Engineering Apprentice of the Year Award

Submit your application for Engineering Apprentice of the Year Award 2024   We are delighted to announce that applications are now open for Engineering Apprentice of the Year Award. This incredible opportunity for our industry’s apprentices will recognise the enthusiasm, innovation and imagination of up-and-coming engineers and manufacturers. Is there an engineering apprentice in your […]

YEYA 2023

Submit your application for YEYA 2023   The ScotEng Young Engineer of the Year Award (YEYA), formerly known as “The Incorporation of Hammermen of Glasgow Award” has recognised and celebrated the best young engineers in Scotland for over 25 years. Is there a young member of your team who has shown excellence, innovation, and imagination […]

How will employment law be affected by the Retained EU Law (Revocation and Reform) Bill?

The Retained EU Law (Revocation and Reform) Bill has caused grave concern across employment law circles. Opposition members have even gone as far as to label it ‘reckless’ during the recent Parliamentary debate, given its potential to remove huge swathes of modern employment law without plans for replacements. If the bill is passed, it will […]

Changes to flexible working

Government has recently published its response to the  2021 consultation on an update to the flexible working regime. In summary the Government’s response included: 1. That the right to request flexible working will become a day 1 right as opposed to after 26 weeks continuous service. However, it remains a ‘right to request’ not a […]

Member company rebrands and launches ambitious new development plans

Falkirk-based engineering firm John Jenkins & Son has set out its positive and ambitious plans for future growth and development as it launched a new name and new branding.   The third-generation family business, which won the President’s Award at this year’s Scottish Engineering Awards, has doubled its turnover in the past three years and […]

December Breakfast Briefing – Employee Conduct Outside The Office

Catch up with December’s Breakfast Briefing – Employee Conduct Outside The Office   Hear from our Employee Relations Adviser, Dermot Cole, on how we deal with employee conduct away from work, especially misconduct away from the workplace. It’s especially timely, given that we enter the Christmas party season and maybe the first work social Christmas […]

Chief Exec’s report Q4 2022

Read the full Q4 2022 Quarterly Review 6 minute read It’s tempting to think that life is increasingly chaotic, but the last three months really has taken the biscuit. When we wrote in September of our deep concerns about the cost of energy crisis for business, we welcomed the imminent end of an absence of […]

Chief Exec’s report Q3 2022

Read the full Q3 2022 Quarterly Review 6 minute read In asking if there could possibly be a worse time to have a lack of direction from our UK Government, for our Engineering sector I am afraid I struggle to see a worse scenario than the timing of the absence of leadership we are experiencing […]

Chief Exec’s report Q2 2022

Read the full Q2 2022 Quarterly Review 6 minute read As an opening summary, a fifth successive quarter of positive principal measures might feel like something worth celebrating, and whilst there are signs of softening in the upward rate, we surely expected a sharper response than the levelling seen here, given the escalation in global […]

The Managing People Hub

Tuesday saw the launch of our People Management Hub; this is a meeting point for all of those within our membership who have a role advising Line and Senior Managers on people issues within their workplace. Our inaugural meeting was very well attended and had fantastic participation, with immediate positive benefits for some of those […]

Inclusive Engineering Programme 2019/2020

Naziyah Mahmood Gender Equality Officer, Scottish Engineering Funded by Impact Funding Partners Delivered in partnership with EQUATE Scotland   In order to further our goals, grow our businesses and successfully become equal and inclusive organisations, it is imperative for individuals and companies to continuously review their equality and inclusion stances, and to implement positive practices […]

Chancellor shows his support for continuation of the R&D tax relief scheme

In this latest Member’s Briefing article, Member company and Innovation Funding specialists ABGI-UK shed light on recent developments in the R&D tax relief scheme.  Despite rumours over the last few months of significant changes to the R&D tax relief scheme, the Chancellor’s spring statement made only a brief reference to the scheme. It’s clear that […]

Chief Exec’s report Q1 2022

Read the full Q1 2022 Quarterly Review 6 minute read Welcome to our first review of 2022, taking stock of what feels like a stabilising pandemic position, and especially pleased to report that the positive demand we cautiously tracked through 2021 appears to not only be holding but in many cases strengthening.  Four successive positive […]

Diversification Opportunity with Frog Bikes

Catch up with this informative webinar which provides an in-depth look at the typical manufacturing essentials and components Frog Bikes require from suppliers. The UK’s bike industry is worth over £2bn per annum and growing faster than any market as governments around the world look to decarbonise transport and clean up our towns and cities. […]

An inside look at Autonomous iOt

Autonomous iOt joined us at the recent Low Carbon Logistics event during COP26 to speak about their company and its capabilities in an SME in the spotlight slot. Unfortunately, as happens on occasion with live events, there was a technology challenge on the day and the five minutes allocated to Autonomous iOt were used up […]

