Hollygate Aircraft Components Achieves SC21 Gold

Hollygate Aircraft Components has officially achieved SC21 Gold, becoming one of only five businesses in Great Britain to hold the highest level of recognition within the aerospace and defence sector's leading continuous improvement programme. This achievement places the company amongst a select group of manufacturers recognised for sustained excellence in quality, delivery, capability and business performance.

The award marks a significant milestone in Hollygate's continuous improvement journey. Having maintained SC21 Silver status for four consecutive years, the business has continued to strengthen its performance, processes and improvement culture, ultimately achieving the standards required to progress to Gold.

Established in 2006, Hollygate Aircraft Components specialises in the machining of safety critical aerospace components. Operating 15 multi-pallet CNC machines with 3-axis, 4-axis and 5-axis capability, the business manufactures complex prismatic components for demanding aerospace applications. Alongside expertise in both soft and hard metal machining, including titanium, Hollygate also supports AOG, UOR and fast-track tactical requirements. These capabilities, combined with a long-standing focus on quality, delivery and continuous improvement, have helped establish the company as a trusted manufacturing partner across the aerospace sector.

SC21 Gold is awarded to organisations that demonstrate sustained high performance and a commitment to continuous improvement. For Hollygate, the achievement provides independent recognition of the systems, culture and performance standards that have been developed throughout its SC21 journey. The achievement is particularly significant given the exclusivity of the award. With fewer than ten Gold holders nationally and only a small proportion of participating companies reaching this level, SC21 Gold represents a benchmark of excellence within the UK aerospace supply chain.

Hollygate Aircraft Components will be formally presented with its SC21 Gold certificate at the Farnborough International Airshow next week. The award also marks an important milestone for Hyde Aero Products, with Hollygate becoming the second company within the division to achieve SC21 Gold, following Hyde Details' successful accreditation earlier this year. Having two SC21 Gold companies within the division demonstrates the strength of Hyde Aero Products' commitment to continuous improvement and operational excellence.

This outstanding achievement is a reflection of the dedication, professionalism and commitment shown by the entire Hollygate team. Their continued focus on performance, improvement and customer satisfaction has helped position the business amongst the leading performers in the SC21 programme and one of a select number of organisations recognised at Gold level.

Hyde Aero Products Hosts SC21 Cluster Event Showcasing Hyde Details' Journey to Gold

Hyde Aero Products recently welcomed aerospace OEMs and suppliers to its facility for an SC21 Cluster Event, offering delegates a practical insight into Hyde Details' progression from SC21 Bronze to SC21 Gold and the continuous improvement culture that underpins the achievement.

Bringing together organisations at different stages of their SC21 journeys, the event was designed to demonstrate how the principles of operational excellence can be embedded across a manufacturing business and sustained over the long term.

The day began with an introduction to Hyde Aero Products before focusing on the transformation that enabled Hyde Details to achieve SC21 Gold within five years. Presentations explored the systems, behaviours and leadership approaches that have supported this progression, demonstrating how continuous improvement has become an integral part of everyday operations.

A key feature of the event was the showcase of digital performance dashboards used across Hyde Aero Products. Delegates were shown how visual management tools provide real-time visibility of performance data, helping teams make informed decisions, identify improvement opportunities and maintain alignment with business objectives.

Interactive sessions encouraged attendees to discuss the ideas observed during the visit and identify practical actions that could be applied within their own organisations. The collaborative format reflected the purpose of SC21: supporting learning, development and the sharing of best practice throughout the aerospace supply chain.

Delegates also toured the Hyde Details facility, where they saw first-hand how the principles that support SC21 Gold are translated into day-to-day operations. The shop floor visit highlighted the role of employee engagement, ownership, visual management and structured continuous improvement activities in driving operational performance.

Throughout the day, several key themes emerged, including digital visual management, data-driven decision-making, investment in people and technology and the importance of creating a culture where continuous improvement is everyone's responsibility.

Feedback from attendees reflected these themes, with one delegate commenting:

"A highly engaged operation with strong visual management, effective use of technology, investment in people, and a culture that promotes ownership, continuous improvement, and data-driven decision-making."

