On 24 th May, Made in Yorkshire is holding a Best Practice Meeting and factory tour in Scarborough, hosted by Alan Pickering, director of Unison Ltd, the UK’s leading manufacturer of tube and pipe bending machines, exporting to more than 20 countries, and supplying motorsport, marine, oil and gas, aerospace and architecture sectors.
“We’re delighted to combine our 50th birthday celebrations with our Best Practice Meeting for our Made In Yorkshire colleagues on 24 th May 2023 at our headquarters in Scarborough. We’ll be showing off our world leading tube bending machines manufactured here in ‘Scarbados’ — including one of our imported Nukon laser cutting machines that we sell and support, along with our 3D scanning and simulation solutions. Guests will also be able to network with our automation experts and see our latest investment in tooling manufacture.”
Unison was one of the local businesses that backed the bid to set up Scarborough’s UTC (University Technical College), which opened in 2016. The UTC was championed by organisations within Scarborough who wanted an institution that could address the skills need within the area. The UTC currently has around 200 students, recruited from all over North Yorkshire, with plans to grow that to more than 400.
Natalie Griffiths, the UTC’s assistant principal for teaching and learning/employer engagement explains: “For those who aren't familiar with UTCs, ultimately, we are a secondary school with a sixth form, but with amazing technical equipment and the staff to deliver cutting-edge technical skills within our pathways of engineering, health and cybersecurity.
“Our curriculum is focused to enable our students to concentrate on the subjects and skills they want to develop for future career pathways, be that an apprenticeship route or a degree, through delivery of traditional GCSE and A-Level courses alongside technical qualifications. We have a wide range of links with local employers who work with us through, for example, project-based learning activities and delivery of masterclasses for our students, as well as supporting careers fairs and mock interviews.”
John Randerson, is chief technology officer of WN VTech, specialist vehicle manufacturers and leaders in sustainable vehicle technology, electrification and accessibility. The group is made up of six specialist vehicle brands, covering everything from accessible transport to ceremonial vehicles. Two of these key brands are Pro Mech and JM Engineering, and they are based in Scarborough. John, was brought up in nearby Filey, explains:
“The engineering heartbeat of what goes on right the way across WN VTech group starts in Scarborough. Most of that knowledge base, most of the ideas, most of the vehicle development, most of the design and intellectual property begins life in an office in Scarborough.”
John is passionate about taking an inclusive approach to supporting the next generation into dynamic careers in manufacturing in the area:
“Further education and skills-based apprenticeships have an equal part to play if we are to continue expanding our manufacturing and technology businesses. We should not underestimate that working in a manufacturing environment is actually a very good way to get a ton of experience really quickly about how businesses work.”
In 2022, York and North Yorkshire’s Skills Advisory Panel delivered an updated Local Skills Report, highlighting manufacturing as the fourth largest employer in the area, making up 9% of total employment. Upskilling looks key to driving productivity and growth, but the local labour market is not without its challenges, as event host, Alan Pickering, reminds us:
“Living in Scarborough has some obvious benefits — being so close to the sea, the moors and forestry … but recruitment is always a struggle on the coast and it’s imperative we guide our education system to develop our talent locally rather than lose them to the rest of the country.”
The event is also drawing interest from colleagues further afield. Debbie Heald is MD of Heald Ltd, based down the coast in Hornsea. The company designs, manufactures and installs perimeter security equipment, such as bollards and road blockers, protecting from vehicle attacks and accidental impact. Alongside protecting UK locations such as Trafalgar Square and Wembley Stadium, approximately 60% of Heald’s products are exported, with installations in high-profile locations including the World Trade Centre in New York an Surfers Paradise in Queensland.
Debbie is pioneering policies to attract more diverse talent to manufacturing. “It’s becoming more important for us all to have a good work-life balance, and at Heald, we actively encourage this through being a considerate employer. It ensures we have a happy and productive team.
“We offer shift work to our factory staff, enabling them to have earlier finish times and allowing more time for family or leisure activities. We also offer a shorter working week for those who want to work fewer hours.”
In addition to discussing ways to tackle challenges around skilled employment, event delegates can learn more about the national ‘Made Smarter’ programme, offering assistance with digital transformation and, amongst other benefits, the potential to secure between £5k - 20k to support the purchase of hardware and software.
So, by bringing together a committed group of manufacturing champions collaborating to compete, there’s a bright ray of hope on the horizon. Reserve your place by contacting the Made in Yorkshire team https://madeinyorkshire.com/contact