TRADITIONAL GEARBOXES with solid shafts are a well-recognised feature in automotive transmissions, industrial machinery and heavy-duty equipment. Yet these mechanical power generating stalwarts have several drawbacks; including limited flexibility due to rigid design, increased weight and susceptibility to vibration or wear - all of which can lead to higher maintenance costs and decreased efficiency.

Overcoming these shortcomings is where shaft-mounted gearboxes, otherwise known as direct drive gearboxes, come in. Unlike traditional gearboxes with solid shafts, these gearboxes slide over the shaft, so the shaft supports the weight and torque. There are numerous advantages to this design.

The benefits of direct drive gearboxes

First, shaft-mounted gearboxes eliminate the need for extra mounting components like couplings or belts. Not only does this make the designs of the gearboxes less complex, it eases the assembly and alignment process and makes the systems ideal for space-constrained environments. Known for strong performance in tight spaces, shaft-mounted gearboxes efficiently convert high-speed, low-torque motor output into low-speed, high-torque motion, reducing misalignment and maintenance needs.

That’s why shaft-mounted gearboxes are favoured in critical applications like conveyors, mixers and pumps. Nevertheless, despite their advantages, shaft-mounted gearboxes come with their own set of installation challenges and can experience premature failure and operational inefficiencies if they are improperly mounted.

Here are some tips for how installers can prevent these mistakes and, in doing so, get the most efficiency and cost savings.

1. Ensure proper alignment

Many operators make the mistake of bolting the gearbox down to a solid plate or mounting surface. While bolting the gearbox down may seem like a solid solution, bolting down the gearbox prevents it from adjusting to shaft movements, causing misalignment, vibration and damage to components like bearings and gears. Over time, even slight shaft imperfections can lead to premature failure.

Instead, proper alignment is essential for the smooth operation and longevity of a shaft-mounted gearbox. A reaction bracket, torque arm or reaction bolt kit should be used to allow the gearbox to move with the shaft. These flexible mounting solutions help accommodate misalignments, reduce radial loads and minimise wear on the gearbox bearings. In large machinery, such as mixers or conveyors, the reaction bracket helps redistribute torque and protect the gearbox from damage.

Additionally, the anchor point for the reaction device must be strong enough to handle high reactive forces, especially during direct-on-line (DOL) starting, when torque can spike up to three times its nominal rating. Operators should also schedule regular inspections both during the installation and for ongoing maintenance.

2. Choose the right components for the application

Selecting the right components is critical when designing a gearbox system. It’s essential that the shaft and bearings are properly sized to support the gearbox’s weight and torque. The chosen parts must help the system withstand operational loads without premature wear or failure.

For instance, Technidrive recently assisted a customer in the asphalt industry, which faced repeated gearbox failures on its mixers. The issue arose from two gearboxes that were bolted down solidly on misaligned shafts. The bending of the shafts under the weight of the gearboxes caused excessive strain, leading to frequent breakdowns and costly downtime. The system used a 37-kilowatt motor, which contributed significant power and was crucial in ensuring that the gearboxes could handle the torque demands.

To solve the problem, Technidrive designed a new system using a reaction bracket and flexible mounting along with Bonfiglioli hollow bore gearboxes. These are favoured in quarry and mine applications where absolute reliability and low maintenance are key factors.

This solution allowed the gearboxes to shift with the shaft movement, alleviating the stress that was causing premature gearbox failure. As a result, the customer experienced a significant reduction in failures. Whereas the previous system was prone to failures two or three times a year, it has since run smoothly for years without further issues.

3. Consult technical experts

This example shows us that selecting the right gearbox components is only part of the equation - it’s just as important to consult an expert and understand how to best configure these parts to your specific application. This helps avoid installation mistakes - like bolting the gearbox solidly or using incorrectly sized shafts — which cause significant issues further down the line. It’s also why Technidrive leverages over 25 years of experience, providing expert consultation from component selection to installation.

While the advantages of shaft-mounted gearboxes over traditional gearboxes are clear in some applications, their efficiency and longevity utterly depends on proper installation. By seeking expert advice and using the right solutions, such as flexible mounting and precise alignment, costly mistakes can be avoided so operators can ensure long-term system performance, efficiency and cost savings.

