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).

Hyde Group recognised as Apprenticeship Ambassador at Train Tameside 500 launch

Charlotte Yates from Hyde Group HR proudly represented Hyde Group at the official launch of Train Tameside 500. This exciting initiative, led by Tameside College in collaboration with Tameside Council, aims to recruit 500 new apprentices over the next two years to meet growing skills demands across key sectors in the region, including construction, engineering, automotive, and health and social care.

Charlotte receiving Hyde Group’s ‘Train Tameside 500 Ambassador’ certificate from Jonathan Reynolds MP for Stalybridge and Hyde.

Hyde Group was honoured to be named one of five Train Tameside 500 Ambassadors, recognised for our ongoing commitment to apprenticeships, training and skills across Tameside. With 67 apprentices currently studying, 51 of whom are 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. We’re dedicated to creating opportunities that empower individuals and strengthen the local economy. By investing in apprenticeships, we help individuals build rewarding careers while strengthening our workforce with the skills needed for the future. If you’re interested in future apprenticeship opportunities with Hyde Group, please contact our HR department 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.

Hyde Group welcomes Jonathan Reynolds MP for a deep dive into AI-driven manufacturing

A proud moment for Hyde Group on Friday 24th October as we welcomed Jonathan Reynolds MP and our digital skills training partners from IN4 Group for an inspiring deep dive into our AI journey.

From showcasing our Digital Dashboard and SCMT best practices to conversations about the future of AI in UK manufacturing, the session was packed with insight, innovation and ambition.

This visit marks another milestone in our commitment to digital transformation and inclusive innovation, not just for Hyde Group, but for the wider community we serve.

And the timing couldn’t be more relevant. According to the 2025 Roland Berger survey of nearly 130 aerospace supply chain leaders across the UK, Germany, and France, almost two-thirds of companies already use or plan to use AI and other innovative software tools. Yet, adoption remains limited, typically under 10% of business processes, due to challenges like lack of expertise, system integration and data security concerns.

At Hyde Group, we’re tackling these barriers head-on. By investing in digital skills, partnering with forward-thinking organisations and embedding AI into our operations, we’re helping shape a smarter, more resilient future for UK manufacturing.

Exciting times ahead as we continue to lead on AI and digitalisation with purpose, innovation and collaboration.

Driving defence collaboration: Hyde Group’s continued commitment to the NWRDSC

At Hyde Group, we believe the future of engineering is driven by innovation and strengthened through collaboration. That’s why we’re proud to support the North West Regional Defence & Security Cluster (NWRDSC).

The NWRDSC is a powerful initiative positioning the North West as a centre of excellence in defence and security. By working closely with regional partners, the cluster is attracting investment, fostering innovation and unlocking new opportunities for growth across the sector.

Chris Wiles, Business Development Manager at Hyde Aero Products division, has been seconded to the cluster and dedicates one day a week to supporting its development, contributing to member engagement, strategic planning and event coordination.

Recently, Chris has played a key role in the cluster’s public engagements, speaking at a regional event in Burnley and chairing a panel discussion during the NWRDSC’s first anniversary celebration in Liverpool. His involvement is helping to strengthen collaboration across the regional supply chain and the broader defence ecosystem.

As a founding member of the cluster, Hyde Aero Products division is also represented on the steering board by its Joint Managing Director, Anthony Hammond, who plays an active role in shaping its strategic direction.

It’s Gold for Hyde Aero Products at the ADS Toulouse Annual event

Hyde Aero Products was proud to be a gold sponsor of the ADS Toulouse 2025 Annual Event on the 16th October in France.

This prestigious gathering brought together senior leaders, innovators and decision-makers from across the Franco-British aerospace, defence and security sectors. It was an evening dedicated to strengthening cross-border collaboration, celebrating industry achievements and forging new partnerships that will shape the future of European aerospace.

Hyde Group Limited joins the Midlands Aerospace Alliance

We’re proud to announce that Hyde Group Limited is now officially a member of the Midlands Aerospace Alliance (MAA), one of the world’s largest and most influential aerospace clusters.

The MAA is a powerful advocate for both the aerospace industry and the Midlands region, championing innovation, collaboration and global competitiveness.

