Nic Vincent joins CVE to lead the commercial strategy for the company’s technology, which is proven to dramatically accelerate welding tasks that traditionally take months to complete. He will work closely with the existing Ebflow team at CVE under the leadership of Chris Punshon, director of Ebflow research, development, and applications.

CVE’s Ebflow technology is able to precision weld thick-section, large-scale engineering components quickly for use in civil, nuclear, energy and infrastructure engineering projects. This capability is positioning Ebflow as a transformative solution for industries under pressure to scale production while maintaining the highest standards of quality and performance.

"Ebflow is a breakthrough in welding technology with significant global potential, and I look forward to helping expand its reach across both established and emerging markets," said Vincent, who brings more than 25 years of experience to CVE and an enviable track record in delivering commercial growth for complex technologies. In a career spanning engineering, R&D, and global sales leadership, he has held senior roles at Olympus Corporation and Teledyne Technologies, where he successfully drove international expansion and built long-term customer partnerships.

"Nic has a strong combination of technical expertise and commercial leadership, along with a customer-focused approach and strategic mindset. His ability to identify emerging market opportunities and align advanced technologies with industry needs, together with his proven track record in scaling innovative solutions, will play a key role in expanding Ebflow’s global footprint and accelerating its adoption across a wide range of sectors," stated Punshon. 

Ebflow is a proprietary form of local vacuum electron beam (LVEB) welding designed for heavy engineering applications. The technology is also gaining traction in renewable energy infrastructure projects, supporting the transition to net zero by enabling the fast, efficient production of core components including nuclear pressure vessels and wind turbine monopiles. By creating and maintaining a localised vacuum around a weld zone, Ebflow enables high-integrity welding of large and complex structures without the need for traditional vacuum chambers.

www.ebflow.com

CameraMatics asset tracking extends fleet protection beyond vehicles, enabling organisations to track and locate almost any item across the business. The discreet device allows users to monitor plant and machinery, pallets, trailers, and containers independently of the vehicle. This provides clear visibility into how equipment is moving and being used across operations.

"Asset tracking isn’t just about theft prevention, it’s about operational control. It gives customers real-time visibility of what they have and where it is, helping them recover equipment quickly, reduce downtime, and operate more efficiently," said Mervyn O'Callaghan, founder and CEO at CameraMatics.

Unified visibility across vehicles and assets

All tracked assets appear in the CameraMatics map view alongside vehicles, providing a real-time view of location and movement history over the past seven days. Assets can be grouped, assigned to vehicles, or linked to geofenced areas, triggering automated alerts when equipment moves outside designated zones. Devices can also detect impact when pre-set G-force thresholds are exceeded, helping identify potential damage or unsafe handling in real time.

When stationary, devices enter sleep mode to conserve battery life and optimise data usage, automatically reactivating when movement is detected. In the event of theft or loss, they can be switched into recovery mode to enable real-time tracking and support asset retrieval. The system is built to scale, enabling organisations to manage thousands of assets through a single platform as their operations expand. 

The compact and waterproof housing ensures each device can withstand impact, fine dust, and brief submersion. They are powered by two lithium AA batteries, delivering a lifespan of up to seven years, with low and critical battery alerts provided. Device health is also visible directly within the dashboard and, should a device stop transmitting or develop a fault, users are automatically alerted. There is no wiring required during installation, making the devices quick to install, and tamper-resistant.

With AI-powered video telematics, operational workflows, and data-driven insights, CameraMatics gives fleet operators a single view of fleet activity. Integrated asset tracking extends this capability further, helping organisations reduce loss and downtime, improve equipment utilisation, and strengthen operational control.

www.cameramatics.com

The system relies on image processing technology from German industrial camera manufacturer IDS Imaging Development Systems, which provides high-resolution image data for reliable detection of vehicle speed and number plates.