David Strain is technical director at Technidrive

For more information:

www.technidrive.co.uk

Tel: +44 (0) 28 37 518111

This initiative - called IONOMY - unites experts in technology and solutions, including materials, curing, systems integration, software and hardware

The IONOMY ecosystem includes the following partners:

• AkzoNobel Coil and Extrusion Coatings - initiator of IONOMY and a global leader in coil coatings solutions
• PCT Ebeam and Integration - the leading supplier of innovative and reliable ebeam systems for coil lines
• IST METZ  - a leader in UV and LED curing systems
• Globus - a reference in coating systems and machines engineering for coil
• NOVACEL - a global leader in processing and protective films for innovative materials.

While energy-curable products are available for coil coating, AkzoNobel attributes slow adoption to the complexity of transition, with many businesses unsure how to adapt their operations in order to seize the renewable energy-curing opportunity.

"It isn’t just about making a tweak to the process," explained Sebastien Villeneuve, transformation manager, coil coatings, AkzoNobel Coil and Extrusion Coatings. "Energy-curing is a complete reimagining and transformation of how coating lines are designed, operated, and optimised. We see the enormity of the challenge through our customers’ eyes, and this is why we have created the IONOMY ecosystem."

The name IONOMY is derived from ‘ionisation’ and ‘economy’. Ionisation refers to the critical role energy plays in triggering the cold curing process – a cornerstone of the renewable energy curing technology. Economy reflects the significant business benefits of energy curing: lowering energy costs, faster throughput, improved sustainability, and long-term profitability. 

IONOMY is a cross-functional partnership that supports every stage of the energy curing journey - from diagnostics and road mapping to line redesign and long-term optimisation. It is designed to give businesses the tools, expertise, and confidence to adopt energy curing that unlock measurable efficiency and performance gains, while reducing exposure to energy costs volatility and tightening sustainability regulations.

Built on deep experience across adjacent sectors like automotive, wood, and packaging (where energy curing is already well established), AkzoNobel brings these learnings into the complex, high-throughput world of coil coating.

With the IONOMY ecosystem there will be no prescribed architecture or predefined solutions. Whether a customer is a coil coater, steel producer, or new entrant, the IONOMY ecosystem will help shape a path based on their unique needs, constraints and goals to give them access to operationally feasible, and commercially smart transformation that fits each business.

Chris Bradford, market director, coil and packaging coatings, AkzoNobel says that the creation of IONOMY stems from AkzoNobel’s core values: "We’ve been guided by the values of collaboration, innovation, and sustainability to step forward and help our customers unlock change. No one company can deliver this kind of transformation alone, which is why the IONOMY ecosystem is built on collaboration to guide the industry into its next chapter.

"Our aim is to help coil coaters embrace the more efficient and sustainable future that’s within reach," he stated. "Together, we’ll make renewable energy curing not just possible, but practical and profitable for all coil coaters and steel processors who will be free to adapt, innovate and compete on a new level.

"This challenge requires new thinking. It requires us to have the courage to break from old models and seize the energy-curing opportunity. IONOMY is exactly that."

Backed by AkzoNobel’s global network and science-based carbon reduction targets, the launch of the IONOMY ecosystem represents a bold commitment: to help the entire value chain with the challenges of decarbonization, modernisation, and resilient growth.

See Welcome to the IONOMY ecosystem for details on how the IONOMY ecosystem can support reduced energy consumption and waste through renewable electricity use and material efficiency compared to traditional curing methods.

www.akzonobel.com

Builders and other industry professionals have embraced the efficiency and design advantages of technological advances, yet the rising use of drones, digital twinning, augmented and virtual reality, sensors and cameras, 3D printing, and artificial intelligence (AI) brings an environmental cost many are unaware of. At the same time, there are significant financial benefits to embracing equipment designed to be easily disassembled, repaired, replaced, and recycled.

Throwaway electronics have a devastating ecological impact, cause serious health problems among waste pickers in developing countries, and waste staggering amounts of vital and increasingly scarce materials such as rare earth elements, aluminium, copper, and steel. 

