Business and Industry Today Issue 417

July ● Issue 417
WE ARE
Excellence in power
transmission engineering
Coupling Company of the Month Page 4
ystral
Page 6
GCE
Page 8
Waternation
Page 12

Editor’s Comments
Welcome to our July edition. Explore
our hand-picked features on innovative
companies across the industry.
On page 7, we feature Reich-UK as
our Coupling Company of the Month.
Celebrating 80 years of engineering
excellence, Reich is driving innovation
in power transmission with world-class
torsionally flexible coupling technology.
Combining bespoke solutions, outstanding
reliability and expert UK support, Reich
Drive Systems UK continues to help
industries maximise performance while
expanding its capabilities to meet growing
customer demand. Page 4.
On page 8 we feature GCE’s new NITROGAS
NG series, which is making on-site nitrogen
production smarter, more efficient & more
cost-effective. Combining advanced PSA
technology with Industry 4.0 connectivity &
scalable design, the innovative generators
help businesses reduce operating
On the Cover
Reich Drive Systems 4
Contacts
costs, improve reliability and eliminate
dependence on delivered gas supplies.
From bulk industrial supply to laboratorygrade
precision, Waternation delivers reliable
purified water solutions for the UK’s most
demanding sectors. Combining advanced
manufacturing, rigorous quality control
and flexible supply models, the company is
helping businesses maintain compliance,
improve efficiency and access specificationdriven
water whenever and wherever it’s
needed. Read more on page 12.
Other topics covered: Pumps & Valves,
Quarrying & Mining, Energy & Power, Print
& Packaging, Forestry, Chemicals, Food
& Drink, Fleet Management, Industrial,
Finance & Accounting.
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
Company of the Month 4
Reich Drive Systems UK
Limited is a wholly owned
subsidiary of Reich and
the supplier and support
services for Reich
coupling technology
throughout Great Britain and Ireland.
Industrial 6-9
The machine and
systems manufacturer
ystral has opened a
new trial centre at
its headquarters in
Ballrechten-Dottingen, Germany.
Fleet Management 10-11
Castrol has
introduced a complete
commercial vehicle
(CV) fluids solution,
structured into three
clearly defined tiers – Ultimate, Enhanced,
and Essential – to simplify product
selection and support fleet performance.
Chemicals 12-13
Waternation Ltd and
Waternation Scientific
represent a unified
capability: from highvolume
industrial
supply to precision-engineered water
solutions for critical applications.
Print & Packaging 16-17
DS Smith, leading
international fibrebased
packaging
solutions company, and
organic eggs producer,
Niels & Grete, are
collaborating to remove
plastic from their traditional packaging.
Pumps & Valves 20
Oliver Valvetek has
been honoured
with the King’s
Award for Enterprise
in Innovation,
recognising a major
in-house engineering development that has
delivered significant benefits for subsea
valve performance, reliability and long-term
customer confidence.
BAIT is sponsored by
Principle Engineering
– see them on
page 7

Coupling Company of the Month
Excellence in power
transmission engineering
In this issue of Business and Industry Today
we have featured Reich-UK as our Coupling
Company of the Month
Headquartered in Bochum
Germany, celebrating its 80th
year this year, Reich has become
recognised internationally as
a world leading manufacturer
of high quality and high
performance torsionally
flexible couplings that are used
across a wide range of power
transmission applications.
Reich Drive Systems UK Limited
is a wholly owned subsidiary
of Reich and the supplier and
support services for Reich coupling technology
throughout Great Britain and Ireland. Its UK team
is led by Director David Proud who has over 25
years’ experience in the world of mechanical power
transmission.
Based in Stockport, Reich Drive Systems UK works
across the British Isles, delivering Reich’s trademark,
industry-leading products. Incorporated in 2014,
Reich UK was established to provide focused support
to the UK market, and ensure that Reich’s technical
know-how and expertise were applied to the right
industries.
With every industry having specific needs, Reich
UK prides itself on its sector knowledge. The array
of industries the company works with is vast, with
Reich UK providing its expert services across power
generation, on and off highway maintenance, marine
applications and test benches.
At its core Reich produces and supplies sophisticated
coupling system solutions. Produced with state-ofthe-art
manufacturing technologies, Reich offers a
comprehensive range of torsionally flexible couplings
and drive technology including highly flexible
couplings, flexible couplings and torsionally rigid
couplings.
A key feature of Reich Coupling
Technology is the in-house
development and manufacture
of its elastomeric elements. All
power transmission elements
are manufactured within its
state-of-the-art production
facilities and this, coupled
with the company’s in-house
test benches and inspection
facilities, ensures that all Reich
couplings are relied upon
globally by Blue Chip companies
and smaller OEMs alike.
As the sole supplier of Reich’s innovative products
in the UK, Reich’s UK wing offers clients the unique
chance to forge a direct partnership with one of the
world’s leading coupler manufacturers. More than
just supplying components, Reich
UK’s offering is distinguished by
its commitment to the client.
Always available to discuss
requirements and assist in the
selection and specification of the
most appropriate coupling for
your application, Reich UK also
employs two specialist engineers
who work from mobile setups
to provide support to customers
anywhere in the country.
In addition, and offered as
standard across the Reich
franchise, Reich UK is a stalwart
proponent of the company’s
famed D2C (Designed to Customer) Principle. This
foundational commitment allows the company to
create customised, high-quality and long-lasting
power transmission products in close cooperation
with clients. This means no matter what the industry
or scenario, Reich has a solution.
The company’s commitment to
flexibility, quality, and on-time
delivery, is paying dividends for
the UK wing. Since inception
the company has had clients
with 100% on time delivery rate
and zero warranty claims, which
speaks to both the efficiency
and quality of Reich services.
This dedication, coupled with
Reich’s ability to respond to
a variety of industrial needs,
ensures the highest levels of
customer satisfaction and has
led to massive growth, building
this business six times over since 2014.
Reich UK’s growth was celebrated this year with the
company’s first showing at the Hillhead Expo, the
UK’s largest exhibition of quarrying, construction
and recycling equipment. Reich showcased an array
of its products here, but also debuted a brand new
coupling for hydrostatic applications.
The flange coupling FL-SP has been developed
especially for hydrostatic pump drives for the
connection of internal combustion engines to
hydraulic pumps. This cutting-edge coupling is new
to the UK market and allows for sub critical operation
through high torsional stiffness
and high torque transmission
capacity. Its innovative design
means the product is compact,
robust and high operational
reliability without major assembly
effort or excessive maintenance.
This past year has been an
exciting period of growth for Reich
UK. Showings at Hillhead were
complemented with additional
stands at various other trade
expos like Machine Building and
the company’s Stockport base
grew to two sites to keep up with
demand.
Looking forward, Reich has exciting plans on the
horizon. Its headquarters in Germany is expanding
its facilities to offer more production output, and in
addition in the UK the company is planning to grow
out its assembly capabilities to offer more direct
support to its clients.
No matter what sector Reich
works in, the company has
developed a reputation for
delivering the right solution for
each individual requirement. Its
dedication to quality, coupled
with its ability to respond to the
most diverse requirements, is
proving why Reich UK is quickly
becoming a sector leader in a
competitive global market.
Contact
T 01617 144191
info@reich-uk.com
www.reich-uk.com
4
BAIT is sponsored by Principle Engineering – see them on page 7