By opening its doors and sharing its experiences, Hyde Details provided attendees with a practical example of what SC21 Gold looks like in action. The event reinforced the value of collaboration across the aerospace supply chain and demonstrated how a sustained commitment to people, processes and performance can deliver long-term improvement.

North West Aerotooling Supports Enterprise Initiative Week at Tor View School

North West Aerotooling recently donated to support an Enterprise Week at Tor View School, contributing to an event focused on developing creativity, problem-solving and teamwork among students in a simulation of a ‘real life’ business environment.

Tor View School is a specialist setting that supports learners with a range of needs, including profound and multiple, severe and moderate learning difficulties. Many students also have associated cognitive, communication and physical challenges, including conditions such as Down’s syndrome, autism and cerebral palsy. Enterprise Week forms part of a broader approach to learning, providing an interactive way for students to explore ideas, build confidence and engage with practical activities outside of their usual classroom environment.

The event is designed to introduce students to the fundamentals of business and enterprise through hands-on activities. By working through ideas, collaborating in small groups and developing business concepts, students are encouraged to think differently, communicate more effectively and apply problem-solving skills in a structured but accessible way.

For North West Aerotooling, supporting this type of initiative reflects a wider view of the role engineering businesses can play within their local communities. Skills such as innovation, critical thinking and collaboration sit at the heart of both engineering and enterprise and introducing these concepts to children early can help build their creativity, confidence and encourage new ways of thinking.

While the event itself is focused on learning and engagement, it also highlights the importance of creating opportunities that are inclusive and accessible to all students. Providing an environment where young people can explore ideas at their own pace, supported by practical activities, helps reinforce that these skills are relevant and achievable, regardless of background or ability.

North West Aerotooling’s involvement forms part of its ongoing commitment to supporting community initiatives that promote learning, development and long-term skills.

From Visibility to Engagement: How Hyde Aero Products is Embedding Continuous Improvement with Fabriq

Recently, Hyde Aero Products welcomed the Fabriq team to its facilities for a webinar, testimonial filming and discussions around the ongoing rollout of the platform across the division. While the visit provided an opportunity to showcase progress, it also highlighted a broader initiative focused on strengthening how operational performance, communication and Continuous Improvement are managed throughout the business.

As Hyde Aero Products continues its journey through SC21 and Aero Excellence, significant focus has been placed on ensuring objectives, performance measures and improvement activities are visible at every level of the organisation. Achieving this requires more than reporting data. It requires a structured method of communicating priorities, tracking actions and involving employees in the improvement process.

Historically, the business made extensive use of Power BI to provide visibility of management information and operational performance. While this delivered valuable insight, there was an opportunity to strengthen the flow of communication between leadership teams and the shop floor. Teams could see performance, but there was no single system connecting performance data, actions, issues and improvement activity.

The introduction of Fabriq has helped bridge that gap.

The platform provides a real-time view of operational performance while creating a single environment for managing KPIs, routines, actions, tickets and Continuous Improvement activity. This means information is no longer confined to separate spreadsheets, paper records or dashboards. Instead, it becomes part of an active process where teams can identify issues, raise actions and monitor progress to completion.

One of the most significant benefits has been the ability to link strategic objectives with day-to-day operations. Aero Excellence places considerable emphasis on the deployment of objectives throughout the organisation, ensuring employees understand how local activities contribute to wider business goals. Through Fabriq, high-level objectives can be translated into departmental targets and measurable activities. When performance begins to drift, actions can be raised, assigned and tracked within the same system, creating visibility and accountability throughout the process.

Equally important is the flexibility the platform offers. Hyde Aero Products operates a diverse range of manufacturing environments, each with different priorities, challenges and performance measures. A highly automated facility will not necessarily operate in the same way as a more labour-intensive business. Fabriq allows individual teams to configure KPIs and workflows that suit their unique operation while remaining aligned to a wider divisional structure.

This balance between standardisation and flexibility has become a key part of the rollout strategy. Put simply, it provides freedom within the framework. Teams can manage the metrics and activities that are most meaningful to their operation while still supporting a common approach to performance management, communication and Continuous Improvement across the division.

The platform also supports daily management through Hyde Aero Products' SQCDPS framework, covering Safety, Quality, Cost, Delivery and People, alongside an additional Sustainability element that reflects the division's wider commitment to environmental responsibility and long-term operational performance. By bringing these measures together within a shared platform, teams are able to monitor performance, manage issues and drive improvement through a consistent process.

