The framework will run for an initial period of five years, with the possibility of extension to ten, and is valued at approximately £5m annually.

Covering the design, development, testing, commissioning and optimisation of operational technology software on both new and existing assets, the agreement focuses on delivering safe, secure and standardised solutions. These are aligned with United Utilities’ technical governance and engineering standards and support the company’s wider goals to enhance network performance and resilience.

This latest appointment builds on MARCH’s existing relationship with United Utilities. In 2023, the company was awarded a place on the Design and Build framework, covering both AMP7 and AMP8.

"We're pleased to continue our partnership with United Utilities. Our appointment to both frameworks enables us to deliver integrated solutions with greater efficiency. We understand these complex projects and are committed to providing secure, reliable systems that enhance operational performance while supporting environmental targets," said Michael Thomas, executive director at MARCH.

United Utilities manages the regulated water and wastewater network across North West England, serving over 7 million people. AMP8 will see significant investment in digital and physical infrastructure. United Utilities is delivering a £975m programme to improve water quality for 1.4 million customers and safeguard water supplies for over 2 million homes.

The company is investing in digital systems and sustainable technology to meet environmental objectives, including the Advanced WINEP rainwater management scheme.

With a treatment capacity of up to 50 m³/h per unit and a 95% salt rejection rate, the SWRO 50C offers a robust solution for industrial sites facing water scarcity, emergency water needs, or unforeseen changes in raw water supply. The unit is fully containerised for easy transport, quick unloading, and minimal on-site setup.

Built with industrial resilience in mind, it includes integrated sand pre-filtration and clean-in-place (CIP) systems to ensure simplified maintenance and continuous performance. The SWRO 50C can treat a broad range of high-salinity feedwaters, including borehole water, surface water, pre-screened seawater, and industrial process water, making it an ideal choice for both short-term response and long-term operational continuity.

"For over 25 years, we’ve been helping industries tackle water challenges, and the SWRO 50C represents the next step in advancing our offering. It reflects our commitment to #MissionWater by delivering scalable, mobile, and sustainable water to meet the challenges of an increasingly water-scarce world," said Dominique Tassignon, CEO of Mobile Water Solutions.

"Fully containerised and designed for rapid deployment, the SWRO 50C can be operational within days, providing industries with a flexible and reliable solution for emergencies, fluctuating water quality, or water shortages.”

The SWRO 50C is available as part of Mobile Water Solutions’ extensive European fleet - one of the largest in the market.

nsimobilewatersolutions.com

The expansion includes the introduction of the new parting and grooving geometry -GL and the updated parting-off geometry -CR, offering benefits such as increased chip control in long-chip material and a strong edge for high-feed parting-off.

Sandvik Coromant continues to develop its long-established parting and grooving concept CoroCut 1-2, known for its high performance and security across versatile applications. By increasing productivity and overall efficiency, CoroCut 2 maximises output while minimising energy consumption and waste. While modest in scale, this update will make a significant difference to workshops machining in hard-to-chip steels and parting-off operations where a strong edge is needed.

Featuring the most aggressive chip breaker in the CoroCut 2 concept, the new -GL geometry is a welcome addition for workshops requiring better chip control in demanding ISO P components, specifically in low-carbon steel, clean steels and cold-forged automotive components. “It’s no secret that good chip control will help you boost efficiency and avoid costly machine stops, but not just any insert will master this kind of material," said Jenny Claus, product manager parting and grooving at Sandvik Coromant. “This geometry has been developed to solve that problem.”

The -GL geometry provides security that paves the way for increased automation. "Shorter chips lead to less tangling and fewer stops, minimising the need for manual handling and enabling more automated processes," Claus added.

The -CR geometry is the first choice for parting-off operations at higher feeds or during intermittent cutting, suitable for a wide range of materials. With its strong edge and wiper design, it increases productivity and ensures excellent component quality. "All our parting geometries feature this wiper design. It allows you to machine components at high feed rates without sacrificing surface finish and chip-breaking capabilities,” stated Fredrik Selin, product application specialist at Sandvik Coromant. "A general guideline is: Two times the feed rate, same surface finish. Same feed rate, twice as good surface finish."