Emma Armstrong, sustainable electronics ambassador and group commercial director at In2tec, says that while the industry has made positive changes to its ways of working to protect the environment for future generations, tech is often overlooked.

"Repairing, reusing, and recycling otherwise obsolete technology conserves the materials needed by the construction sector," she said.

"Many devices and appliances are intentionally designed with a limited lifespan - a concept known as built-in obsolescence - encouraging consumers to replace rather than repair them.

"The alternative is modular and easy-to-repair tech that allows companies to extend the life of the product and limits the need to buy increasingly rare, expensive and ecologically damaging replacement products."

In2tec is working to slash the harrowing environmental and societal impact of ewaste by providing innovative solutions to the growing problem of throwaway electronics. The company’s signature ReUSE and ReCYCLE comprise a closed-loop process allowing manufacturers to remove components from existing electronics at the end of their useful life and reuse them, carbon-free.

One example is a ReUSE product used in the manufacture of an extraction fan used in homes, retail, and hospitality, with an annual volume of 200,000 units.

ReUSE makes the PCBA used in the fan a highly recyclable and reusable electronics assembly that can be separated and reused or sold. This returns up to 1.2m LEDs and 200K connectors back into circulation – slashing materials and energy use.

Changing this product to ReUSE saved 6.49 Mt (metric tonnes) of annual CO2 emissions in first-life manufacture, and subsequent builds will achieve greater CO2 savings.

"Meeting environmental obligations is not the only reason to research sustainable technology - the economic benefits can be substantial," Armstrong added.

The UK has several pieces of legislation governing sustainability in the construction industry, including the Climate Change Act 2008, which sets targets for greenhouse gas emissions reduction, and the Environment Act 2021, which aims to improve air quality, biodiversity, water, and waste reduction.

Earlier this year, it was announced that England’s circular economy taskforce (CET) will prioritise initiatives to tackle waste within construction and four other key industries. Some studies find that construction is responsible for up to 50% of climate change.

“It’s time to end Britain’s throwaway society - the status quo is economically, environmentally, and socially unsustainable," said secretary of state for environment, food and rural affairs Steve Reed.

"Moving to a circular economy is a pivotal moment for British businesses to innovate, grow and lead the world, so we can slash waste and strengthen supply chains."

www.in2tec.com

IF WE are to take some encouragement as business owners here in the UK, it’s that these reforms aim to rewire the system by giving banks more flexibility, encouraging retail investment into UK businesses, and channelling capital into areas of innovation and regional growth.

For UK manufacturing this represents an exciting opportunity. According to a 2024 report by the Manufacturing Technologies Association (MTA) in partnership with Oxford Economics - The True Impact of UK Manufacturing, the total impact of manufacturing on UK GDP was £518bn, which equates to 23.1% of total GDP. It also supports 7.3 million jobs across the manufacturing and UK supply chain - 22.4% of the UK’s total.

However, I’m all too aware that we always have an eye on the bottom line, on our own balance sheets and that of our bank accounts, and investing for growth can be a worry, even when the figures add up.

However, I see the Leeds Reforms as the opening of a new chapter for entrepreneurs and business leaders. While the above figures are encouraging, access to capital has long been one of the greatest barriers to growth. But with smarter regulation and more funding routes, business owners nd manufacturers now have more tools than ever to build resilience, expand, and compete on a global stage.

Overcoming traditional obstacles

Commenting on Make UK’s “Executive Summary for 2025”, Stephen Phipson, CEO of Make UK said that “Manufacturers have demonstrated their resilience over and over again in recent years and, despite the numerous challenges they face, those that remain innovative and are prepared to invest in new technologies, expanding markets and, most crucially, their people will continue to thrive.”

This is interesting because historically, UK manufacturing businesses have faced three consistent challenges when seeking finance. The first is that many have defaulted to traditional bank loans, often unaware of the wider range of financial tools available to them, which has limited their choice of funding. In addition, bureaucracy and regulation have created lengthy processes and requirements that frequently curb ambition. And thirdly, regional imbalances have meant that too much capital is concentrated in London, leaving promising businesses in other parts of the country underserved.