The benefits extend beyond internal operations. Recorded actions, historical data and documented checks improve traceability throughout the business. Routine activities are captured electronically, supporting trend analysis while simplifying the collection of evidence for customers, auditors, suppliers and assessors. Quality concerns, safety observations and improvement activities can all be tracked and reviewed through a single system, providing greater visibility and control.

Perhaps the clearest measure of success has been employee engagement. Continuous Improvement is most effective when it is owned by the people closest to the process. As adoption has increased, employees have become more involved in raising issues, tracking actions and contributing improvement ideas. Rather than relying on informal conversations or disconnected systems, teams can see that issues have been formally captured, assigned and progressed through a structured process.

The recent visit from Fabriq provided an opportunity to reflect on that progress. It demonstrated how digital tools can support not only performance management but also communication, accountability and employee engagement across a manufacturing organisation.

As the rollout continues across Hyde Aero Products, the objective remains clear: establish a consistent approach to Continuous Improvement while giving individual businesses the flexibility to manage what matters most to their operations. In that respect, the software itself is only part of the story. The greater value lies in how it helps people collaborate, solve problems and continually improve the way they work.

Generating Green Energy at Brinksway Tool

Brinksway Tool has strengthened its environmental performance through the installation of a 240kW solar energy system, comprising 288 panels across its facility.

The system delivers a significant proportion of the site’s energy requirement, generating around 50% of demand at lower efficiency levels and up to 110% at peak output. While the panels are located at Brinksway Tool, the energy is distributed across neighbouring Hyde Group businesses, with SG Equipment and Hollygate Fabrications each supplied as part of a shared approach to energy use.

This establishes a more integrated and self‑sufficient energy model across multiple sites. By generating power on site, reliance on externally sourced electricity is reduced, alongside exposure to grid‑based carbon intensity. The result is a more controlled, consistent and carbon-friendly approach to how energy is sourced and utilised across operations.

Within this framework, the installation contributes to environmental objectives by changing the source of energy, improving control over energy use and supporting ongoing monitoring and evaluation of environmental performance. It also reflects a wider life cycle perspective, considering how operational decisions, such as energy generation, influence environmental impact beyond the immediate site.

The project reinforces Hyde Group’s commitment to the UN Global Compact. In particular, it supports the principles focused on environmental responsibility, including adopting a precautionary approach to environmental challenges, promoting responsible energy use and supporting the development and use of greener technologies within industrial operations.

With this installation complete, all Hyde manufacturing companies now operate with solar energy generation. This creates a consistent approach to reducing environmental impact across the group, while maintaining the capability required for high precision engineering delivery.

Expanding Large Scale Machining Capability at Brinksway Tool

Brinksway Tool has strengthened its machining capability with the installation of a Correa Fox 40 milling machine, further developing the capacity and range of its existing machine base.

Whilst not the largest machine at Brinksway Tool, the Correa Fox 40, with its 4 metre by 2.5 metre bed, significantly extends the volume of complex components that can be machined in house. It enhances capability across larger work envelopes while improving flexibility in how jobs are allocated across the machine base, allowing for more efficient planning, better utilisation of existing equipment and increased responsiveness to varying project demands. The addition of the Fox 40 strengthens the overall balance of the machine base by increasing available capacity at the larger end of the range, while reinforcing Brinksway Tool’s ability to deliver complete solutions internally.

Alongside capability, the machine introduces improvements in process control and environmental performance. Its fully enclosed design ensures that coolant mist and airborne particulates generated during machining are contained and extracted before the working area is accessed. This improves operator safety while reducing the release and circulation of emissions within the workshop environment.

This type of investment supports a more controlled approach to manufacturing, where environmental impact is managed at source rather than addressed retrospectively. By improving how emissions from machining processes are contained and handled, the Fox 40 contributes to a cleaner, more consistent operating environment across the site.

The investment also supports Hyde Group’s commitment to the UN Global Compact, particularly in relation to responsible environmental practices. This includes adopting a precautionary approach to environmental challenges and the application of cleaner technologies within manufacturing processes. These pledges are both supported through this investment in the Correa Fox 40.

