Automotive giant Ford to join FIA WEC Hypercar grid in 2027

The news was announced by Ford Motor Company executive chair Bill Ford during Ford Performance’s annual season launch event in Charlotte, North Carolina, in the presence of some 2,000 guests and 50 drivers from Ford’s global motorsport activities.

Hypercar can now be added to the company’s impressive racing portfolio, as it gets set to join Alpine, Aston Martin, BMW, Cadillac, Ferrari, Genesis, Peugeot, Porsche and Toyota in FIA WEC’s premier class in two years’ time – setting the scene for an unprecedented battle for world championship honours.

“We are entering a new era for performance and racing at Ford,” commented Bill Ford. “You can see it from what we’re doing on-road and off-road. When we race, we race to win. And there is no track or race that means more to our history than Le Mans.

“It is where we took on Ferrari and won in the 1960s. It is where we returned 50 years later and shocked the world and beat Ferrari again. I am thrilled that we’re going back to Le Mans and competing at the highest level of endurance racing. We are ready to once again challenge the world, and ‘go like hell!’”

Indeed, Ford’s relationship with the world’s greatest race is enshrined in motorsport legend. After his offer to buy Ferrari was rebuffed at the 11th hour in 1963, Henry Ford II set his sights on ending the Italian manufacturer’s dominance in the 24 Hours of Le Mans. Against all odds, he succeeded.

Between 1966 and 1969, the Ford GT40 claimed four consecutive overall victories at the grandfather of endurance races, and the marque’s battle with Ferrari proved so famous it went on to inspire a 2019 box office hit movie.

Since the GT40’s stellar run, Ford has focused predominantly on chasing class wins, triumphing in the LMGTE Pro division on the 50th anniversary of its 1966 success in 2016 – on the Ford GT’s maiden appearance at Le Mans – and more recently reaching the rostrum again last year as the Ford Mustang made its La Sarthe bow in LMGT3. The ‘pony car’ then made history for the brand once more earlier this month, clinching GTD Pro glory in the 24 Hours of Daytona.

Now, Ford is preparing to up the ante as it returns to the very highest level for the first time in more than half-a-century, with a Ford Performance-led full factory prototype effort in FIA WEC. A decades-old rivalry is about to be reignited...

“Ford has been synonymous with success both on and off-track for decades, and we are delighted that the company has chosen the FIA World Endurance Championship for its latest challenge,” acknowledged series CEO, Frédéric Lequien. “To have at least ten major automotive brands committed to the championship’s top-tier in 2027 is testament to FIA WEC’s stellar momentum and growth.”

“It is wonderful news to welcome Ford back to the top level of the 24 Hours of Le Mans for the first time in almost 60 years,” echoed Pierre Fillon, President of race organiser, the Automobile Club de l'Ouest (ACO). “It is a brand that has always had a close affinity with this very special race, and history shows that Ford does not compete to finish second. The renewal of its famous rivalry with Ferrari is truly an exciting prospect.”

“Ford and endurance racing are a perfect fit, as has been proven time and again,” added FIA Endurance Commission President, Richard Mille. “It is a brand with a long and proud motorsport heritage, and a passion for competition instilled by Henry Ford himself. The company’s return to the highest level of the discipline is further validation of the success and appeal of the current Hypercar regulations. Endurance racing’s golden age is right here, and right now!”

To find out more click here.

AI and eSports: How OEMs Can Power the Future of Virtual Racing

Think about competitive video games, and you might picture two players battling it out on a console in a living room. But eSports has grown from a niche interest to a major global market: 2024’s eSports World Cup saw an audience of over 500 million tune in to watch pro players compete for a $60m prize pool.

Virtual motorsports, or sim racing, is one of the fastest-moving eSports of all. Like any emerging industry, tech—especially AI—is powering its growth, giving OEMs a unique opportunity to break into the market and leave their mark on the virtual racetrack.

What makes eSports a valuable opportunity for OEMs?

Two main factors make eSports worth your attention: its impressive growth trajectory, and an abundance of use cases that OEMs can capitalize on.

Gaming technology gets better every year, and eSports is no exception. Especially when paired with traditional motorsports—the two fuel each other’s growth, with a Formula 1 survey revealing that roughly 50% of fans play motorsport video games.

One of the biggest accelerators of eSports is its accessibility. Breaking into traditional motorsports can be extremely costly for aspiring new drivers—building up your racer credentials through go-karting can cost over $60,000 a year. By comparison, a player can secure a viable sim racing setup for just $300.

Major brands are taking notice of eSports’ momentum. For example, Red Bull Racing’s eSports division has teamed up with Team Redline (F1 Champion Max Verstappen’s own sim racing team) to build a dedicated sim racing facility, decked out with state-of-the-art equipment to foster new racing talent.

Meanwhile, Microsoft has entered an AI partnership with iRacing , the world’s largest sim racing platform with over 100,000 active subscribers. The two are working together to develop Microsoft’s AI models with large quantities of performance data, bringing exciting new capabilities to the world of sim racing.

AI is already making an impact

The rapid rise of eSports wouldn’t be possible without tech like AI fueling the charge. Simulation platforms are already exploring AI innovations to make virtual racing more realistic and competitive than ever.

AI-powered coaches can provide players with tailored feedback, showing them exactly which corners to practice or where they can shave a few seconds off their lap times. Virtual AI crew chiefs work as strategists, helping players time their pit stops and choose the right tactics mid-race. Even AI opponents are leveling up with fully adjustable driver behavior, including whether to go for aggressive overtakes or holding defensive lines.

The biggest AI uses cases in eSports

The intersection of eSports, AI, and OEM expertise reveals a number of possibilities. Here are just a few of the most valuable ones.

Simulator operations

Racing simulators live and die by their ability to make players feel like they’re right there on the track, tearing around corners at top speed. They need to be responsive, authentic, and totally seamless. But running a modern simulator requires a top-notch operational foundation—one that OEMs are perfectly positioned to provide.

AI-powered network solutions can optimize server management by scaling resources to meet changing demand, ensuring smooth races during peak playtimes. And latency (every gamer’s worst enemy) can be kept in check with AI that detects network issues in real time, so teams can prioritize and resolve them before they impact gameplay—keeping racers in the action with minimal lag.

Community management

For sim racing platforms, building a healthy online community is just as important as delivering a great racing experience

Take matchmaking, a common challenge in game design. Players need to compete against opponents with similar skill levels to stay engaged. If a race is too easy, it can lead to boredom; if it’s too difficult, players might become frustrated. OEMs can use AI to analyze player data and match racers appropriately, making sure every race is balanced, competitive, and rewarding.

