideas and strengthen our presence in the manufacturing and defence sectors. Events like these are essential in helping us stay at the forefront of innovation and sustainability – and of course, in ensuring that our voice is heard in the wider industry conversations.

We’re looking forward to turning these connections into opportunities and continuing to push boundaries in sustainable and high-tech manufacturing.

Welcome to the Team: Ella Joins Warren’s Quality Department

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At Warren, we are always excited to welcome new talent to our team and this February, we were pleased to have Ella Cade join our quality department as a Level 3 Business Administration Apprentice.

A new career journey

Ella has made an exciting career transition, moving from a role as a teaching assistant in a local primary school to pursuing an apprenticeship in business administration. This change reflects her eagerness to develop new skills and gain valuable experience in a manufacturing and engineering environment.

As part of the quality department, Ella will play an important role in ensuring that Warren’s high standards are maintained across all aspects of our work. Business administration is a key function in manufacturing, supporting operations, compliance and efficiency – so we are thrilled to have Ella on board as she embarks on this journey.

Getting to know Ella

Outside of work, Ella enjoys spending time at home with her cat and making memories with family. Her passion for organisation and dedication to learning make her a fantastic addition to the Warren team.

We are delighted to support Ella through her apprenticeship, helping her develop her skills and progress in her career. We look forward to seeing her grow in her role and make a valuable contribution to the team.

Welcome to Warren, Ella!

Opening Doors to Future Talent: Warren’s Apprenticeship Open Evening

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We are passionate about investing in the next generation of engineers and manufacturers. As part of National Apprenticeship Week in February, we hosted our annual Apprenticeship Open Evening, offering potential apprentices and their parents/carers the opportunity to learn more about our exciting apprenticeship programme.

Engaging with future engineers

The evening provided an invaluable chance to connect with parents and carers, helping them understand what an apprenticeship at Warren involves. We know that choosing an apprenticeship is a big decision and having the support of family can make a huge difference in a young person’s career journey.

Will led a guided tour of our Brickfields Way facility, giving attendees a behind-the-scenes look at the kind of work we do and the opportunities available to apprentices. Throughout the evening, we answered questions about career progression, training and the hands-on experience apprentices can expect at Warren.

The recruitment process is underway

Following the event, we have already begun work placements as part of our recruitment process. These placements offer candidates a real insight into working life at Warren, allowing them to demonstrate their enthusiasm and aptitude for a career in engineering and manufacturing.

Additional placements will be taking place over the Easter holidays and we will be making our final selection by the start of May.

Apprenticeships at Warren: September 2025 intake

Once again, we are recruiting four Level 2 Engineering Operative apprentices, who will start their apprenticeships in September 2025. These apprenticeships provide a fantastic opportunity to gain hands-on experience, develop specialist skills and kick-start a rewarding career in engineering.

We are committed to supporting and training the next generation of skilled engineers, ensuring they have the knowledge and experience needed to succeed in the industry.

It was fantastic to meet so many enthusiastic young people and supportive parents at our Apprenticeship Open Evening. We look forward to welcoming our next cohort of apprentices later this year and seeing them develop into skilled professionals within our team.

Warren Attends Make UK National Manufacturing Conference 2025

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On Tuesday 5th March, our Founder Owner, Richard Bridgman and Commercial Manager, Iain Milroy attended the Make UK National Manufacturing Conference 2025 in Westminster. This event brought together representatives from manufacturing businesses across the UK, offering valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities within the sector.

A day of insightful discussions

The conference was expertly hosted by Steph McGovern, who delivered the day’s welcome speech. With a background in engineering and manufacturing – having started her career at Black & Decker before moving into journalism – Steph’s understanding of the sector made her an engaging and insightful host.

The Keynote Speaker, journalist Robert Peston, provided an intriguing analysis of recent global political events. He shared insights from his first-hand experience in the Oval Office last week, where he witnessed discussions between Keir Starmer and Donald Trump. His speech focused on key topics including:

  • The war in Ukraine and its impact on UK and US relations
  • Potential UK/US trade deals and tariff concerns
  • Uncertainty following a difficult meeting between Zelensky and Trump

His analysis highlighted the potential challenges ahead for UK manufacturers navigating global trade and geopolitical uncertainty.

