Business and Industry Today Issue 410-411

Nov/Dec ● Issue 410-411
Pages 18-19
LCM Environmental: Your reliable
partner in energy infrastructure
Aqua Safety Showers
Page 6
Oliver Valves
Page 10
Your Personal Assistant
Page 22

Editor’s Comments
Welcome to our November/December
edition. Explore our hand-picked features on
innovative companies across the industry.
With an impressive year of growth already
behind her, Stephanie Henwood and Your
Personal Assistant UK are demonstrating
just how transformative a skilled, versatile
virtual assistant can be for businesses of
every size. Named our Virtual Assistant
Company of the Month, Your Personal
Assistant UK is fast becoming a trusted
partner for organisations seeking flexible,
professional support. In this feature, we
explore the full range of services the
company provides, take a closer look at
Stephanie’s extensive industry experience,
and uncover the ambitious plans shaping
the future of this rapidly growing business
(see page 22).
In Forestry news, The Institute of Chartered
Foresters (ICF) has launched a new online
training course designed to bring the best
On the Cover
LCM Environmental 18-19
Contacts
practice principles of the UK Forestry
Standard to Non Foresters, including
housing developers, planners and policymakers
(see page 4 for details).
Would greater training and insight into
electric vehicles encourage more motorists
to make the switch? New research suggests
the answer is yes. Startline Motor Finance
has released the latest results from its
Used Car Tracker, revealing a number of
compelling insights into consumer attitudes
towards electric cars (see page 12 for
details).
Other topics covered: Health, Safety &
Care, Fleet Management, Oil, Gas &
Offshore, Appointments, Print & Packaging,
Industrial.
Don’t forget to send us your latest
Business, Industry and Sustainable
news and updates and email us at:
info@businessandindustrytoday.co.uk
BAIT Sales Manager, Harriet Parfitt – 0121 550 7510
harrietparfitt@businessandindustrytoday.co.uk
Editorial, Gina Burton – 07483 931474 – gina@businessandindustrytoday.co.uk
Production Manager, Robert Sharp – production@businessandindustrytoday.co.uk
Accounts Department, Paul Whitaker – 0121 824 4742
accounts@businessandindustrytoday.co.uk
For more information or format requirements, see our Media Pack
Unless stated as news, the entire content of this publication is advertorial based.
To place an advertorial or an advert, please call 0121 550 7510.
Visit www.businessandindustrytoday.co.uk for current issues.
Contents
Forestry 4-5
The Institute
of Chartered
Foresters (ICF)
has launched
a new online training course designed to
bring the best practice principles of the UK
Forestry Standard to Non Foresters.
Fleet Management 8-9
Castrol’s advanced
oils, including the
Castrol Vecton
product range,
incorporate ‘System
5’ technology,
designed to optimise the performance
of modern engines and maximise fuel
efficiency.
Commercial Vehicles
& Transport 12-13
Lessons from dealers on
how to use electric cars
would make motorists
more likely to buy them, new
research indicates.
Print & Packaging 14-15
Domino has
launched a new
high-speed,
high-performance
addition to its
highly successful
Vx-Series range of thermal transfer
overprinters.
Industrial 16-21
With a legacy
dating back
to 1987, LCM
Environmental
has established
itself as a leading
specialist in fuel, energy, and critical
infrastructure.
Company of the
Month 22
“I specialise in
taking on the timeconsuming
tasks that
people need to do but
often don’t have the
hours in the day to manage.”
BAIT is sponsored by
Kernow Oils
– see them on
page 8

Forestry News
Quickfencer:
21 years of
innovation
Quickfencer was the first to the market 21 years
ago to unroll and tension wire, and we have sold
approximately 4,000 machines in that time and
they are still going strong.
We have had three different models in this time.
Ten years ago we changed to the wedge system so
you could tie off easily which is required for grant
work, three versions 80, 125 and 2MT.
Eighteen months ago we started offering full
hydraulic clamping machines where the clamp
lifts off up and down without touching it, starting
with the Hydraulic 80, the Hydraulic 125, and we
have nearly finished perfecting the 2MT Hydraulic
version, these machines come with 30” side
shift, and the two bigger models come with tilt
mechanism as well, they will all take barbed wire
spiders as optional extras varying from 1 to 6 units.
Also as an optional extra the new Plain Wire holder,
hoist to lift rolls of wire on and off, Re-Rolling
Machines, to fit them or stand alone re-rolling
machines.
We are still making the manual versions but can
see more and more customers will see the benefit
of the hydraulic functionality that reduces labour
and time when it comes to unrolling and tensioning
wire fencing.
Please see our website: www.quickfencer.com or
ring John anytime on: 07966 285240.
New online course opens up UK
Forestry Standard
The Institute of Chartered
Foresters (ICF) has
launched a new online
training course designed
to bring the best practice
principles of the UK
Forestry Standard to Non
Foresters, including housing
developers, planners and
policy-makers.
The course is based on the
technical standard for sustainable forestry in the UK,
which is not widely known or accessed outside of the
forestry sector – and yet its principles should form the
basis for any decisions made by housing developers and
planners involving trees and woodlands on their sites.
The one-hour training course delivers, via an engaging
and easy-to-use platform, valuable insights and
guidance on sustainable forestry practices to forestryadjacent
professionals, including housing developers,
planners and policy-makers as well as farmers,
landowners, conservationists, environmentalists,
climate professionals,
businesses and investors in
natural capital and anyone
else whose role involves the
management of trees and
woodlands.
Louise Simpson, Executive
Director at the Institute
of Chartered Foresters,
commented, “I am so
pleased that we are able
to launch the UKFS for Non-Foresters online training.
The UK Forestry Standard underpins everything we do
as a profession, but it is vitally important that allied
professionals – landowners, ecologists, planners,
surveyors, environmental groups and many others –
have a working knowledge of this framework. The more
people who understand the principles of sustainable
forestry, the stronger and more resilient our sector will
become.”
For more information or to register now, visit:
https://silvestor.org.uk/course/view.php?id=72
Advanced arboricultural solutions
Professor Shearbomb
Ltd is a professional
arboricultural consultancy
based in the Southwest
of England. The company
name pays homage to
founder Phil Johnson’s
expertise and a memorable
moment at the Visual
Tree Assessment Seminar
in Germany, where Dr
Prof Claus Mattheck,
a global authority in
tree biomechanics,
affectionately dubbed him ‘Prof Shearbomb’.
With over 15 years of industry experience, we
combine technical precision with practical solutions,
offering bespoke arboricultural consultancy
tailored to every client’s needs. Whether you’re a
private landowner, a local authority, or part of the
commercial sector, we’re here to help you balance
tree safety, longevity, and site management.
Our specialist focus lies in saving important trees
access higher sections.
via our Internal Tree
Inspections, utilising
state-of-the-art tools such
as the PiCUS 3 Sonic
Tomograph and IML Resi-
PD400 Microdrill. These
technologies, paired with
our expert knowledge,
allow us to assess internal
tree condition with minimal
damage. Inspections are
conducted from the ground
or aloft using a MEWP or
climbing techniques to
Discover more about our consultancy services and
commitment to preserving trees while managing
risks at: www.shearbomb.com – partner with
us for professional, science-led arboricultural
solutions that deliver results.
M 07792 173372
phil.johnson@shearbomb.com
www.shearbomb.com
Trusted grower and supplier of quality forestry,
woodland and hedging plants
Looking back at the APF show it was
clear to see the passion for forestry and
arboriculture remains strong. It was
great to have in depth and meaningful
conversations about the industry needs,
products as well as hearing about the
innovation taking place across all sectors
within the industry.
Tree nurseries are quite often overlooked within the forestry
industry however, without a continuous supply of good quality
planting stock, grown from selective seed sources with proven
genetic gains, a large proportion of the industry would grind
to a halt. Events such as the APF give growers the opportunity
to insight customers on the efforts we go to produce our stock
and what current investments we are making. In the past 12
months alone, we have invested in new
lab facilities allowing better seed testing,
storage and treatment machines. A stateof-the-art
bed lifter which will increase
our lifting capacity 5-fold as well as new
hylobius treatments. These are things we
are eager to talk to our customers about.
By attending the APF TreesPlease hopes to emphasise
its dedication for the forest nursery sector doing our bit
to continue to supply quality plants, in an ever-changing
environment.
T 01434 633049
forestry@treesplease.co.uk
www.treesplease.co.uk
4
BAIT is sponsored by Kernow Oils – see them on page 8