AI can also be used to help monitor in-game communications, detecting disruptive players and alerting moderators who can take action to ensure good sportsmanship. The more respectful and positive a game’s online community, the more loyal players it will attract and retain.

Racing rigs and player kits

As thousands of players take to the virtual track, demand for immersive sim racing rigs is surging. Players want equipment that captures the thrill of a real race, creating an opportunity for OEMs to provide everything from high-performance PCs and GPUs to custom seating, steering wheels, and pedals. There are even fans being made to simulate the sensation of wind as players hit top speeds.

OEMs with a manufacturing outfit can use predictive AI to optimize production, identifying and addressing bottlenecks as demand grows. But AI innovation can take the hardware itself even further, with advanced haptics that deliver feedback based on road surfaces, acceleration, and even collisions. Automated calibration systems can tailor equipment settings to each player’s preferences, getting them into the game faster and enhancing performance.

It’s not just home setups that stand to benefit. As professional teams turn to advanced simulations for training and strategizing, OEMs can cross-sell into the traditional motorsports market with scalable, AI-powered simulations that meet their rigorous demands.

Fan experiences

Just like traditional motorsports, eSports is about the fans as much as it’s about the players. For sim racing providers, the fan experience is full of innovation potential—and OEMs can use AI to make it happen.

AI can be used to generate highlight reels that showcase the most thrilling moments of a race, capturing attention and driving engagement. Combine this with AI-driven workflows that automate production, and racing platforms could create and share more material at speed.

Personalized content could take engagement even further: fans could enjoy custom race recaps focused on their favorite drivers or teams, keeping them connected to the action. AI-enabled translations could even help fans enjoy commentary in more languages, expanding viewership.

OEMs, time to take the lead in eSports

The world of eSports is only going to keep growing, so the best time to get involved is right now. Join a partner program that offers the off-the-shelf AI tools you need to innovate, deploy, and scale solutions that will shape the future of virtual racing for players and fans alike.

New 'global growth team' appointed by Trade Secretary

A new ‘global growth team’ of UK Trade Envoys has been appointed by the Trade Secretary to drive UK exports and investment as the Government pulls every lever available to drive economic growth under its Plan for Change. 

The 32 parliamentarians, drawn from across the political spectrum, have been assigned target markets across six continents and tasked with identifying trade and investment opportunities for businesses and championing the UK as a destination of choice for investment in those markets.  

Each market has been identified as presenting significant potential for growing UK trade and Trade Envoys are appointed on their ability, relevant skills and experience. This can be based on their respective markets or UK sector knowledge, including previous government-to-government experience, as well as their commitment to the UK’s growth mission. 

Business and Trade Secretary Jonathan Reynolds said:

Trade and investment are key to delivering economic growth, the number one mission of this Government and a key part of our Plan for Change.

That’s why I’ve launched a new team of Trade Envoys, who will use their experience, expertise and knowledge to unlock new markets around the world for British businesses, drumming up investment into the UK and ultimately driving economic growth.

They will work closely with the Department for Business and Trade. The announcement comes ahead of the new Trade Strategy in Spring, which will prioritise rebuilding our relationship with the EU and seizing opportunities to access new markets further afield.  

Alongside bolstering exports, attracting investments, and removing trade barriers, the government is also resuming trade talks with FTA partners, including – so far - the GCC, Switzerland and South Korea.  

The news comes as Trade Minister Douglas Alexander is in South Africa today as part of a multi-leg visit to the region to strengthen trade links and create opportunities for UK businesses.  

The new appointments are:

• Afzal Khan MP appointed to Türkiye  

• Alex Sobel MP appointed to Ukraine  

• Bell Ribeiro-Addy MP appointed to Ghana  

• Ben Coleman MP appointed to Morocco & Francophone West Africa  

• Calvin Bailey MP appointed to Southern Africa  

• Carolyn Harris MP appointed to New Zealand  

• Dan Carden MP appointed to Mexico  

• David Pinto-Duschinsky MP appointed to Switzerland & Lichtenstein  

• Fabian Hamilton MP appointed to Southern Cone  

• Flo Eshalomi MP appointed to Nigeria  

• George Freeman MP appointed to Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore & Brunei  

• Lord Iain McNicol of West Kilbride appointed to Jordan, Kuwait & the Occupied Palestinian Territories  

• Lord Ian Austin of Dudley appointed to Israel  

• Baroness Jane Ramsey of Wall Heath appointed to Ethiopia  

• Jess Morden MP appointed to Central America  

• Lord John Alderdice appointed to Azerbaijan & Central Asia  

• Lord John Hannett of Everton appointed to Sri Lanka  

• Lord John Spellar of Smethwick appointed to Australia  

• Josh MacAlister MP appointed to Brazil  

• Kate Osamor MP appointed to East Africa  

• Matt Western MP appointed to Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia & Laos  

• Mohammad Yasin MP appointed to Pakistan  

• Naz Shah MP appointed to Indonesia & ASEAN  

• Paulette Hamilton MP appointed to Commonwealth Caribbean  

• Lord Richard Faulkner of Worcester appointed to Taiwan  

• Lord Roger Liddle appointed to Andean   

• Dr Rosena Allin-Khan appointed to South Africa  and Mauritius

• Baroness Rosie Winterton of Doncaster appointed to Bangladesh  

• Sarah Olney MP appointed to North Africa  

• Sharon Hodgson MP appointed to Japan  

• Lord Tom Watson of Wyre Forest appointed to Republic of Korea  

• Yasmin Qureshi MP appointment to Egypt
  
  To find out more click here.

New year, new digs: Immico ready to move up the grid in 2025

• Hertfordshire-based heat-shielding specialist now has ‘room to grow’
•  Extra resource the key to offering greater variety and faster turnarounds
• ISO 9001 accreditation underscores company’s commitment to quality

It has been a busy start to the year for thermal management specialist Immico, with a move to a new premises ‘unlocking a whole world of opportunities’ for the pioneering British brand – and accelerating its motorsport ambitions.

Established in 2019, Immico’s pace-setting products have since gone on to prove their worth in disciplines as diverse as single-seaters, GT racing and touring cars. Indeed, the 2022 and 2023 British Touring Car Championship-winning drivers both reaped the rewards of the company’s state-of-the-art heat-shielding solutions – keeping their cars consistently cool in the heat of battle – as did the top two outfits in the BTCC Teams’ standings in 2024.

It is no coincidence that at least half of the cars on the grid this year in the UK’s premier motorsport series look set to benefit from Immico’s expertise. And that is not all.