Chief Exec’s report Q4 2021

Read the full Q4 2021 Quarterly Review 4 minute read Welcome all to our final review of 2021, a year of surprising welcome levels of order recovery in one sense, dampened by the reality of raw material, component, logistics and resource shortages and costs. One member couldn’t have described it more clearly in their response […]

Herald Article October

ScotEng October Herald Article In our latest Herald article, we discuss the current energy crisis and to what extent should the UK Government step in to ease the impact on industry. Read the full article here.   Paul Sheerin Chief Executive, Scottish Engineering

Herald Article September

ScotEng September Herald Article In our latest Herald article we discuss the climate emergency, renewable energy and the development of a hydrogen economy. Read the full article here.   Paul Sheerin Chief Executive, Scottish Engineering

Herald Article August 2021

ScotEng August Herald Article In our latest Herald article, we discuss supply chain disruptions, COVID recovery, and COP26. Read the full article here.   Paul Sheerin Chief Executive, Scottish Engineering

Digital allies in the battle against supply chain disruption

In this latest Member’s Briefing article, Member company and Innovation Funding specialists ABGI-UK give a fantastic insight into what can be achieved when manufacturing businesses adopt digital tools available to them.     Make UK’s Q2 Manufacturing Outlook painted a very encouraging picture for post-Covid recovery with many companies reporting higher numbers of both UK and […]

Herald Article July 2021

ScotEng July Herald Article In our latest Herald article, we discuss Brexit, product certification, and the urgent need for clarity from the Government. Read the full article here.   Paul Sheerin Chief Executive, Scottish Engineering

Digital solutions for VUCA markets

In this latest Member’s Briefing article, Member company ABGI-UK provide detail on how digital solutions can help manufacturers in dealing with the volatile global market conditions being experienced at the moment.    It looks like the disruption created by the last 15 months of pandemic isn’t over. In fact, if anything, the opening up of […]

Mediation In The Workplace Webinar

  Above you can view the recording of our recent “Mediation in the workplace” session, hosted by Bill Porterfield: People Development Director at Aurellien HR and Charlie Irvine: Director and Course Leader at Strathclyde University Mediation Clinic. Click here for session slides Event description This session was delivered by fully accredited and experienced mediators, Bill […]

Herald Article June 2021

ScotEng June Herald Article In our latest Herald Scotland article, we discuss skills, COVID redundancies, and the urgent need to invest in skills to aid Scotland’s net-zero ambitions. Read the full article here.    Paul Sheerin Chief Executive, Scottish Engineering

Herald Article May 2021

Social distancing could deepen UK productivity woe With the majority of Scotland moving to level two restrictions today, we are surely just a spell of decent weather away from confirming the return of that precious commodity, optimism. Aside from those personal easements in what we can do in our spare time and with family and friends, the business […]

Fuel Change Challenge – Now is the time for you to make a difference

Think you’ve got what it takes to help Scotland reach its #NetZero target?   Next challenge starts 26 April 2021…It’s time to Fuel Change! Fuel Change is a platform for the next generation to take control of the climate crisis and drive Scotland towards Net-Zero. Through real challenges set by industry, apprentices will develop solutions […]

Herald Article March 2021

Who wouldn’t want to join mission to save the world? If like me, you have been thinking recently about what exactly green skills are, then maybe also like me, you need to get out more – don’t we all? Even if you haven’t thought about this, you may have noticed the phrases ‘climate emergency’, ‘zero […]

Herald Article February 2021

It was pointed out to me recently, by someone possibly who sees sport in raising my hackles, that this Brexit thing hasn’t been so bad after all, as there has been no sight of the much-feared queues of lorries on our motorways, in temporary truck parks in Kent, or even at the ports. Maybe, they continued, […]

Herald Article January 2021

Our new year is still in its infancy, but already there are no shortages of challenges. A new virus variant returns us to the toughest of lockdowns, the ripple in the carpet that is Brexit has reached the wall, and the conclusion of populist politics in the US leaves us with a sense of wariness. Determined to […]

UK-EU Future Relationship Agreement

The Brexit Transition Period ended at 11 pm on 31st December and the UK has now entered its new relationship with the EU under the EU-UK Trade and Co-operation Agreement which was finalised on the 24th December. A summary of the agreements and the full document can be found here, and the UK Government continues to […]

Herald Article December 2020

Like most of us I suspect, the second half of December is a time to reflect on the ups and downs of the year nearly past and look ahead to the opportunities and challenges of the one coming. Of the uncertainties that this year has thrown up, the one I expected to be clear on […]

Scottish Government Announces New Apprenticeship Support

Scottish Engineering has been urging the Scottish Government to clarify its announcement some months ago indicating support for employer incentives to ensure apprentice levels in industry. Yesterday First Minister Nicola Sturgeon announced details on a key apprenticeship initiative that has been developed by Skills Development Scotland and will be available in January 2021.   The […]

Opportunity to be involved with NMIS Smart Manufacturing Centres

Looking to start or accelerate your Industry 4.0 journey? NMIS (National Manufacturing Institute Scotland) is inviting manufacturers to get involved with new centres dedicated to industrial robotics and digital systems research. Scottish Engineering would like to highlight an opportunity that could benefit members looking to digitise and automate their production processes. NMIS and the wider […]