Forestry
BAIT is sponsored by Kernow Oils – see them on page 8 5

Health, Safety & Care
Vernacare’s new Macerator
targets soaring costs
Vernacare, a global manufacturer
of healthcare essentials, proudly
announces the launch of its latest
innovation: the Vortex Air+ Human
Waste Disposal Macerator. Engineered
to meet the growing demand for
resource efficient hospital equipment,
the Vortex Air+ delivers substantial
reductions in energy and water usage,
through its tailored cycle intelligence,
offering hospitals a smarter solution at
a time when cost saving & sustainability
are more critical than ever.
Manufactured in Bolton, Greater
Manchester, the Vortex Air + is
designed to meet the needs of
healthcare providers worldwide,
including NHS Trusts and Private
Hospital Groups, who face increasing
pressure to reduce operational costs,
meet carbon reduction targets and
improve efficiency. By introducing
advanced tailored cycle intelligence, the
macerator achieves a 16% reduction
in energy consumption and a 44%
reduction in water usage compared to
leading market alternatives and legacy
models.
At the core of the Vortex Air + is
Eco-Adaptive Technology , which
intelligently adjusts each cycle to use
only the necessary amount of energy
and water. This ensures efficient
breakdown of medical pulp items such
as bedpans, urinals, and washbowls
while minimising waste and operational
costs. The launch comes at a pivotal
moment for healthcare providers
facing rising utility costs and increasing
pressure to meet sustainability targets,
particularly within the NHS.
Vernacare pioneered the first ever
Hospital Macerator in the 1980s and
has since expanded their innovations
to prioritise patient dignity, staff safety
and environmental responsibility.
For more information on their latest
innovation, please contact Vernacare
at: communications@vernacare.com
Aqua Safety Showers
Aqua Safety Showers is a UK-based,
independently owned manufacturer
of emergency safety showers & eyewash
equipment, and draws on over
40-50 years of combined experience
in the safety shower industry.
Why Aqua?
● Their products are manufactured
at their UK factory in Greater
Manchester using high-quality,
corrosion-resistant materials and
modern manufacturing methods,
which reinforces durability and
reliability.
● They manufacture their units
to exceed the key international
and European safety standards,
such as ANSI/ISEA Z358.1 and
EN15154, meaning clients
can trust the compliance and
performance of the equipment.
● Aqua Safety Showers offers a
broad product range, from selfcontained
tank-fed showers which
will deliver tepid water, to mainsfed
units, portable/mobile units,
and frost protected wash down
hosereels.
● Customer service and bespoke
solutions are core: they provide
tailored units to match specific
site requirements (eg. remote
locations, hazardous zones) and
support customers from start to
finish with an excellent customer
service.
● The company’s growth and
reputation are reinforced by
contracts and frameworks with
major water utilities.
In summary
If you need an emergency safety
shower, eyebath or wash down
hosereel, Aqua Safety Showers offers
the solution. Their manufacturing
expertise, adherence to standards,
capability and responsiveness make
them a reliable partner.
T +44 (0)1942 318096
www.aqua-safety.com
Business
BIG South London
delivers over £30m
GVA to South London
economy
the creation of 80 new products and
services, 800 new jobs, and £30m
Gross Value Added (GVA) for the local
economy.
The programme was launched in 2021
by local authorities in the South London
Partnership area, funded by the City
of London Strategic Investment Pot,
in recognition that businesses in the
region needed support to return to prepandemic
economic activity levels.
Key BIG South London stakeholders
gathered together last week to
celebrate the impact of the programme
over the last three years.
From delivering 7,000m 2 of commercial
floor space across ten new workspaces
to supporting over 700 South London
businesses and creating 100 new
business and higher education
collaborations, the programme has
had a significant economic and social
impact on the region. This has led to
The aim was to enable businesses and
the charity sector to tap into the wealth
of expertise and facilities available
at South London’s universities and
further education colleges to develop
new products and services, open up
new avenues for growth, and create
higher-value jobs. New affordable,
flexible workspaces were also planned
in the five Boroughs served by BIG
South London (Croydon, Kingston Upon
Thames, Merton, Richmond Upon
Thames and Sutton).
https://big-knowledge.co.uk
6
BAIT is sponsored by Kernow Oils – see them on page 8

Looking back on The Business Show 2025
With 25,000 attendees
and hundreds of
exhibitors, The Business
Show London returned
to ExCeL London in
November, providing
entrepreneurs and
business owners with
opportunities to start or
scale their businesses.
The Business Show
London is Europe's largest business event, and
the scale did not disappoint. This year’s show
was more impactful than ever. With over 500
exhibitors, the show offered entrepreneurs and
business owners the opportunity to explore
services, solutions, and resources across
every sector to
help expand
their businesses.
Companies
including Uber,
Dell Technologies,
Hilton for Business,
Halfords for
Business, and
Constant Contact
all came together
to support
entrepreneurs
and growing
businesses.
Attendees were
treated to an
impressive keynote
lineup, with sessions
from Dragons’ Den’s
Touker Suleyman,
TikTok sensation
Lucie Maclead, Lord
John Bird (founder of
The Big Issue), and
Dhiraj Mukherjee (Co-
Founder of Shazam).
The show provided numerous opportunities for
attendees to pitch their businesses, including
highly popular speed networking sessions
sponsored by Dell Technologies. The event was
co-located with The CPD & Retrain Expo and
Going Global Live, creating an even broader
platform for
business
growth and
professional
development.
Read more
about the
show here, for
highlights, and
what we have
to look forward
to at next year’s
edition of the
UK’s most
The Business Show Review
highly anticipated business event of the year,
The Business Show 2026.
The Business Show London brought together
world-class exhibitors ready to showcase
services, products, and solutions to help
attendees start or scale their businesses.
Brands such as Currys Business, HelpBnk,
Entrepreneur UK, Halfords for Business, Metro
Bank, and Reed.AI were among the many
companies offering tailored support and
expertise.
The event was also a major hub for B2B
networking, with opportunities around every
corner – from stand conversations to seminar
queues. Speed networking, sponsored by Dell
Technologies, proved especially popular, helping
attendees build valuable contacts in intense
one-minute meetings.
Six interactive masterclasses gave visitors the
chance to enhance their skills across topics
including marketing, property, scaling, and
business growth. The show also ran alongside
Going Global Live and hosted the first UK edition
of White Label World Expo.
The Business Show London returns to ExCeL
on 11-12 November 2026, save the date and
consider joining us as an exhibitor.
www.greatbritishbusinessshow.co.uk
What made White Label World
Expo London 2025 a success?
White Label World Expo Review
At White Label World Expo London 2025, we
gathered the top retail and e-commerce decision
makers, voices, and products. To create the
UK’s leading product sourcing event. The event
took place at ExCeL London on the 12th and
13th of November, achieving a record-breaking
attendance of over 16,000.
Some of the highlights from the show were
keynote talks from Footasylum, Pinterest, and
Visa Europe and
exhibitors from
EuroVast, HTC
Health, and Dubai
Commercity.
After the recent
procurement of White
Label World Expo by
Business Show Media,
it won Acquisition of
the Year at the Exhibition News INDYs Awards.
We had some big names in attendance at the
show this year. We were joined by people from
Amazon, Google, eBay, Unilever, Meta, Boots,
and more. With decision makers coming for new
best-selling products for their online retail stores
and looking to make new connections in their
industry.
This year, we had 300 exhibitors at White Label
alone with standout names like Crep Protect,
Temu, and Alibaba. With some amazing custom
stands and an extraordinary display of products
across all sectors, from pet supplies to cosmetics,
and cleaning to stationery. Each exhibitor offered
their own unique service or solution to the most
important needs in the white label industry.
We had some of the biggest names in
e-commerce and
entrepreneurship speaking on
our Keynote stages. Broghan
Smith, Head of Fashion &
Beauty at TikTok, pulled back
the curtain on discovery
commerce and how it is
becoming a viable channel.
Chloe Walsh, Founder and CEO
of Clomaná Beauty & CMFRT,
detailed her experience of
building a company from the ground up. Oliver
Cookson, Founder of MyProtein, offered a candid
look at his journey as an entrepreneur throughout
his life. This large-scale opportunity to learn from
market veterans about what it takes to make it to
the top and the secrets of how they did it.
We had packed out seminars from Blue Amber
Digital, Sprint logistics, and Base. They delved
into the primary issues facing white and
private label companies right now. Touching on
topics from AI to multi-channel commerce and
sustainability to sourcing and scaling solutions.
This offered a more personal outlet to find an indepth
look at specific portions of the sectors on
display at White Label World Expo.
We are proud to announce that we broke the
previous attendance record for White Label
World Expo London with 16,401 attendees. We
also achieved a 71% re-book rate from our 300
exhibitors to come back for next year. With these
numbers, we look forward to our 2026 show with
plans to once again break our own record and
continue to receive awards for the show. We are
coming back to ExCeL London on the 11th and
12th of November 2026 with plans to continue
to grow even more than we did this year. It will
be another action-packed two days with even
more exhibitors and a brand-new programme of
speakers.
www.whitelabelexpo.com
BAIT is sponsored by Kernow Oils – see them on page 8 7