How the system works 

"We repeatedly see that internal safety rules are not enough to prevent dangerous driving. Intelligent systems are needed that not only record data but actively contribute to changing behaviour," explained Olly Samways, sales director at Westcotec. The Automatic Speed Watch Camera detects vehicles exceeding a defined speed limit and captures a high-resolution image. In addition to the licence plate, speed, date and time are recorded; while Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) integration provides further details such as make, model, and colour. Processing is radar-assisted and uses ANPR matching to reliably identify vehicle data.

The information is then structured, making it easy to interpret, export, and use for analysis. Repeated offences can also be detected and serve as the basis for targeted measures to improve driving behaviour. Data can be accessed via Wi-Fi or USB, managed remotely through the Westconnect platform, or automatically delivered by email. Secure Digital (SD) card recording eliminates the need for a laptop to always remain connected.

Precision and mobility combined

The core of the ASWC is an IDS uEye LE industrial camera. This camera features a 1.3-megapixel CMOS sensor from e2v, offering highlight sensitivity and excellent image quality. It is available in mono, colour, and NIR variants. The ability to switch between global shutter and rolling shutter modes during operation ensures that fast movements are captured reliably and the camera adapts to changing lighting conditions. Up to four individually definable Areas of Interest (AOIs) can be set to evaluate specific image regions and capture multiple features simultaneously.

"The IDS technology gives us the flexibility we need. We can switch between different shutter modes to ensure every image is usable, whether in daylight or at dusk," Samways stated.

The ASWC is also compatible with USB3 and GigE Vision, providing fast and reliable data transfer. Large image files can be retrieved quickly, and the system maintains consistent performance even under high traffic. It can also be easily integrated into third-party systems for data analysis, alerting, or visualisation. This comprehensive hardware compatibility increases reliability, speeds up data handling, and allows seamless integration into modern digital site environments

Practical deployment and results

The ASWC is now used by UK police forces, local authorities, and private site operators, including logistics centres, industrial parks, and airport surroundings. Operators primarily aimed to reduce dangerous driving without adding extra personnel. Installation is straightforward: the device is set up, aligned, and ready to operate immediately. After implementation, users consistently report lower average speeds and significant improvements in compliance with internal safety standards. Automated data collection enables targeted measures such as traffic calming, structural adjustments, or internal training sessions.

The system is not intended as a deterrent or surveillance tool but as a preventive instrument that raises awareness and contributes to long-term safety. Its strengths lie in mobility, precise data collection, and seamless integration into existing systems. This not only enhances safety on site but also provides a foundation for strategic decisions that optimise operations and reduce risks over time.

Requirements are increasing: customers are asking for cloud-based access, flexible reporting tools, visual deterrence combined with covert enforcement, and scalable solutions for entire sites. Westcotec is responding with a roadmap that includes features such as access control, vehicle classification, dynamic hazard detection, and pedestrian protection. "We want to push the boundaries of image processing in traffic areas further by combining hardware performance with intuitive software to create safer environments," Samways concluded.

www.westcotec.co.uk

The Association will be exhibiting on Stand K90, providing insight into the increasingly important role UK manufacturers play in the industry.

With supply chains squeezed due to the conflict in the Middle East, along with tightening regulatory demands, third-party partnerships can be integral to operators, particularly in the Household and Industrial sectors. The services provided by contract manufacturers and packers can streamline operations, reduce risk, and meet stringent compliance and traceability requirements.  

Emma Verkaik, the BCMPA’s CEO, will feature on a panel discussion on 21 May titled How Outsourcing in the UK Empowers Brand Owners and Retailers to Focus on Core Operations and Achieve Better Outcomes. It will be moderated by Murray Smedley from Barkwith Associates, and Verkaik will be joined on the panel by Philippa Glover from Rakem Group, Andrew Ferris from Brenntag and Steve Meyer from Cod Beck Blenders.

The panel will explore the many ways outsourcing supports brand owners and retailers by enabling them to concentrate on their core business activities, while trusted partners manage day-to-day operations. The discussion will highlight how this approach drives efficiency, resilience and strategic focus.