We’re especially excited to deepen our support for Midlands-based customers and to contribute to the Alliance’s mission of driving competitiveness and innovation across the Midlands aerospace supply chain

Double SC21 Silver celebration at Hyde Aero Products division

We’re incredibly proud to announce that Hyde Coatings and Stoneswood Precision Components have both been awarded the prestigious ADS SC21 Silver Operational Excellence award, with Hyde Coatings achieving Silver following their Bronze in 2021, and Stoneswood earning Silver for the second consecutive year!

These awards are a testament to the dedication, expertise, and continuous improvement embraced by both teams. Their commitment to sustainable business practices and client satisfaction reflects the high standards we uphold across the Hyde Aero Products division.

A huge thank you to our colleagues at Leonardo for their sponsorship and support throughout this journey. With these latest recognitions, our division now proudly holds eight SC21 awards, including four at the Silver level, a clear reflection of our unwavering pursuit of excellence.

The SC21 programme, managed by ADS, is the UK aerospace and defence sector’s largest supply chain improvement initiative, endorsed by all major industry players. It sets a high bar, and our teams continue to rise to the challenge.

Park Engineering hosts visit by Secretary of State for Business & Trade

Hyde Group was pleased to welcome the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, Jonathan Reynolds, and his team to our Park Engineering facility in Stalybridge. During the visit, he met our talented team and toured the site to learn more about our operations.

Mike Fisher, Sales Director at Park Engineering, and Paul Cox, Sales & Marketing Director at Hyde Group, hosted the Secretary, providing insights into the work carried out at Park Engineering, the challenges we face, and introducing him to apprentices and team members across the business.

With over 600 employees across the group and a proud legacy of supporting UK industry through advanced manufacturing, long-term careers, and robust apprenticeship programmes, we appreciated the opportunity to engage in meaningful discussion around the government’s Industrial Strategy and its impact on businesses like ours.

Thank you to everyone who helped make the visit a success, and to the Secretary and his team for taking the time to connect with us.

Strengthening the aerospace supply chain with Aero Excellence International

'Aero Excellence International' is a new initiative uniting leading European aerospace companies to tackle future challenges and enhance competitiveness in operational excellence, environmental sustainability and cybersecurity.

Congratulations to the newly elected board committee members: Pierre Perdoux, Jörg Schuler, Hugo Torres, and Anthony Hammond, Divisional Managing Director at Hyde Aero Products Limited.

We’re excited to see the impact of this collaboration in shaping a stronger, more agile supply chain.

Hyde Group receives recognition at the Greater Manchester Skills Awards 2025

We’re proud to announce that we were recently recognised at the Greater Manchester Skills Awards 2025, where we received a Highly Commended honour in the Large Employer Award category.

Although we didn’t take home the top prize, being shortlisted and acknowledged among the region’s leading employers is a significant achievement. This commendation reflects the hard work, innovation, and dedication of our entire team, and reinforces our ongoing commitment to skills development and excellence in the workplace.

We extend our sincere thanks to the event organisers, the judging panel, and to Tameside College for nominating us. Congratulations to all the winners and fellow nominees who continue to raise the bar across Greater Manchester’s skills and education sector.

Double win for MPE apprentice Grace Pearson - a rising star in engineering

Huge congratulations to Grace Pearson, an apprentice at Manchester Precision Engineering Ltd, who has won not one, but two awards at the recent Tameside College ‘Student of the Year’ ceremony!

Grace was named ‘Engineering Student of the Year’ and went on to receive the top honour of overall ‘Student of the Year’, a truly outstanding achievement. We’re all very proud of her!

Held at Dukinfield Town Hall, the annual awards celebrate students for their dedication to learning and commitment to excellence. Winners are selected by a panel of judges from nominations submitted by teachers and staff.

As one of the largest private employers in East Manchester, this recognition reflects the Hyde Group’s strong commitment to nurturing talent at every level of the business. We take great pride in our long-standing investment in apprenticeships (like the one Grace is undertaking), work placements, and continuous professional development, all of which are central to the culture of learning we’ve built.

Hyde Group joins the NWRDSC

We’re excited to share that the Hyde Group Limited and Hyde Aero products divisions are now proud members of the North West Regional Defence & Security Cluster (NWRDSC).
As a founding member, Hyde Aero Products’ Joint Managing Director, Anthony Hammond, sits on the cluster’s steering board, playing an active role in supporting and shaping its strategic direction.

The NWRDSC presents an exciting opportunity to position the North West as a hub of excellence in defence and security. By collaborating with regional partners, the cluster is driving investment, encouraging innovation, and opening up new avenues for growth across the sector.