365 Finance signs £150m
Pollen Street facility
365 Finance, an award-winning
provider of revenue-based finance
to UK and Irish SMEs, has secured a
£150 million debt raise with Pollen
Street Capital.
The facility will support over £300m
in annual originations and builds on
365’s 50% annual growth-rate since
2020. The facility now also
incorporates a euro line to
support Irish SMEs.
London-based
365 Finance has
originated over
£0.5 billion to
SMEs since 2014,
and can advance
up to £500,000
to businesses less
than 24 hours from
application.
Warren Abbey, 365 Finance CEO,
said, “Our mission remains clear
– to empower as many small
businesses as possible by providing
flexible, accessible capital through
a customer-centric approach. Our
growing partnership with Pollen
Street enhances our ability to
leverage cutting-edge technology
and an innovative, highly automated
lending platform to deliver on that
promise.”
Adam Brown, 365 Finance CFO,
added, “We are delighted to build
on our long-standing relationship
with Pollen Street who continue to
support the journey of 365 Finance.
We see the deepening and
broadening in our funding
capabilities positively
impacting UK and
Ireland SMEs,
as they address
cashflow needs.”
Michael
Katramados,
Partner, Pollen
Street, said, “We are
pleased to build on
our strong relationship
with 365 which started
in 2018, increasing our facility to
support their growth. Through this
facility our financing will continue
to support SMEs across the UK and
Ireland, helping businesses access
flexible and timely capital that meets
their needs.”
www.365finance.co.uk
Love Finance renames
to Lovey
Love Finance, the UK’s fastestgrowing
SME lender and broker,
has officially renamed itself as
Lovey. The new name reflects the
company’s modern, approachable
and forward-looking perspective,
while keeping the same mission,
team and customer-first approach
that has defined its success to
date.
The company has experienced
exceptional growth in recent years,
with revenue more than doubling
in the most recent financial year.
Turnover increased from £4.7m
(£48m loans) in 2023 to £9.3m
(£96m loans) in 2024, before rising
again to approximately £19.1m in
FY 2025 (£195m loans), a 106%
year-on-year increase. Lovey has
remained profitable throughout,
and is bootstrapped and founderled
by Jack Smith, all while scaling
its team from 10 employees in
2021 to 75 in 2024, continuing to
expand rapidly in 2025 to 110+
staff.
The new name, Lovey, is shorter,
sharper and easier to recall,
Finance & Accounting News
designed to stand out in a crowded
financial market. It captures the
warmth, care and human approach
the company brings to supporting
SMEs. Alongside the rename, Lovey
continues to combine technology
with direct lending and brokerage
services, delivering fast, flexible
and tailored funding solutions to
thousands of UK businesses.
Existing services, contracts and
relationships remain unchanged.
Customers and partners can
expect the same straightforward
approach, the same team, and the
same fast, flexible SME funding,
but now under a brand designed
for the future.
To learn more about the
company or to apply for a fast,
flexible business loan, visit:
www.lovey.com/quote
BIG South London
delivers over £30m
GVA to South London
economy
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 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.
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
BAIT is sponsored by Principle Engineering – see them on page 7 5

Industrial
Mixing and dispersing technology specialist
ystral opens new trial centre
The machine and
systems manufacturer
ystral has opened a
new trial centre at
its headquarters in
Ballrechten-Dottingen,
Germany. The new
facility enables the
company to carry out
more customer trials
than before while
processing a broader
range of raw materials.
Photo credit: Tobias Heink, ystral
ystral designs,
engineers and
manufactures highly
efficient mixing,
dispersing and powder induction machines,
as well as process systems, used worldwide
in the chemical, paints and coatings, food,
pharmaceutical, household and cosmetics
industries, as well as in battery production.
At the ystral trial centre, companies from
these sectors can develop new products and
processes or optimise existing ones, train their
operating personnel on ystral machines, and
test the mixing technology provider’s solutions.
ystral has already conducted a number of
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’.
Trial area in the new ystral trial centre with
installed dust and gas extraction systems;
the processing of flammable and explosive
media is possible there following case-bycase
assessment
tests in the new
trial building. Its
major importance
to the company’s
commercial success
became evident from
the outset: following
trials, a printing ink
manufacturer awarded
ystral an order with a
project volume worth
several million euros.
“Our experience shows
that tests carried out
in our trial centre
almost always lead to
collaboration,” says
Uwe Klaumünzner,
Head of Development and Trials at ystral.
Trials with flammable and explosive media
The new trial area complies with statutory
explosion protection and water protection
requirements, and the machines used are
ATEX-compliant. Trials with flammable and
explosive media are possible there following
case-by-case assessment. During the tests,
users do not need to be on site themselves,
but can also follow proceedings remotely via
livestream.
Comprehensive analysis options
In the company’s in-house laboratory, samples
can be examined under an optical microscope
with respect to various parameters. This
includes both density measurement and
particle size analysis by means of dynamic
light scattering. In addition, viscosities can
be determined using various measurement
methods, with & without tempering, and curves
for different shear rates can be recorded.
https://ystral.com/en/process-technology/
trial-centre
ystral preferably carries out trials not on
laboratory machines, but on production
machines, as this produces more reliable
results that can be transferred directly to
full-scale production
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 highfrequency
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: 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
6
BAIT is sponsored by Principle Engineering – see them on page 7

Unlocking true high-speed performance:
Why faster demands a system-level approach
A consistent theme
emerging from
discussions at Advanced
Engineering was that
increasing machine
speed is rarely as
simple as turning up a
setpoint. While higher
RPMs promise gains in
throughput and surface
finish, engineers know
that thermal behaviour,
vibration, tooling strategy,
and control capability
quickly become limiting factors. Unlocking genuine
productivity improvements requires a system-level view
of the machine, not just faster components.
A recent project supported by Principle Engineering
illustrates this well. A machine shop on the south coast
introduced a 60,000rpm SPEEDER unit to increase
cutting speed. In theory, this six-fold increase should
have reduced a 6-hour 30-minute process to under
two hours. Initial results delivered a meaningful 50%
reduction, bringing cycle time down to three hours.
Further investigation revealed the next bottleneck: tool
path strategy. By re-optimising the tool path to take
full advantage of the available speed, the process
moved closer to a fourtimes
improvement in
throughput. The project
highlighted a common
reality in high-speed
applications – gains
come not from a single
change, but from
understanding how
each part of the system
interacts.
At the heart of many
high-speed machines
sits the frequency converter. More than a power
source, modern high-performance converters, such
as the latest SD4 range from Sieb & Meyer, provide
the intelligence needed to run efficiently at elevated
speeds. Advanced communication and diagnostic
capabilities allow engineers to monitor system health,
identify emerging issues,
and make incremental
improvements that
protect uptime and
extend equipment life.
When combined with
appropriately specified
high-speed motors or
spindles, precision
bearings, and robust
feedback devices, the
result is a machine
capable of sustained,
reliable high-speed
operation.
Clearway appoint Christian Baumbach as
Managing Director of Secontec
Industrial
Principle Engineering regularly supports both new
designs and retrofit projects across sectors including
machine tools, turbo blowers, pumps, compressors,
atomisers, and energy generation and storage systems.
One area that continues to inspire discussion and draw
on their extensive bearing expertise is gas turbine
technology, increasingly relevant not only in energy
applications but also in advanced propulsion systems
for small aircraft. These machines bring together
extreme rotational speeds, demanding thermal
conditions, and micron-level tolerances. Achieving
reliable performance requires careful integration
of motors, bearings, and control electronics, often
through multiple design iterations.
For engineers tasked with improving productivity or
modernising existing equipment, the key takeaway
from Advanced Engineering is clear: speed alone is
not the solution. Performance comes from selecting
and integrating the right technologies, supported
by diagnostic insight and
application expertise.
Principle Engineering
works with customers to
address these challenges
holistically, helping them
realise practical, reliable
gains rather than theoretical
ones.
To find out more about
Principle Engineering’s
approach to high-speed
system integration, visit:
https://principle-eng.co.uk
Clearway is delighted to announce the
appointment of Christian Baumbach as
Managing Director (Geschäftsführer) of its
German business, Secontec, marking an
important step in the Group’s continued growth
and development across Europe.
Christian brings extensive leadership
experience and a proven track record of driving
operational excellence, commercial growth and
business transformation across industrial and
environmental service sectors.
For the past nine years, Christian has held
a number of senior executive positions with
Safetykleen, the global leader in chemical
cleaning and environmental services. During his
tenure, he played a key role in leading business
performance, developing high-performing teams
and delivering sustainable growth in highly
competitive markets.
Prior to joining Safetykleen, Christian
held several leadership positions within
Rothenberger, a leading manufacturer & supplier
of specialist tools and machinery serving the
construction, plumbing, heating, air conditioning,
refrigeration, gas and environmental sectors.
In his new role, Christian will lead Secontec’s
strategic development and operations in
Germany, focusing on strengthening customer
relationships, accelerating growth and
supporting the delivery of innovative, high-quality
solutions to clients across the region.
Commenting on the appointment, Phil Doyle,
CEO, said, “We are delighted to welcome
Christian. His extensive leadership experience,
deep sector knowledge and strong track record
of delivering growth make him an excellent
addition to our team. Germany is a key market
for the Clearway Group, and Christian’s Secontec
appointment reflects our commitment to investing
in talented leadership as we continue to expand
and strengthen our position across Europe.”
Christian Baumbach added, “I am excited to join
Clearway and Secontec at such an important
stage in the company’s development. The
business has a strong reputation, an excellent
team and significant opportunities for future
growth. I look forward to working closely with
colleagues, customers and partners to build on
this success and help drive the next chapter of
growth in Germany.”
Christian’s appointment reinforces Secontec’s
growth ambitions in Germany and demonstrates
Clearway’s ongoing commitment to investing
in exceptional talent, strengthening leadership
capability and delivering long-term value for
customers, employees and stakeholders across
the Group.
About The Clearway Group
Established in 2016, The Clearway Group is
a holding company operating businesses in
the UK, France, and Germany, specialising in
the protection of people, property and assets.
Clearway is managed by an experienced team
and through strategic expansion, it has become
a trusted partner for a wide range of public and
private sector clients across Europe.
www.clearway.co.uk
BAIT is sponsored by Principle Engineering – see them on page 7 7