Fleet Management
Fleets should take ‘proportionate’ response to
cyber security concerns, says AFP
Fleets should take a ‘proportionate’ response
to cyber security concerns that are currently
being raised around company cars and
vans, says the Association of Fleet
Professionals (AFP). Recent press
reports have highlighted the potential
of vehicles to be hacked and used for
spying and espionage, with electric
vehicles (EVs) and models from China
highlighted as areas of special concern.
Paul Hollick, chair at the AFP, said there
were undoubtedly issues that needed to be
Kernow Oils, Castrol
Ambassador Distributor:
Your trusted supplier
for all your commercial
vehicle lubricants
The right engine oil plays a critical role in maintaining the efficiency
and longevity of commercial vehicles. Castrol’s advanced oils, including
the Castrol Vecton product range, incorporate ‘System 5’ technology,
designed to optimise the performance of modern engines and maximise
fuel efficiency. This technology actively adapts to the needs of the engine,
offering enhanced protection against wear and sludge build-up, even
under the most extreme driving conditions.
Castrol Vecton oils provide exceptional long-term performance, reducing
the frequency of oil
changes and maintenance,
which leads to significant
cost savings for fleet
operators. With ‘System 5’
technology, these oils help
to improve fuel economy,
extend oil drain intervals,
and reduce the risk of
engine downtime, making
them the ideal choice for
heavy-duty trucks, vans,
and other commercial
vehicles.
“The benefits of Castrol Vecton with ‘System 5’
technology are clear – reduced maintenance,
longer engine life, and enhanced fuel
efficiency,” said Mark Jones, Marketing
Manager at Kernow Oils. “We’re proud to offer
this innovative product range to our customers,
providing them with the ultimate solution for
reducing operating costs and optimising fleet
performance.”
For more information or advice on Castrol
Vecton and other Commercial Vehicle Oils, or
to discuss how Castrol products could save
your business money, please visit:
www.kernow-oils.co.uk
T 01736 757002
info@kernow-oils.co.uk
addressed but they probably affected only a
relatively small number of fleets.
“Can vehicles equipped with multiple
cameras, microphones, lidar and their
own internet access potentially be
used to gather information in a hostile
manner? The answer to that is yes.
However, we have no knowledge of
this ever having happened and this is
a subject where it is easy to stray into
sensationalism. We have members who
work in government, in critical infrastructure,
in defence and in the military who have concerns in
this area and take a range of precautions. For example,
some have adopted guidance about where cars can be
parked in relation to sensitive facilities they are visiting.
“To us, these actions seem sensible. These are sectors
with a heightened awareness of cyber security and
which have good reasons to be very careful. They will
also tend to have rules governing when and where
personal mobile phones can be used, and the risk
presented by the latest cars is not dissimilar.”
www.theafp.co.uk
DRIVING GLOBAL FLEET
SAFETY & INNOVATION
Motormax® is a leading provider of advanced fleet
safety solutions. Our cutting-edge vehicle electronics
are designed to enhance safety, prevent incidents, and
drive operational efficiency.
0121 353 3663 www.motormax.co.uk
8
BAIT is sponsored by Kernow Oils – see them on page 8

Oil, Gas & Offshore
Oliver Valves supports SBM Offshore’s Fast4Ward ®
programme with DBB Injection Probe Supply
Oliver Valves has supplied a Double Block
and Bleed (DBB) Injection Probe Valve to SBM
Offshore’s Fast4Ward ® Multi-Purpose Floater
(MPF) hull programme, reinforcing our role as a
trusted partner in some
of the world’s most
significant offshore
energy projects.
The Fast4Ward ®
concept is reshaping
the FPSO market. By
standardising hulls
and topsides modules,
SBM Offshore can
accelerate delivery
schedules, reduce
project risk, and
bring deepwater
developments online
faster. For operators
such as TotalEnergies,
this approach offers
an efficient route
to market while
maintaining flexibility
for project-specific
requirements.
Our DBB Injection
Probe Valve is designed
for critical chemical dosing duties, safely
introducing inhibitors and treatment fluids
into the process stream. With integral double
isolation and bleed functionality, it provides
operators with a
compact and robust
solution that enhances
safety, simplifies
maintenance, and
supports long-term flow
assurance.
This project marks the
first of several valve
packages supplied
into the Fast4Ward ®
programme by
Oliver Valves. Over
the coming weeks,
we will be sharing
further updates on
the wider scope
of our engineered
valve solutions that
contribute to the safe,
efficient, and reliable
operation of SBM’s
FPSO fleet.
Neil Barnett, Project
Sales Manager at
Oliver Valves, commented, “Supporting projects
like Fast4Ward ® is an excellent example of
how Oliver’s engineering expertise and proven
designs are helping operators meet the
challenges of modern offshore production. Our
injection probe valve range continues to deliver
the reliability and performance our clients
demand, even in the harshest environments.”
For more information on our DBB Injection Probe
Valve and the full range of Oliver’s engineered
solutions, please explore our brochures.
T +44 (0)1565 632636
sales@valves.co.uk
www.valves.co.uk
10
BAIT is sponsored by Kernow Oils – see them on page 8