When it comes to parting and grooving operations, stability is key. The main challenge is to secure the insert to minimize any movement. Both the -GL and -CR geometries feature the well-established rail interface, ensuring a more precise insert position and reducing movement for enhanced stability, especially when side forces are applied. Additionally, both geometries are produced with our patented FlashLight technology, generating higher quality and a more consistent edge line, resulting in superior and predictable tool life.

www.sandvik.coromant.com

Under the terms of the agreement, OEG will manage the company’s offshore helifuel systems in the North Sea and provide helifuel tanks on a serviced rental basis. Additionally, OEG will offer helideck crew refuelling training at the company’s new helifuel training academy located at its Portlethen facility in Aberdeenshire.

This state-of-the-art facility allows OEG to offer comprehensive, hands-on training that upholds safety and efficiency in helifuel operations. OEG's OPITO accredited Helicopter Refuelling Training course is recognised for its effective approach, where candidates work with Jet A1 fuel as opposed to water for an authentic hands-on experience.

"This contract award highlights the value that we deliver for our customers as well as our ongoing commitment to safety and reliability in our equipment and service delivery. Achieving OPITO accreditation greatly enhances our training programme, ensuring it meets the stringent requirements for offshore helideck crew training as outlined in the latest UK Civil Aviation Authority's CAP 437 standard," said Clive Hoskisson, MD for OEG's logistics equipment division in the UK.

"The helifuel training component offers thorough and practical training for helideck crews, equipping them with the skills to manage refuelling operations safely and efficiently. The aim is to enhance offshore helideck safety and provide an effective service by adhering to the highest industry standards in the North Sea and other regions."

www.oegoffshore.com

The Chancellor of the Exchequer, The Rt Hon Rachel Reeves, and The Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, the Rt Hon Ed Miliband, visited Cambridge Vacuum Engineering (CVE) in Waterbeach, Cambridge on 9 June to see the company’s Ebflow technology in action. 

The visit saw the Ministers learn more about CVE’s Ebflow electron beam welding technology, which has the potential to transform manufacturing timelines and costs for the UK’s next-generation nuclear power infrastructure.

The visit came ahead of the Government announcing investments in Sizewell C and the results of its’ Great British Nuclear (GBN) Small Modular Reactor (SMR) competition - an initiative to select and support the deployment of SMR reactors across the UK. SMRs have a critical role to play in the UK’s transition to a low carbon economy. Smaller than conventional nuclear power station reactors, SMRs can be constructed in modular units, allowing for phased construction and deployment, potentially reducing costs and construction time.

Ebflow, an advanced electron beam (EB) welding technology, developed by the team at CVE, is proven to transform the speed at which nuclear pressure vessels can be built. In a trial conducted by Sheffield Forgemasters (announced in early 2024), Ebflow cut the time needed to weld a demonstrator vessel for an SMR from more than a year to less than 24 hours.

On site at CVE, the Chancellor and Mr Miliband initiated an Ebflow test weld, while speaking to CVE staff about the development of the technology.

"We were honoured to welcome The Chancellor and Mr Miliband to our premises to learn more about our electron beam welding capabilities. Ebflow was developed to enable major cost savings and efficiencies across aerospace, automotive, defence and renewable energy welding projects," said Bob Nicolson, MD of Cambridge Vacuum Engineering.

"In the nuclear sector, Ebflow has the potential to reshape the future of reactor production, enabling the fast, efficient production of core components needed to support the country’s transition to a low carbon economy and build a more resilient and flexible energy system. We welcome the Government’s decision to invest in Sizewell C and the appointment of Rolls-Royce SMR as preferred bidder to build the country’s first small modular reactors.”

For more information:

www.camvaceng.com or www.ebflow.com

Take Storm Boris in September 2024, for example. After sweeping through Central Europe, insurers faced an estimated €2bn to €3bn in claims, primarily due to extensive flooding and structural damage. In November of that same year, devastating floods in Valencia cost insurers over €3.5bn, based solely on the first 72,000 claims received.