Industrial
GCE launches NITROGAS NG modular nitrogen
generator to lower gas costs, prevent supply
disruptions
GCE has announced the introduction of its
NITROGAS NG series of on-premise nitrogen
generators using state-of-the-art pressure swing
adsorption (PSA) technology. Eight models
offer flow rates ranging from 5 to 100Nm 3 /h at
guaranteed purity levels from 95% to 99.999%. Its
dual-level modular design allows each generator
to be expanded through additional adsorption
modules, while multiple generators can also be
combined to achieve very high overall production
capacities.
Nitrogen generators are suitable for all users
of nitrogen, from small to large consumers in
the food and beverage, wineries, breweries,
laser cutting, heat treatment and electronic
manufacturing industries, as well as other
applications.
“We designed the NITROGAS NG nitrogen
generator to immediately reduce operating costs
for a wide range of customers – from those with
medium to small nitrogen requirements to large
industrial consumers using several hundred
thousand cubic metres per year,” said Andrea
Castellanza, general manager of NITROGAS.
Castellanza added that a nitrogen generator
provides peace of mind. There are no worries
about lost production
because cylinders run
empty, no wasting time
with daily checks of
cylinder pressure or
tanks levels, no need to
move cylinder bundles
with a forklift, and no
worries about delivery
time or accurate order
fulfilment.
“GCE offers more than
a standalone nitrogen
generator. We can
provide a complete,
fully plug-and-play
nitrogen production
solution, available
either skid-mounted or
containerised, including all required components,”
Castellanza said.
High-performance 4.0 design
The NITROGAS NG produces nitrogen by selective
adsorption on a bed of carbon molecular sieve
(CMS) using compressed air, starting from
compressed air class 1.4.1, according to ISO
8573-1:2010. It features PLC supervision of the
Easy-Laser Generation XT systems
In today’s engineering landscape,
accuracy is not a luxury but
an essential. Using Easy-Laser
technology, we provide advanced
measurement and alignment
solutions to improve machine
performance, reduce downtime and
extend asset life. Shaft alignment is
critical to reliability.
With Easy-Laser Generation XT
systems we deliver fast, precise
measurements, helping engineers
correct misalignment, reduce wear
and lower operating costs.
For geometric measurement, the
Easy-Laser XT22 system offers an
unrivalled solution for straightness,
flatness and level, utilising digital
inclinometers and the latest laser
technology to deliver unparalleled
accuracy. This is complemented by
the XT24 system, extending capability
The NITROGAS NG modular nitrogen
generator from GCE lowers nitrogen costs
and provides the assurance of a continuous,
on-premise supply of nitrogen with 95% to
99.999% purity and flow rates from 5 to
100Nm 3 /h
system to continuously
control and/or monitor
pressure regulation, flow
rate, moisture content,
and temperature, and
the PLC enables setting
parameter limits and
alarms. In addition, a
zirconium oxide oxygen
analyzer continuously
measures residual
oxygen content in the
nitrogen flow to certify
purity levels, while a
self-cleaning design
discharges any nonspecified
gas into the
atmosphere to ensure
correct purity.
Users can interface with the Industry 4.0-ready
NITROGAS NG via an Ethernet port or Wi-Fi
router. They can directly control production
parameters from their computer or mobile device
and generate reports. For those systems not
connected, the NITRIGAS NG can create reports
and export them by USB port.
https://esabcorporation.com/gas-control
into bore and stern tube alignments
for marine and industrial applications.
We are solution providers, not just
tool suppliers. Easy-Laser offers UK
based calibration, application support
and practical guidance to ensure the
best results.
T 01909 251001
sales@easylaser.co.uk
www.easylaser.co.uk
8
BAIT is sponsored by Principle Engineering – see them on page 7