This latest addition reflects an ongoing approach to developing capability through targeted upgrades to the machine base, ensuring capacity grows in line with customer requirements and project complexity while maintaining a measured and responsible approach to environmental performance.

Hyde Details marks achievement of SC21 Gold

Hyde Details has formally marked its progression to SC21 Gold, updating its position on the Hyde Aero Products’ SC21 board following the recent award.

The moment reflects the completion of a structured journey through the programme, with Hyde Details progressing from Bronze in 2021 to Silver in 2022, before achieving Gold status in late 2025. The SC21 framework has played a key role throughout that period, shaping how the business manages quality, delivery and continuous improvement.

SC21 is a UK aerospace supply chain programme designed to improve the performance, capability and competitiveness of manufacturing organisations. It provides a structured framework focused on operational excellence, quality, delivery and continuous improvement, with performance measured and externally assessed against defined criteria. Progression through Bronze, Silver and Gold reflects sustained performance over time rather than a single point assessment.

This achievement sits within a wider divisional context. Across Hyde Aero Products, all eight companies are engaged with the SC21 programme, creating a consistent approach to performance, development and accountability. The programme provides a common structure, ensuring that improvements made within individual businesses contribute to the overall capability of the division.

A strong emphasis on continuous improvement at leadership level has underpinned this progress. Joint Managing Directors Anthony Hammond and Matt Smallman have maintained a clear focus on driving standards, embedding improvement and ensuring that the principles behind SC21 are applied consistently across the division. This approach is supported at a divisional level, with Nathan Williams, Continuous Improvement Manager, playing a central role in driving the SC21 programme, maintaining momentum and ensuring that improvements are sustained over time.

At Hyde Details, the transition from Silver to Gold has been led internally by Steven Brown and Andrew Harding. Through a sustained focus on delivery, process and performance, the business has continued to build on earlier progress and embed the changes required to meet the standard expected at Gold level.

The update of the SC21 board is a simple but visible reflection of that progress. More importantly, it reflects a business that has embedded continuous improvement into how it operates, and a division that is aligned in how it develops capability across multiple sites.

Hyde Details Achieves SC21 Gold status

Hyde Details is proud to announce the achievement of SC21 Gold status, marking a major milestone in the company’s continuous improvement journey and placing it among the leading aerospace manufacturing suppliers in the UK.

SC21 (Supply Chains for the 21st Century) is the aerospace and defence sector’s recognised continuous improvement and performance programme. Achieving Gold status represents the highest level of maturity within the framework and is only awarded to organisations that demonstrate sustained excellence in quality, delivery, capability and business performance.

With fewer than ten Gold award holders nationally, Hyde Details is only the 4th company on the UK mainland and the 2nd in the North to achieve this level. Of the 382 active SC21 companies, Hyde Details now sits within the top 2%, underlining the scale and significance of their achievement.

Hyde Details’ SC21 journey began in 2021 with the award of Bronze, followed by Silver in 2022. The successful Gold assessment, completed in late 2025, reflects several years of disciplined improvement activity, cultural change and sustained performance delivery across the business.

The programme has supported fundamental changes within Hyde Details. It has helped embed robust systems, improve processes and develop a clear focus on continual improvement.

As captured within the Gold submission: “The SC21 programme has helped to transform Hyde Details into a highly respected and trusted supplier that continues to grow from strength to strength. The company is unrecognisable from where we started this journey. It has been a challenge but also a pleasure to work with the SC21 team and we look forward to many more years of Hyde SC21 collaboration.”

Achieving SC21 Gold provides independent recognition that Hyde Details operates to the highest standards expected within the aerospace sector. It demonstrates a proven ability to produce consistent quality and delivery performance, strong supply chain management, robust governance and risk control and an ever-expanding culture of continuous improvement. For customers, it provides confidence that Hyde Details is a capable, reliable and forward‑thinking manufacturing partner.

SC21 Gold is not viewed as an endpoint for Hyde Details, but as a benchmark from which to continue improving. Hyde Details remains committed to investing in people, processes and capability to support long‑term customer requirements and evolving industry demands.

This outstanding achievement is a testament to the dedication and professionalism of the whole Hyde Details team and their commitment to excellence at every level of the business.