Traditionally, the claims process - heavily dependent on in-person inspections and manual approvals - left homeowners and businesses waiting weeks or even months before repairs could begin. But what if that timeline could be shortened to just a few days? What if claims could be evaluated, approved, and assigned for repair in a fraction of the time?

That’s the gap PortalPRO is looking to close. Originally developed as a platform to help property managers coordinate repairs more efficiently, it quickly proved to be a viable solution for insurers facing property-related claims surges. We realised that our service economy platform offering preventative maintenance and repair management solutions can actually address several issues insurance companies are experiencing during peak times.

From Friction to Flow: Reinventing the Claims Experience

For years, the insurance claims process has been burdened by delays - damage is reported, an adjuster is scheduled for an on-site inspection, paperwork moves between departments, and only then does the payout or repair offer reach policyholders. In the wake of a natural disaster, when thousands of claims pour in simultaneously, this system quickly becomes overloaded. Considering that insured losses from catastrophic events exceeded $135bn for the fifth consecutive year, the industry clearly needs solutions that process claims faster and accelerate real-world recovery.

As a service economy platform, PortalPRO is built for property owners and managers who need a more structured, reliable way to handle repairs. Instead of waiting for an in-person inspection, they can seek help by reporting property damage online by uploading photos through our AI- powered tool. In seconds, the damage is assessed and offers detailing potential resources are generated that prompt the users to request repair provider services.

We soon realised these processes could also benefit insurance companies when we helped manage claims following a major storm in Lithuania last year. We stepped in to assist one of our partner insurers that was experiencing a spike in claims, more than 300 requests at peak demand. We handled claims and cut down on processing time by 80%. Clients were able to proceed with repairs more quickly because what would have typically taken about 50 days was finished much faster.

This experience underscored the potential for PortalPRO to support the insurance industry at scale. The platform evolved beyond a property management tool - this new insurance damage claims self-service solution became a bridge between insurers, property owners, and repair specialists, ensuring that claims weren’t just approved quickly but translated into real action.

The Key to Customer Satisfaction and Cost Reduction

For insurers, streamlining claims means more than just efficiency. It reduces administrative costs, minimises fraud - which makes up about 10% of all insurance claims costs - and helps policyholders navigate one of the most stressful moments of their lives with greater ease. By integrating structured digital workflows, insurers using PortalPRO can cut out unnecessary back- and-forth and ensure claims move seamlessly from reporting to resolution.

For policyholders, the impact is just as important. They get quicker access to funds and repairs when they need them most, a smoother claims experience overall, and more transparency throughout the process. And it matters, Accenture found that 83% of customers who have an easy claims experience are likely to renew their policies. Insurers who don’t embrace the advantages such technology provides aren’t just falling behind in efficiency; they risk losing customers to competitors who move faster.

As extreme weather events become more frequent, insurers are facing mounting pressure to process a rapidly growing number of claims. The challenge isn’t just about keeping up, it’s about maintaining accuracy, fairness, and trust in a system that policyholders rely on during their most vulnerable moments. To keep pace, insurers need structured, data-driven solutions that don’t just speed up the process but also use the expertise of repair specialists. In an industry where reliability matters most, finding ways to remove bottlenecks and improve transparency is no longer optional, it’s essential.

Dalius Šimaitis is CEO at PortalPRO

www.linkedin.com/company/portalpro

Despite all the innovation, one factor remains constant: the need for clear, reliable workplace safety standards. This is where structured learning such as an OSHA compliance course continues to offer value, especially for manufacturers, plant operators and site managers responsible for day-to-day operations.

Whether the task is repairing machinery, overseeing multiple production zones or working with hazardous materials, knowing what to do and how to do it safely makes a measurable difference. It's not just about passing inspections or ticking boxes but reducing incidents, protecting teams and helping everyone work with confidence.

The role of structured safety training

Training is often the first line of defense against workplace accidents. In facilities where heavy machinery, confined equipment layouts or volatile materials are present, even small missteps can lead to downtime or injury. An OSHA compliance course introduces practical knowledge that applies to the reality of industrial floors, it trains on how to handle equipment safely, spot common hazards and respond effectively when something goes wrong.