Appointments News
New Senior Business Development Manager joins
Innovative Technology Americas
Innovative Technology Americas,
Inc. (ITL) welcomes Jhonny Vides,
Senior Business Development
Manager, to their US division
who will be heading up their
retail/banking sector in the
states. Innovative Technology
specialises in bill validation
equipment and AI-powered
biometric technology.
Introducing Johnny to ITL, Tony
Morrison, President of Sales, said,
“I would like to officially welcome
Jhonny to the US team. Jhonny will be leading
initiatives in our retail and banking divisions in
VisNet bolsters
senior team
VisNet from EA Technology, the
world’s leading grid-edge
intelligence business,
has announced the
new appointments
of Stefanos
Anagnostopoulos as
Head of Modelling and
Mark McManus as
Head of Monitoring.
They bring a combined
35 years of experience
in the renewable energy
sector to their new roles at
VisNet, and will help deliver
VisNet’s ambitious growth
plan and expand the
business’s footprint in
both the domestic and
international markets.
Anagnostopoulos
began his career as
an apprentice at Solar
Cube, where through his
dedication and passion for
renewables, he became a
director of the business by aged
20. During his time at Solar Cube, he
spearheaded the company’s launch in India, the US
and the UK, overseeing over 50MW of projects.
North America, specifically targeting
self-service kiosk integrations. One
of his primary responsibilities
will be to promote our flagship
NV4000 – a flexible, highcapacity,
multi bill recycler
ideal for kiosk manufacturers
and integrators to deliver
seamless and fast customer
transactions. With over 24
years of experience in the cash
handling industry, Jhonny brings
expertise, knowledge, drive and
commitment to push the Innovative
brand and solutions throughout North
America and even further.”
Premier Forecourts appoints Ashley
Davies as Head of Compliance
Premier Forecourts and Construction, an industry
leader in delivering complex forecourt and
infrastructure projects across the UK, has announced
the promotion of Ashley Davies to the newly created
role of Head of Compliance. This new position reflects
the company’s ongoing growth and diversification as it
continues to expand its operations.
Ashley, who has been with the
company for 14 years, originally
joined in 2011 as Health and
Safety Manager, bringing a wealth
of experience from his previous
role in Health and Safety and
as a pipefitter working on power
stations and refineries across the
UK. Over the years, Ashley has
played a pivotal role in enhancing
the company’s standards and
management systems. His
efforts have been instrumental
in achieving key accreditations, including ISO 9001,
ISO 14001, and ISO 45001 standards, as well as the
prestigious RISQS accreditation.
In his new role, Ashley will oversee compliance
Commenting on his new role, Jhonny said, “I have
an extensive background in the industry and
expertise in OEM cash components, particularly
in cash dispensing and recycling technologies,
so this position is an ideal fit for me. My already
established, long-standing relationship with the
ITL team means I am ready to hit the ground
running to help drive our advanced product
range further forward into the US market.
Their innovation and commitment to quality is
very impressive! Having previously managed a
successful business I look forward to being able
to contribute and help expand orders to continue
ITL’s solid growth.”
www.innovative-technology.com
across all business functions, using the disciplines
and foundations established during Premier’s ISO
accreditation journey. His responsibilities include
ensuring robust management systems are in place
across departments, providing assurance to directors
and stakeholders, and continuing to enhance the
company’s value through
improved systems and
processes.
Ashley works alongside two
other members whose roles
encompass environment,
sustainability and quality, as
well as five cross-departmental
managers who report monthly
as part of the company’s new
compliance reporting system.
His leadership has already
delivered significant results,
including the implementation
of Procore, a platform that has streamlined
health, safety, environmental, and quality (HSEQ)
management and project delivery for the company.
www.premierforecourtsandconstruction.com
Dr Nicholas Head Named Vice Chair
of Sustainable Logistics Forum
After Solar Cube, Stefanos was the Chief Commercial
Officer (CCO) at SMPnet and Regional Lead at
Piclo, successfully leading commercial strategy,
partnerships and operations at both businesses.
McManus, VisNet’s new Head of Monitoring, comes
with experience as Managing Director of Stiebel Eltron
UK & Ireland Ltd for over 17 years.
In that time, he built the subsidiary from the ground
up into a £16 million business, leading a team of 44
and overseeing the expansion into the Irish market.
Before Stiebel Eltron, Mark was the National Accounts
Manager at Applied Energy Products, and began his
career as an Area Sales Manager at TNT Express.
https://visnet.tech
XPO, a leading provider of innovative and sustainable
end-to-end logistics solutions across Europe,
announced today that Dr Nicholas Head, XPO
Head of Sustainability, has been named
Vice Chair of the Sustainable Logistics
Forum. Representing 18 larger fleet
operators, the Sustainable Logistics
Forum is part of Rutland Forums,
a partner of XPO Logistics, which
facilitate collaboration groups
of sustainability and energy
practitioners, helping members to
decarbonise their organisations
quicker and more cost-effectively.
All forums meet regularly to
collaborate on projects, share best
practices, and work closely with the
HM Government to develop policies to
accelerate the UK’s low-carbon transition.
Dr Head also sits on the Forum’s Board of Advisors,
who represent the sustainability interests of all
members, including large corporations and
Retailers, such as Boots, John Lewis
Partnership, Tesco, and many others. He
has more than 15 years of experience
working with organisations of all
types to advance environmental
goals. He holds a doctorate in
sustainable waste and resource
management (circular economy
models and systems thinking)
and a master’s degree in waste
management from the University
of Northampton, where he also
served as an associate lecturer.
https://xpo.com
https://europe.xpo.com
BAIT is sponsored by Kernow Oils – see them on page 8 11

Commercial Vehicles & Transport News
Car buyers want lessons in
charging before going electric
Lessons from dealers on how to use
electric cars would make motorists
more likely to buy them, new
research indicates.
March’s Startline Used Car
Tracker shows that almost
half (46%) want help getting a
charger installed at home and
training in using public charging.
Also, 46% want to be taught how
to maximise the life of the battery and
30% on how to use the main features in their
electric car.
Finally, 29% would like further education on how
to drive their electric car efficiently and 14% want
information on which features – such as heating –
potentially use the most power.
Paul Burgess, CEO at Startline Motor Finance,
Designing textiles with a purpose
The recent
announcement regarding
an increase in single
bus fare caps won’t be
the only barrier to using
public transport that
people face next year.
According to research,
72% of people with
complex needs use some
form of public transport
every day, and yet nearly
half (45%) of these users feel that their needs
aren’t being supported.
Accessibility and inclusivity are just some of the
challenges that people with disabilities encounter
on buses, trams and trains. Ciara Crossan, head
of creative (transport) at textile manufacturer,
Camira, discusses how operators can ensure that
transport interiors are designed with passengers
in mind.
Many people across the country rely on public
transport, and when it stops feeling safe,
affordable and accessible, many are left
said, “Switching from a petrol or diesel
car to an electric one is a big change
for most people, and this research
indicates they are nervous about
the prospect and looking for
support.
“They want to know that they’ll
be able to charge at home, help
to operate public charging and just
simply how to use their new electric
car – and they would like the dealer
selling the vehicle to provide all of this.
“Some dealers are aware of this desire among
customers and can provide some or all of these
services as part of a comprehensive electric car
buying experience. However, they are probably in
the minority and more could or should be done by
car retailers.”
https://startlinemotorfinance.com
stranded and excluded.
Statistically, people with
disabilities are the least
likely to have support
networks around them or
have the same chance
to feel like part of their
local communities. Being
able to access and enjoy
these connections does a
lot to combat loneliness
and boost confidence.
This is why it’s so important that more is done to
tackle accessibility barriers.
To make a space inclusive to all, means removing
physical and psychological barriers – colour,
texture and material choices of an interior are
all crucial. The aesthetics of a fabric and how it
fits with the overall interior of a bus or coach can
make a significant difference to the confidence,
wellbeing, safety and travel experience of
individuals living with dementia, neurodiversity or
other complex needs.
www.camirafabrics.com
LSA International chooses Prolog Fulfilment
LSA International, the London based design
studio specialising in contemporary handmade
glass and tableware, has chosen Prolog
Fulfilment, the global fulfilment provider, to
enhance its operations in the UK. Under the
terms of the agreement, Prolog will oversee
the distribution and management of all LSA
International’s products in the UK including direct
to consumer (DTC) and business to business
(B2B) orders, delivering both operational and
sustainability efficiencies.
LSA’s products are available through their own
website and sold through many of the UK’s
retailers and online platforms. They are also
distributed into the hospitality sector and used
by prestigious hotels, bars and
restaurants. Moving forward
it needed a fulfilment partner
that could continue to support
this retail presence while
accommodating its growing
direct to consumer sales
(DTC) both through its own
site, social media platforms
and marketplaces. Prolog was
chosen because of its valueadded
service proposition
which includes a specialist
packaging service to protect the fragile nature of
LSA’s products and a more sustainable delivery
solution as a certified carbon neutral company.
Egis awarded
light & heavy
rail lots
Global engineering consultancy Egis has been awarded
light and heavy rail lots on the South Yorkshire Mayoral
Combined Authority’s (SYMCA) Engineers Consultancy
Services Framework Agreement.
In partnership with Pell Frischmann, Egis will be
responsible for providing technical advice and services
relating to light and heavy railway systems, including
investigation, planning, design, operations and
maintenance activities.
The framework is part of SYMCA’s Strategic Economic
Plan (SEP) to deliver a world-class public transport
network and attract investment to create a stronger,
greener and fairer South Yorkshire by 2040.
Led by Oliver Coppard, mayor of South Yorkshire, the
blueprint plans to bring together the local authorities
of Barnsley, Doncaster, Rotherham and Sheffield,
alongside the private sector, through its Local
Enterprise Partnership (LEP) to facilitate economic
growth.
On the successful bid, James Hill, urban transit director
at Egis, said, “The Mayoral Combined Authority’s
commitment to providing South Yorkshire with a
world-class transport network will be integral to driving
economic growth, and we are excited to be involved
through our partnership with Pell Frischmann.
“Egis has over 50 years of proven experience delivering
complex and challenging multidisciplinary rail projects
across the globe. As a result, we are confident in our
ability to help the SEP achieve its aim of transforming
the region.”
Discover more about Egis’ services for the rail
transport sector: www.egis-group.com/sectors/
rail-transport
Prolog’s integrated warehousing
and distribution capabilities will
streamline LSA’s operations,
providing a full inventory
management and returns
processing solution. The
flexible and scalable service
will accommodate seasonal
spikes in product demand and
bi-annual product launches. Its
bespoke packaging and delivery
options will cater for stringent
retailer requirements, as well
as DTC sales and Amazon fulfilment.
www.lsa-international.com
12
BAIT is sponsored by Kernow Oils – see them on page 8