Having recently moved from its original unit in Sarratt to a larger base on Kings Park Industrial Estate in Kings Langley – conveniently located just off the M25 – the Hertfordshire start-up has not only secured itself more space, but also room to grow. The upgraded facility is already fully operational, with five welding bays – and the scope to double that number to ten – as well as a whole suite of services for clients, from design and fabrication to spot welding, laser-cutting and 3D printing.

“The new unit unlocks a whole world of opportunities for us, which is very exciting,” reflects Managing Director, Stuart Thorp. “Whereas the old one was pretty much maxed-out in terms of its capacity, now we can offer a more extensive range of options, and it’s much more accessible, too. It’s generally just more professional and more befitting of Immico’s standing as a company and the manufacturers, teams and championships we are dealing with.

“It means we can really start exploiting all of our assets to their fullest potential. As we continue to develop and evolve, our greater resource has enabled us to take on some very cool projects and offer faster turnarounds, which ultimately is what motorsport is all about.”

One of Immico’s latest assignments has posed a unique challenge, with its heat shields to be found on a number of cars that contested this month’s 47th edition of the legendary Dakar Rally – arguably the sport’s toughest and most gruelling long-distance test.

“For us, the first priority is always to make sure the product is durable – and that is never more important than when you’re talking about an event like the Dakar,” Thorp acknowledges.

The firm – a member of the prestigious Motorsport Industry Association (MIA) – is similarly diversifying when it comes to materials, with a greater breadth of choice for its partners from lightweight titanium to high-strength, nickel-based super-alloy Inconel 625.
“The advantages of Inconel are that it’s stronger than stainless steel and capable of withstanding higher temperatures,” Thorp explains, “and as a thinner material, it’s lighter, too. It’s a win-win situation.”

In a competitive environment, such small yet vital gains can often make the difference between victory and defeat, particularly when the margins are so fine. In evidence of its growing stature, Immico has additionally achieved ISO 9001 accreditation – a globally recognised standard for quality management. Both on and off-track, business is booming.

“ISO 9001 is something we’d been working towards for a while,” reveals Thorp in conclusion. “It’s a further significant step forward for us, and another clear indication that Immico is increasingly maturing and becoming the success story we all know it can be.”

To find out more click here.

Join the Wimena Conference in Saudi Arabia this February for a unique opportunity to connect, learn and grow.

What is it?

Wimena is dedicated to supporting and promoting women with inclusivity at all levels, across all spheres of interest and employment. Wimena aims to increase opportunities for women, breakdown cultural and institutional barriers, and provide platforms for women and girls to thrive at all levels. Their goal is to showcase women’s leadership potential while driving awareness and action towards gender equality.

Join Wimena, on the 13th or 18th of Febraury 2025, for an exciting series of events designed to showcase Saudi Arabia’s rapid growth in sports, with exclusive opportunities for business leaders, sports professionals and industry stakeholders.

The Event Programme

Event 1: Wimena - Women in Motorsport

13th February 2025 – The Sheraton - Jeddah

In collaboration with Formula E, the FIA, and the Saudi Ministry of Sport, we proudly present Wimena - Women in Motorsport.

Networking with global industry leaders.

Discussions with role models in motorsport and experts in leadership and technology.

Evening reception at the British Consulate.

Exclusive opportunity to experience the Formula E race day on 14th February, by invitation only.

Event 2: A Sporting Journey Conference

18th February 2025 – Al Nassr Football Stadium - Riyadh

A dynamic conference covering the full spectrum of sport from grassroots, career pathways, leadership, technology and wellbeing. Explore opportunities within the fast-evolving Saudi sports ecosystem.

Conference Themes:

Sport as a Messenger for Change

Unlocking Sporting Potential

Sporting Role Models

Technology – The Future

Career Pathways

Wellbeing – Physical & Mental Health

Participating Organisations

The events are in assocation with GREAT FUTURES and participating organisations include, Aramco, NEOM, FIA and Portas.

Why Saudi Arabia? A hub of business and opportunity

Fast-growing Sports Industry: With global events such as the FIFA World Cup 2034, Saudi Arabia is positioning itself as a premier sports destination.

Infrastructure Investment: Massive investment in sports infrastructure is creating lucrative opportunities for businesses and investors.

Tech and Esports: The country is a leader in technological innovation, with next-generation projects including the Olympic Esports and smart city initiatives, driving demand for high-tech solutions and global partnerships.

Can you afford to miss this unique opportunity?

•         Is your business in the sports sector, or an industry that sells into it?

•         Are you a female leader in the Sports Industry or is your organisation female owned?

•         Are you interested in the exciting opportunities the Kingdom or Saudi Arabia and would like to meet like-minded business leaders, sports professionals and key decision makers?

•         Want to hear from renowned speakers addressing some of the biggest challenges and opportunities in global sport, including career pathways, leadership, technological advances, and wellbeing?

Don’t miss out on the chance to connect with key players in the sports ecosystem and explore fast-track business opportunities. Whether you’re interested in motorsport, leadership in sports or cutting-edge tech development, Saudi Arabia offers unparalleled opportunities.

How to attend

This event is free to attend. Attendees will need to cover their own accomodation and flights.

Click the link for more information and to register your interest for either or both events.

 

Extreme E Proves Gender Equality Works: Performance Gap Narrows by 70% in Four Seasons

Over its first four seasons, Extreme E has showcased an impressive roster of female drivers who have contributed to its pioneering gender-equal racing format. These trailblazing drivers include; Molly Taylor (E.ON Next Veloce Racing), Cristina Gutiérrez and Emma Gilmour (NEOM McLaren XE), Mikaela Åhlin-Kottulinsky (RXR), Catie Munnings (Andretti Altawkilat), Klara Andersson (SUN Minimeal), Claudia Hürtgen and Jutta Kleinschmidt (ABT CUPRA XE), Sara Price (Chip Ganassi Racing), Laia Sanz (ACCIONA | Sainz XE Team), Jamie Chadwick (Veloce Racing), Lia Block (Carl Cox Motorsport) Gray Leadbetter (Legacy Motor Club), Hedda Hosås, Dania Akeel and Amanda Sorensen (JBXE), alongside Championship Drivers Tamara Molinaro and Christine GZ.

These drivers have played a crucial role in demonstrating the transformative potential of equality-focused motorsport, showing remarkable growth and consistently narrowing the performance gap with their male counterparts season after season.

Across the wider motorsport community, the impact of Extreme E is well recognised. Helena Hicks, Founder of Females in Motorsport is incredibly excited about the new data: “Since its creation, Females in Motorsport has closely followed Extreme E as a Championship and is proud of its support of female competitors - mainly through its promotion of equal opportunities.