The structure of these courses also matters. Instead of relying on on-the-job assumptions or patchwork instruction, they provide consistent guidelines that apply across job roles. When everyone on site receives the same training, communication improves and the margin for error shrinks. It becomes easier to assign responsibilities, identify risks and carry out planned maintenance with minimal disruption.

Online options make training more accessible

For many industrial sites, taking workers off the floor for extended training is not easy. Deadlines, shift cycles and rotating contractors make scheduling difficult. That is why many facilities now turn to OSHA certification online. Providers such as FMTC offer practical, accredited options that cover essential training without interrupting daily operations. These programs deliver foundational learning in a format that can be completed remotely, on breaks or during low-activity hours.

Online certification is not a shortcut. It covers the same standards and expectations as in-person sessions, including workplace hazard recognition, PPE use, emergency action planning, and more. For operations that rely on both permanent and temporary staff, this format also ensures everyone is trained to the same baseline, regardless of how or when they joined the team.

For supervisors, online options allow tracking and accountability without having to manage every training session directly. They can focus on application rather than delivery, confident that their team has the right knowledge in place.

Building safety into the culture, not just the checklist

Compliance should not be something addressed only when auditors show up. When workers know the standards and understand why they exist, safety becomes part of the work rather than an afterthought. A team that has gone through an OSHA compliance course is not only prepared to follow instructions but are more likely to take ownership, identify problems early, and communicate issues that could otherwise be missed.

Online certification reinforces this by making safety accessible and practical. It becomes easier to refresh knowledge when procedures change or when new regulations come into play. It gives every team member, from technicians to maintenance staff, a way to stay engaged with best practices without stepping away from their responsibilities for too long.

Conclusion

The tools and systems in today’s industrial workplaces may have evolved, but the importance of safe working practices has not changed. Completing an OSHA compliance course is a proactive way for teams to reduce risk, improve efficiency and build a shared standard that supports everyone. With the added flexibility of OSHA certification online, industrial sites can keep their training consistent and their teams confident, no matter the schedule, shift or challenge ahead.

Robert Peters launched KC Machine Movers in 2021 with his business partner Kevin Hill. The specialist machinery installation and equipment relocation service provider offers cutting edge solutions for the end-to-end installation of machinery.  

The company also have a team of highly skilled mechanical and pipe fitters and electrical engineers who can carry out installation, fitting and testing where required.  

Originally starting with three members of staff, in the four years since its inception, the company has grown to a team of 40. It provides a range of services across a diverse client list working on complex projects, including Formula 1 teams, industrial plants, aerospace companies and defence contractors across the UK and Europe.  

It expects to achieve turnover of £5m in the coming financial year, all with the aid of eCapital.  

Invoice finance 

The secret behind its growth story is invoice finance, a cashflow solution that allows organisations to release cash from outstanding invoices. It not only provides fast access to immediate cash but also an ongoing source of funding which grows as a business grows – a key requirement for startups and scaling businesses keen to make their mark. 

How it works is simple: invoice finance uses receivables (invoices) as the principal asset against which money can be raised. The invoice financer pays the client an agreed percentage of the invoice value (typically 85% of the invoice value) as soon as it is submitted. As a result, businesses can build a revolving line of credit and gain quick access to cash while waiting for customers to pay their invoices.  

Working across complex clients, and industries, Peters understood the need for a cashflow solution that allowed him to build relationships and trust with key prospects and clients: "eCapital have been supporting the growth journey of KC Machine Movers from pretty much the beginning. Ours is a traditional industry with weekly pay, but some of the projects we work on are 60-, or 90-day invoicing, so we needed certainty and the ability to access cash immediately. The projects we work on can be complex, so we need cash available to us.  

"eCapital are adaptable to our needs, allowing us to flex up, and flex down what we need from them. In the nearly four years we’ve been with them, they’ve not baulked at anything that we’ve asked. eCapital has really taken the time to understand us as a business. We speak most days and also have the ear of the senior team which we can lean on if we need it," he stated 

Growth and expansion 

The relocation and machine moving service has been able to grow and expand into new territories, all because of the bespoke financing solution that eCapital provides. "A recent job saw us dismantling and moving a manufacturing line from Germany to the UK as part of a complete factory closure project," Peters explained, "This eighteen-month project included full-scale dismantling rigging and lifting of machinery, equipment and transport, as well as shipping some machinery across to the USA. This project was only possible because of the financing from eCapital." 