Exploring opportunities in nuclear defence

Later in the morning, we attended a breakout session on Defence – Nuclear, which proved to be both relevant and thought-provoking.

Breaking into the nuclear sector is notoriously difficult due to high security requirements and stringent standards. However, an interesting takeaway was that while these regulations apply to core nuclear operations, many infrastructure support services around nuclear projects do not.

With the development of Sizewell in our region, this could present new opportunities for Warren. As we continue to expand our capabilities, this is certainly an area worth exploring further.

Defence investment: a boost for UK manufacturing

The conference closed with a speech from the Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rachel Reeves, who emphasised investment in the defence sector. With the increasing need to bolster UK and European defence capabilities, she highlighted several key initiatives, including:

  • Single source procurement – speeding up the MOD’s order placement process and giving SMEs greater access to defence contracts
  • The Defence Innovation Hub – a new initiative supporting tech and AI development in the defence sector

This was particularly encouraging for Warren as we continue to grow our involvement in the defence sector. The government’s focus on ensuring UK businesses benefit from defence spending aligns well with our ambitions.

Despite the uncertainty of current global affairs, the Make UK National Manufacturing Conference 2025 was a positive and productive event. It provided valuable networking opportunities, industry insights, and discussions on key challenges and opportunities for manufacturers like Warren.

We left the conference with a stronger understanding of where the sector is heading, and we are excited about the potential opportunities in nuclear infrastructure and defence manufacturing.

Supporting Local Talent: Warren Attends Norfolk Apprenticeships Network Meeting

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At Warren, we are always looking for ways to support and invest in future talent, so attending the Norfolk Apprenticeships Network Meeting on Wednesday, 26th February was a great opportunity to connect with other local employers and discuss the latest apprenticeship initiatives.

Meeting at Able2B – Supporting Inclusivity Through Physical Activity

The meeting was held at Able2B in Norwich, an inspiring organisation dedicated to supporting children and adults with disabilities through physical activity. Able2B runs group classes and one-to-one sessions to help improve fitness levels, build self-confidence and promote inclusion. Their work aligns with our values of providing opportunities for people to develop and thrive, regardless of background or ability.

Norfolk Apprenticeships: A Positive Growth Story

One of the key takeaways from the meeting was the fantastic rise in apprenticeship starts across Norfolk. Compared to a national increase of just 1.32%, Norfolk has seen a remarkable 11% rise – a testament to the dedication of local businesses, training providers  and young professionals eager to gain industry skills.

At Warren, we are proud to contribute to this growth by providing hands-on training, mentorship  and career development opportunities for apprentices. Skilled workers are the backbone of the manufacturing and engineering sectors  and we believe in nurturing the next generation of talent.

Connecting with Local Employers

The meeting also provided a great platform for networking with other local businesses that employ apprentices, exchanging ideas and identifying opportunities to collaborate on initiatives that could enhance training and employment prospects in the region. Engaging with these networks ensures that Warren stays at the forefront of workforce development, helping us attract skilled and motivated individuals to our team.

We are excited about the positive momentum in apprenticeships across Norfolk and look forward to exploring how Warren can continue to support and grow opportunities for young people in engineering and manufacturing.

If you’re interested in an apprenticeship or career at Warren, keep an eye on our website for opportunities – or get in touch to learn more!

Strengthening local manufacturing: Meeting with Peter Prinsley MP

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At Warren, we are always keen to engage with policymakers to ensure that the voice of the manufacturing and engineering sector is heard. As part of our ongoing efforts, our Founder Owner, Richard Bridgman recently arranged a meeting with Peter Prinsley, the newly elected Labour MP for Bury St Edmunds and Stowmarket, during his visit to the Make UK Conference in London on 4th March.

A timely meeting in Westminster

With the conference taking place just across the road from the House of Commons, the timing was perfect to arrange a meeting with Peter. Their paths had first crossed on the eve of the election when Peter was out campaigning in Bury, proudly wearing his large red rosette.

They met in Portcullis House for a productive half-hour discussion about his new role as MP for Bury & Stowmarket. Peter, a practising surgeon in Norwich, is now in the process of stepping away from his medical career to dedicate himself fully to his parliamentary and constituency responsibilities.

Engaging with the West Suffolk Manufacturing Club

Ahead of their meeting, Richard had sent Peter information about the West Suffolk Manufacturing Club, an initiative that has been instrumental in supporting local manufacturers. As Chair of the Club, Richard was keen to introduce him to the network and highlight the critical role that manufacturing plays in the local economy.