“As an organisation, we are delighted with today’s data; transparency with the Gender Gap report is a huge move, and we welcome it as a positive step to improve female talent. We look forward to following Extreme H over the coming years, and seeing what the series can achieve.”

The Numbers Behind the Progress

From Season 1 to Season 4, the median average time difference between male and female drivers decreased dramatically, with female drivers improving by greater leaps each season.

The data is taken from the Continental Traction Challenge, a timed super sector section of each Extreme E race course, where teams compete to set the fastest time to win two additional championship points.

Season 1: Female drivers’ times were, on average, 4.5 seconds slower than their male counterparts.

Season 4: This gap shrank to just 1.1 seconds, a 68.64% reduction.

This progress is even more striking when viewed season by season:

Season 2: A 29.76% improvement from Season 1.

Season 3: Performance improved by an additional 29.67%.

Season 4: Female drivers closed the gap further, by 36.5%, compared to Season 3, an especially remarkable fact when you consider that Extreme E only completed four of its ten rounds.

Molly Taylor, from E.ON Next Veloce Racing is one of Extreme E's most decorated drivers, achieving eight victories and the inaugural Championship title; the Australian has the most victories of any female driver and second most overall — only one fewer than double champion Johan Kristoffersson — despite competing in three fewer events.

Molly, who has raced with the series from its inception, said: “Extreme E has without a doubt changed the course of my career and I'm confident all the female drivers in the series would say the same thing. We all know how challenging motorsport is, but what Extreme E has proven is that with the right opportunity, exposure, development and investment we can see women reach the top.

“It can be a difficult cycle to break; you need the seat time to prove your potential, but you need results to attract the support needed to access that very seat time. Extreme E put themselves out there and tried something new to force change and it makes me so proud to be one of the drivers to prove the success of this concept. We have built some strong momentum and, whilst this doesn’t alleviate the continuing challenges of motorsport, we are making change. It’s pretty special and something I hope motorsport can learn from more broadly.”

AP Racing tech to feature throughout 24 Hours of Daytona

Ahead of the 63rd Rolex 24 at Daytona, world-leading brake and clutch manufacturer AP Racing has announced that its pioneering technologies will feature on almost 75% of the grid.

An impressive 45 of 61 drivers will be using AP Racing brakes, clutches and associated components at this year’s race, which takes place at the Daytona International Speedway in Florida between 27-28 January.

In the LMP2 class, all entrants will be running AP Racing carbon discs while, in the GTD and GTD PRO classes, three quarters of teams are set to use I-drive iron discs and/or both front and rear calipers. Finally, more than half of GTP entrants will also be running AP Racing calipers.

To ensure race-winning performance, engineers from AP Racing will be on hand throughout the event to provide track-side support.

Richard Gregory, director of sales at AP Racing, said: “We’ve been developing and supplying products to teams at the 24 Hours of Daytona for a number of years. To see an increasing percentage of the grid using our products to achieve world-beating braking advantage is incredible.

“As a true pinnacle of endurance racing, we’re renowned around the world for our superior performance parts. Having so many teams choosing our products this year is testament to our commitment to excellence.

Best of luck to all teams racing this weekend.”

To find out more click here.

Dynisma Appoints New CEO Graeme Cook Amid Record Growth and Global Expansion

Dynisma, a global leader in high-performance motion simulation technology, is delighted to announce the appointment of Graeme Cook as its new Chief Executive Officer.

Bringing extensive leadership experience spanning the automotive, aerospace, oil and energy sectors, Graeme will guide the company through its next phase of growth. His arrival will enable Dynisma Founder, CEO & Chief Engineer, Ash Warne, to transition to the role of Founder & Chief Technology Officer (CTO), fully focusing on furthering the innovation and technology development of the company’s best-in-class simulation technology.

Leveraging his deep industry expertise and visionary leadership, Graeme’s key objectives will be to continue to scale Dynisma’s operations, expand its global presence, and reinforce its position as a leader in motion and driving simulation technology. His appointment signals a new phase of growth for Dynisma, continuing to deliver cutting-edge solutions to the automotive and motorsport markets while advancing plans to bring its pioneering motion generator simulators to new industries.

Dynisma is experiencing rapid growth, having created more than 50 new jobs in 2024 to meet the market demand for its state-of-the-art motion simulators, with a strong order book for 2025 and beyond. The company is trusted by key customers including multiple Formula 1, Formula 2, Formula E, World Endurance Championship, and International Motorsport Association (IMSA) teams, as well as a growing number of global automotive OEMs.

Ash Warne, Founder of Dynisma and CTO, commented: “We are thrilled to welcome Graeme Cook as Dynisma’s new CEO. Graeme’s strategic insight and impressive leadership experience make him the perfect choice to lead Dynisma into its next chapter. Together, we will continue to push the boundaries of motion simulation technology, delivering unparalleled solutions to our global clients.”

Graeme Cook, Dynisma CEO added: “I am delighted to join Dynisma, a company renowned for its relentless pursuit of excellence in motion simulation. I look forward to working with the talented team at Dynisma to further our mission of setting new benchmarks in simulation technology and delivering transformative solutions to our clients worldwide.”

Graeme’s distinguished career includes pivotal roles at YASA, a leader in electric motor technology, where he served as Managing Director. At YASA, Graeme played an instrumental role in advancing the company’s innovation and market presence. Prior to YASA, Graeme held key leadership positions at AVID Technologies, an automotive and off-highway vehicle electrification company. His tenure was marked by transforming business processes and operational competencies, achieving VDA Standards approval, and enhancing resilience to support customer contracts and expand commercial potential.

Founded in 2017, Dynisma has redefined motion simulation technology with its groundbreaking Dynisma Motion Generators (DMGs), offering unmatched low latency, high bandwidth, and immersive simulation experiences. The company serves leading automotive OEMs, motorsport teams, and industrial clients globally from its state-of-the-art campus in Bristol, UK.
To find out more click here.

S&S GB requirements will come into effect from the end of January 2025. The person/entity responsible for meeting these requirements is the carrier.

Who is the carrier?

The carrier is the owner of the active means of transport as goods reach the border.

In the case of the UK, the ferry operator is considered the carrier for unaccompanied freight. The ferry operator will look through their terms and conditions and try to downstream this where possible.

Meanwhile, the haulier is considered the carrier for accompanied freight.

However, on the North Sea we know that the ferry operator will offer completing the ENS for both unaccompanied and accompanied freight.

What is required for S&S GB?