Commercial Vehicles & Transport
BAIT is sponsored by Kernow Oils – see them on page 8 13

Print & Packaging News
UK aluminium packaging recycling
shows further growth in Q3
According to recent data published on the National
Packaging Waste Database by the Environment Agency,
aluminium packaging recycling volumes continued to
rise in Q3 2024, increasing 15% compared to the same
period in 2023.
In total, 43,466 tonnes of aluminium packaging
were collected for recycling. This included 32,294
tonnes through kerbside, bring and on-the-go systems
(+15% YOY), as well as 10,910 tonnes recovered from
incinerator bottom ash (IBA).
So far in 2024, 119,792 tonnes of aluminium packaging
have been collected for recycling in the UK, more than
81% of the volume needed to meet this year’s annual
DS Smith win
with outstanding
flexo printing
DS Smith, the leading international sustainable fibrebased
packaging company have been awarded the
Corrugated Post-Print E and F category by FlexoTech
International Print & Innovation Awards 2024. The
award is for producing ‘outstanding’ flexo printing for
Carlsberg 18-pack Pilsner, and the winning packaging
was made in DS Smith’s site in Tampere, Finland.
The Flexo Tech International Print & Innovation
Awards entries are judged by an international panel of
judges on categories including reproduction, degree
of difficulty, and to qualify they must be produced in
the twelve months prior to the competition.
target (147,080). As a result, the sector looks firmly
on track to surpass expectations and deliver recordbreaking
results.
Tom Giddings, executive director of Alupro, commented,
“Thanks to widespread pressure to prioritise the use of
recyclable materials, the aluminium packaging sector
is experiencing impressive growth. With more and more
material being placed on the market, it’s positive to see
that recycling is not just keeping pace, but accelerating
fast.
“With PRN prices stable, we’re anticipating a strong
finish to the year. Indeed, with the festive period
bringing with it an increase in grocery spending and
Domino’s new high-speed
thermal transfer overprinter
Domino Printing Sciences
(Domino), the expert in
advanced variable data
printing solutions, has
launched a new highspeed,
high-performance
addition to its highly
successful Vx-Series
range of thermal transfer
overprinters – the Vx350i.
The Vx350i is specifically
designed for easy
integration into flexible packaging machinery, with
improved printhead technology for faster printing when
using both standard and resin-based thermal transfer
ribbons for high-quality, durable, scratch-resistant codes
without compromising production performance.
Domino’s latest generation TTO provides high-quality
300dpi prints for text, graphics, and high-resolution
2D codes, including QR codes powered by GS1. For
high-resolution printing of 2D codes that will stand the
more recyclable material appearing in domestic waste
streams (including mince pie cases, beverage cans,
foil wrappers, trays, tubes and screw caps), there’s no
reason that we shouldn’t once again reach impressively
high rates.”
https://npwd.environment-agency.gov.uk
www.alupro.org.uk
test of time without impacting
production performance, the
Vx350i has been developed
to handle both standard
and resin-based ribbons
with no reduction in speed.
Resin-based ribbons, known
for delivering durable,
scratch-resistant codes, have
historically been more difficult
for printers to handle, resulting
in slower speeds.
However, Domino’s new Vx350i uses a unique blend of
direct-drive ribbon technology, combined with printhead
improvements for improved heat transfer, to achieve
industry-leading speeds of 800mm per second with
resin-based ribbons. In addition, the Vx350i is designed
to run with rolls of up to 55% longer than other printers
in the Vx-Series range, allowing for longer print runs
without interrupting production.
www.domino-printing.com/en-gb/products/vx-series
Hochiki technology safeguards
historic Belfast Printworks
The winning DS Smith packaging solution for
Carlsberg 18-pack Pilsner highlighted how fibre-based
corrugated cardboard can be successfully utilised
for complex print and graphic design projects with
a high-quality finish. The DS Smith design team
demonstrated how the fibres of corrugated cardboard
can be reused multiple times and therefore keep
materials in use for longer, and in addition, the overall
packaging solution was designed to be easy to recycle
for the consumer.
Through its purpose of ‘Redefining Packaging for a
Changing World’ and its companywide Now and Next
sustainability strategy, DS Smith is committed to
leading a transition to the circular economy and to
delivering innovative sustainable packaging solutions
for its customers and society at large.
DS Smith’s site in Tampere, Finland, was also
recognised with a FlexoTech International Print &
Innovation Award within the same category in 2015
and has been among finalists several times after that.
www.dssmith.com
A blend of historic charm and
modern functionality, the Printworks
Belfast has undergone a significant
renovation to meet the demands of
contemporary office spaces while
preserving its Victorian heritage.
Central to this transformation is a
robust fire safety system powered
by Hochiki devices, ensuring the
protection of occupants and the
building’s architectural integrity.
The Printworks Belfast, a historic
Victorian warehouse dating back
to 1890, located in the heart of
Belfast’s vibrant business district.
Originally built for R Carswell &
Son, a renowned printing and stationery firm, the
building has undergone meticulous restoration.
Angus Properties acquired the property in 2019 and
has transformed it into a modern, open-plan office
space while preserving its industrial character. Key
features include a new atrium, cobbled courtyard,
and additional floors with panoramic city views. The
Printworks is now a sought-after location, offering
flexible office spaces and potential
retail or hospitality opportunities on
the ground floor.
The comprehensive modernisation of
the Printworks Belfast across its five
floors, necessitated the installation
of a robust life safety system that
would safeguard future occupants
while integrating sympathetically
with the building's historical features.
365 Fire Security, a premier provider
of life safety solutions, was entrusted
with installing the fire safety systems
at Printworks Belfast. This marked
the company’s inaugural use of
Hochiki equipment, renowned for its dependability,
quality, and user-friendly installation. The decision was
influenced by a recommendation from James Morrison,
National Key Accounts Manager for Hochiki, who
highlighted the advantages of Hochiki’s cutting-edge
technology and streamlined installation process.
www.hochikieurope.com
14
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Industrial
NIIT Learning Systems
Limited (NIIT MTS)
acquires MST Group
NIIT Learning Systems
Limited [NIIT Managed
Training Services
(NIIT MTS)
(Ticker Symbol:
NIITMTS), a
global leader
in managed
learning
services, has
completed
the acquisition
of Munich,
Germany-based
MST Group, a leader
in managed learning
services in the DACH region
(Germany, Austria, Switzerland).
The company was acquired through
NIIT MTS’ wholly owned subsidiary NIIT
(Ireland) Limited for Euro 22.37 million,
subject to certain adjustments as per
the terms of the definitive agreements.
The transaction expands NIIT
MTS’ presence in Europe’s fastestgrowing
region and increases market
penetration in the automotive and
industrial market segments while
strengthening its portfolio of managed
learning services with the addition
of QuickStart Learning Academy
capabilities. The addition of
Hungary as a nearshore
capability centre for
Western Europe will
improve NIIT MTS’
capability to offer
onsite, multilingual
services to its
global clients.
Founded in 2009,
MST Group employs
over 100 people
across Germany and
Hungary. The acquisition
adds seven market-leading
automotive, industrial, and
energy companies to NIIT MTS’ portfolio
of Managed Training Services (MTS)
clients bringing the overall number of
MTS clients to more than 100.
The transaction will enable MST Group
to bring NIIT MTS’ global reach and
comprehensive, AI-enabled, end-toend
managed learning and consulting
services to its clients.
For more information, please visit:
www.niitmts.com
For more information, please visit:
www.mst-group.eu/en
New White Paper: Why Isolation
Adapters Are Used with Vibration
We’re excited to share our latest White
Paper: ‘Why Isolation Adapters Are
Used with Vibration.’
Introduction
Vibration sensors are used in a
wide variety of applications to
monitor vibrations in machinery and
equipment. This monitoring is crucial
for detecting faults early and preventing
failures. However, in many industrial
environments, vibration sensors are
exposed to harsh conditions that can
affect their performance and accuracy.
The role of isolation adapters
● Protection against electrical
interference – In industrial
environments, electrical interference
can occur, which can distort the
measurement signals from vibration
sensors. Isolation adapters provide
an electrical barrier that reduces
this interference and improves
signal quality.
● Filtering high-frequency vibrations
– In different applications, highfrequency
vibrations that overlap
the frequencies important for
diagnostics and machine monitoring
can make evaluation impossible.
Isolation adapters reliably filter out
the high-frequency components of
vibrations.
● Thermal isolation – In some
applications, extreme temperatures
can affect the performance of
vibration sensors. Isolation adapters
with thermal insulation properties
protect the sensors from these
temperature influences.
Conclusion
Isolation adapters are essential
components in many applications that
use vibration sensors. They protect the
sensors from electrical, mechanical,
and thermal influences, enable easy
installation, and contribute to improving
measurement accuracy. By using
isolation adapters, companies can
increase the reliability of their machinery
and equipment and avoid failures.
New White Paper: Why Isolation
Adapters Are Used with Vibration
Find out more here:
https://hansfordsensors.com/
tools-resources/white-papers
Hansford Sensors is a leading global
manufacturer of industrial vibration
monitoring equipment. We design, develop
and manufacture a range of high-performance
industrial accelerometers, vibration sensors,
4-20mA transmitters, cable assemblies,
industrial enclosures and ancillary equipment.
These product can be used in a wide range of
industries including petrochemical, metal,
paper & recycling.
Visit hansfordsensors.com,
contact 0845 680 1957 or email
sales@hansfordsensors.com
Catch us at Stand: 5/K36
16
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Industrial
BAIT is sponsored by Kernow Oils – see them on page 8 17