MP visits manufacturing SME
As a Plastic Moulding company
operating is an ever increasingly
competitive marketplace, rising
energy costs and overheads
we constantly are looking for
ways to reduce cost and stay
competitive. Plastic Parts Direct
hosted Sean Woodcock MP to
their Manufacturing premises
in Banbury.
Sean is the local Labour MP
for the Banbury area and
following some correspondence
regarding the question of how
the government was intending
to spend the extra £25 million
a day extra revenue they are
getting from the rise in fuel costs, he offered to
come and see us personally to discuss.
This was admirable in itself as it was obvious we
had some difficult questions to raise and it would
have been easy to fob us off with a reason not to
face them. That said, “Basically the extra revenue
is just that, extra revenue. With no plans to actually
support companies by reducing duty and tax to keep
the already high energy costs under control.”
However, that wasn’t the only question we had.
We raised the subject of how increasingly difficult
running an SME is due to the Labour policies of
extra NI and NMW, plus the introduction of the
upcoming employment law changes.
The impression I got was that Whitehall has no idea
of what actually happens in the real world outside
London, which I suppose is no
surprise. They seem to view all
companies the same as large
multinationals, ‘swimming in
money, they can take’.
As a big part of our business
is manufacturing and selling
plastic accessories into the
fenestration and building
industries, we questioned the
failure to meet the Labour
target of 300,000 houses
per year with the amount only
reaching 195,000 at present.
The answer, “Planning rules
have changed – which will sort
this out” ...ermm [sound of can rattling down the
road].
I could go on but I don’t want
you going to sleep!
However, I will, just in case you
don’t.
Other questions raised were
the government’s policy of
offshoring emissions for the
UK to reach Net Zero, as the
emissions still happen just
they’re in a different part of
the world, normally fossil fuel
burning countries while UK
manufacturing is priced out the
market.
This has now changed to ‘Energy Security’ so is now
an excuse not to realise the folly of ‘Net Zero’.
“No substantive support for manufacturing in
the face of strong import competition. However,
companies can always borrow more with the
Government Growth Scheme” ...great just more
debt!
The government say they want to spend their
increased defence budget with companies in the
UK, we asked how new suppliers would be able to
tap into this as there is a ‘brick wall’ when any try to
do this, tbc, there was no answer to this except he
would follow it up.
What I would say from all this and something I would
encourage is that other SMEs get their MPs out to
visit them so they can put across the difficulties they
are encountering and slowly
we may actually educate them
in the world outside Whitehall,
London and their offices.
That government shouldn't be
operating an ‘us and them’
society and that by listening to
those small businesses that are
the backbone of the UK, they
can be instrumental in getting
the country back to where it
should be.
I hate being optimistic!
Industrial
T 01295 269333
sales@plasticpartsdirect.co.uk
www.plasticpartsdirect.co.uk
From Concept to Production:
Precision Plastic Solutions You Can Trust
Plastic Parts Direct offers a wealth of expertise in bringing ideas and concepts to reality. From design for
manufacture to volume moulding.
ä In-house 3D print capability for prototype and pre-production
ä Prototype tooling for pre-production mould runs, reducing the initial tool investment
ä Tool design and manufacture on-site and tool sourcing management
ä Optimisation of the tool and machine to meet volume requirements
ä Assembly and part finishing in-house
With our experience and customer-centric approach, we can offer the right solution whether you are looking for
a few thousand mouldings or multi-million production runs. Our tooling and machine options ensure you have the
most cost-effective route to production.
We help our clients from design stage to
prototype, tooling through to manufacture
T: 01295 269333
E: sales@plasticpartsdirect.co.uk
www.plasticpartsdirect.co.uk
BAIT is sponsored by Principle Engineering – see them on page 7 9

Fleet Management
Pay, workload, and
retention disconnect
Logistics desk-free employees feel
overworked and undervalued, with
management failing to recognise
key challenges, according to a
new report from OneAdvanced: ‘A
Disenfranchised Workforce: the
distorted reality threatening your
business’.
The report, which includes
responses from workers,
managers, and executive leaders
in the distribution, logistics and
wholesale
sectors,
reveals
significant
gaps in perception between
frontline workers and their
managers on issues such as
pay fairness, workload, career
progression, and the impact of the
Employment Rights Bill.
A major issue in the sector is
workload strain – 64% of logistics
desk-free employees report feeling
overworked and struggling with
scheduling and resourcing issues,
yet 50% of managers believe
workloads are manageable. Similar
trends appear in adjacent sectors,
with 70% of workers in distribution
and 80% in wholesale also
struggling with their workload.
When it comes to staff retention,
55% of workers say better pay and
benefits would improve retention,
yet only 38% of managers agree.
The disparity is even greater in
other sectors, where only 26% of
managers in both distribution and
wholesale believe increased pay
would
help
retain
staff.
Communication challenges also
emerge as a significant problem.
While 92% of managers in logistics
believe desk-free workers are
informed about major business
updates, a third of workers
don’t agree. Likewise, only 70%
of workers feel they have clear
performance expectations, despite
88% of managers believing these
are well-communicated.
www.oneadvanced.com
Castrol’s three-tier CV
fluids range
Castrol has introduced a complete
commercial vehicle (CV) fluids solution,
structured into three clearly defined tiers
– Ultimate, Enhanced, and Essential
– to simplify product selection and
support fleet performance.
Developed around real-world operating
conditions, the Castrol CV portfolio
combines engine oils, transmission
fluids, coolants, greases, and ancillary
products into one aligned system.
The tiered approach helps operators
reduce complexity, match performance
to application, and maintain uptime
across mixed fleets.
At the core is Castrol VECTON,
formulated with System Pro Technology
to manage higher engine stresses,
control oxidation, reduce deposits, and
maintain viscosity for longer oil life.
The range is structured as:
● Ultimate (VECTON Long Drain) –
Maximum performance, extended
drain intervals, and OEM-aligned
protection for the latest trucks
● Enhanced (VECTON Plus) – Strong,
all-round protection across a wide
range of modern engine technologies
● Essential (VECTON Multi) – Reliable,
value-focused performance for older
vehicles and legacy fleets
Mark Adkins, Managing Director, Kernow
Oils Ltd, said, “As Castrol’s Official
Partner, we’re proud to spearhead
the launch of this new complete fleet
solution that simplifies product selection
while helping customers streamline
maintenance, control costs, and improve
efficiency.”
T 01736 757002
info@kernow-oils.co.uk
www.kernow-oils.co.uk
Disclaimer:
1. Compared to API and ACEA industry requirements
and based on tests conducted on 81% of the Castrol
VECTON range by volume based on 12 months sales
up to March 2017.
2. Approved by MAN for up to 120,000km and Mercedes
Benz, Volvo, and Renault for up to 100,000km in
accordance with their specifications. Actual oil drain
depends on engine type, operating conditions, service
history, OBD and fuel quality. Always consult your
manufacturer’s handbook
3. Compared to API and ACEA industry requirements
and based on tests conducted on 81% of the Castrol
VECTON range by volume based on 12 months sales
up to March 2017.
New for 2026:
ADR Driver Training
DANGEROUS GOODS TRAINING COURSES
AND CONSULTANCY SERVICES
A leading provider of Dangerous Good Training Courses (Hazmat)
Our aim is to provide interactive Dangerous
Goods Training Courses that builds confidence
in new skills and knowledge in all attendees.
We support businesses to stay in front of the
regulations as the world of logistics, shipping
and dangerous good changes, to ensure
that compliance is the key to controlled and
effective supply chains.
Educating our students to high standards within
the dangerous goods (hazmat) industry giving
you the confidence to conduct your job to the
best of your ability.
Carriage of
Dangerous
Goods by Air
Training Courses
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Goods by Road
Training Courses
Carriage of
Dangerous
Goods by Sea
Training Courses
Please visit www.logicomhub.com or
call 0330 912 5041 /01608 692177
10
BAIT is sponsored by Principle Engineering – see them on page 7

Fleet Management
BAIT is sponsored by Principle Engineering – see them on page 7 11

