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.

A Memorable Evening at the Bridge Theatre: Warren’s Grand Project

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We’re excited to share with you a delightful experience that took place on the 76th birthday of Warren’s Founder Owner, Richard Bridgman, November 24th. To celebrate this special day, Richard and his wife Sharon accompanied by a couple of close friends, made their way to the iconic Bridge Theatre in London for a spectacular performance of “Guys and Dolls.”

Now, for those of you who were part of the Warren family before 2017, the Bridge Theatre holds a special place in our hearts. It stands as a testament to one of the most significant projects we’ve ever undertaken. Our team was responsible for constructing every element of the theatre, from the walls and walkways to stairways, tiered platforms, balustrades, and balcony bars. The sheer scale of the fabrications and walls challenged our capacity to the absolute limit, but the end result was nothing short of extraordinary.

Returning to the Bridge Theatre six years later felt like living a dream for Richard. The craftsmanship still looked impeccable, and witnessing the show was the perfect way to reminisce about the challenges we faced during the construction. The performance itself was a rollercoaster of emotions, captivating us from start to finish.

As a special treat before the theatre officially opened its doors in 2017, Warren was generously given tickets for a “Builders Night.” This event was a chance for those involved in the construction to come together, enjoy a show, and relish in the success of our hard work. It was a night filled with camaraderie, laughter, and a shared appreciation for the incredible journey we had undertaken.

As we reflect on this memorable evening, we can’t help but feel a sense of pride and accomplishment, grateful for the opportunity to witness the fruits of our labour continuing to shine on the grand stage.

Here’s to the Bridge Theatre, the memories it holds, and the legacy of excellence that Warren Services continues to build upon. Until next time, cheers to the moments that make our journey truly remarkable!

The Rickshaw Revolution in Thetford

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We have some exciting news about a recent development that has the potential to make a significant impact in our town—the Rickshaw Revolution. Inspired by the success of the Rickshaw Project in Bury St Edmunds, Warren has taken the initiative to bring this fantastic endeavour to Thetford.

For those unfamiliar with the concept, the Bury Rickshaw Project is a remarkable organisation run entirely by volunteers, dedicated to providing assistance and support to those in need. Intrigued by their success, we invited Libby, one of the founders of the Bury Rickshaw Project, to a meeting of the Thetford PAG (Partnership Advisory Group) to share her insights.

Libby’s presentation took us on a journey, explaining how the Bury Rickshaw Project started and detailing their progress to date. The project now boasts six rickshaws that offer rides to individuals who face challenges in getting around, particularly the elderly and those with mobility issues. Additionally, Libby informed us about their efforts to collect surplus food and groceries from supermarkets, bakers, and farmers, distributing these items to various support charities across the town. Libby and Sam, the founders, have received recognition from none other than the King and have made appearances on The One Show.

The pictures below show our Founder Owner Richard Bridgman, Judy and Billie from the Norfolk Community Foundation, Julia Nix from the DWP, and David (one of the volunteers from Bury) driving the Rickshaw.

Inspired by the success story, the Thetford PAG unanimously decided to launch a similar project in our town. Judy Dow from the Norfolk Community Foundation, present at the meeting, generously offered assistance, and with collaborative efforts from Judy, Billie, and the Foundation, we recently hosted our inaugural event at the Thetford Guildhall, provided by the Council.

The event featured a Rickshaw on display for attendees to explore and experience firsthand. we were overwhelmed by the turnout—over 60 individuals from charities, various organisations, councils, and businesses attended, including the Mayor of Thetford.

Special thanks to Judy and Billie from the Norfolk Community Foundation, Julia Nix from the DWP, and David, a dedicated volunteer from Bury, who drove the Rickshaw during the event. Your support and enthusiasm have laid the foundation for what promises to be a transformative initiative for our community.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who contributed to making this first meeting a resounding success.

School Engagement Update

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In line with our ongoing dedication to assist our local high school, Thetford Academy, we have enlisted the help of two former students, Jed McConochie (Mechanical Assembler) and Alistair Newey (Level 3 Technician Apprentice), to contribute to Design & Technology lessons.

Each week, both individuals dedicate two hours to supporting the school. Their involvement extends beyond the classroom, encompassing activities such as addressing school assemblies, participating in the careers event, and providing specialised tours for students interested in pursuing careers in engineering. We extend our gratitude to Jed and Ali for their ongoing commitment to our company.

Our primary objective is to ensure that Thetford Academy students are well-informed about Warren, our operations, and the apprenticeship opportunities we offer.

Celebrating Ali’s Triumph: A Milestone in Apprenticeship

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We would like to extend our warmest congratulations to Ali Newey, for successfully completing his apprenticeship.

Ali holds a special place in our hearts as the first engineering apprentice from our team to undergo the end-point assessment—a rigorous professional discussion marking the culmination of his apprenticeship journey. This challenging interview-style evaluation is designed to assess the depth of knowledge and skills acquired throughout the apprenticeship.

The assessment is no walk in the park, similar to a challenging interview that puts candidates through their paces. Despite its formidable nature, this assessment serves as a testament to Ali’s dedication, resilience, and the wealth of expertise he has gained.

Ali is working in collaboration with Nick, Rob, Harry, and Robin.

Completing an apprenticeship is a significant achievement, and Ali’s success is a testament to the support of his mentors, his personal dedication, and the positive environment here at Warren.

As Ali continues to grow and contribute to our controls team, we eagerly anticipate the impact he will undoubtedly make in his future endeavours.

Here’s to a bright and successful future ahead for Ali!

Celebrating Success: John Challis Attains CSWIP 3.1 Qualification

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Congratulations are in order for our colleague, John Challis (aka Beaky), who has triumphantly passed his CSWIP 3.1 training.

The CSWIP 3.1, a welding inspection qualification provided by TWI in Cambridge, is no small feat. John dedicated an entire week to intensive training, culminating in a challenging examination at the end.

Undoubtedly, this journey required dedication, hard work, and a keen eye for detail—qualities that John possesses in abundance. Despite initial reservations upon returning from the training, John tackled the challenge head-on with determination.

John’s success is a testament to his professional growth and the high standards he upholds in the realm of welding inspection.

Well done, Beaky—we’re proud to have you as part of our team!

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!