Industrial
LCM Environmental: Your reliable
partner in energy infrastructure
Headquartered in Padiham, Lancashire, LCM Environmental is a
leading specialist in fuel energy and critical infrastructure
to be compliant and operational at all times. If your
company requires the use of power, what happens if
the electricity grid fails? You need a contingency and
business continuity plan, and that’s where LCM comes
in. We keep business and institutions operational.”
LCM partners with businesses of all sizes, prioritising
proactive maintenance to ensure sites are fully
compliant and operational, preventing reactive crises.
Their commitment to minimising downtime and offering
flexible, cost-effective solutions has cemented their
industry-leading position and impeccable reputation.
With a legacy dating back to 1987, LCM Environmental
has established itself as a leading specialist in fuel,
energy, and critical infrastructure. Headquartered in
Padiham, Lancashire, their reach extends nationally
across the UK and into Ireland. They are dedicated to
ensuring the seamless installation, maintenance, and
futureproofing of essential systems for clients across
diverse sectors, including power generation, utilities,
forecourts, facility management, manufacturing,
defence, healthcare, and logistics.
LCM’s success stems from their ability to adapt to
evolving market demands and tailor their services to
meet the unique needs of their customers. The critical
infrastructure landscape has transformed significantly
over the past few decades, and LCM has grown tenfold,
consistently ensuring businesses are never left ‘in the
dark’.
Richard Campbell, LCM’s Head of Growth, elaborates
on their vital role, “A simple way of looking at it is, all
companies must plan for worst case scenarios, our
national and businesses critical infrastructure needs
With over 60 services spanning a multitude of sectors,
LCM operates through three main service offerings:
Testing, Inspections and Certifying infrastructure
to ensuring reliability and compliance. Critical
Infrastructure installation from initial concept design
and build to ongoing maintenance for fuel infrastructure
and also renewable technologies such as Solar and EV
installations, and Industrial Services including Coatings
& Linings. They provide end-to-end solutions for every
project, consistently going the extra mile for customer
satisfaction, as reflected in their high customer
retention and NET promoter scores.
Their fuel infrastructure services encompass everything
from new site design and build to the inspection,
testing, and maintenance of existing infrastructure.
All services are meticulously designed to minimise
risk, reduce maintenance costs, and prevent critical
downtime, ultimately ensuring optimal fuel efficiency
and seamless operations.
Beyond infrastructure, LCM’s Fuel Quality Management
services include fuel sampling, testing, filtering,
transfers, and deliveries. Utilising a range of advanced
filtration units, their engineers can test the bottom 10%
of bulk storage tanks, where 90% of contamination
(like ‘diesel bug’) typically occurs. Once contamination
levels are detected, their teams can either filter the
fuel back to ISO specifications or safely dispose of it
and replenish the client’s supply. They can process
over 100,000 litres in a day, providing detailed reports
and waste certifications. Additionally, their efficient
Planned Preventative Maintenance (PPM) service
ensures environmental compliance and operational
efficiency, helping companies avoid fuel contamination,
18
BAIT is sponsored by Kernow Oils – see them on page 8