Chemicals
The UK’s pure water specialists
Waternation Ltd
and Waternation
Scientific
represent a
unified capability:
from high-volume
industrial supply
to precisionengineered
water solutions
for critical
applications.
Whether the
requirement is
bulk purified water
delivered at scale or tightly specified, accredited
products for specialist use, Waternation
is structured to deliver with consistency,
compliance, and reliability.
Established in 2018 and headquartered in
Widnes, Cheshire, Waternation has rapidly
positioned itself as a leading manufacturer of
purified water
in the UK. The
company combines
over 35 years of
industry experience
with continuous
investment
in production
technology and
quality control,
enabling it to
deliver consistent,
Harnessing the power
Pioneering progress with industrial air
compressor solutions
In large-scale chemical plants, where
efficiency is non-negotiable, industrial
air compressor solutions stand tall as
the driving force behind continuous
operations. These machines provide
the essential power for fluid pumping,
and pneumatic conveying, and even
contribute to safety measures in
hazardous environments. Their impact
extends beyond the technical impact,
ensuring that petrochemical and
chemical manufacturing operates
seamlessly, efficiently, and with an
unwavering commitment to safety and
innovation.
We will discover various applications of
air compressors in the petrochemical
and chemical industry and why
choosing ELGi as an air compressor
manufacturer is the best decision for
your business.
Types of industrial air compressor
solutions in chemical and
petrochemical applications
● Rotary Screw Air Compressors
– The powerhouses of continuous
operations in large-scale chemical
plants, offering efficiency and a
consistent flow of compressed air.
Rotary screw-type air compressors
are a cornerstone of industrial air
compressor solutions due to their
reliability.
● Reciprocating Air Compressors
– Ideal for intermittent operations,
these robust compressors are costeffective,
simple to maintain, and
equipped with integrated air tanks,
making them essential components
in air compressor industrial
solutions.
● Portable Air Compressors
– Providing mobility for tasks like
maintenance and cleaning, these
compressors are invaluable in
locations without fixed infrastructure.
● Oil-Free Air Compressors – Ensuring
compressed air purity in processes
like pharmaceutical production,
these compressors prevent oil
contaminants from interfering with
product quality.
● Nitrogen Generators – Essential
in the petrochemical industry,
these generators produce nitrogen
for creating inert atmospheres,
preventing unwanted reactions,
oxidation, or combustion.
Contact
www.elgi.com/eu
specificationdriven
water
solutions to a
broad range of
sectors. These
include chemicals
processing,
pharmaceuticals,
cosmetics, energy,
and advanced
manufacturing.
At the core of
Waternation’s
offering is a
comprehensive portfolio of purified water types,
including deionised, demineralised, distilled and
reverse osmosis water. Products are available in
a wide range of formats, from small laboratory
packs to bulk tanker deliveries of up to 28,000
litres, supporting both R&D environments and
large-scale industrial operations.
A key focus for
the company is
its Waternation
Scientific division,
which delivers
high-specification
water solutions
for analytical,
laboratory
and regulated
applications.
This includes
Systems engineering of
‘cell factories’
Engineers from The University of
Warwick’s Integrative Synthetic
Biology Centre and Imperial
College London’s Department of
Bioengineering have unveiled how to
engineer microbial ‘cell-factories’ to
boost the manufacture of high-value
chemicals that are used in everyday
products like domestic goods, clothes
and food.
To date cell-based systems have
been less efficient than existing
petrochemical processes due
to natural constraints within
living cells. However, through
computational modelling, the team
has demonstrated that simple
refinements of existing methods can
boost production nearly two-fold.
Engineering living cells (such as
bacteria and yeasts) to produce
chemicals has the potential to create
a greener chemicals industry. This
could replace carbon-intensive
petrochemical-based systems with
bio-based cell factories that convert
cheap and sustainably sourced
feedstocks into valuable chemicals.
Dr Alexander Darlington, Royal
Academy of Engineering Research
multi-compendial, reagent-grade and bespoke
formulations designed to meet stringent
compliance requirements and ensure
reproducibility across critical processes.
Waternation’s vertically integrated approach
enables full control over manufacturing, testing
and distribution, ensuring traceability and
reliability across every batch. Its facilities operate
continuous production with rigorous quality
testing, including cleanroom capabilities for
laboratory and medical-grade water.
The company also differentiates itself through
flexible supply models, including customised
formulations, private labelling and its ‘Pay
As You Flow ’ solution for on-site purification
without capital expenditure. Combined with
next-day delivery and large in-stock volumes, this
approach is designed to help customers maintain
operational continuity while meeting increasingly
strict regulatory standards.
T 01942 914007
sales@waternation.co.uk
https://waternation.co.uk
Fellow and Assistant Professor at
the University of Warwick, said,
“Our research offers strategies for
designing bacteria that are easier
to implement than those currently
considered state-of-the-art. We
tested around 500 different control
mechanisms, and found two that
were new to research, which offers a
clear pathway toward more efficient
bio-based synthesis of chemicals.
This will enable the sustainable
manufacture of everything from drugs
to plastics, products we use every
day.”
The full paper is published in Nature
Communications volume 16, Article
number: 279 (2025).
www.warwick.ac.uk
12
BAIT is sponsored by Principle Engineering – see them on page 7

How much of your REACH
compliance depends on
your suppliers?
Chemicals
Celtic Renewables
extends partnership with
Rosebank Distillery
Many organisations rely on suppliers,
Only Representatives, or upstream
partners to maintain REACH compliance.
In practice, this can work efficiently –
until it doesn’t.
Under UK REACH, where regulatory
responsibilities and
timelines differ from
the EU, supplierled
compliance
strategies may not
always provide
the same level of
certainty. Decisions
made upstream –
such as withdrawing
support for a
substance, changing
market focus,
or restructuring
registrations –
can have direct
implications
downstream.
For some businesses, this creates a
control gap. Compliance may appear
to be in place, but the underlying
responsibility, data access, or
registration support may sit elsewhere.
As a result, changes may not be
identified until they begin to affect
supply continuity or market access.
Organisations are therefore reassessing
how much reliance they place on third
parties, and whether their current
arrangements provide sufficient
resilience under the evolving UK REACH
regime.
In this context, the
key question is not
simply whether
compliance exists,
but whether it
is within the
organisation’s
control to maintain
it.
At ACRE Consultancy,
we support
businesses in
evaluating where
their REACH
compliance
responsibilities sit,
where third-party
dependencies create risk and whether
current arrangements provide the level
of control required.
T +44 (0)1425 838995
info@acre-consultancy.com
www.acre-consultancy.com
Scottish green chemical producer Celtic
Renewables has renewed its partnership
with the independent ultra-premium
whisky distillery Rosebank, part of Ian
Macleod Distillers, for another 3 years.
The partnership will see Rosebank
Distillery in Falkirk send the pot ale
by-product produced during its distilling
process to the Celtic Renewables
biorefinery located less than four miles
away at Grangemouth.
The new agreement extends the
existing three-year partnership between
the companies, during which Celtic
Renewables received over 4,600
tonnes of whisky by-product from the
few thousand casks created in the
production of the reawakened Rosebank
spirit.
Celtic Renewables uses pot ale as a
feedstock to produce 500 tonnes of
bio-based chemicals annually at its
commercial demonstrator facility. Using
pot ale extracts value from the whisky byproducts
and reduces the amount sent
to animal feed or anaerobic digestion,
the process by which organic material is
broken down into CO 2 and methane.
The bio-based chemicals that Celtic
produces are chemically equivalent to
fossil-based chemicals and can be used
in the manufacturing of thousands of
everyday consumer goods – everything
from skin moisturisers and household
cleaning products to paint and bike tyres.
With the pot ale supplied by Rosebank,
Celtic Renewables can produce green
chemicals that generate over 60%
carbon savings when compared to
their fossil-based counterparts, using
a circular process that repurposes
residues from distilling whisky instead of
using fossil fuels.
The innovative process allows consumer
goods firms and manufacturers to partly
defossilise their supply chain and cut
their indirect Scope 3 emissions.
www.celtic-renewables.com
BAIT is sponsored by Principle Engineering – see them on page 7 13