These new reforms tackle these head-on. By freeing up banks from certain EU-era capital rules, lenders will have more freedom to support high-potential businesses. At the same time, government measures to encourage retail investment should increase the overall pool of funds available. 

Importantly, by locating the National Wealth Fund (formerly the UK Infrastructure Bank) in Leeds and focusing reforms outside of the capital, the government is signalling a genuine commitment to regional growth. 

One of the most exciting aspects of the new funding environment is the opportunity to think more strategically about how they finance growth. Too often, businesses overlook tools that could give them flexibility and stability, or even competitive advantage.

Here are some of the key financing options worth considering:

1. Asset finance and hire purchase

Ideal for businesses needing vehicles, equipment, or machinery. Rather than tying up precious working capital, asset finance allows you to spread the cost, align payments with revenue, and preserve liquidity for other investments.

2. Invoice finance

For businesses with long payment cycles, invoice finance can be transformative. By unlocking cash tied up in invoices, you can maintain healthy cash flow without taking on additional debt. This is particularly useful in sectors such as manufacturing, logistics, and recruitment.

3. Growth and expansion loans

With the reforms encouraging banks to lend more freely, traditional loans remain a strong option - especially now the approval processes should become more streamlined. Used wisely, these can fuel expansion, acquisitions, or large-scale projects.

4. Trade and export finance

For those considering international markets, trade finance can reduce the risk of overseas transactions and support export strategies. This is increasingly important as UK businesses look to expand beyond domestic competition.

5. Green finance

With sustainability high on the agenda, new incentives are emerging for businesses investing in green technologies, energy efficiency, or low-carbon operations. Not only do these funds support compliance, but they can also enhance brand reputation.

Crucially, the new reforms don’t just increase the volume of capital in the system, they also make it easier to access diverse types of finance, tailored to their specific growth stage and sector.

Navigating a new landscape

While the opportunities are expanding, accessing finance still requires strategic thinking, and we advise clients to approach funding as a planned part of their growth strategy, not as a last-minute necessity. 

Businesses must be clear on their objectives, as funding is most effective when aligned to a clear purpose. Are you looking to smooth cash flow, invest in new equipment, expand overseas, or hire staff? Different objectives require different financial structures.

Headline rates can be misleading, so it's just as important to understand the true cost of capital. Businesses should assess the total cost of borrowing - including fees, penalties, and opportunity costs - before committing, to ensure finance enhances profitability, not erode it. 

Relying solely on one type of finance can expose businesses to risk, too. A balanced approach which combines invoice finance for cash flow with asset finance for equipment, for example, offers greater resilience.

Finally, seek expert advice. The range of options is broader than ever, but navigating them can be time-consuming and complex. A finance partner who understands both your sector and the funding landscape will structure the right mix of solutions to support you, and your needs.

The bigger picture

While the immediate benefits will be felt locally and nationally, the longer-term vision is global. UK manufacturers will now be better equipped to scale internationally and penetrate new markets.

By simplifying regulation and expanding the investment pool, the UK is positioning itself as one of the most manufacturing-friendly economies in the world, which is good news for job creation, skills development, and long-term economic strength.

With all finance, however, there’s always risk, hence the need to partner with an advisor that will offer not only advice, but who will lay down all options, including the pros and the cons, and stress-test cash flow for higher inflation, or slower sales, and guard against risk. Also, markets may change, policy may adapt and even a business’ own proposition may come under pressure or become outdated.

But where we sit today, there’s an opportunity to unlock growth by removing barriers and increasing available capital. At Jones and Co, our role is to help navigate this new landscape, structure the right mix of funding, provide clarity on the best options, and ensure businesses are equipped to seize the opportunities ahead.

jonesandcofinance.com

"As automotive brands look to deliver higher performance, longer range electric vehicles at lower costs, it’s clear that electron beam welding has a major role to play. We are seeing the same story play out in other industries - for example in the energy sector where electron beam welding can enhance the production of wind turbine monopiles and nuclear pressure vessels. We are grateful to Innovate UK for this funding. Projects like this open the door for the commercialisation of advanced manufacturing technologies and will help the UK remain at the forefront of electric vehicle production. We look forward to working with Ford moving forwards," said CVE CEO Bob Nicolson.