"CHEMUK has become a vital platform for our members to showcase their expertise and services to the UK’s chemical sector," said Verkaik. "In addition, the panel discussion is timely due to global uncertainty and increasingly vulnerable supply chains."

BCMPA members exhibiting at CHEMUK are Brenntag, Briar Chemicals, Cod Beck Blenders, Exwold Technology, Libra Specialty Chemicals and Safapac. Associate Members Autopack, Barkwith Group and Fenton Group will also be exhibiting, with both members and associate members showcasing their expertise in chemical processing and supply chain solutions.

"As a supporting partner of CHEMUK 2026, we’re looking forward to the show, which is always very well received and well attended. We were one of the founder supporters of this event, and it’s encouraging to see this year’s edition return to the NEC with over 550 exhibitors and an anticipated 5,200 visitors," Verkaik added. 

Stand: K90

Tickets for CHEMUK 2026 can be secured here.

Mottram brings over 10 years of industry experience and has previously worked as technical manager for the ARRONE range at HOPPE (UK), where he gained in-depth knowledge of door hardware and testing and certification processes that underpin product performance and compliance. 

Having previously worked at Robust UK as a design engineer, production supervisor and research and development manager, Mottram returns to drive product innovation and strengthen compliance. 

"We’re thrilled to welcome Rob to the Product and Compliance team. His extensive experience, time spent at HOPPE, technical expertise and strong understanding of our business and culture from his previous time with us will be invaluable as we continue to strengthen our range of fully certified and compliant products," said Emily Mathews, general manager at Robust.

As head of product and compliance, Mottram will be responsible for leading the Research and Development and Drawing teams, playing a key role in driving innovation, ensuring compliance and supporting the continued development of Robust’s product portfolio. 

"I’m delighted to be back at Robust to contribute to the continued growth and innovation of its extensive product portfolio. It is a proud moment to be leading two teams that I have previously been part of, helping to make a real impact on product innovation and compliance," he stated.

Mottram is a qualified Certificated Standards and Regulations Advisor (CertSRA) and also holds Guild of Architectural Ironmongers (GAI) Diplomas in Door Systems (RegDS) and Access Control (RegAC), bringing a depth of expertise that will be invaluable in this new role.

As an active member of the GAI Education Committee, Mottram's dedication to the industry extends beyond his role, as he contributes to the development of industry training, delivers educational sessions and supports examination processes. He is also further expanding his expertise by completing a Diploma in Principles of Firestopping, deepening his knowledge of the critical role doors play in passive fire protection.

His appointment is a strategic move for Robust UK and shows a commitment to advancing product development and driving innovation. 

www.robust-uk.com

MISSION COMMUNITY, the industry advocacy arm of Service charity Mission Motorsport, has launched Mission Manufacturing at MACH26. The new collaborative campaign will be delivered alongside the Manufacturing Technologies Association (MTA). 

This is possible thanks to the partnership with the Ministry of Defence’s Office for Veterans Affairs, as part of the wider Veterans Industry Engagement Programme funded by the Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust. This move is set to equip the Armed Forces community with the most up-to-date information and guidance about the sector, including the publication of the co-authored Manufacturing Industry Guide for the Armed Forces community.

MACH26 provides a platform for the Armed Forces community within the heart of UK manufacturing, advocating for Service Leavers, Reservists, Veterans, Cadets and their families. It is a moment to celebrate them as a national economic asset, brought together via the power of community and the creation of ‘Mission Manufacturing’. 

Its aim is to inspire and advocate those from the Armed Forces to make the move into manufacturing that much easier.  A relationship where everyone wins, as Mission Community’s founder, James Cameron, explained in a seminar at MACH26: "The release of the ‘Mission Manufacturing’ guide is another milestone in the Veteran’s Industry Engagement Programme which Mission Community deliver on behalf of the Office of Veteran’s Affairs.  By creating these pathways we are helping employers to adopt veteran-friendly practices which, in turn, enable organisations to benefit from the talents and expertise of individuals they would otherwise struggle to connect with," he stated.