Improving energy efficiency at Brinksway Tool with HVLS fans installation

Brinksway Tool has always prioritised efficiency, performance and long‑term reliability. Aligned with Hyde Group’s wider responsibility to reduce environmental impact, the business continually looks for practical improvements across its facilities. Their recent investment in six High Volume Low Speed (HVLS) fans from MegaFan Technologies exemplifies this approach, delivering measurable energy savings while improving factory working conditions.

The system improves temperature control, maximises the use of existing energy, reduces waste and lowers carbon impact, while enhancing comfort across the factory floor.  This investment is part of Hyde Group’s ongoing commitment to responsible manufacturing and continuous improvement whilst delivering tangible environmental benefits.

Large industrial buildings like those across the Hyde Group, are prone to thermal stratification, where heat from heating systems, machinery and processes rises and accumulates at roof level, leaving cooler air in the occupied zone below. As working areas are typically limited to around two metres above floor level, heat above this height provides little benefit.

In high‑bay environments, temperatures can rise by 0.8 to 1.6°C per metre of height, meaning air at roof level can exceed 30°C while the shop floor remains at a much lower point. As a result, a significant proportion of heating energy is wasted warming unoccupied roof space. Higher roof temperatures also increase heat loss through the building fabric and encourage cold air ingress at low level, particularly in older industrial buildings with lower insulation and air tightness.

HVLS technology addresses this by gently recirculating warm air back into the occupied zone. Operating at low rotational speeds while moving large volumes of air, the system evens out temperatures and dramatically reduces floor‑to‑ceiling differentials. In a properly de-stratified space, this difference can be reduced to one or two degrees, allowing target working temperatures to be maintained with lower thermostat settings and reduced heating runtime.

HVLS fans deliver increasing energy savings as ceiling height rises and external temperatures fall. In buildings of a similar scale, winter heating energy reductions of over 30 percent are typical. The system also recovers heat generated by machinery and processes, returning it to the working zone rather than allowing it to collect and escape at high level.

The benefits extend beyond winter. In warmer months, higher fan speeds create gentle air movement at floor level, improving comfort without energy‑intensive cooling systems. The large diameter and slow rotation ensure airflow remains comfortable and non‑disruptive.

Hollygate Fabrications achieves DIN 2303 accreditation

We're proud to announce that Hollygate Fabrications has successfully achieved the DIN 2303 accreditation, a significant milestone that further strengthens their capabilities and enables Hyde Group to deliver welding and fabrication to military applications.

This achievement reflects our continued commitment to the highest standards of quality, precision and technical excellence.  It also builds on Hollygate Fabrications’ existing welding accreditations, including:

• BS EN 1090 (Exc 4)

• ISO 3834-2 - Quality Requirements for Fusion Welding

With these combined credentials, Hollygate Fabrications stands among a select group of UK specialists capable of supporting the most demanding, high-integrity engineering programmes.

Hyde Group apprentices explore engineering excellence at Rolls-Royce Derby

Six apprentices from across Hyde Group recently visited the Rolls-Royce site in Derby for an immersive experience designed to deepen their understanding of advanced aerospace manufacturing.

The visit began with a guided tour of the civil engine assembly line, where the apprentices saw firsthand the precision, scale and coordination required to build Rolls-Royce’s world-leading aero engines. The tour was deliberately interactive, with Rolls-Royce experts testing the apprentices’ knowledge, prompting discussions and encouraging them to consider the complexities of engine functionality. They explored the sequence of the assembly process and learned how the organisation adapts to real challenges such as part or material shortages and production pressures. This approach transformed the experience from simply observing a line into actively engaging with the engineering problems and decision-making. It offered them a clearer picture of how the tooling we manufacture feeds into the broader aerospace supply chain.

In the afternoon, the group visited the Rolls-Royce Heritage Trust (Derby and Hucknall Branch), located within the company’s Learning and Development Centre and run by dedicated volunteers. The museum brought the company’s storied engineering legacy to life, showcasing not only civil aero engines but the diverse range of industries where Rolls-Royce innovation has made its mark. Walking through the collection felt like stepping back in time, with decades of engineering excellence displayed across the exhibits.

The apprentices particularly enjoyed learning about how Charles Rolls and Henry Royce first met in Manchester, a meaningful connection to Hyde Group’s own home city. The museum helped them appreciate Rolls-Royce as more than an aerospace manufacturer, but a company with a far-reaching, multifaceted influence across multiple sectors.