• Consignor name & address (EORI number, if held)
• Consignee name & address (EORI number, if held)
• Carrier GB EORI number (for driver accompanied vehicles)
• Description of goods
• Reference number
• Vehicle Identification Number (accompanied), IMO (unaccompanied)
• Trailer seal (or ‘no seal’)
• Border entry point (HMRC location code - e.g. GB000060)
• ETA time and date
• Total no. of packages and weight
• Type of packages
• Any marks and reference numbers

Disclaimer - this is the legislative requirements as currently stated by HMRC. However, these could be subject to change.

Description of goods

In your GB ENS, HMRC are looking at goods descriptions to assess the risk. The description of the goods needs to be of a high level.

For instance, instead of writing “cars” in the goods description, use more specific terms such as “Ford Fiesta”, “VW Polo”. Instead of “Clothing” use “Men’s shirts” or “jackets”, etc.

 When does S&S GB need to be submitted?

This can vary depending on a variety of factors. As a general guide-

• RoRo - at least 2 hours prior to the goods arriving into GB
• LeShuttle (Eurotunnel) Freight - at least 1 hour prior to the goods arriving at the terminal
• GVMS ports - before the vehicle checks in
• Goods destined for temporary storage - before the vehicle checks in.

To find out more click here.

UK SMEs called to apply for major government export awards

• The Department for Business and Trade’s Made in the UK, Sold to the World Awards are open for entries until 9 March, celebrating outstanding small businesses achieving international success 

• Previous winners have benefited from the platform the awards offer, seeing revenue growth and expansion to new territories across the world  

• Categories expanded to include Digital & Technology and Export Services alongside Advanced Manufacturing & Construction; Agriculture, Food & Drink; Consultancy & Professional Services; Creative Industries; Education & EdTech; Financial Services & FinTech; Healthcare; Infrastructure and Engineering; Low Carbon Energy; Retail and Consumer Goods 

The Department for Business and Trade’s (DBT) Made in the UK, Sold to the World Awards are open for SMEs to enter until 9 March, with the addition of two new categories and an expanded prize package to honour exceptional accomplishments in global trading. 

The awards celebrate the international sales success of SMEs across the UK and provide a stepping stone for further growth and opportunity. This year, two new categories have been added: Digital & Technology, and ‘Export Services’ – the latter aiming to recognise the contribution of logistics and distribution businesses that facilitate UK exports.

The other categories cover Advanced Manufacturing & Construction; Agriculture, Food & Drink; Consultancy & Professional Services; Creative Industries; Education & EdTech; Financial Services & FinTech; Healthcare; Infrastructure and Engineering; Low Carbon Energy; Retail and Consumer Goods.  

Lloyds Bank has joined as a partner for the 2025 awards, in addition to the founding partner, the Chartered Institute of Export & International Trade. The winners’ package has been updated to include a year’s free business membership to the Chartered Institute; an export masterclass with a Lloyds Bank trade expert; professional photos of their business; and an invitation to the winners’ reception in London. They will also receive a trophy, certificate and digital badge, and bespoke promotion on the DBT’s channels. Those that are highly commended will also receive a year’s free membership to the Institute.  

Gareth Thomas, Minister for Services, Small Businesses and Exports, underscored the significance of the awards in recognising the ambition of small businesses across the country. 

Gareth Thomas, Minister for Services, Small Businesses and Exports said:

“When small businesses export, it opens a wealth of incredible opportunities. These awards are a testament to the innovation that British SMEs display day in, day out.

“As we enter the new year, our Plan for Change is about ensuring businesses across the country can thrive and grow. This will boost jobs and wages and firms that export are at the forefront of that growth. I encourage all those who have started on the exporting ladder to enter and showcase their success.”

Two of last year’s winners have since seen growth in revenue and expansion into new markets. Intralink, an international business consultancy and winner of the Consultancy and Professional Services category, has enjoyed 10% growth in revenue and expanded into Finland, Norway, China and South Korea. SimVenture, the winner of the Education & EdTech category, has seen 30% year-on-year growth and grown into the Middle East.  

Intralink CEO Gregory Sutch commented:

“The MiUK Awards have been a game-changer for Intralink. The recognition has not only enhanced our reputation but also instilled pride within our team. It’s a testament to the hard work and expertise of our people, and we’re thrilled to build on this momentum.” 

SimVenture CEO Peter Harrington remarked:

“Winning the Made in the UK, Sold to the World Award has significantly elevated our profile on the global stage. This accolade not only celebrates our achievements but also helps us penetrate challenging markets with renewed credibility.” 

To find out more click here.

Class 7 Clean Room Open for Business

At ABC, we’re always looking to expand the range of services we offer to our customers, so we are pleased to announce that our new purpose built Class 7 Clean Room, with Class 5 Clean Benches and Laminar flow hood, meeting ISO 14644-1, is now open for business!

A bearing clean room is a controlled environment designed to minimize the presence of airborne particles, contaminants, and other pollutants. Maintaining a clean room is a complex process involving air filtration systems, controlled airflow, and strict protocols for personnel entering and working within the clean room.

Our cleanroom has 3 zones which are used to cleanse, inspect, re-lubricate and re-life bearings and associated parts within a controlled environment, along with being approved to apply a Molybdenum Disulfide coating (moly) by using our bespoke cabinet and tooling, which applies a solid film lubricant to bearings or linear surfaces.

Whilst the vast majority of products we expect to pass through this facility being bearings, we can of course process other products like fasteners, shafts and high precision machined special parts with the following examples already being processed in various formats:-

– Miniature Ball Bearings

– Needle Roller Bearings

– Angular Contact Bearings

– Deep Grove Ball Bearings

– Medical Instrument Bearings

– Thin Section Bearings

– Track Roller Bearings

– Linear Bearings

– Metal-to-Metal Spherical Bearings

We have over 100 different lubricants in stock including high temperature, low out gassing, varying levels of viscosity and corrosion resistance. Customers can also free issue the lubricant of their choice to us.

To find out more click here.

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How a Digitally ‘Unconnected’ Supply Chain Leads to Missed Opportunities for Motorsport Manufacturers

In the fast-paced world of motorsport manufacturing, efficiency, precision, and adaptability are critical to success. However, many manufacturers face challenges stemming from a digitally unconnected supply chain, leading to missed opportunities and inefficiencies. Here’s a closer look at the key issues and how they can be addressed:

The Internal Backbone: ERP/MRP Systems

Most companies rely on an Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) or Material Requirements Planning (MRP) system as the backbone of their operations. These systems provide structure and control over internal processes, ensuring smooth functioning within the organization.

