The next generation: UK engineering start-ups

By Jon Excell, editor, The Engineer and Launchpad chair

Engineering remains a huge part of the UK economy: contributing about 23% of the UK turnover and employing just under one in five people in the UK workforce.

There are many challenges to maintaining, and hopefully improving, on this formula (not least finding a workable solution to the Brexit conundrum) but one vital piece of the puzzle is ensuring that the engineering wealth-generators of tomorrow are able to grow and prosper.

The UK doesn’t have a great track record in this regard. But there are positive signs that things are changing.  In early 2018, research by the Royal Academy of Engineering’s Enterprise Hub suggested strongly that the UK no longer lags behind the USA when it comes to engineering start-ups.  

Building on this – however - is vital, and there are a number of ways that industry, academia, government and the media can help.  

Firstly, it’s time to end the increasingly outdated distinction between engineering and ‘technology’. If the sector is to cast its net wide, tap into the opportunities presented by the blurring boundaries between once distinct area and attract fresh talent, it must address perceptions that it stands apart from other industries.

Secondly, the broader UK engineering community also needs to be encouraged to become less risk averse. Addressing this is perhaps doubly-difficult in the uncertain climate created by Brexit, but it’s vital that fledgling firms are given the confidence to take those first bold steps, and that larger companies are emboldened to help them on their way.

And finally, despite UK industry’s strong track record of collaborating with the academic research base, there is still more that can be done to tap into this source of innovation. Indeed, according to latest research carried out by The Engineer’s sister event Subcon just 3 per cent of engineering businesses collaborate with academia to drive innovation.

In our own small effort to help address this, The Engineer is pleased to support Subcon’s Launchpad initiative, which will give eight British engineering start-ups a free platform to share their innovations with thousands of senior industry decision makers.

Each of the eight start-ups will also be entered into the inaugural Launchpad Awards, the winner of which will receive a £10,000 package including a free stand on the main floor at Subcon 2020 as well PR and marketing support.

Qualifying businesses must be under three years old with a product or service that relates to engineering and/or manufacturing. 

To enter and to find out more visit:  https://www.subconshow.co.uk/exhibit/launchpad-launchpad-awards 

Please note, entries close this week! 

Meet the speakers: In conversation with... Alan Pendry and Dr Junfeng Yang at Birmingham City University

In conversation with… Alan Pendry, Associate Professor of Advanced Systems Engineering, and Dr Junfeng Yang, Lecturer in Automotive Engineering, Birmingham City University.

Alan Pendry and Dr Junfeng Yang will be discussing how to ‘tap into new potential for lightweight components via STEAM innovation’ at Subcon on 8 June at 10:45.

Please sum up your conference session in one sentence:

Birmingham City University has teamed up with Meridian Lightweight Technologies UK to research and develop processes and systems for the production and use of magnesium alloys: we present here an overview of our 15 research threads and invite others to join our Magnesium Innovation Group.

"The environment - greenhouse gas reduction and climate change mitigation - is the biggest challenge facing the industry this year."

What practical tips will visitors pick up from your presentation?  

How magnesium can replace heavier and more carbon-intensive materials for automotive and aerospace applications. How smaller-scale designers and manufacturers can find cost-effective magnesium solutions. How Birmingham City University can help your business develop and grow.

What's the biggest opportunity facing the industry?

Building a design-driven culture to create and safeguard design and manufacturing jobs throughout the UK.

Is leaving the EU good or bad for UK manufacturing?  

Very bad in the short-to-medium term: difficult to evaluate in the long term.

Do you think the industry will suffer if leaving the EU restricts free movement of labour?

Very much in the short term: difficult to evaluate in the medium term.

Do you think the Apprentice Levy is a good thing?

Apprenticeships and degree apprenticeships are an excellent opportunity for UK companies to grow the essential skills needed by our growing manufacturing industry and to take us into the 4^th Industrial Revolution.

If you were in Government, what would you do to encourage more women and young people to work in the engineering and manufacturing industries?

Get rid of “career politicians” and replace the cabinet with engineers: 50% male and 50% female; educate school teachers as to what engineering and manufacturing in the 21^st century is; promote positive action without the perceived fear of discrimination in the appointment of women to engineering posts: Include flexible working and career progression following absence (e.g. following childbirth).

What are your thoughts on Industry 4.0?

It is a plethora of exciting opportunities and is coming, whether we want it or not: don’t let us lose out through complacency like we did with our motorcycle and steel industries!

What are you most looking forward to about Subcon 2017?

Meeting creative, forward-looking individuals who can join us on this exciting journey.

Don’t miss Alan Pendry and Dr Junfeng Yang at Subcon – they will be discussing how to ‘tap into new potential for lightweight components via STEAM innovation’ on 8 June at 10:45. You can register for a free pass at www.subconshow.co.uk

Meet the speakers: In Conversation With … Jeremy Hadall

Jeremy Hadall is Chief Technologist for Robotics and Automation, The Manufacturing Technology Centre. He will present ‘The benefits of embracing robotics and automation’ at Subcon at 1215 on Wednesday 7 June.

Please sum up your conference session in one sentence:

I guess it’s a bit of myth busting on two fronts; first about how robotics and automation are not just for big companies and second that we’re not even close to replacing every manufacturing employee with a robot.

What practical tips will visitors pick up from your presentation?

How to work out what automation is right for them and how to build a case for it.

What’s the biggest challenge facing the industry this year?

Probably dealing with uncertainty. There is so much around: Brexit, Government’s industrial strategy, etc.

And the biggest opportunity?

See above! Seeing the uncertainty as an opportunity and seeking out ways to become more productive (perhaps through automation!) is perhaps the biggest opportunity in 2017.

Is leaving the EU good or bad for UK manufacturing?

It’s far too early to tell yet, but losing access to research, skilled engineers and influence over standards could be very damaging.

Do you think the industry will suffer if leaving the EU restricts free movement of labour?

Almost certainly. We are already seeing some skilled and semi-skilled people leaving and if leaving the EU restricts free movement this can only get worse.

Do you think the Apprentice Levy is a good thing?

Again, it’s probably too early to tell its long-term benefit, but creating more skilled technicians and engineers can only be a good thing.

If you were in Government, what would you do to encourage more women and young people to work in the engineering and manufacturing industries?

I am not sure it’s purely the role of Government, it needs all of us in the engineering and manufacturing industries to showcase what a diverse and engaging career choice these industries can be. I’m not a fan of quotas or programmes to encourage people into engineering, it’s far better to enthuse more women and young people to join the profession than create (sometimes) false incentives.

What are your thoughts on Industry 4.0?

It’s a great idea that’s been around for years! But it’s only now that we have the computing power, the software tools and the automation to harness the data available to enhance manufacturing processes. But more companies need to engage and understand the technologies and upskill their workforces to benefit from it.

What are you most looking forward to about Subcon 2017?

This will be my first time at the event, so looking to take it all in and make the most of the experience.

Don't miss Jeremy's session - and 35 other first class presentations at this year's Subcon conference delivered by The Engineer and The Manufacturer. Register now for your free pass at the Subcon website.