For many apprentices, the day offered an important moment of perspective. Seeing how the components, tools and fixtures produced within Hyde Group contribute to such a complex and globally significant operation gave them a renewed appreciation for the importance of their work. The visit reinforced how vital their growing skills are within the supply chain and within the wider engineering ecosystem.

This visit also reflects the strong and long-standing relationship between Hyde Group and Rolls-Royce, a partnership built on collaboration, precision, history and shared engineering standards. As a key supplier of tooling across their programmes, maintaining close engagement with Rolls Royce is essential to us.

Hyde Group extends sincere thanks to Rolls-Royce for welcoming our apprentices and dedicating time to their development. Experiences like this are invaluable in inspiring the next generation of engineers.

National Apprenticeship Week at Hyde Group: celebrating our apprentices and Shaping the Future

Today we brought together all our apprentices and early career employees at our newly reinstalled Hyde Assemblies site for a special National Apprenticeship Week event themed Shaping the Future: Spotlighting why young people matter to the UK industries. With over 80 young colleagues, from 19 different business units, in attendance, the atmosphere was energetic, proud and full of youthful ambition. The morning-long event was hosted by Paul Cox, Sales Director for Hyde Group Limited, who set the tone for a day focused entirely on the achievements and potential of our young talent.

Our first speaker, Anthony Hammond, Joint Managing Director of the Hyde Aero Products Division, delivered a compelling message about the critical role apprentices play in sustaining the future of the United Kingdom’s manufacturing capabilities. His speech focused on how the skills developed during an apprenticeship form the backbone of long-term industrial strength. Anthony emphasised that every component manufactured, every process learned and every improvement made by young people contributes directly to national resilience. He encouraged apprentices to recognise that their developing expertise can come with challenges, but overcoming these hurdles builds the characters that will uphold the future of our industries.

Commodore Thomas Knowles, the Naval Regional Commander for Northern England and the Isle of Man, then delivered a standout address that captivated the room. His speech explored the essential link between engineering talent and the operational capability of the Royal Navy. He spoke about the vital role that young people play in producing components for ships and submarines, supporting complex dockyard maintenance and contributing to the increasingly important fields of software and cyber security. Commodore Knowles described how every part produced and every problem solved in industry has a direct impact on the safety, readiness and effectiveness of naval personnel. He further highlighted how engineering excellence formulates part of a national effort grounded in teamwork, pride and responsibility. His message left many apprentices feeling inspired, valued and connected to something larger than themselves. It was clear from the number of questions and conversations that followed that his words resonated deeply and we thank him for delivering such an intense, motivational and thought-provoking session.

We then welcomed Daniel Abbott, Procurement and Supply Chain Director for Babcock’s Nuclear Sector. Daniel delivered a dynamic and highly engaging session that encouraged audience participation from the apprentices. His talk explored the scale and complexity of the nuclear engineering sector, from the construction and lifetime maintenance of nuclear submarines to the major decommissioning programmes that span decades. Through interactive discussions on nuclear decay, half-life and the long-term nature of nuclear projects, he demonstrated how the work undertaken by young engineers today threads into future generations. Daniel’s message linked scientific principles with real industry impact, showing apprentices how their developing skills contribute to sustained national capability, technical excellence and projects that extend far beyond the present moment. His session reinforced the important theme woven throughout the event that apprentices are at the heart of a cross generational effort to advance engineering and safeguard future capability in both the defence and energy sectors.

The day was patriotic, uplifting and centred entirely on celebrating our apprentices. At Hyde Group we want every apprentice and early career colleague to feel valued and recognised for the essential part they play in our future.

Hollygate Aircraft Components strengthens through UK Defence Supplier Capability Development Programme

Hollygate Aircraft Components is pleased to announce its enrolment in the UK MoD Defence Supplier Capability Development Programme; a national initiative designed to strengthen and future-proof the UK defence supply chain. This marks a significant step in Hollygate’s long-standing commitment to excellence, innovation and continuous improvement within the aerospace and defence sectors.