As part of Innovate UK’s Driving the Electric Revolution Challenge, CVE and Ford demonstrated that electron beam welding can significantly enhance the quality of electric motor stators and the repeatability of associated production processes, paving the way for widespread industrialisation of the technology.

Findings from the project could help boost the UK’s production of electric vehicles (EV) and support the nation’s net-zero carbon goals. Demand for electric vehicles is growing. However, several barriers to widespread adoption remain – mainly around pricing. The production of motor stators is one factor, with components requiring precise engineering to optimise performance, efficiency and durability.

Using CVE’s proprietary technology, the two partners showed that electron beam welding is an effective and reliable joining method for copper hairpin stators and that it:

• Does not require any preparation of the hairpins, such as trimming, as the electron beam does not suffer from reflectivity issues as infrared lasers do.
• Produces welds that are strong, displaying – on average – a tensile strength six times the minimum limit.
• Allows easy outgassing thanks to the use of a vacuum environment, leading to completely pore-free welds in oxygen-free (OF) copper.

"The Ford Powertrain Manufacturing Engineering team are continuously engaged in work to deliver improvements in the quality and efficiency of motor (stator) hairpin weld processes," said Lee Turner, director of EU Powertrain Manufacturing Engineering at Ford.

"Our developments of laser parameters set-up and repair processes have been industry leading but we now see clear opportunity to make significant further progress through the potential adoption of Electron Beam welding. We are grateful to have collaboration partners like CVE to work with as we investigate routes to full scale industrialisation of this technology. Their unparalleled knowledge, experience and expertise are invaluable in the delivery of the project.”

Venn Chesterton, deputy director, Driving the Electric Revolution, at Innovate UK, said the project "has brought together multiple actors within the UK advanced electronic manufacturing ecosystem to develop a truly world class technology, which is going to be used in manufactured at scale in the UK and around the globe".

"This is just one example of the numerous projects backed by Innovate UK which are ensuring that UK manufacturing supply chains will prosper from electrification," he affirmed

camvaceng.com

The West Midlands Manufacturing Festival (WMMF) will debut on 26 February 2026, at the National Metalforming Centre in West Bromwich, giving manufacturers a unique opportunity to connect directly with the next generation of talent.

Designed in partnership with local schools, the one-day festival will bring manufacturers together with local Year 9 students to showcase the innovation, creativity and career opportunities within modern manufacturing.

Manufacturers from the Midlands and surrounding areas are invited along to raise awareness of their company, culture and team. As exhibitors, they will have the chance to meet with potential future apprentices and employees, and demonstrate live technologies or products to an engaged student audience to spark interest in modern manufacturing careers. In doing so, they can start developing their own pipeline of fresh talent to support future growth and succession planning.

"The Midlands has long been a powerhouse of UK manufacturing, but that future is at risk if we don’t act now to engage the next generation," said Angela Lawlor, founder of UK Manufacturing Festivals (UKMF).

"With a widening skills gap and manufacturers across the UK struggling to access and retain new talent, it's never been more important to show young people the exciting and rewarding career paths that manufacturing can offer. By joining our festival, manufacturers can connect directly with local students who could become their future workforce."

Exhibitor slots are still available for manufacturers wanting to attend, starting at just £320. Exhibitors are encouraged to book before 30 November to secure their place.

For more information, please visit https://www.ukmanufacturingfestivals.co.uk/, or email [email protected]

Speaking exclusively to Steph McGovern on the podcast Steph on Skills, powered by Enginuity, she revealed that the departmental restructure, announced in recent days, was designed to ensure that fewer people ‘fall out of the system’.

"Skills are really crucial for everything that we need to do across government. I have been saying that for the last year," Lady Smith stated. "We can't grow the economy, we can't rebuild the NHS, we can't shift to green energy, we can't build the homes that we've promised, unless we can, grow, skills.