This moment forms part of Mission Community-led, industry initiatives that has its roots firmly in the show, given MTA’s hosting of the charity for the first time at MACH24.  Since then, Mission Community and the MTA have been building greater alignment between industry and national Defence priorities, culminating in this guide that is presented to exhibit attendees for the first time today. This follows up from the National Transition Event at Silverstone in March, where the MTA presented the guide to its primary audience, the Armed Forces community, at the largest annual gathering of forces job seekers in the UK.

"The MTA is committed to uplifting the Armed Forces Community in our industry and dismantling the roadblocks that can prevent veterans from flourishing in the civilian workplace despite their experience and unmatched transferable skills. We are proud of our ongoing work with Mission Community which has enabled our organisation to advocate for the wider Armed Forces Community responsibly and far more effectively and given us the tools to start other members of the manufacturing industry on the same path," affirmed MTA CEO James Selka. "Our industry continues to endure a shortage of skills and Mission Manufacturing is an excellent win-win way to help address this."

The new campaign highlights how those from an Armed Forces background have perfect alignment with manufacturing - discipline, leadership, adaptability, problem-solving including also many other technical skills learnt in service - matching industry needs. This is a prime example of how both industry and the third sector can combine at such events for the greater good of the economy and those who have served our nation.

The Manufacturing Industry Guide can be downloaded here: www.missioncommunity.org/manufacturingguide

For more information: 

www.missioncommunity.org

The STM-190-35 expands the STM range with increased torque capability and precision, enabling demanding direct-drive applications where performance, compactness, and design flexibility are critical.

The STM-190-35 is designed for high-precision direct-drive systems such as electro-optical platforms, gimbals, robotics, and other motion-critical applications. With a favourable inner-to-outer diameter ratio and a compact axial length, the motor supports space-efficient system designs without compromising torque density or control performance.

To support system-level design and evaluation, the STM-190-35 is fully supported in Alva’s TorqStudio design and simulation platform. TorqStudio allows engineers to evaluate motor performance, explore winding options, and optimise motor selection early in the design process based on application-specific requirements.

"With the STM-190-35, we extend the SlimTorq range to address applications that require higher torque in a compact frameless format," said Nicolas Giraudo, CCO at Alva Industries. "This new size gives system designers more freedom to optimise performance and mechanical integration, especially in direct-drive solutions where precision and smooth motion are essential."

The addition of the STM-190-35 brings the SlimTorq STM portfolio to nine available motor sizes, spanning different outer diameters and lengths. Each size can be configured with multiple inner diameter options, winding patterns, and custom configurations, allowing engineers to tailor the motor to their specific application requirements.

Like all SlimTorq motors, the STM-190-35 is manufactured using Alva’s patented FiberPrinting technology, delivering ironless, slotless windings with high copper fill factor and zero cogging. The motor is available with multiple winding options, different terminal block designs, and optional temperature sensors and Hall sensors, supporting precise control and system-level optimisation.

Detailed specifications and available configurations for the SlimTorq STM-190-35 can be found in the SlimTorq product catalog.

www.alvaindustries.com/contact

Highlights included a presentation on the state of the economy by Trevor Williams, former chief economist for Lloyds Bank, who outlined the challenges facing businesses due to the conflict in the Middle East. The war has hastily revised all growth forecasts, and the volatility of the situation would impact the UK in the long term. He urged firms to embrace digitalisation, which he argued does not reduce jobs but increases wealth and income.

This was echoed by Mike Wilson, chief automation officer at MTC, who advised that robotic automation in manufacturing can help provide staff with the tools they need to do their jobs efficiently. Delegates were also warned by Victoria Speight, founder of Cyberfit, that businesses needed to have robust procedures in place to combat cyber-attacks. There are currently 23,506 known attacks on UK organisations every day.