As part of the programme, Hollygate has already completed a detailed diagnostic assessment that examined the company’s current capabilities, future needs and long-term ambitions. This assessment forms the foundation of a bespoke Business Improvement Plan tailored specifically to them. The plan ensures that every area of development is relevant to the company’s strategic goals and supports the next stage of its growth.

The Defence Supplier Capability Development Programme is built around a comprehensive suite of support topics that help suppliers strengthen their performance in a structured and meaningful way. It focuses on five key areas of business capability - strategy, operations, sales, finance and people. Each area covers a wide range of subjects, including risk management, horizon scanning, leadership development and cultural training. This ensures that participating companies receive support that is both broad and deep.

For Hollygate Aircraft Components, this tailored support represents an opportunity to accelerate its continuous improvement journey. Continuous improvement is a defining part of the company’s culture and the programme provides a valuable framework for enhancing productivity, strengthening resilience and developing new capability. Working closely with industry specialists, Hollygate will refine its processes, enhance operational performance and build the skills needed to support future growth.

This new phase of development builds on Hollygate’s existing achievements, including its SC21 Silver accreditation. SC21 Silver is a respected industry benchmark for quality, delivery performance and business excellence. Keeping this accreditation demands discipline, investment, and a commitment to continuous improvement.  These values align closely with the objectives of the Defence Supplier Capability Development Programme and reinforce Hollygate’s commitment to raising its standards even further.

The programme also supports the wider ambition of strengthening the UK defence supply chain by helping high-potential suppliers build robust, competitive capability ready for future challenges. Hollygate’s participation reflects its determination to play an active role in this national effort and to contribute to a more resilient and productive defence ecosystem.

Hollygate Aircraft Components looks forward to working closely with the Ministry of Defence and programme partners throughout the year ahead. By combining the company’s engineering expertise with a fully customised improvement plan, Hollygate is positioning itself as a continued leader in precision aerospace manufacturing.

Four Hyde Aero Products companies presented with their SC21 Silver awards

In January, Steve Collins, Head of SC21 at ADS, visited Hyde Aero Products division to present four companies with their SC21 Silver awards and certificates: Stoneswood Precision Components (SPC), Victoria Production Engineering (VPE), Hyde Coatings and Hyde Aero Products.

This recognition for the Hyde Aero Products division, as well as its business units, is a testament to the dedication and determination of our teams. By fully embracing the SC21 principles, they continue to deliver sustainable improvements and outstanding service to our clients.

With eight SC21 awards under our belt (including six Silver), the division is aiming even higher: every business unit at Silver and 4 units at Gold by 2027.

SC21 is the leading supply chain improvement programme in the UK aerospace and defence sectors, setting a benchmark for the high standards expected by customers. It provides a robust framework that helps businesses enhance both quality and delivery performance in a competitive market.

Hyde Aero Products: Nathan Williams (Continuous Improvement Manager), Anthony Hammond (Joint Managing Director) and Anthony Williams (Associate Projects Director, with Steve Collins.

Victoria Production Engineering: Business Development Director, Steve Ackley and Operations Director Sean Binding, with Steve Collins.

Stoneswood Precision Components: Chris Lannigan (Business Development Director) and Charles Day (Managing Director), with Steve Collins.

Hyde Coatings: Joint Managing Directors Paul Tobin and Scott Murray, with Steve Collins.

Lights! Camera! Apprenticeships! Hyde Group featured in Train Tameside 500 video

Hyde Group was delighted to welcome Rhiannon Brown and George Dalton from Tameside College recently, as they filmed part of a promotional video for the ‘Train Tameside 500’ initiative.

This fantastic programme aims to recruit 500 new apprentices over the next two years to meet growing skills demands across key sectors in the region, including engineering, construction, automotive and health and social care.

A special mention to Grace Pearson, engineering apprentice at Manchester Precision Engineering and the current holder of Tameside College’s awards for ‘Engineering Student of the Year’ and overall ‘Student of the Year’. Grace did an amazing job in front of the camera! She was supported by Charlotte Yates from Hyde Group’s HR team, who shared insights on the great work Hyde Group is doing to create employment opportunities in the region. We can’t wait to see the finished video!

In October, Hyde Group was proud to be named one of five Train Tameside 500 Ambassadors, recognised for our ongoing commitment to apprenticeships, training, and skills development across Tameside. With 67 apprentices currently studying, 51 of them enrolled at Tameside College, we’re proud to play a leading role in equipping young people with the skills, experience and qualifications they need to succeed.