Herald Article 16th November 2020

Whatever opinion you may hold on 2020 as a year, it’s not been without its talking points. The last few weeks have added some more to the obvious suspects, with my own current favourite being which will come first: clarity on the US Presidential election, or clarity on the terms by which we will work and trade […]

Engineering Fundamentals with University of Strathclyde

The Faculty of Engineering at Strathclyde is delighted to offer a newly developed module in Engineering Fundamentals which launched on 5 November 2020. The University of Strathclyde Engineering Fundamentals course is open for registrations once again. This online course provides an insight into studying engineering and an opportunity to develop skills relevant across different engineering […]

Scottish Apprenticeship Awards 2020 – Nominations Open

Nominations for the Scottish Apprenticeship Awards 2020 are now open ​​​​ Entries are being sought to showcase innovation of the learning providers who have worked with employers and apprentices to support their efforts in exceptional times. The awards will also highlight the resilience and hard work of Foundation, Modern and Graduate Apprentices during 2020. They will shine […]

Scottish Engineering Mentoring Programme

Last year we established the Scottish Engineering Mentoring Programme as part of our commitment to the development of a new generation of professionals and leaders in our industry. Mentoring can be a powerful tool in nurturing personal and professional growth for the individual and in supporting the achievement of business goals. The scheme is open to all member companies […]

Virtual Awards Ceremony Video Release

Our sincere thanks to everyone who was able to join us live today on our virtual Awards Ceremony, and help us give recognition to all of our fantastic Award winners! In a year which has been hugely challenging for every manufacturing and engineering company, it has never been more important to celebrate excellence within our […]

Scottish Engineering Virtual Annual Awards – Award Nominees

Our thanks to those who have already registered for our upcoming Awards Ceremony, we can’t wait to welcome you to this exciting new virtual celebration! This time last year no one could have foreseen what lay ahead in 2020 with COVID-19 affecting our lives so much. Let’s press pause on the worry and uncertainty that this […]

On track for greener railways

Project to deliver opportunities for Scottish SMEs. Work is underway to make Scotland a world leader in creating net zero emissions railways. Scottish Enterprise is behind a series of projects designed to find more environmentally friendly train and track solutions, as well as bringing jobs and inward investment to Scotland’s manufacturing and engineering sectors. The […]

Herald Article 17th August 2020

Dear Member, In this month’s Herald article we discuss the COVID-19 recession, navigating redundancies and business recovery. Click here to view.  

“Protecting our Future” – Adopt An Apprentice

As we move towards what is hopefully a tentative restart of the economy post lockdown, there are patently wide ranging issues and concerns that are impacting today on the short to medium term viability of the Engineering and Manufacturing sector in Scotland. It is of course difficult to consider how your business, and more widely […]

Members Briefing – Furlough Scheme & Redundancy payments

Dear Member,   Many companies have made use of the UK Government’s Furlough Scheme in an effort to retain staff and avoid redundancies. Unfortunately, for some the economic impact has been so severe that redundancies of furloughed staff has been unavoidable. There was initially some dubiety about whether any statutory redundancy payments would be at […]

Members Briefing – UK Points Based Immigration System

The UK Government’s new Points Based Immigration System will be introduced from 1st January 2021 as the Brexit transition period comes to an end. From that date, there will no longer be free movement for EU citizens. Anyone who wants come to the UK to live and work, whether from the EU or elsewhere, will need […]

Herald Article 20th July 2020

Dear Member, In this month’s herald article, we discuss the economic crisis we are facing as a result of the Coronavirus pandemic, Brexit and the impact on wider industry. Click here to view.  

Headtorch Mental Well-being Breakfast Session – Thu 2nd July

Now is a critical time to prioritise your mental health and well-being to enable you to stay well and focussed whilst working during these extraordinary times.  Therefore, we’d like to extend this invitation to join our Mental Well-Being Breakfast Webinar, in partnership with Member company Headtorch on the morning of Thursday 2nd July 2020. With […]

New Online Career Enhancement Programme (CEP) for Women

It is a well-known fact that women have historically been under-represented in the engineering and construction sectors, and although there has been a significant push for gender equality within these fields in recent years, there’s still a lot of work to be done. From facing obstacles in applying for promoted roles and experiencing a lack […]

Members Briefing – Migration Policy Update

Dear Member, The UK Government’s new point based immigration system is due to come in to operation on 1st January 2021 and will have significant consequences for any employer looking to sponsor foreign nationals, including those from EU states, to live and work in the UK. Click here for a summary of the policy. Scottish […]

Chief Exec’s report Jun 2020

The contents of this quarter’s review should come with a health warning, as reading it will not be a pleasant experience, and those of a nervous disposition should perhaps look away now. It is widely anticipated that we are now in the second UK wide recession of this century, and its perhaps helpful to compare […]