"While our Conference highlighted the many challenges that lie ahead, what is clear is that our members have the solutions and innovative thinking to help," said Emma Verkaik, CEO of the BCMPA. "The more dialogue we have in our industry, then the stronger we become and I’d like to thank all our speakers, sponsors and attendees for coming together to be part of the industry conversation and provide practical ideas to enable our sector to grow."

The conference also heard from Esther Carter, chief strategy officer at Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) scheme administrator PackUK. She highlighted that EPR’s initial payments across the four nations totalled £1.4bn. Over time, it’s hoped that modulated fees could remove unrecyclable packaging with the potential to push recycling rates to between 64-84%. 

Louisa Goodfellow, policy manager at Ecosurety, examined the financial and data obligations of EPR. She pointed out that while there is confusion in the market, it’s about understanding the scheme’s nuances. Jude Allan, MD for the OPRL, highlighted the importance of on-pack labelling for citizens to understand where to dispose of packaging waste. However, the government’s plans for mandatory labelling are currently paused as the UK is likely to align with the EU’s proposals.

The afternoon sessions provided practical solutions for delegates in dealing with their own operations. Stefan Casey, commercial and innovation director at Celeritas Solutions, outlined why co-packers are so important to the supply chain with the ability to remove risk for brand owners. Jamie Tinsley, CEO at Touchstone, gave an entertaining presentation which outlined his approach to empowering organisations to transform, engage and thrive, while James Coull, business manager at Wallace Hind, and Vicki Fitzpatrick, founder of The Wellbeing Focus, looked at best practice on retaining and inspiring talent in a business.

Technology was the focus for two other sessions: a panel discussion led by Josephine Coombe, chief commercial officer at Nulogy; and from Wayne Kedward, MD at Autopack, who addressed how businesses should go about selecting machinery and what pitfalls need to be avoided. On energy, Paul Gregory, group commercial director at HSEnergy Group, delivered his well-timed talk explaining how to invest in renewables at a volatile time in the market

The event was made possible by sponsors Nulogy and Packaging Innovations and Empack together with exhibits from Associate Members, Autopack, Barkwith Group, EcoVerify, Fenton Packaging, HSEnergy Group, Olympus Technologies and Quantum Packaging.

"It was encouraging to see so many engaged delegates listening to our highly knowledgeable line-up of speakers," Verkaik continued. "One of the roles of the BCMPA is to flag these important subjects to members, allowing them to be part of the dialogue that is shaping the future of the contract manufacturing, packing and fulfilment industry. We are stronger together and I can see that the members are embracing the positives and the learnings that can be found from industry collaboration."

The BCMPA is continuing to build its membership with potential full and Associate Members invited to find out more about the many benefits online at www.bcmpa.org.uk/join-the-bcmpa. 

The glittering awards night, to be hosted by BBC star Swarzy Shire and held at the Park Plaza, Westminster Bridge, on 1 July, is firmly fixed as a focal point for industry and skills provision.

This strategic collaboration with Babcock brings together two organisations committed to inspiring the next generation of talent, recognising excellence, and driving meaningful change across the industry. 

By joining forces, Enginuity, the former sector skills council and Babcock, aim to elevate the importance of skills development, champion innovation, and create new pathways into engineering and manufacturing careers.

"We are delighted to welcome Babcock as our Headline Partner for the Enginuity Skills Awards," said Ann Watson, CEO of Enginuity. "Closing the skills gap is one of the biggest challenges facing our industry, and it requires collaboration, ambition and action. This partnership reflects a shared belief in the power of skills to transform lives and drive innovation, and together we’re proud to champion the people and organisations leading that change. 

"Through the Enginuity Skills Awards, we’re celebrating the talent shaping the future and inspiring more people to see the opportunities a career in engineering and manufacturing can offer."

Jen McElhinney, Babcock's chief people officer, described partnering with Enginuity as the Headline Sponsor of this year’s Skills Awards as "a reflection of our commitment to developing the engineering talent the UK needs for the future". 

"At Babcock, our work across defence and critical national infrastructure depends on highly skilled people, and we see every day how vital advanced engineering capabilities are to the UK’s security and resilience," she stated. 