The Gaps on Either Side

Despite the strength of these internal systems, there are often significant gaps on either side of the supply chain—specifically in digital connectivity with suppliers and customers. These gaps result in outdated processes, such as:

• Emails and Spreadsheets Proliferating: A lack of seamless digital systems forces teams to rely on emails and spreadsheets, creating inefficiencies and increasing the risk of errors.

• Inefficient Purchasing Processes: Communication with suppliers frequently involves phone calls and email exchanges, making it challenging to optimize procurement. This reliance on manual methods can hinder the timely acquisition of materials.

• Repetitive, Time-Intensive Tasks: Manual processes consume valuable time and resources, making it harder to stay on top of essential tasks. This impacts planning and overall efficiency.

Challenges in Customer Sales

On the customer side, there may be digital systems in place, but they are often not integrated with internal ERP/MRP systems. This lack of integration can lead to:

• Inefficiencies in order processing.

• Delays in responding to evolving parts requirements and Bill of materials updates to online systems which live separately to internal databases.

• Missed opportunities to streamline operations and enhance customer satisfaction.

The Solution: Racing Connected

At Racing Connected, we understand the challenges posed by an unconnected supply chain. That’s why we provide an end-to-end ecosystem designed to fit seamlessly around your existing systems. Our solution offers:

Cost Reduction: Eliminate inefficiencies and save valuable resources.

Risk Mitigation: Reduce the risk of errors from buying and supplying the wrong parts.

Waste Reduction: Streamline operations to minimize waste by maximizing your internal systems, data and planning.

Improved Margins: Enhance profitability by optimizing processes.

Enhanced Quality and Satisfaction: Deliver better outcomes for you and your customers with our quality tools that work alongside our trading solutions.

In today’s competitive landscape, staying ahead requires more than just an internal backbone—it demands a fully connected ecosystem. Racing Connected is here to bridge the gaps, empowering motorsport manufacturers to unlock their full potential.

To find out more click here.

Executive Survey 2025

Make UK's annual flagship report, published in association with PwC UK, reveals the opportunities, risks and challenges facing manufacturers in 2025.

Britain’s manufacturers believe the introduction of an industrial strategy will help them increase investment, boost productivity, and secure the skills they need for the future, according to Make UK and PwC UK’s Executive Survey 2025.

This annual, flagship report carries the views of more than 150 senior executives on the opportunities, risks and challenges for their business in the year ahead, as well as the outlook for the UK and international economies.

It finds that more than half of companies say they will increase investment in response to a long-term industrial strategy. While more than four in ten believe such a strategy will lead to increased productivity, with a similar number saying it will help them secure the skills they need for the future.

As well as the expected benefits from an industrial strategy, the Executive Survey 2025 reveals that, despite the current challenges from escalating costs and a potential trade war, the majority of manufacturers believe that the UK remains a competitive place to do business, with business opportunities in 2025 far outweighing current risks.

AI Opportunities Action Plan

Presented to Parliament by the Secretary of State Science, Innovation and Technology by Command of His Majesty.

Britain is the third largest AI market in the world. We are home to an extraordinary array of global talent and pioneering AI firms like Google DeepMind, ARM, and Wayve. But despite our record of scientific discovery - from Alan Turing on algorithms and general-purpose computing to Tim Berners-Lee’s World Wide Web - the UK risks falling behind the advances in Artificial Intelligence made in the USA and China.

In this next phase of AI development, we want Britain to step up; to shape the AI revolution rather than wait to see how it shapes us. Because we believe Britain has a particular responsibility to provide global leadership in fairly and effectively seizing the opportunities of AI, as we have done on AI safety. That is why one of my first acts as Secretary of State was to commission Matt Clifford to devise an AI Opportunities Action Plan for the British government.

This plan shows how we can shape the application of AI within a modern social market economy. We will do so by working closely with the world’s leading AI companies, Britain’s world leading academics and entrepreneurs, and those talented individuals keen to start-up and scale-up their businesses here. Our ambition is to shape the AI revolution on principles of shared economic prosperity, improved public services and increased personal opportunities so that:

• AI drives the economic growth on which the prosperity of our people and the performance of our public services depend;
• AI directly benefits working people by improving health care and education and how citizens interact with their government; and
• the increasing of prevalence of AI in people’s working lives opens up new opportunities rather than just threatens traditional patterns of work.

Across government, we have already taken decisive action to support the AI sector and take down the barriers to growth. Our transformative planning reforms will make it easier to build the data centres that are the engines of the AI age. Skills England will help ensure that British people are prepared for jobs in the AI-powered industries of tomorrow. The Digital Centre of Government I have created in my Department will drive forward the technological transformation of the state, ensuring that public services offer citizens the same seamless experience they can find in the private sector.

The recommendations in this plan are unapologetic in their ambition; Government must be the same. Delivering our AI vision for Britain requires lots of hard work, some tough choices, and a commitment to real partnership between public and private sectors. There’s no time to waste. Today, we have set out how we will rise to the challenge.

The Rt Hon Peter Kyle MP
Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology
The opportunity

AI capabilities are developing at an extraordinary pace. If this continues, artificial intelligence (AI) could be the government’s single biggest lever to deliver its five missions, especially the goal of kickstarting broad-based economic growth. It is hard to imagine how we will meet the ambition for highest sustained growth in the G7 - and the countless quality-of-life benefits that flow from that - without embracing the opportunities of AI.

Any national AI plan needs to be founded on a realistic assessment of the country’s strengths and weaknesses. Fortunately, the UK has solid - and in places genuinely world-leading - foundations on which to build:

• Strong fundamental AI research, and high-quality research and engineering talent coming out of our universities, which are some of the best in the world for AI.
• A vibrant startup and scaleup scene, with an increasingly skilled and experienced entrepreneurial workforce and growing quantities of sophisticated capital available for ambitious companies.
• Leading frontier AI companies in London, including Google DeepMind’s headquarters, significant OpenAI, Anthropic, Microsoft and Meta AI offices, as well as emerging local winners - such as Wayve, the autonomous vehicle company.
• Global leadership on AI safety and governance via the AI Safety Institute, and a proportionate, flexible regulatory approach.

These are all crucial prerequisites to making the most of AI opportunities; without them, the ambition in this plan would not be credible. However, we cannot be complacent: to remain a world leader we need to lead in both building and using AI. Our goal should be a thriving domestic AI ecosystem, with serious players at multiple layers of the “AI stack” and widespread use of AI products and services across the economy.