While his demanding schedule has so far prevented him from attending one of our meetings, Peter expressed a keen interest in engaging with the club when his diary allows. They both agreed to stay in contact and explore the possibility of him addressing club members during a parliamentary recess.

Building strong relationships between industry leaders and policymakers is essential for driving forward the interests of the manufacturing sector.

We look forward to welcoming Peter Prinsley to a future West Suffolk Manufacturing Club meeting and continuing to work together to champion the manufacturing and engineering sector in our region.

We are officially JOSCAR registered!

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We are delighted to announce that we are now officially JOSCAR registered!

View our Certificate

This marks a significant milestone for our company, reinforcing our commitment to quality, compliance and excellence within the aerospace, defence and security industries.

What is JOSCAR?

JOSCAR (the Joint Supply Chain Accreditation Register) is a collaborative platform that centralises supplier information in one place. It helps businesses determine if a supplier is “fit for business” by covering areas such as company capability, financial history and corporate social responsibility. It acts as a central repository for pre-qualification and compliance information, ensuring that suppliers meet the stringent requirements set by leading industry organisations. The platform is governed by 29 organisations, including the UK Ministry of Defence, BAE Systems, Leonardo, MBDA, Raytheon UK, Rolls-Royce and Babcock.

What This Means for Our Business

Becoming JOSCAR registered demonstrates that we meet the rigorous standards expected by major buyers in the industry. It confirms that our processes, quality controls and compliance measures align with the highest industry standards, making us a trusted and pre-approved supplier.

With this accreditation, we can streamline our procurement processes, improve efficiency and unlock new opportunities to collaborate with key players in the defence, aerospace and security sectors.

Why JOSCAR Accreditation Matters

  • Simplifies Procurement: JOSCAR acts as a single source of validated supplier information, reducing duplication and saving time for both buyers and suppliers.
  • Demonstrates Compliance: It assures customers that we meet stringent regulatory and security requirements.
  • Enhances Credibility: Being part of the JOSCAR community signals to buyers that we are ready and equipped to do business with leading industry players.
  • Unlocks Opportunities: Many organisations require JOSCAR registration before engaging with suppliers, giving us access to new contracts and partnerships.

Achieving JOSCAR registration is a proud moment for our company, but it is just the beginning. We remain committed to maintaining the highest industry standards and continuing to deliver exceptional products and services to our customers.

Welcoming Aurelia Bzozovskaja to the Warren Services team

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Aurelia Bzozovskaja joined the Warren team at the end of November 2024, initially working in Product Operations before moving into our Goods In department.

Aurelia has already made a positive impression with her enthusiasm and dedication to her role. Reflecting on her time with us so far, Aurelia shared:

“I am delighted to be part of the company and grateful for the support and training I have received so far. It has helped me to settle in well. I am looking forward to new challenges and continuing to develop in my role.”

Originally from Lithuania, Aurelia moved to England almost nine years ago. She now proudly calls the UK home, saying: “Home is where the heart is.” As a friendly, cheerful and active person, Aurelia enjoys walking, cooking, and experimenting with new recipes in her free time.

Family plays a big part in Aurelia’s life. She is a proud mother of three children – two girls and a boy, who keep her busy and motivated every day.

Aurelia is already making great connections with colleagues across the business and is looking forward to building strong, long-lasting friendships here at Warren Services.

We are delighted to have Aurelia on board and are excited to see her continue to grow and thrive within the team.

Warren helps bring new seating to the Bridge Theatre

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At Warren, we take pride in contributing to exciting projects across various industries, and we were delighted to be part of the recent re-fit at the Bridge Theatre in London. In January, two of our talented team members, Will and Jed spent two days working on-site to install newly fabricated seating for the theatre.

The Bridge Theatre, known for its innovative performances and versatile staging, is undergoing some updates, and our team was tasked with fabricating a new seating area. With many contractors on-site, it was a busy and challenging environment.

Jed did a fantastic job navigating the complexities of the site and ensuring the installation went smoothly.

We’re proud to have played a role in enhancing one of London’s popular cultural venues. If your business needs expert fabrication and engineering services, Warren is here to help. Get in touch with us to find out how we can bring your vision to life with precision and expertise.