The monthly news from Bennett Engineering [March 2023]

When is it ok to be springy?

Now the daffodils out and the days are longer it’s lovely to see spring is being very springy.

One of the things you might hear from us is our process. It doesn’t involve much springing about. Why?

It’s been designed from our combined experience which sadly nowadays amounts to decades and decades and decades (with a few more decades). Having a process where the path is clear facilitates you understanding what the deliverables are, when and what they will be. 

Springy projects can mean scope creep and that’s just going to be inefficient and worse very expensive. When springing around is good is for moving as quickly through the project phases as the skills and expertise allow. Having a clear process facilitates this springiness and makes sure there’s no negative impacts on the project. 

There’s nothing flowery in our approach to design engineering projects but our end goal is for every project to blossom beautifully which means there’s always a spring in our step.

If your projects are making you feel some wintery blues perhaps it’s time to call in the spring cleaners? You can reach us on 01509 363 060. 

What does sustainability mean to you?

“Companies who place sustainability at the centre of their business practises will be the ones who succeed in the future” says Vikram Nair, president – EMEA global head, Tech Mahindra.

Without a doubt the manufacturing sector here in the UK has made huge progress when it comes to environmental considerations when they are making their widgets.

As this prevalent topic rightfully gets more attention how are you making sure you put sustainability within the core of your manufacturing business?

Waste is something as engineers that bugs us; whether it’s over specification of materials, using unnecessary power or processes that are inefficient and so costly.

Another area that has caught our attention is not just reuse and recycling but remanufacturing. The carbon trust say remanufacturing could boost the economy by £5.6billion which would be welcome. This area has caught our attention as discarding products is something a soapbox is needed for in the office (don’t mention the washing machine that fell apart after 2 years to one team member!).

For us sustainability comes in the form of our team who are determined to ensure projects are completed with all the essential considerations that reduce the impact on people and planet. That’s got to be the right approach.

What’s your talent looking like?

One thing MAKE UK have been talking about this month is the issue with finding and retaining the right talent within the manufacturing sector.

Our team have been hearing the same commentary from business leaders who are looking for design engineering. 

Huge salary expectations, only experienced in one field, not experience in industry, not having the right skills… the list goes on and on.

MAKE UK report manufacturers just finding ‘enough people’ not even the right people to ensure they can operate and fulfil order books. 

Are you seeing the same?

Back comes the Bentley

What an iconic form this vehicle is yet it’s modernised for today’s world.

The Bentley Blower has completed a 6 hour endurance test at full race pace at Goodwood which reportedly resulted in a ‘flawless performance’.

Car Zero as it’s called is part of the Continuation Series that’s ready for the race track.

The earlier mentioned test has proven the quality of the engineering for this model but has also given the team learnings to take into the build of the first engineering car which is already being completed.

In 1923 Bentley had a car in the Le Mans race, how amazing to see this new model in today’s news!

Bamboo for your bum
 
One of the team bought in some bamboo tissues the other day from a company they really like (Cheeky Panda if you are interested!).
 
That meant the lunch time conversation centred around how is bamboo loo paper made?
 
It’s very interesting stuff!
 
The sustainably sourced bamboo is chopped and then left to ferment in massive piles for about 2 months.
 
The fibres are then mashed with water to make a pulp with absolutely no chemicals added. It’s naturally a very soft material ready to be rolled into 3 ply (because 1 ply would be too thin for our every day usage!).