"But I think the argument that Pat McFadden now makes is that we need skills even more at the centre of what we're doing in government. We need the linkup between the skills that people can develop and the job opportunities that will be available to them.

"That's why putting skills in the departments of Work and Pensions makes sense. We've got nearly a million young people who have not got a job or, a training place or continuing in education. That's a hideous waste of talent. 

"That's a whole load of young people who are at that crucial point in their life are basically, falling out of the system with nothing to help them to develop.

"Skills that relate to people over the age of, 19, apprenticeship budget, adult skills funding, the work that we're doing with mayors will be essentially in the Department of Work and Pensions, and that's where you can make the real join-ups through into employment support, make sure it's in the Jobcentre, make sure employers are being really engaged in what you're doing with skills.

"But of course, you can't deliver that without the work that happens in further education, higher education in our universities who also do important work in delivering, key areas of skills. 

"But that's the education system and that will stay in the Department for education. I will be making sure that all of those links continue to be to be made, bringing them all together and getting the best out of everything that we can do in DWP and everything that we can do in the education system as well.”

The podcast, which drops on 17 September, was recorded when Smith travelled to Denmark to visit Team UK, selected trained and managed by WorldSkills UK, as they competed in the prestigious EuroSkills Finals in Herning, Denmark.

"I think this is about really making sure that we're putting as a government some real umph behind that whole area of skills from young people through to people that need to reskill during the course of their working lives in order to get new jobs or to develop the skills that are necessary in the sort of world we live in now where things are changing so quickly," she continued.

"Success for me will be when we can grow the economy at the speed we need to grow it. We can do that largely with people that we've been able to train and upskill in this country because of the investment and the real sort of national endeavour that we're putting into it all."

Ann Watson, CEO of Enginuity, the former sector skills council, highlighted the value of the conversation between McGovern and Smith, noting that it provided important insights into how the government approaches the future of skills development.

She stated that Enginuity supports the proposal to prioritise upskilling and education, as this aligns closely with the organisation’s key mission. McGovern also asked for reassurance that transferring skills responsibilities to the Department for Work and Pensions, would not undermine the significance of skills in comparison to academic pathways.

"Such an interesting discussion between Steph and the Minister, which reveals much about Government thinking on the future of skills provision.

"We broadly welcome the proposed alignment of the need to upskill and educate, which in many ways mirrors Enginuity’s core functions and vision. 

"Steph was keen to seek assurances that a shift to the Department for Work and Pensions would not indicate that skills were a secondary, or inferior to academia - and any fears of that were allayed for the time being."

Enginuity recently revealed that it is to hold an annual Vocational Celebration Day to celebrate the achievement and vision of those that choose to be skilled - the first of which will be 6 August 2026.

Watch Steph on Skills Here

www.enginuity.org

A building site in Berlin is facing a stressful challenge. The concrete for the basement of an office building is to be poured in three days. Now, of all times, the excavator has broken down. The reason is bearing damage to the blade caused by insufficient lubrication. "Although operators generally know the benefits of regular maintenance, centralised lubrication systems are often filled improperly, which leads to unexpected and costly failures," said Andreas Rössler, sales manager at Lutz Pumpen. 

Grease pumps with manual drive often hinder maintenance

According to Rössler, one of the reasons why relubrication is an unpleasant task is that the technical aids that make it more convenient are often missing. It is still common practice to fill grease from above with a spatula, hand pumps or pneumatic pumps from containers into the centralised lubrication systems of construction machinery and equipment in agriculture and industry. "Filling this by hand is a laborious undertaking, and pneumatic connections are usually not available and very bulky," he added.

To simplify this filling process, Lutz Pumpen has developed a new type of filling tool called the Lutz Lube Drive. "This is the world's first eccentric screw pump tube that can be driven by a commercially available cordless screwdriver," Rössler explained. "This makes pumping grease much more relaxed, without the user having to transport a system with a heavy and expensive pneumatic motor." 