We believe apprenticeships are a vital investment in our community, our industry and our future workforce. By creating opportunities that empower individuals and strengthen the local economy, we help build rewarding careers while ensuring our workforce has the skills needed for the future.

If you’re interested in future apprenticeship opportunities with Hyde Group, please contact our HR team at careers@hydegroup.com.

A huge thank you to Tameside College and Tameside Council for their continued support and for championing the value of apprenticeship programmes.

Recognising technical excellence and dedication at Hollygate Fabrications

Congratulations to Dan Spensley, Quality Manager and Responsible Welding Coordinator at Hollygate Fabrications, on achieving his International Welding Technologist (IWT) and European Welding Technologist (EWT) qualifications through TWI.

This accomplishment, sponsored by Hollygate Fabrications, marks a significant milestone that highlights Dan’s technical expertise, commitment to excellence, and dedication to continuous improvement. His newly accredited skills further enhance Hollygate Fabrications’ ability to deliver high-quality, compliant fabrications to EN 1090, and EN ISO 3834 standards.

Well done, Dan, an outstanding achievement, and a tremendous asset to the team!

Stoneswood Precision Components secures 24-month NADCAP M&I extension

A great vote of confidence!  A 24-month extension for Nadcap Measurement & Inspection accreditation for Stoneswood Precision Components business, demonstrating the strength and reliability of their verification processes.

Innovation in precision engineering starts with the right tools and the right people

A big thank you to Tom Skubula and Chris Thomas from MTDCNC for visiting Stoneswood Precision Components (SPC) recently to showcase their work with OPEN MIND’s hyperMILL CAD/CAM software.

Fantastic job by SPC’s Charles Day, Chris Lannigan and Tom Whitbread in front of the camera too!
hyperMILL is a key part of operations at SPC, driving capacity, flexibility and production efficiency. We’re proud this will be featured as one of OPEN MIND’s case studies.

Victoria Production Engineering awarded Silver SC21

We’re pleased to announce that Victoria Production Engineering has been awarded the ADS SC21 Silver Award for Operational Excellence.

This recognition reflects the team's sustained commitment to high performance, continuous improvement and adherence to rigorous operational standards and we extend our sincere appreciation to our colleagues at Leonardo for their sponsorship and ongoing support throughout this process.

With this latest achievement, the Hyde Aero Products division now holds a total of eight SC21 awards, including five at the Silver level, underscoring our consistent pursuit of excellence within the aerospace and defence supply chain.

The SC21 programme, administered by ADS, represents the UK’s leading initiative for supply chain improvement in the aerospace and defence sectors. Endorsed by major industry stakeholders, it sets a demanding benchmark, one that our teams continue to meet with distinction.

Hyde Group celebrates Typhoon order with Prime Minister at BAE Systems

Anthony Hammond, Joint MD of Hyde Aero Products and Ishraq Ahmed, engineering apprentice at Hollygate Aircraft Components, had the honour of meeting the Prime Minister, Sir Kier Starmer, during his visit to BAE Systems to celebrate the Republic of Türkiye’s order of 20 Eurofighter Typhoon aircraft.

They were warmly welcomed by Dr Charles Woodburn, Peter Brindle, Simon Barnes and Dave Holmes from BAE Systems, who recognised Hyde’s contributions to the Typhoon, F-35 and Tempest programmes and described us as one of the most critical suppliers. That recognition means a lot to our teams across the Hyde Group.

Sir Charles kindly arranged a conversation with the Prime Minister, where they discussed Hyde’s growing role across key defence programmes, our investment in AI for manufacturing and our long-standing commitment to apprenticeships. Ishraq shared his journey as an aspiring aerospace engineer, which clearly left a strong impression on the Prime Minister.

Moments like these reaffirm the importance of nurturing talent and embracing innovation. We’re excited about what lies ahead.

L to R: The Rt Hon Sir Kier Starmer, Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, Dr Charles Woodburn (Group CEO, BAE Systems), Ishraq Ahmed (Engineering Apprentice, Hollygate Aircraft Components), Anthony Hammond (Divisional Joint Managing Director, Hyde Aero Products).