Today is a very special National Manufacturing Day in Basingstoke. This year the event will also mark the 50th Anniversary of the creation of Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council. It seems quite incredible to think we also moved to the town in 1974.

Since relocating to Basingstoke we have enjoyed immense success, supported by the many talented local people who have worked here. It is their drive and ingenuity that has played such a vital role in placing us at the pinnacle of precision engineering. From adopting new ideas to reach unimaginable standards in quality, to coming up with great ways to reduce our impact on the environment, so many of the great successes we have enjoyed have been down to the local people who choose to work here.

We have also been able to play a part in shaping the careers of many apprentices in the vicinity. In 2018 we achieved 1,000 apprentices trained in our facilities, many of whom were from the Basingstoke area. It’s a record we aim to continue as we look for the next generation of engineers in local schools to come and work with us while they learn at BCoT.

So, congratulations to Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council on reaching 50 years. We appreciate your continued support to manufacturing companies in the town and look forward to working with you to make Basingstoke a great, sustainable place to work.

In 2022 we were asked to help support Winklebury Wizards, a local junior football team. The time and effort put in by so many volunteers to help young people develop their fitness and find new friends really impressed us. And so we pledged to sponsor their U-10 side.

Since then the team has gone on to enjoy some memorable success, including winning their league – which is a terrific result for them. So, when it came to deciding whether to continue our support, it really was not a difficult decision to make.

We are very proud to once again support a local community group help children stay fit and healthy and develop vital social skills and friendships. Go, Wizards!