Pumping up to 2 kg of grease per minute with the power of the cordless screwdriver

The user places the eccentric screw pump tube made of steel in a container with a capacity of 10 to 60 kg of grease. You can then place a cordless screwdriver with bit holder on the pump tube and start pumping. The cordless screwdriver drives a metal rotor that feeds the grease evenly and gently from the container through a hose into the central lubrication system. The delivery volume is up to 2 kg/min. The system is suitable for all commercially available greases up to NLGI-2.

www.lutz-jesco.com

Made in Britain’s hit interview series UnPacked, a spotlight segment dedicated to some of the most innovative British manufacturers in the country, is back with the launch of its eagerly anticipated second series.

UnPacked, an interview series by not-for-profit trade organisation Made in Britain, is an opportunity for Made in Britain’s 2,200 members to share their stories of success within the British manufacturing industry. Each episode is dedicated to a specific company or business, shining a light on their approach to management, leadership and sustainability within manufacturing, covering a wide and diverse range of sectors.

"Supporting British manufacturers and wider industry is the core ethos of Made in Britain, and the UnPacked series enables us to shine a spotlight on the innovative minds within our member base of 2,200 that are making a real difference; not just for their own business, but for the entire industry," said John Pearce, Made in Britain CEO. 

"Each and every one of the businesses that are Made in Britain members has unique stories to tell, and we want to bring those to life and put their hard work into the limelight for all to see. UnPacked is about more than just the tales of success; it serves as an opportunity to learn tricks of the trade, to discover different leadership styles and identify new ways to strengthen the economy and make a positive difference to the world.

"Our dream for UnPacked is for it to inspire others to pursue their career aspirations, and to motivate business leaders to continuously strive for more."

It is hosted by broadcaster, journalist and interviewer Matthew Stadlen, and delves deeper into the processes behind how some of Britain’s essential and unique products are manufactured, right here in the United Kingdom.

The first episode arrives on the Made in Britain website on Friday 5th September, delving into the practices of the British-made soft-faced hammer manufacturer Thor Hammer, with many more interviews being released on a weekly basis.

"Presenting the Made In Britain UnPacked series hasn't just been a massive eye-opener for me, it's been a privilege. My wife will tell you that I'm not the most practical person, so listening to the stories of British manufacturers and experiencing the commitment and passion they bring to their work, has been inspiring," stated Matthew Stadlen, the presenter of Made in Britain’s UnPacked series.

"From the guy who invented on-street bike storage units, to the woman driving forward multi-pack car seats for children, I've come face to face with the innovators and entrepreneurs who are transforming British manufacturing."

The success of the first collection of UnPacked episodes, which featured interview pieces with the likes of Mark Morris from Thomas Dudley, Shalom Lloyd MBE from Naturally Tiwa and Stu Warmington from the British Drum Company, has seen the weekly episodic series return for a second season of inspiring stories from dynamic business leaders. 

The launch also coincides with Made in Britain’s new Environmental and Social Value certification, which allows members to promote their positive impacts and practically demonstrate their social value, positioning themselves to win more contracts for their business.

www.madeinbritain.org

The challenge was held at local company Jet’s Evesham headquarters and saw Mark Bond raise more than £700 for Cancer Research UK.

Jet, recently named on the Sunday Times Best Places To Work 2025 list, is a proud supporter of the surrounding communities of both its Evesham and Newton Abbot sites. The company donates a portion of the profits it makes each year to local charities, as well as prioritising sustainability by recycling 100% of the road planings it deals with.

55-year-old Mark works as a car valet by day and says it wasn’t easy: "It was an incredibly tough challenge, but I knew I had to see it through. So many of my friends and family have been affected by cancer, and I’ve had my own cancer scare too. Doing this for Cancer Research UK made every step worthwhile.

"I’d like to thank Jet for backing me with this crazy idea and providing one of their iconic purple tippers. Teaming up with such a respected local company has really boosted my fundraising efforts."

"It’s been an honour to support Mark in this challenge. Our tippers are used on projects across the country every day, but never in quite this way! Giving back to our communities is a core part of who we are as a business, and we’re delighted to have played a role in helping Mark raise money for such an important cause," said John Lee, operations director at Jet Plant Hire.

Jet is proudly supporting the fundraiser with a donation. You can also donate here.

jetplant.co.uk