Food & Drink News
Brenntag Specialties
presents Food &
Nutrition solutions
at Saudi Food
Manufacturing
The Brenntag Specialties Food &
Nutrition Team exhibited at the Saudi
Food Manufacturing trade show in
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia from April 13-15 at
Riyadh Front Exhibitions & Conferences
Centre.
As a leading global distributor of food
and nutrition specialty ingredients and
value-added services, Brenntag Food
& Nutrition combines a world-class
suppliers network with deep market
knowledge. With 32 Innovation &
Application Centres worldwide the team
transforms ideas into market-ready
solutions. Their expertise spans product
development, technical consultation,
regulatory support, and market insights
– helping customers navigate industry
challenges and capitalise on emerging
trends.
Irfan Yaqub Tahir, Business Manager
GCC, BSP Food EMEA, said, “At
Saudi Food Manufacturing, visitors
can explore selections of beverages,
immunity-boosting snacks, healthfocused
bites, sweet treats, and plantbased
alternatives. Beyond showcasing
our concepts, we look forward to
engaging with businesses to develop
customised solutions that not only meet
consumer demands but also anticipate
future market trends.”
www.brenntag.com
A crayfish company’s
journey
Andrew Leech started a co-operative
business with his brother and some
fellow crayfish trappers which became
very successful until the law changed
and suddenly it wasn’t. So he found a
way to trade within the new law but it
wasn’t easy.
It all started with
a barbecue in the
garden on the
river Lambourn
which is a
tributary of the
River Kennet, a
clear, shallow river
in which could
be seen many a
trout. A friend at
the BBQ threw a
chicken bone into
the water and it
was mobbed by
what looked like
small lobsters.
Andrew Leech was
instantly hooked.
Research told Andrew that the
‘mob’ were American signal crayfish,
imported in the 1970s to farm for the
Scandinavian market, where they were
much in demand. The crayfish had
escaped from the farms and thrived in
the wild. Andrew is a design engineer
so he designed a crayfish trap as a
variant on a lobster pot and soon he,
his brother and a few local crayfish
trappers were exporting a couple of
tons of crayfish a week to the Baltic
States.
To support
this trade the
fishermen had
built holding
tanks, again
designed by
Andrew, where
the crayfish could
be accumulated
and purged. It
was hard work
but supported
the overheads
and kept the local
crayfish population
down. Until that
is, when new laws
were introduced
to protect native
crayfish, other
river dwellers and the environment –
signal crayfish were named an invasive
species.
Contact
www.kennetcrayfish.com
14
BAIT is sponsored by Principle Engineering – see them on page 7

Why moving large
trees can be a smart
investment
When people picture tree planting,
they usually imagine a small sapling
tied to a stake. It’s a familiar symbol
of environmental action across parks,
housing developments and roadside
verges. But behind this image hides
a powerful alternative – one that is
frequently overlooked – the opportunity
instead, of moving large trees, writes
Aaron Morley at Ruskins the soil and
tree specialists.
With modern equipment and careful
planning, transplanting large trees
is no longer an ambitious idea, but
a practical solution, one that can
deliver environmental, financial and
ecological benefits that newly planted
saplings may take decades to deliver.
For developers, planners and land
managers, it can also be a much
smarter investment.
One of the most immediate benefits
is cost. Large, established trees are
expensive to purchase and install.
The process of sourcing specimens,
transporting them from nurseries
and planting them safely can quickly
escalate overheads, particularly when
the aim is to create an instant mature
landscape.
By contrast, trees that already exist
on a development site can often be
relocated using specialised tree spades
and lifting equipment. When handled
by experienced operators, this process
can be relatively straightforward
and significantly more economical.
In many situations, transplanting an
existing large tree can cost a fraction
of buying and planting a new tree of
comparable size, when moved with a
Tree Spade – sometimes up to 90%
less. It is one of those rare cases where
the environmentally responsible option
also happens to make financial sense.
www.ruskins.co.uk
Rethinking the
Christmas Tree
In the UK alone, an estimated 7 to
8 million real Christmas trees are
purchased each year, according to
the British Christmas Tree Growers
Association. However responsibly they
are recycled, the reality remains the
same – most are grown to be cut,
displayed briefly and disposed of. While
most of these have been used in homes
across the country, it is a different story
for larger trees used by businesses
and local authorities which face
sustainability targets, carbon reduction
strategies and ESG commitments. For
them, this annual cycle of use and
discard is increasingly difficult to justify,
when there is a less environmentally
damaging alternative.
At a time when Companies & Councils
are being asked to think long-term
about resources, waste & environmental
impact, one Essex-based business is
challenging the throwaway tradition with
a far more sustainable alternative.
Ruskins, long established as tree
and soil specialists, has developed a
growing service that rethinks how larger
Christmas trees are supplied to towns,
city centres, corporate headquarters
and public spaces. Instead of cutting
and replacing trees year after year,
Ruskins cultivates and cares for them
at its premises in Essex, transporting
them across the country for the festive
season and then returning them to
continue growing once Christmas has
passed. It is, in essence, a circular
approach to what has traditionally been
a disposable feature.
For local authorities, businesses and
large organisations, the appeal is
practical as well as environmental.
The demand for prominent Christmas
trees has not diminished – if anything,
expectations have risen. Communities
want impressive, well-lit focal points that
bring people together during December.
But increasingly they also want
those displays to reflect responsible
environmental stewardship.
www.ruskins.co.uk
Forestry
BAIT is sponsored by Principle Engineering – see them on page 7 15

Print & Packaging News
Visionary speaker line-up shapes packaging future
Packaging Innovations &
Empack 2025 featured a stellar
line-up of industry leaders,
including representatives from
WRAP, LARAC, Defra, OPRL, Reckitt, Bakkavor,
LUSH, Kellanova, Diageo, Google, McKinsey &
Company, IBM, MTC, and Make UK.
Packaging Innovations & Empack, the only
annual event in the UK that drives business
and innovation across the complete packaging
journey, was thrilled to confirm its highly
anticipated speaker line-up for the 2025 event
on 12 & 13 February at the NEC in Birmingham.
The two-day flagship event, which welcomed
No need to fear
the 7C flexo
print process!
more than 450 exhibitors
and over 7,000 attendees,
featured an outstanding
roster of speakers across
three key stages: Circular Economy, Innovation
& Design, and Manufacturing & Supply Chain.
The carefully curated and highly informative
educational programme, comprising more than
70 of the brightest and best minds from across
the packaging supply chain, provided valuable
insights into the latest trends, innovations, and
regulations shaping the packaging industry’s
future.
“We meticulously curate our speaker line-up to
Keeping organic eggs safe
DS Smith, leading international
fibre-based packaging
solutions company, and
organic eggs producer, Niels
& Grete, are collaborating
to remove plastic from
their traditional packaging.
Together the two companies
have innovated an alternative
sustainable packaging solution
for keeping delicate eggs safe
during storage and transit.
ensure that each session delivers invaluable
insights, addressing the most pressing
challenges and innovations in the packaging
industry,” said Casey McHugh, Conference &
Community Manager, UK Packaging Portfolio,
Easyfairs UK & Global. “Our goal is to create an
environment where attendees can engage with
experts, discover innovative technologies, and
gain insights to drive their businesses forward.
We understand the importance of delivering
relevant and actionable content, empowering
our audience to implement new strategies and
solutions in their organisations.”
www.easyfairs.com
intended to reduce the volume
of materials used and to make
the packing process faster
and more efficient, using
100% recyclable corrugated
cardboard materials. In
addition, the DS Smith packs
provide extra stacking stability,
and the eggs can also be
packed and locked into the
tray both below and on top,
within the perforated areas.
Switching to a standardised seven-colour flexo print
process is a logical step toward greater sustainability.
As part of its development work on more sustainable
printing technology, film manufacturer SÜDPACK made
a deliberate decision to focus on 7C – taking package
printing to a new level.
While 7C does require some explanation, a deeper
understanding of the printing process, and adjustments
to established workflows on the customer side, it clearly
delivers a wide range of benefits. These include not
only brilliant colour reproduction, maximum colour
consistency, greater efficiency, and stable processes,
but above all reduced ink and film waste, lower solvent
and energy consumption, less downtime, and fewer print
adjustments.
As a first step, the 7C flexo print process expands
the familiar 4C CMYK colour palette (cyan, magenta,
yellow, black) to include OGV (orange, green, violet),
while largely moving away from Pantone and specialeffect
colours. More than 85% of these colours can be
automatically reproduced within the expanded colour
space, with colour accuracy ensured through binding
references and proofs with precise Pantone simulation.
At industrial scale, however, the 7C flexo print method
also requires rigorous process discipline and strict
adherence to defined workflows with firmly established
parameters to ensure stable, efficient, and reproducible
production.
What may sound straightforward is, in reality, a
genuine paradigm shift in process logic. SÜDPACK
successfully initiated this shift with the introduction of
SPQ (Sustainable Print Quality) in 2019 – and has since
demonstrated the process’ many advantages across
numerous customer projects.
www.suedpack.com
Previously, Niels & Grete
packed their consignments of thirty organic eggs
in two moulded pulp-trays with a large label, and
the eggs were held secure with plastic wrapping
that was fixed with a heating technique. The
solution is to place the eggs into one existing
moulded pulp tray that can then be slotted into a
corrugated cardboard pack. The design team at
DS Smith created holes in the bottom of the pack,
alongside perforations in the top to support a
range of variations in the size of the eggs.
The new packing and packaging process is
Ready for PPWR?
The new EU Packaging
Regulation (PPWR) is
increasing the need for action
among companies along the
entire value chain. In the online
seminar ‘Ready for PPWR?
Packaging design for the whole
value chain’ on April 15, 2026,
Fraunhofer CCPE, together with
partners from research and
industry, presented concrete
solutions – from regulatory
requirements and sustainable optimisation to the
use of recycled materials in food packaging.
With the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation
(PPWR), the EU is tightening the requirements
for recyclability, use of recycled materials, and
recyclability of packaging. This sets the framework
for the entire value chain – from material
manufacturers to brand owners to recyclers.
Lina Wimmer, Senior Consultant Circularity at
Circular Analytics TK GmbH, explains the specific
requirements that companies now have to take
into account in an online seminar. She shows
how regulatory obligations can be translated into
strategic packaging decisions at an early stage.
The DS Smith design team
apply their bespoke industry-first and unique
Circular Design Metrics (CDM) tools to measure
and quantify the sustainability performance of
each of their packaging solutions across eight key
indicators. These include carbon footprint, reuse,
supply chain optimisation, recyclability, material
utilisation, and recycled content. The tools are
intended to help brands and retailers compare
sustainable design solutions, reduce waste and
pollution, and keep materials in use for longer.
www.dssmith.com
In packaging development,
the focus is on how ecological
requirements can be
combined with functional
performance. Dr Anna Kerps
from the Fraunhofer Institute
for Environmental, Safety,
and Energy Technology
UMSICHT emphasises that
packaging must be evaluated
on a differentiated basis:
for most foods, packaging
accounts for only around three to three and a half
percent of total greenhouse gas emissions. Product
protection and efficiency in the supply chain are
the main factors determining the environmental
balance.
Fraunhofer CCPE therefore uses integrated
assessment approaches that combine shelf
life simulation, transport tests, and life cycle
assessments. This provides a sound basis for
decision-making on packaging design that takes
ecological and functional requirements into account
along the entire chain.
www.ccpe.fraunhofer.de/en
16
BAIT is sponsored by Principle Engineering – see them on page 7