The machine moving company have been on a steady upward trajectory since its launch, and the partnership with eCapital has grown.  

The next stage for KC Machine Movers is its own site. "We are now firmly established within the industry and the next stage of our growth is our own premises, which we’re on track for within the next 12-18 months, because of the finance solution that eCapital offers us. With their support we have expanded from our initial Doncaster base to two 10,000 ft warehouses in Sheffield," Peters continued. 

Eileen Creely, regional MD North of England is committed to maintaining the excellent relationship with KC Machine Movers: "As a dedicated funding partner, we've had the privilege of witnessing KC Machine Movers' tremendous evolution firsthand. Throughout our relationship, we've taken pride in providing tailored financial support and strategic guidance that has contributed to their success. Looking ahead, we remain steadfastly committed to standing by KC Machine Movers' side as they pursue ambitious expansion plans. Our team is ready with the bespoke, flexible solutions needed to help them achieve their vision and continue their remarkable upward trajectory," she affirmed.

ecapital.com

Sigma is a member of Farnborough Aerospace Consortium (FAC), which organised the visit. The company makes pipe and tube assemblies, ducts, manifolds, fabrications ad sub-assemblies, sheet and machined details, and specialist fasteners. 

It supplies products and services to the civil and military aerospace sectors, including to global companies. "I was delighted to be invited to visit Sigma by the Farnborough Aerospace Consortium and to have the opportunity to find out more about one of the many incredible and highly technical industries based in Farnborough," said Baker. 

"It was a fascinating visit and another example of not only great careers on our doorstep but also a local business making a global impact. 

"Boosting economic growth is at the heart of this government’s mission for the country, and we are committed to supporting businesses such as Sigma."

Richard Bower, Sigma CEO, said: "We were delighted to host Alex Baker MP at our Farnborough facility to demonstrate how the local area supports a global aerospace supply chain.  

"It’s always good to raise awareness of what we are capable of and we look forward to hearing what can be done to foster further growth in the area."

Alan Fisher, CEO of FAC, said: "Sigma are long-standing members of ours and Alex Baker was extremely supportive. She has a background in the private sector and showed an understanding of what businesses want and require.

"Sigma gave her a presentation and then a tour of the facility."

www.fac.org.uk

The impending skills ‘emergency’ may mean that UK industry fails to meet current demand and fail to generate the growth and productivity that government yearns

Responding to prime minister Keir Starmer’s announcement that skilled migration was going to be curbed for those that don’t have a degree, Ann Watson, CEO of Enginuity, formerly known as sector skills council Semta, said, that a sudden reduction in visas for workers needed desperately by UK industry could prove disastrous if business does not react immediately.

"A massive uplift in UK skills training is now an urgent necessity, not just a laudable ambition," she stated. "This is fast becoming an emergency rather than just an acute problem.

"Industry is at a pivotal moment, if it is to maintain output, let alone grow as the Government is rightly fixated upon."

Enginuity, known as the ‘sector connector’ will act as a catalyst between thousands of small and medium sized businesses and government, to determine next steps.

"It seems that business will be expected to roll-up its sleeves and make radical changes to skill people themselves. We will help them introduce best practice to their training regimes, and gear up throughput to try and ensure that this happens as quickly as possible," Watson continued.

"Much of our sector is already being strangled by a lack of skills in the pipeline and this might just finish them off. Many of the disciplines that are in most demand don’t need a degree level entrant - hence they won’t qualify for a visa.

"Even if we had people queuing up to enter vocational pathways to work, which often isn't the case, it would take years to get them to the sufficient level to hold their own in the workplace. 

"Government is examining the possibility of reducing the duration and quality of apprenticeships, but it’s not the answer to a long-term problem. We need to create our own sustainable, proficient, skilled workforce, before we cut off the current supply.

"Hundreds of thousands of skilled workers are due to retire in the next five years which will only exacerbate the situation." In Scotland alone, more than a million additional workers will be required in the next 10 years.

www.enginuity.org