The UK’s starting point makes this aspiration plausible, but achieving it will require bold and visionary action. The government must:

• Invest in the foundations of AI: We need world-class computing and data infrastructure, access to talent and regulation (Section 1).
• Push hard on cross-economy AI adoption: The public sector should rapidly pilot and scale AI products and services and encourage the private sector to do the same. This will drive better experiences and outcomes for citizens and boost productivity (Section 2).
• Position the UK to be an AI maker, not an AI taker: As the technology becomes more powerful, we should be the best state partner to those building frontier AI. The UK should aim to have true national champions at critical layers of the AI stack so that the UK benefits economically from AI advancement and has influence on future AI’s values, safety and governance (Section 3).

This Action Plan is made up of three sections - one for each of these goals. There are detailed recommendations in each. In making them, I have tried to draw consistently on a small number of core principles:

• Be on the side of innovators: In every element of the Action Plan, the government should ask itself: does this benefit people and organisations trying to do new and ambitious things in the UK? If not, we will fail to meet our potential.
• Invest in becoming a great customer: government purchasing power can be a huge lever for improving public services, shaping new markets in AI, and boosting the domestic ecosystem. But doing this well is not easy - it will require real leadership and radical change, especially in procurement.
• Crowd in capital and talent: The UK is a medium-sized country with a tight fiscal situation. We need the best talent around the world to want to start and scale companies here. If we do that, the best investors globally will want to deploy capital here - both into our startups and our AI infrastructure.
• Build on UK strengths and catalytic emerging areas: The UK has strong companies in the AI application and integration layers that are well positioned to grow. We also have emerging areas of research and engineering strength - particularly in AI for science and robotics - that could have a transformational impact across the economy, advance AI and unlock further innovation.

No one can say with certainty what AI will look like a decade from now. My judgement is that experts, on balance, expect rapid progress to continue. The risks from underinvesting and underpreparing, though, seem much greater than the risks from the opposite. Even if AI progress slows, we will see large benefits from deploying today’s frontier capabilities and investing in our infrastructure and talent base.

If, however, capabilities continue to advance, having a stake in - and being the natural home of - advanced AI could be the difference between shaping the future of science, technology and work and seeing these decisions made entirely outside our borders. This is a crucial asymmetric bet - and one the UK can and must make .

Balancing Speed With Accuracy: an FSI–MRF Coupling Approach

In today’s fast-paced and ever-evolving world, industries face increasing pressure to deliver precise results quickly—and CFD simulations are no exception. Instead of buckling in the face of this challenge, one organization rose up and decided they were not going to settle for the typical trade-off between accuracy and speed; they wanted both, and they were determined to figure out how to get it. Researchers at Southwest Research Institute (SwRI) developed an innovative coupled approach between two common techniques in the CFD industry, and their results combined high-fidelity simulations with fast computational runtimes. In this blog, we explore their journey, from the identification of the problem to the creation of a solution, along with the appropriate testing, analysis, and general relevance.

The Trouble With Traditional Techniques

A 3D CFD simulation for a turbocharger is typically conducted in one of two ways. The simplest approach is the multiple reference frame (MRF) strategy, also known as the frozen rotor. This technique keeps the impeller stationary and simulates movement using a rotating coordinate system; as such, the simulation accommodates the moving geometry without needing to regenerate the mesh at every time-step. However, the existing literature indicates this approach may be limited in several capacities. In their CFD analysis of an automotive pulse system turbocharger, a research team in London found the MRF model could not numerically capture the hysteresis curves of mass flow rate and efficiency.1 The MRF approach is also known to overpredict the non-uniformity of the flow field, as demonstrated by CFD studies of turbo compressors.2

The most accurate framework is achieved through transient fluid-structure interaction (FSI) modeling, in which forces are calculated by the numerical integration of pressure and shear stress over the impeller surface. With these calculations and Newton’s Second Law, the rotational speed of the impeller can be predicted. This approach is a predictive method where the rotation of the impeller is determined by the fluid-impeller interaction; therefore, any flow field change can result in a different rotational speed. While this approach accurately predicts all necessary parameters and creates a comprehensive simulation, it is computationally time-consuming.

“Typically, for CFD simulations of compressors and turbines, we use an FSI modeling approach. This works relatively well, since the device’s rotational speed is low, around 1,000–4,000 RPM, which means the computational expense is not so extreme,” said Zainal Abidin, Powertrain Analysis Manager at SwRI. “But for a turbocharger, where the speed is comparatively much higher, in the order of 100,000 RPM, the simulation can get very expensive, very fast. So we needed to do something differently.”

The New Approach

To accommodate the limitations they found, the team at SwRI developed a two-way coupled MRF and FSI approach using CONVERGE CFD software. The FSI solver within CONVERGE simulates the impeller motion using the constrained 1-degree of freedom (1-DOF) model, where the motion is restricted to rotational movement about the impeller axis. A specific region is identified around the moving turbine impeller, where the equations are modeled in the local rotating reference frame. The governing equations are then modified to incorporate the velocity of the rotating region that arises due to the fluid forces on the moving surface, which in turn affect the flow field.3

“When we were considering CFD solvers to use for this case, CONVERGE was the obvious choice,” explained Zainal. “In the years that we’ve worked with the software, we’ve found CONVERGE provides the highest accuracy for simulations with a complicated mesh, which is definitely the case for this turbocharger.”

Insights and Outcomes

The test platform used was a 2010 heavy-duty on-highway 15L engine with a twin-scroll compressor. To collect CFD calibration data, high-speed pressure transducers were installed on both sides of the divided turbine inlet, turbine outlet, compressor inlet, and compressor outlet, as shown in Figure 1.

CONVERGE automatically generates a cut-cell Cartesian grid at runtime, eliminating user meshing time. At each intersection surface, the software trims the cells so the intersection information, including metrics such as surface area and normal vectors, is reduced before storage. The Redlich-Kwong equation-of-state was employed to couple density, pressure, and temperature variables, and a modified Pressure Implicit with Splitting of Operators (PISO) algorithm assisted with pressure-velocity coupling. Due to its simplicity and low computational runtimes, the researchers chose to employ the k-ε turbulence model over more complicated options like a Reynolds Stress Model or large eddy simulation model. The setup also leveraged a law of the wall boundary condition to bridge the under-resolved flow in the viscous sublayer between the wall and the fully turbulent region.³

To compare the FSI-MRF coupling approach with its pure FSI counterpart, a pure FSI model was built and run to simulate the impeller rotation. The numerical setup used for both strategies was the same, but due to the long runtimes, the pure FSI simulation was not run for as many crank angle degrees. Results, as pictured in Figure 3, showed both approaches had very similar predictions of impeller rotational speed. Additionally, the computational time for the coupled FSI-MRF process is around 16 times faster than the pure FSI solution. 