Energy & Power News
Egis UK welcomes three director
appointments
Egis UK has welcomed the appointment of
three new directors across its water, energy
and nuclear sectors as it bolsters its
capabilities in an area of increasing
strategic importance. Michael Timmins
joins as UK Director of Water, Joanne
Moran has been appointed as Strategic
and Growth Director for Europe, while
Yasir Mustafa joins the business as
Senior Director for Programme, Project
and Commercial Management for the UK,
Ireland and Europe.
Michael brings 25 years of experience in the water
sector, including expertise in flood risk, water resources
and environmental management. He has considerable
experience in developing strategies for the delivery,
growth and management of the day-to-day operations of
a multi-disciplinary team.
Joanne brings more than 25 years of experience in
the professional consultancy sector, with a strong
background in developing growth strategies, securing
major opportunities and delivering innovative
solutions across renewable energy, water
& environment, ports, power and
transportation.
Meanwhile, Yasir brings over 30 years
of experience in managing complex
projects and programmes, specialising
in commercial strategy and planning.
His expertise is particularly strong in the
water, energy & nuclear sectors.
Francois-Xavier Basselot, Managing
Director, Energy & Sustainable Cities, Europe
and Africa, at Egis Group, said, “These strategic
appointments highlight our commitment to expanding
in the UK, focusing on critical areas like energy,
water management and climate resilience. Michael,
Joanne and Yasir’s leadership will be instrumental as
we leverage Egis’ extensive experience, particularly
from our teams in France and Ireland, to support the
UK water, environment, nuclear & energy sectors’
ambitions & deliver sustainable, innovative solutions.”
www.egis-group.com
WarmZilla’s hot topic that homeowners
can’t afford to ignore
Homeowners opting against
an annual boiler service are
standing to lose up to £300 in
additional energy costs, while
potentially putting their lives
at risk, leading home services
brand WarmZilla has claimed.
The heating and plumbing
experts have reported a 25%
drop in the work so far this year,
due to cost-of-living challenges as many people aren’t
regarding the maintenance as an essential outgoing.
WarmZilla founder, Matthew Powell, said that an annual
boiler service was vital for both safety and efficiency
and added that a deferral could create a false economy
with unwanted call outs required in future. In addition,
he said that a typical boiler would stand to lose between
5-15% in efficiency each year, if not serviced.
For the same month-and-a-half in
2024, 25% less boiler servicing
bookings have been made and
Matthew is warning of greater
headaches in the future as a result.
He said, “We understand why less
residents are booking a boiler
service as we know that times are
hard, but we think it’s a relatively
small amount for the added
efficiency and peace of mind provided in return.”
According to research conducted for Gas Safety Week by
British Gas, approximately 72% of homeowners service
their boilers annually. This indicates that nearly 28% of
homeowners are neglecting this essential maintenance
task.
www.warmzilla.co.uk/boiler/boiler-service
ADE to sponsor
Energy
Technology Live
AMPYR Distributed Energy (ADE), the leading investor
in onsite sustainable energy solutions, was a sponsor
of the Energy Technology Live exhibition. Taking place
at the NEC in Birmingham between 12-13 March,
the event brought together two exhibitions – the
Distributed Energy Show and the Energy Storage Show
– to accelerate the adoption of decentralised energy
generation.
Alongside supporting the exhibition as a sponsor,
representatives from the ADE team took to the
Distributed Energy Show stage to discuss key
challenges and opportunities facing the sector. On
the second day of the event (Thursday 13 March),
chief commercial officer Miles Thomas presented
a keynote on the emerging role of battery storage
in the commercial energy landscape of tomorrow.
From optimising the potential of behind-the-meter
generation, to tackling misconceptions around
funding challenges, he provided a deep dive into the
technology’s future potential.
ADE’s senior investment director, Ben Cameron, also
joined thought leaders from across the renewable
energy supply chain for a panel discussion titled
‘Financing the future: unlocking asset capital for net
zero goals.’ As part of the session, Cameron discussed
the importance of funding in enabling corporate
sustainability initiatives, as well as explaining the
different green finance options available to UK
businesses.
www.ampyrde.com
LEONHARD KURZ and ENERGYNEST announce
commercial agreement
ENERGYNEST, the global leader in thermal storage, has
signed a commercial agreement with LEONHARD KURZ,
a world-leading family business in thin-film technology,
to implement an innovative power-to-heat system
with thermal storage. This collaboration strengthens
industrial decarbonisation efforts, showcasing a
replicable model for reducing carbon emissions in
manufacturing worldwide.
LEONHARD KURZ is a global technology leader with
operations in over 50 countries and 5,800 employees,
supplying advanced surface decoration solutions across
multiple industries. KURZ’s products are widely used
in automotive parts, smartphones, laptops, furniture,
packaging, books, textiles, labels, and bank cards, as
well as in security applications to prevent counterfeiting.
Committed to sustainability, the company aims for
carbon-neutral production by 2040 and already sources
100% renewable electricity at its German operations.
However, producing these
high-tech decorations
requires process heat
at high temperatures,
traditionally supplied
by natural gas boilers.
The targeted production
line at KURZ’s Sulzbach-
Rosenberg facility
consumes over 4GWhth
of process heat annually,
making it a prime
candidate for electrification and emissions reduction.
Power-to-heat technology converts renewable electricity,
such as solar, wind, or off-peak grid power, into hightemperature
heat. When paired with advanced thermal
storage, it provides a reliable, flexible, and carbonfree
energy source for industrial processes, helping
manufacturers reduce
their dependence on fossil
fuels while maintaining
operational efficiency.
To significantly lower its
carbon footprint, KURZ is
integrating ENERGYNEST’s
turnkey power-to-heat
solution, featuring
a 3MWe electrical
heater and a 12MWhth
ThermalBattery . The system will seamlessly integrate
into KURZ’s existing thermal oil infrastructure, providing
stable, on-demand heat while drastically reducing
reliance on natural gas.
www.kurz-world.com
www.energy-nest.com
18
BAIT is sponsored by Principle Engineering – see them on page 7