Industrial
maintain fuel quality, and prevent costly
environmental damage.
LCM also delivers top-tier
electrical work with precision
and efficiency. Their CompEXtrained
electricians provide
safe and reliable electrical
installations across various
sectors, including solar
installs, EV chargers, full
wiring installations, repairs,
and maintenance of CCTV,
security systems, biometric
access, and fire systems. They
take a proactive approach to
electrical maintenance with regular
inspections, thorough testing, and
preventive measures. The company also
offers swift electrical emergency response
services for commercial, industrial, and educational
environments, alongside EICR and fixed wire testing.
One area experiencing significant growth for LCM is
their coating and lining services, offering a diverse array
of solutions. Their media blasting process thoroughly
cleans surfaces by forcibly propelling abrasive material,
ensuring a flawless finish whether for rust removal,
paint stripping, or surface smoothing on materials like
metal and concrete.
LCM’s range also includes high-performance glass
flake-reinforced linings and coatings that protect steel
surfaces. Each 1mm coating boasts approximately 125
layers of glass flake, providing exceptional permeation
resistance and a long, maintenance-free life. For
concrete substrates, LCM’s SJ-01 system offers a
cost-effective GRP lining for concrete tanks and bunds,
creating a flexible, seamless waterproof membrane
ideal for flat roofs and bund linings.
In an economic climate where companies face
increasingly tight budgets for infrastructure
maintenance, LCM’s innovative coatings and linings
solutions are at the forefront of sustainable, costeffective
solutions. Richard explains, “Companies
in this modern and economic climate don’t always
have the capital expenditure to replace their aging
infrastructure. So we’re doing a lot of innovative and
cost-effective futureproofing at the moment. A lot of it
is through the specialist coatings and linings that we
can offer. We can add 20-30 years of life expectancy to
fuel tanks, energy tanks, chemical tanks,
and food processing tanks with that
solution, giving companies more
bang for their buck when it
comes to their infrastructure
and potentially saving
hundreds of thousands of
pounds in infrastructure
replacement.”
Another area of
tremendous growth for LCM
Environmental is their clean
energy transition services.
LCM provides solar PV and
OZEV-approved EV charging
solutions, LED lighting solutions,
carbon offsetting services, and
enhanced ESG reporting services.
These offerings help clients not only lower
electricity bills by generating their own power but
also significantly reduce their carbon footprint and
greenhouse gas emissions.
LCM considers itself a long-term partner in the clean
energy transition, focused on supporting clients for
decades to come. For Richard, this success stems from
LCM’s dedication to building enduring partnerships,
“We always try to look for opportunities to grow and
develop customers’ existing assets and infrastructure
with them. For example, a lot of companies that we
deal with have unused real estate on their roofs, so
things like solar panel installation are really important.
A lot of their employees now have electric vehicles, so
we’re putting chargers into the car park too. Supporting
customers through that process is showing real
dividends.”
LCM Environmental’s dedication to its customers and
commitment to fostering true partnerships are key
drivers of their success. Their core values – reliability,
adaptability, teamwork, and integrity – coalesce into a
service that is entirely customer-focused. LCM strives
to understand customer requirements deeply, providing
cost-effective solutions that consistently exceed
expectations. Richard emphasises the importance of
these values, “We really do live by the values of the
company. We spend an awful lot of time understanding
our customers’ needs to pinpoint what their
requirements are. We really work with the customers to
provide them cost-effective solutions. We look at how
we can provide our customers with a three to five-year
plan to ensure that their infrastructure is maintained,
compliant, and fit for all regulations; as well as costeffective
over the next five years and onwards. Whether
it’s renewing infrastructures or moving towards net-zero
and cleaner energy. We understand those solutions
may change over time depending on the needs of
the business or external factors; so that really does
separate us from our competitors.”
Through valuing strong partnerships and tailoring
solutions to specific client needs, LCM Environmental
has cultivated an unparalleled reputation for reliability.
Richard explains the significance of this reputation,
“We work very hard internally to make sure that the
customer gets what they need, when they need it. A lot
of the infrastructure we deal with is critical, so if it fails
or if something goes wrong, the customer may have
major problems. What we try to do is take all of that
risk away and build the trust that we are here and you
can depend on us to make sure that your infrastructure
doesn’t fail. That embodies our spirit as a business.
We’re the most reliable company out there.”
Looking ahead, LCM Environmental is further investing
in its support for companies striving for net-zero.
Offsetting carbon footprints is becoming increasingly
crucial for both LCM’s clients and the wider industrial
infrastructure market, demonstrating LCM’s clear
commitment to guiding clients through this transition.
Additionally, the business is actively ramping up
its recruitment initiatives, seeking specialists and
professionals across all sectors to drive service
improvements and further elevate their client offerings.
LCM’s unwavering mission is to deliver critical
infrastructure services that maintain modern life’s
essential needs. Over the years, they have earned a
reputation for reliability, innovation, and outstanding
customer support. By placing the customer firmly at
the heart of their business, LCM has proven to be the
infrastructure industry’s most reliable partner. So that
people who rely on reliability can rely on LCM.
T 0808 164 4570
hello@lcmenvironmental.com
https://lcmenvironmental.com
BAIT is sponsored by Kernow Oils – see them on page 8 19

Industrial
Flagship project for Software-
Defined manufacturing (SDM)
V4Smart, the joint
venture between
Porsche and Varta
newly founded
in March 2025,
decided to set up
a fully digitalised
production operation
from the Cloud to
mass-produce the first
German cylindrical
cells for the automotive sector. To this end,
the entire IT architecture was set up on the
basis of the Software-Defined manufacturing
principle in just ten months, before the company
was even founded, enabling flexible, softwarecontrolled
production processes that can be
quickly adapted to new requirements, which
in turn increases efficiency and innovation in
manufacturing.
The starting point was the production line in
Nördlingen, which was newly conceived by
V4Smart and the Porsche Werkzeugbau Gruppe
with the aim of developing and manufacturing
high-performance Li-ion cylindrical cells of worldleading
quality. The cylindrical cell production
facility was developed, built, and installed
extremely quickly within the space of a year. This
production facility is the first of its kind in Europe
to mass-produce cylindrical cells, boasting an
output of 80ppm
(parts per minute).
The right technical
infrastructure behind
the production
operation thus had
to be created quickly
– and needed to be
highly automated,
digital, fast, and
adaptable.
This short implementation period was also
possible because the MES supplied by the
Porsche Werkzeugbau Gruppe, which is
responsible for controlling the systems, and the
interfaces on the MHP side were clearly defined
in advance. Data communication always takes
place in real time, with no loss of time due to
communication between the interfaces.
V4Smart chose MHP
as its implementation
partner partly on
account of its broad
portfolio of consulting
and implementation
services in the field
of IT architecture,
Cloud infrastructure,
and digital twin
Priority Software ERP
by
Introducing the Priority Software
ERP by ERP iQ, designed to support
the industry’s complex, multidimensional
stock handling, it
features robust modules for CRM,
supply chain management, finance,
production, maintenance, quality
assurance, project oversight, and
more.
UK industrial
midmarket struggling to
bridge digital skills gap
New research from European
software provider Forterro has found
that skills shortages and sluggish
digital transformation are putting the
UK’s industrial midmarket at risk of
falling behind its European peers.
technology, plus its numerous reference projects
involving the digitaliSation of factories using
SAP S/4HANA, MES, and other Cloud-based
approaches.
The Software-Defined manufacturing approach
made it possible to implement the company
processes within ten weeks, fully integrated
with the SAP S/4HANA Public Cloud as the
central ERP tool. The focus was on maximum
standardisation and the use of preconfigured
processes.
Just a few weeks after the start of production,
V4smart was able to manage its production
operation with highprecision
data analysis.
The production
operation for the battery
cells fitted in the new
Porsche 911 Carrera
GTS T-Hybrid was
commissioned in record
time in April 2025.
www.mhp.com
Recording, referencing, searching,
allocating, and reserving materials
across varied sizes and forms
has never been easier when it
comes to processes like slitting,
re-coiling, cutting sheets or bars,
and returning items to inventory in
different dimensions, which can
now be seamlessly managed to help
businesses pinpoint the optimal
material for each quote.
Developed by ERP iQ, this software
specifically addresses the sector’s
distinctive needs, with a system that
ensures comprehensive traceability of
raw materials, offcuts, remnants, subassemblies,
and finished products.
What’s even more impressive is that
every metal sheet, bar, or coil retains
a link to its original lot number,
providing end-to-end material
tracking.
Furthermore, in collaboration with
Priority Software, ERP iQ provides
a powerful no-code mobile app
generator.
With an intuitive interface, users
can easily build custom mobile apps
– enabling tasks like reporting on
production and inventory movements,
generating customer quotes on the
go, and accessing key business
data from any mobile device – no
programming required.
T 020 3051 2345
sales@erpiq.co.uk
www.erpiq.co.uk
The findings, from a new Forterro
report – The Digital Future of the
European Industrial Midmarket –
reveal that almost half (49%) of UK
manufacturers and wholesalers say
the digital skills gap has directly
impacted business growth or projects.
More than one-third (34%) admit they
lack confidence in finding recruits with
the right digital expertise.
The most significant gaps are in AI
literacy (42%), cybersecurity (41%),
and data analysis (40%) – precisely
the capabilities needed to deliver on
the industry’s digital transformation
goals.
According to the research, 57%
of UK respondents have a digital
transformation roadmap, and 56%
say they have a fit-for-purpose cloud
and data strategy, slightly ahead of
the European average. Yet progress
remains uneven: 30% rated their
digital transformation performance
as poor over the past three years,
with a further 34% calling it merely
adequate.
AI, however, is seen as a crucial
part of the solution. UK firms cited
predictive maintenance, predictive
logistics and document management
as their most popular ERP add-ons,
while AI-driven analytics and risk
detection are expected to deliver the
greatest future value.
The full report – The Digital Future of
the European Industrial Midmarket
– can be downloaded here:
www.forterro.com/en/resource/
digital-future-research-report
20
BAIT is sponsored by Kernow Oils – see them on page 8