To further assess the validity of the new approach, the SwRI researchers wanted to compare the predicted values for pressure upstream of the turbine against experimental data. To do so, they introduced an energy sink (represented by a resistant torque) to the governing equations to account for the energy transfer from the turbine to the compressor. Calculated pressure values from the coupled approach matched well with test data, as shown in Figure 4.

The validated coupling approach can now be used in design optimization studies to maximize turbine efficiency. The adapter and exhaust manifold were modified to assess their influence on turbine power. The adapter connects the exhaust manifold to the turbine entrance; therefore, an improvement on turbine power is represented by an increase in impeller speed. The modified adapter resulted in slightly increased rotational speed, while the modified manifold had the opposite effect, as seen below in Figure 5.

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CODEM Achieves ISO 14001 Certification for Environmental Management Systems

CODEM is thrilled to announce that, as we begin 2025, we have achieved ISO 14001 certification. This accomplishment marks a key milestone in our continued dedication to sustainability and environmental responsibility. The internationally recognised certification underscores our commitment to implementing best practices in both Quality, as evidenced by our ISO 9001 certification, and Environmental Management Systems (EMS).

As part of our long-term sustainability goals, CODEM has pursued ISO 14001 certification to further integrate environmental management with our overall business strategies.

ISO 14001: A Framework for Continuous Improvement

ISO 14001 provides CODEM with a structured approach to managing environmental responsibilities, it offers a framework that supports the ongoing improvement of environmental performance. This standard considers key elements such as resource use, waste management and environmental performance monitoring.

By adhering to the ISO 14001 standard, CODEM ensures that every aspect of our operations aligns with our sustainability objectives. From reducing resource consumption to enhancing waste reduction efforts, we continue to prioritise our commitment to environmental protection.

With ISO 14001 certification, we reinforce our promise to customers and employees that we are taking tangible action in protecting the environment and preserving resources for future generations.

To find out more click here.

Pushing a unique VW Beetle to the limits.

The Race to the Clouds. Competing in one of motorsport’s most demanding events, requires more than just a powerful engine.

Catesby Projects recently had the opportunity to 3D scan and provide aerodynamic development for an electric VW Beetle, built by Richard Morgan from Electric Classic Cars.

This one-of-a-kind VW Beetle, utilises four electric motors, one at each axle, working together to provide 800 bhp. The goal for the project was to improve the aerodynamic performance of the car to a level where it could compete in the infamous Pikes Peak hill climb in 2025.

Despite the car’s iconic design, the compromised aerodynamic characteristics and tight packaging create multiple constraints and a challenging quest for solutions to control the outstanding power produced.

Richard had already installed a large off the shelf wing, therefore one of the main goals was to generate enough front downforce to ensure the total aerodynamic load was evenly distributed. This is critical as the aerodynamic balance dictates the handling and stability of a vehicle. The aerodynamic centre of pressure is typically placed slightly behind the centre of gravity of a vehicle. In this instance, the idea was to provide a reasonably even distribution to then allow Richard to fine tune the balance on track. Aerodynamic development

proved by numbers

Through a series of modifications, mainly the addition of a large front splitter and three pairs of underfloor strakes, Catesby Projects managed to not only shift the balance of the car to 41% but also increased the total downforce by 241%. The total drag acting on the vehicle has only been increased by 14% meaning we have tripled the car’s aerodynamic efficiency. The downforce distribution plot (above) shows the differences in downforce produced along the length of the car between Baseline and the Developed car.

The pressure coefficient (Cp) plots of Baseline and Developed versions show the differences in pressure acting on the car. From the front to the rear, the splitter, floor strakes and rear wing generate significantly increased ‘suction’ pressure. These three components in conjunction with a reduction in ride height, are where we have managed to extract the most performance from the car. The mechanisms that were utilised are: changing from flow separation to flow expansion (splitter), generating strong vortices (underfloor strakes) and reducing flow separation on the rear wing by reducing angle of attack and reducing downwash behind the car.

To find out more click here.

Located in Leicester, M&B Engineering pride on meeting the highest industry standards and ensuring customer satisfaction at every step.

Discover how M&B Engineering expertise can support your business needs. 

To find out more click here.

Ricardo plc completes the sale of Ricardo Defense Inc.

Ricardo plc (Ricardo Group or the Group) today announces that it has completed the sale of Ricardo Defense to Proteus Enterprises LLC and Gladstone Investment Corporation.

The disposal is part of Ricardo’s ongoing transformation programme to reposition its portfolio in line with the shift to environmental and energy-transition solutions. The net proceeds of the sale will be used to fund all the cash consideration for the initial 85% of E3 Advisory.

Proteus Enterprise and Gladstone Investment Corporation offer Ricardo Defense both support and investment to advance its next-generation programmes, having significant experience investing, supporting and operating aerospace, defense and government-services businesses and with a deep passion for the industry. 

Ricardo Group plc CEO Graham Ritchie said, “We continue to make progress in focusing on our core consulting portfolio as we accelerate our transformation to become a world-leading strategic and engineering consultancy in environmental and energy-transition solutions. For this reason, Ricardo firmly believes that Ricardo Defense Inc. will be a better fit for its new owners, who are focused on supporting and operating defense companies.”

To find out more click here.

Polar Technology implementing brand-new filament winding machine to enhance high-volume manufacturing

Polar Technology recently installed a brand-new filament winding machine as part of a designated, world-class manufacturing cell

This new investment is designed to increase and improve our volume production filament winding capabilities as Polar Technology continue to support a varied, high-end customer base.

The new equipment is a dual mode, 3 spindle, 9 tow machine capable of winding components of varying sizes at high speeds, from small magnet rotor sleeves for advanced electric motors to 5m long hydrogen storage tanks.

This is just one element of a larger, dedicated cell, which will also include other advanced machinery, facilitating a comprehensive, streamlined and strictly quality-controlled process. This will ensure that company is maximising reliability, repeatability and productivity in the products they provide their customers.

As a leading provider of filament wound products, the new facilities will only serve to complement  the existing winding capabilities at our 180,000 sq ft site, with our current product portfolio including, but by no means limited to, high-volume production of transmission shafts, pressure vessels and magnetic rotor retention sleeves.

The new facility will be used to support existing customers, fulfilling current contracts with capacity and capability to support further planned expansion and growth.

Edward Keating, Technical Project Manager at Polar Technology, who has overseen the implementation of the machine, said, “This investment in new equipment is a reflection of Polar’s unwavering commitment to support its customers in the drive to achieve Net Zero by 2030, and to explore new opportunities in growing markets. The new filament winding machine will support higher-volume manufacturing going forwards and increase our overall winding capabilities. It’s a project we’re all very excited about.”

To find out more click here.