CERATIZIT enhance precision at NDT
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In the precision-driven world of non-destructive testing (NDT) manufacturing, selecting the right tooling and workholding solutions is crucial for ensuring product quality. NDT Equipment Ltd, a Northamptonshire specialist in manufacturing NDT calibration blocks and test pieces, has earned its reputation by delivering high-precision components with tolerances as tight as ±0.005mm. At the heart of their production capabilities is a strategic partnership with CERATIZIT, whose cutting-edge tooling solutions have been essential to NDT Equipment’s manufacturing excellence. NDT Equipment Ltd...
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Understanding government loan schemes
MTD Audiobook
In today’s business environment, understanding and leveraging government loan schemes can be a game-changer for many firms. Recent data from Close Brothers Asset Finance’s independent research sheds light on how businesses perceive and use these schemes, including the Recovery Loan Scheme (RLS) and the Growth Guarantee Scheme (GGS). l 53% of SMEs know how to use government loan programmes l 48% find the application process challenging l 1 in 3 businesses would use these loans to purchase assets or improve cash Awareness and understanding A significant portion of businesses are aware...
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Digital factories key to MedTech’s growth in tough conditions
MTD Audiobook
Lifestyle-related illnesses, an ageing population and personalised health are some of the medical industry’s growth drivers. Manufacturers are using digital technology, from digital dental labs to polymorphic moulds, to win orders and battle tough trading conditions. Will Stirling reports. Over 5.8 million people in the UK are living with diabetes, the highest number on record. The prevalence of type 2 diabetes has nearly doubled in the last 15 years, linked to lifestyle factors such as obesity and high-sugar diets. People are living longer and require mobility and care technology for...
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Renishaw AM & metrology provides flexibility for medical manufacturer
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Croom Precision Medical has selected Renishaw as its partner for additive manufacturing (AM) and metrology. It will use Renishaw technology throughout the production and validation of its ISO: 13485 certified medical devices. The company has found that using Renishaw’s AM technology enables them to incorporate complex features into their implant designs at a commercially viable cost. They also note that Renishaw’s integrated AM software, combined with its metrology solutions, helps them maintain traceability throughout their manufacturing process, which is vital in a heavily regulated...
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Mitutoyo delivers missing link
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s a globally recognised manufacturer of leaf chains, FB Chain products are used in the automotive, material handling, and industrial machining sectors. The Letchworth Garden City company has earned a reputation for producing durable high-performance chains that support critical operations in demanding environments. To further this commitment, the company employs equipment from Mitutoyo. The product range includes leaf chains, roller chains, anchor bolts, sprockets, and customised chain solutions. The company’s leaf chain kits include pre-measured components like chains, bolts, and...
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Hexagon enhances hip prosthesis production
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Dedienne Santé, a French medical device manufacturer specialising in hip prostheses, has significantly improved its quality control process by implementing three advanced Hexagon CMMs. These technologies have enhanced measurement accuracy and reduced inspection times by 20%, setting new standards in medical device manufacturing. Founded in 1986 and based in Mauguio, France, Dedienne Santé is a leading SME specialising in surgical products, particularly dual-mobility hip replacements. As a manufacturer of high-precision prostheses, the company must adhere to strict industry standards, where...
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cutting and Wear optimises manufacturing with Dugard Ibarmia machine
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Cutting and Wear Resistant Developments Ltd, a leading manufacturer of specialised downhole tools for the oil and gas industry, has undergone a transformative shift in its production capabilities after investing in an Ibarmia machine from Dugard. The company, led by Managing Director Matthew Cooper, has followed a successful growth trajectory over the past 12 years, and the introduction of this advanced CNC machine has played a pivotal role in supporting its expansion. Cutting and Wear’s unique selling proposition lies in its ability to manufacture tools with a hard-facing aspect and...
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Hurco empowers manufacturing success at RPH
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In the fast-paced world of precision manufacturing, staying ahead of the curve is crucial for maintaining a competitive edge. For Richard Haim, the owner of RPH Manufacturing Ltd, this realisation came early in his career, leading him to make a strategic investment in Hurco machine tools. RPH, a company based in Bournemouth, has been a stalwart in the industry, delivering over 45,000 parts annually to its diverse customer base. At the heart of this impressive output lies Richard’s unwavering commitment to leveraging the latest manufacturing technologies, with Hurco machines. Richard’s...
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Navigating challenges with precision and innovation
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The global economic environment of 2024 presented unprecedented challenges for industrial manufacturers, yet Studer emerged not only as a survivor but also as a strategic innovator. At this year’s press conference, Studer once again delivered an insightful overview of the company’s performance and innovations. Always a highlight in the calendar for the trade media, the 2025 event was hosted online as opposed to a trip to the picturesque Steffisburg municipality of Switzerland – but the insights were no less impressive. By Rhys Williams Outgoing CEO Jens Blaher set the tone for the...
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Atkinson Equipment slashes lead-times by automating prismatic machining
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Aleading OEM specialising in the design and production of equipment for oil heating and diesel tank applications, as well as being a subcontract engineering firm, Atkinson Equipment has dramatically reduced lead-times following investment in a Brother Speedio U500Xd1 5-axis machining centre equipped with Tezmaksan CubeBox automation from Whitehouse Machine Tools. Adam Walford, Engineering Group Sales Manager at Atkinson Equipment explained: “The automation solution from Whitehouse has increased our productivity dramatically. We have typically halved lead-times from 12 weeks down to six for...
info_outlineIn today’s business environment, understanding and leveraging government loan schemes can be a game-changer for many firms.
Recent data from Close Brothers Asset Finance’s independent research sheds light on how businesses perceive and use these schemes, including the Recovery Loan Scheme (RLS) and the Growth Guarantee Scheme (GGS).
l 53% of SMEs know how to use government loan programmes
l 48% find the application process challenging
l 1 in 3 businesses would use these loans to purchase assets or improve cash
Awareness and understanding
A significant portion of businesses are aware of these government loan programs. According to the data, 58% of respondents have heard about the RLS and GGS. However, understanding how these schemes can be applied to their businesses is slightly lower, with 53% indicating they know how to use them.
Application process
When it comes to the application process, 58% of businesses understand how to apply for these loans, but despite this, nearly half of the respondents (48%) find the application process challenging.
Utilisation of loans
Businesses have diverse plans for utilising government-backed loans. The most common uses include purchasing assets (17%), improving cash flow (16%), and investing in sustainable initiatives such as solar panels and wind power (13%). Other notable uses include training existing staff (12%) and hiring more staff (11%).
British Business Bank loan schemes
Growth Guarantee Scheme (GGS): Supports UK smaller businesses with loans up to £2 million. It offers term loans, overdrafts, asset finance, invoice finance, and asset-based lending and it provides a 70% government-backed guarantee.
Recovery Loan Scheme (RLS): Provided loans up to £2 million for UK businesses to support investment and growth. This included term loans, overdrafts, asset finance, and invoice finance.
Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme (CBILS): Provided up to £5 million in financial support to UK businesses affected by COVID-19. It included term loans, overdrafts, invoice finance, and asset finance. The CBILS offered a government-backed guarantee to lenders, encouraging more lending.
Bounce Back Loan Scheme (BBLS): Provided loans between £2,000 and £50,000 to UK small and medium-sized businesses affected by COVID-19. BBLS offered a 100% government guarantee, a fixed 2.5% interest rate, and no repayments for the first year.
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