Andrew Wade

2 weeks ago | theengineer.co.uk | Andrew Wade

With the expansion of defence programmes at the heart of government growth plans, demand for welding skills is only set to increase. However, according to Babcock, much of the existing welding workforce is approaching retirement age. Coupled with a decline in welding apprenticeship opportunities, these trends spell a future shortage of welders without remedial action.

2 weeks ago | theengineer.co.uk | Andrew Wade

The UK water industry is under enormous pressure to improve services while also facing significant financial difficulties. From achieving net zero emissions to preventing leaks, reducing use of storm overflows, tackling pollution and adapting to the impact of climate change, the list of challenges faced by the sector is daunting. The Ofwat Innovation Fund supports cross-sector collaborations to bring forward solutions that sit outside ‘business-as-usual’ in the water industry.

1 month ago | theengineer.co.uk | Andrew Wade

Things are moving fast at Copenhagen-based biotechnology company Aerbio. The startup has its roots in the UK but recently relocated to the Danish capital after several years operating out of the Netherlands. Unfortunately, that move precipitated the exit of CXO and co-founder Pete Rowe, who The Engineer had originally spoken to about the company back in February. Thankfully, fellow co-founder and CTO, Rob Mansfield, was able to provide an update in the wake of the executive shake-up.

1 month ago | theengineer.co.uk | Andrew Wade

When The Engineer last caught up with Ceres Power, the company had just been awarded the MacRobert Award, one of engineering’s most prestigious prizes. Spun out of Imperial College in 2001, Ceres had already been making waves for several years, its SteelCell solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) technology converting hydrogen and hydrocarbons into electricity.

1 month ago | theengineer.co.uk | Andrew Wade

Despite ‘unequivocal evidence’ that climate change is making these weather extremes more likely, the committee found no discernible progress in the UK’s preparedness since its last Adaptation Progress Report in 2023, even with the change in government. “We can see our country changing before our eyes,” said Baroness Brown, chair of the CCC’s Adaptation Committee. “People are having to cope with more regular extreme weather impacts. People are experiencing increasing food prices.