Virtual Assistant Company of the Month
Every SME needs a virtual
personal assistant like me
In this issue of Business & Industry Today,
we are pleased to feature Your Personal
Assistant UK as our Virtual Assistant
Company of the Month
“Many people consider hiring
a virtual assistant but hesitate
because of the cost – or
simply keep putting it off. My
message to you is this: If you
had an extra two hours in your
day, what would you do with it?
“That’s exactly what I can
provide. Those extra two hours
could lead to a valuable sale,
more than covering the cost of
a VA. The truth is, hiring a VA
is more affordable than you
might think. Be brave – take
the plunge. It could be the
best decision you ever make
for your business.”
Those are the words of
Stephanie Henwood, Founder
and Owner of Your Personal
Assistant UK. Established in 2024, the business
was inspired by her colleagues, who consistently
told Stephanie that she had the skills and
experience to turn what she did for them in her
spare time into a successful, thriving business.
With 18 years’ experience in digital marketing
– including the last five years of those covering
offline marketing – Stephanie took the plunge and
hasn’t looked back. She now brings her extensive
expertise and versatility to help businesses save
time and grow.
“I specialise in taking on the
time-consuming tasks that
people need to do but often
don’t have the hours in the
day to manage. Most clients
come to me for administrative
support – things like
email inbox management,
meeting organisation, travel
arrangements, database entry
and updates, minute-taking,
and document creation. I
also provide social media
assistance.
“Beyond that, I offer a wide
range of online and offline
marketing services, including
website creation and
maintenance, website content
creation, SEO management,
PPC management, email
marketing, social media
content creation and
scheduling, blog writing, press
releases for local media, and
internal communications like
newsletters.
“I also provide sales support,
drawing on my four years as
a sales account manager,
as well as creative services
such as logo design, business
cards, posters, and flyers.
Additionally, I can manage
exhibitions, events, and
projects.”
Having worked in many
different industries, Stephanie
has a broad understanding
of what works, and thrives
working with companies from 5-120 employees,
stating that, “Companies under five employees
often have difficulty letting go of tasks, even if
they really need the help, and anything above 120
would usually have another in-house person to
carry out a task if there was a skills shortage. It is
within this gap where my skills fit best.”
The role of a virtual assistant usually covers
administrative, social media or book keeping
support to businesses or individuals, however,
Stephanie’s flexibility and experience means that
she has an extensive range of skills and knowledge
that others don’t offer, which
means she can fill the gap in
many varied teams.
“I wouldn’t say I have a direct
and clear client base, I work
with everyone, so far, some
of my clients have included a
hypnotherapist, a school for
autistic children, a head of
neighbourhood watch in Derby,
a business/life coach and a
health insurance business.”
Only a year in, Your Personal
Assistant UK is growing
steadily, and even exhibited
at The Business Show London
in November, which many
start-ups simply cannot do.
This event was brilliant for
the business and allowed Stephanie to develop
partnerships and to meet potential clients who
were extremely interested in her services.
Stephanie has given the business the tagline
‘Support to give you time’, as this is exactly what
she does. Simply supporting clients, allowing
them to have more time in their day to do more
productive profitable work.
Looking ahead, we asked Stephanie, after such
a successful launch and first year in business,
what are her goals for the future, “My plans for the
future are to get enough clients to put myself at
capacity and then start working with other virtual
assistants under the Your Personal Assistant brand
providing them with work that comes through the
business. I would love to be working with a couple
of virtual assistants by the end of this year, and
then around 10-15 by the end of next year. From
there we will continue to expand.”
With a year of impressive growth already behind
her, Stephanie Henwood and Your Personal
Assistant UK are proving that a skilled, versatile
virtual assistant can make a real difference
to businesses of all sizes. By saving time,
streamlining operations, and providing expert
support across a wide range of tasks, Stephanie
is helping clients focus on what truly matters –
growing their business. As she looks to expand her
team and extend her services, it’s clear that Your
Personal Assistant UK is just getting started – and
the future looks exceptionally bright.
M 07867 794254
contact@yourpersonalassistantuk.co.uk
www.linkedin.com/company/
your-personal-assistant-uk
www.facebook.com/yourpersonalassistantuk
www.instagram.com/yourpersonalassist
https://wa.me/message/R4KWKWD7TZZSK1
www.yourpersonalassistantuk.co.uk
22
BAIT is sponsored by Kernow Oils – see them on page 8

Recommended Supplier Directory
Electrolab Biotech is a leading manufacturer of
bench-top bioreactors and fermenter systems.
With over 30 years’ experience designing
and building bioreactor systems in the UK,
you’ll find the partner you can trust to deliver
the equipment you need. We offer the same
high level of service and support to all our
customers.
Thermal Vision Research is an authorised
supplier of Teledyne FLIR’s specialised thermal
imaging cameras, widely used in research,
science, and automation. Tell us about your
application and what cameras you’re looking
for, and we’ll do the rest. We are always here to
help so contact us anytime.
With over four decades of expertise in
manufacturing and distributing industrial
and commercial electric vehicles, Bradshaw
Electric Vehicles stands as one of the market’s
most experienced and trusted providers.
Bradshaw EV offers a comprehensive range
of vehicles and serves as Club Car’s leading
dealership & Goupil’s exclusive UK distributor.
Able Instruments are the Exclusive Sales
& Service Representative for the Micronics
UX5000 ATEX Ultrasonic Clamp-On Flow
Meter in the UK & Ireland. This advanced,
non-invasive flow solution offers high accuracy
and reliability for Zone 1 hazardous area
applications. The UX5000 is the ideal choice
for critical flow monitoring.
Curtiss-Wright surface technologies provides
customers a single-source solution and point of
contact for all their controlled material surface
treatments, supporting their requirements
through our global network of over 70 worldwide
facilities and on-site field teams, improving and
reducing turnaround times and costs. We are
material surface improvement specialists.
Kingston Engineering is a leading UK precision
engineering company with expertise in
manufacturing precision machined components
and assemblies. Our specialism is in producing
bespoke power screws, manufactured to the
highest quality standards. We provide solutions to
complex and challenging precision projects, based
on our extensive precision engineering experience,
expertise and cutting-edge technology.
Since we opened our doors in 2017, we’ve
been all about making it easy for businesses
to buy and sell manufacturing machinery and
tools. Whether you’re growing, moving, or just
need to sell some extra equipment quickly,
we’re here to help. We’re known for being easy
to talk to and good at getting deals done.
Interface Force Measurements Ltd is the
master distributor for Interface load cells
in the UK, Ireland, Middle East and North
Africa. While we are separate companies, our
interests and values are closely aligned in a
long-term commercial relationship spanning
over 30 years. We have hand-selected other
brands in the sensor industry.
Gold & Wassall Hinges is the leading name in
hinge manufacturing in the UK, and has been
manufacturing hinges of all types, including
continuous hinges, heavy duty hinges, butt
hinges and special purpose hinges. Our
impressive stock range boasts over 25,000
continuous hinges and over 120,000 other
hinges.
Based in Sheffield, South Yorkshire Founded
in 1997. DP Doors & Shutters Ltd have
over 300 years collective experience in the
Manufacturing, Installation and Repairs and
Maintenance of roller shutters and doors for
Industrial, Food Processing and Commercial
UK applications, either for new build, or
refurbishment.
BAIT is sponsored by Kernow Oils – see them on page 8 23