"The Enginuity Skills Awards shine a light on the individuals and organisations driving our sector forward, and we’re proud to support a platform that not only celebrates excellence but also inspires the next generation to pursue careers in engineering and manufacturing – areas fundamental to both our national defence and our industrial future."

Swarzy, who presents regularly on BBC Radio 1, 1 Extra and BBC network television, said: "I’m really excited to be hosting the Enginuity Skills Awards this year! It’s my first time, and I can’t wait to celebrate the nominees and shine a light on their stories.

"I’m passionate about social mobility - and skills are among the best tools to make that happen. As someone who wears many hats across different roles, I love to learn and have a real appreciation for the time, resilience and determination it takes to build new skills, overcome challenges and find your voice - often while navigating barriers outside of your control. 

"The journey is everything and spending the night with people who share that mindset means a lot to me. I can’t wait to bring the energy and celebrate everyone in the room."

Event Details:

• Event: Enginuity Skills Awards
• Tickets: Now live
• Location and Date: Park Plaza Westminster Bridge, 1 July 2026.

For more information, ticket purchases, and partnership opportunities, please visit Enginuity Skills Awards 2026

Watch Swarzy and Enginuity events lead Ben Hope, talk to Steph McGovern about the glittering night in store, on the podcast Steph on Skills powered by Enginuity from 14 April: enginuity.org/steph-on-skills-powered-by-enginuity

Big Bear Plastics, which employs 80 people at its factory in Droitwich, has taken just six months to successfully complete its ISO 14001 audit, leveraging a recent £2m investment drive in new equipment and modern ERP system. 

The company now has an Environmental Management System in place that conforms to the highest international standards, helping minimise its impact on the communities it operates in, whilst also opening new opportunities with domestic and global clients.

This includes supplying parts to the off-highway, aerospace and defence sectors, not to mention early inroads into the energy generation/storage market. Together, this will support the firm’s drive to hit £10m annual revenues by 2027.

"Achieving ISO 14001 accreditation for the first time in our 27-year history is a major milestone in our sustainability journey,” explained Daniel Gherghe, quality manager at Big Bear Plastics.

"Gaining the standard is important for winning new business, but bigger than that is the good practice it instils in everyone that works here. Thanks to the comprehensive nature of the audit, we were able to directly identify a host of performance improvements, and this gave us the platform to formalise roles and responsibilities and, importantly, implement a more data-driven system for resource consumption.

"Ethically, it's the right thing to do - it provides a framework to systematically reduce our environmental impact. Strategically, it brings immense business value, enhancing operational consistency and resilience, ensuring environment compliance and mitigates risk," he continued.

"It also strengthens our brand reputation as a responsible and forward-thinking manufacturing partner."

Located in a 75,000 sq ft factory, Big Bear Plastics has evolved from vacuum forming and trimming of plastic parts to offering customers access to high quality compression moulding and waterjet cutting of lightweight interior trim products.

The firm delivers a full-service solution from initial design, development and tooling to the manufacture of medium to high volume moulded parts up to 3.5m x 2.5m.

It works with a wide range of thermoplastic materials, including ABS, PMMA-ABS, HDPE, HIPS, PC and PE in a variety of colours, finishes and thicknesses.

"Modernising our production floor through the installation of two new CNCs, a new robot and waterjet machine really accelerated our push towards the ISO 14001 accreditation," added MD Emma Hockley, who took over from her father Gerald in 2021.

"The £2m investment in new equipment, combined with the ERP system and new LED lighting throughout the site, has made us more efficient. It has also given us real time data to make informed decisions that has reduced our environmental footprint even further.

"Encouragingly, the standard has allowed us to pitch for new work that we weren’t previously eligible for," she stated.

Big Bear Plastics is hoping to use ISO 14001 as a launchpad for future improvements, including exploring on-site renewable energy opportunities turning its attention to achieving ISO 45001, the health and safety quality standard, by the end of 2026.

www.bigbearplastics.com