ABB grinding technology
ABB has been awarded a contract
to deliver gearless mill drive
(GMD) and ring-geared mill drive
(RMD) technology for Harmony’s
Eva Copper Mine Project, a major
new open-pit copper mine in
Queensland, Australia. With global
copper demand estimated to surge
24% by 2035 Eva Copper is set
to become a major new copper
mine in the region, producing
approximately 60,000 tons of
copper annually over a minimum
15 year mine life. The order was
booked in the fourth quarter of
2025. Financial details were not
disclosed.
ABB’s technology will enable
grinding with maximum efficiency,
reliability and operational flexibility,
suitable for a modern concentrator
designed around contemporary
processing flowsheets and low-risk
technology choices.
The contract reflects the
accelerating demand for critical
metals and minerals, alongside
renewed momentum in large-scale
mining projects across Australia,
with the energy transition being
a key driver. It also adds to ABB’s
installed base of GMDs and RMDs
deployed globally to support the
supply of materials essential to
modern industry.
“ABB will bring together local
manufacturing capabilities, global
expertise & proven technologies
to support Queensland’s most
significant new mining project,”
said Björn Jonsson, Global
Business Line Manager, Mining
& Materials, at ABB’s Process
Industries division. “Our mill drive
systems will support reliable,
efficient grinding at the heart of the
Eva Copper Mine Project, which will
play a pivotal role in strengthening
the copper supply chain to support
the global energy transition.”
www.abb.com
Quarrying & Mining
World leaders in piling
equipment and ground
improvement
At Hillhead 2026, BSP-TEX
showcased a blend of long-standing
engineering expertise and practical
road maintenance innovation.
Founded in 1906, the company
has built a global reputation for
piling equipment and ground
improvement systems. Alongside
this heritage, BSP-TEX continues
to expand its road maintenance
portfolio, focusing on efficient,
contractor-friendly solutions.
Taking centre stage on the stand
was the flagship M95 Mk2 precoated
chip spreader. Designed
for accuracy, reliability and ease of
operation, the M95 Mk2 enables
consistent material distribution,
supporting high-quality surface
dressing across a range of
applications. Its robust build and
user-focused controls make it a
dependable choice for demanding
site conditions.
Complementing this was the Trojan
Crusader asphalt mixer, engineered
to prepare and dispense mastic
asphalt with efficient mixing
performance and reliability.
Set against Hillhead’s live
demonstration environment, BSP-
TEX’s lineup highlighted practical,
field-proven equipment designed
to improve productivity, reduce
downtime and support modern
road maintenance operations.
Contact
T 01473 830030
sales-bsp@tex.co.uk
www.bsptex.com
FOR
SALE
Inert landfill site situated between Sunderland and
Durham, with excellent access to the A1 and A19.
New permit and permission for 15 years with 700,000
cubic metres of space and available minerals in the site.
● Recycling with good potential/location for a wash plant set up.
● Potential for further mineral extraction of Magnesian Limestone and
Permian sand (subject to planning).
For further information, contact Jeff Bennison on 07885 297304
BAIT is sponsored by Principle Engineering – see them on page 7 19

Pumps & Valves
Oliver Valvetek wins King’s Award for Enterprise
in Innovation
Oliver Valvetek has been honoured with the King’s
Award for Enterprise in Innovation, recognising
a major in-house engineering development that
has delivered significant benefits for subsea valve
performance, reliability and long-term customer
confidence.
This latest success marks the fourth Royal Award
achieved by the Oliver family of companies, and
Oliver Valvetek’s third Royal Award. It is also the
company’s first award in the Innovation category,
underlining the role that British engineering,
research and development, and practical problemsolving
continue to play across the business.
At the heart of the award-winning innovation is a
new Face Seal arrangement for Oliver Valvetek’s
subsea gate valves. Developed entirely inhouse
by the company’s UK-based R&D team,
the innovation replaces a conventional springenergised
lip seal with a simpler, one-piece PEEK
polymer seal designed to improve performance in
extreme subsea environments.
Unlike traditional sealing arrangements, the new
Face Seal uses system pressure to strengthen the
sealing effect. As operating pressure increases,
the seal becomes more effective, providing
greater reliability in demanding applications where
failure is not an option.
The innovation has been qualified for working
pressures from 5,000
psi to 20,000 psi and
simulated water depths
of up to 4,000 metres.
For subsea operators,
where unplanned
intervention can be
highly complex, costly
and time-critical, the
performance benefits are significant. Improved
sealing reliability helps reduce the risk of
downtime, supports safer offshore operations and
provides greater confidence for high-pressure,
deepwater projects.
Beyond the technical performance, the innovation
has also delivered major operational and
commercial benefits. By bringing the design
and manufacture of the seal fully in-house,
Oliver Valvetek has reduced reliance on external
suppliers, improved quality control, simplified
assembly and strengthened its ability to
respond quickly to customer requirements. The
development has already supported more than
£6.8 million in orders, demonstrating its clear
impact in the market.
Nick Howard, Engineering Director, said, “Winning
the King’s Award for Enterprise in Innovation is
a tremendous achievement for Oliver Valvetek
and a proud moment for everyone across our
companies. Innovation has always been central
to how we work, not as
an abstract idea, but as
a practical engineering
discipline that
solves real customer
challenges.
“This award recognises
the skill, persistence
and technical expertise of our people, who
continue to develop world-class valve solutions
here in the UK for some of the most demanding
energy applications in the world.”
The award further strengthens Oliver Valvetek’s
reputation as a trusted subsea valve specialist,
with a long history of delivering engineered
solutions for critical offshore applications. It also
reflects the company’s continued investment
in British manufacturing, in-house testing and
R&D-led product development.
With three Royal Awards now awarded to Oliver
Valvetek, and four achieved across the Oliver
companies, this latest recognition marks
another significant milestone in a legacy built on
engineering excellence, innovation and long-term
performance.
T +44 (0)1565 632636
sales@valves.co.uk
www.valves.co.uk
20
BAIT is sponsored by Principle Engineering – see them on page 7

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
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high level of service and support to all our
customers.
Visit Stand W25 at Hillhead 2026. See the fibo
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self-service system for concrete, mortar, and
screed collections. Meet the team, explore the
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and get a live demo. Scan to find out more and
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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
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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
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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 Principle Engineering – see them on page 7 21