We look forward to working alongside fellow members to strengthen the regional ecosystem, share insights, and create long-term opportunities for success within the North West and beyond.

VPE wins second SC21 Bronze award

A fantastic day at Rolls-Royce Derby recently for the ADS NATEP Meet the Buyer event, with Steve Ackley accepting on behalf of the business, VPE’s second SC21 Bronze award for Manufacturing Excellence and Business Excellence. Great work by everyone involved!
SC21 is the largest supply chain improvement programme in the UK aerospace and defence sector and reflects the exacting requirements of clients operating within that environment.
Special thanks to VPE’s colleagues at Leonardo for their continued support as their sponsor in this.
Shown in the photo, left to right, are Steve Collins, Head of SC21 and Steve Ackley, VPE Business Development Director.

Hyde Aero Products hosts Make UK members networking event

We were delighted to recently welcome Make UK Defence members to Hyde Aero Products for a fantastic networking event.

The day was filled with valuable insights, engaging discussions and excellent networking opportunities, complemented by informative presentations and behind-the-scenes site tours.

It was a pleasure to connect with industry colleagues, exchange ideas, and build new relationships. We look forward to continuing these conversations and strengthening our connections!

Precision meets automation: Hollygate Fabrications’ new welding cobots are here!

Hollygate Fabrications is always looking ahead - and its latest investment proves that. It has just installed a state-of-the-art dual collaborative robot welding system, a major step forward in precision welding.

This cutting-edge setup combines Universal Robots’ flexible cobot technology with the advanced Lorch UK welding system, delivering exceptional accuracy, consistency, and efficiency. The result? Higher productivity, superior quality, and a future-proofed fabrication process.

This is more than just an upgrade. It’s a commitment to innovation, ensuring it continues to provide world-class welding solutions to Hyde Group’s customers.

Hyde Group wins long service award from Tameside College recognising work with apprentices

During National Apprenticeship Week, we’re proud to highlight the positive impact Hyde Group is making in supporting this vital pathway into employment. Across our group of companies, we consistently employ over fifty apprentices, many of whom progress into senior and leadership roles.

We’re grateful for the outstanding support from Tameside College, whose deep understanding of our business is invaluable. At their recent Apprenticeship Awards ceremony, we were honoured to receive a Long Service Award in recognition of our ongoing efforts to create opportunities across Greater Manchester.

Beyond our partnership with Tameside College, we actively engage with other colleges, schools, and universities in the region by hosting site tours and delivering outreach sessions. As proud members of the 5% Club - a commitment by employers to ensure at least 5% of their workforce is in ‘earn and learn’ positions within five years – we’re already exceeding this goal.

Apprenticeships provide individuals with the opportunity to develop valuable skills and knowledge while earning a wage. Apprentices spend at least 20% of their working hours in classroom-based learning with a college, university, or training provider, leading to a nationally recognised qualification.

By investing in apprenticeships, we help individuals build rewarding careers while strengthening our workforce with the skills needed for the future. If you’re interested in future apprenticeship opportunities with Hyde Group, please contact our HR department at careers@hydegroup.com.

Powering a greener future: Hyde Group's renewable energy commitment

Since October 2022, the Hyde Group has sourced electricity from 100% renewable sources. Verified by the Carbon Trust, this transition underscores our commitment to sustainability and reducing carbon emissions.

Procuring 100% renewable electricity is one of the most effective ways to start a net-zero journey and to actively support wider net-zero targets.  From installing solar panels, upgrading to energy-efficient machines and lighting and transitioning our vehicle fleet to electric, we’re dedicated to mitigating climate change both globally and locally. Embracing renewable energy is just one of the ways we’re striving to create a sustainable future for our business, our communities and the planet.

Strengthening aerospace manufacturing with Hyde Coatings and SurTec 650

Hyde Coatings, Hyde Group’s specialist in-house provider of surface treatments, is now qualified to process Airbus parts with SurTec 650, with other authorisations to follow. Offering a cutting-edge, environmentally chemical compliant conversion coating, free of hexavalent chromium, SurTec 650 delivers critical advantages for aerospace parts and assemblies, making it a strategic choice for the sector.

Here’s why SurTec 650 stands out for aerospace applications:

  • Enhanced corrosion resistance: SurTec 650 provides exceptional long-term corrosion protection, ensuring durability in harsh environments - key for aerospace parts subject to extreme conditions.

  • Electrical conductivity: Unlike traditional coatings, SurTec 650 preserves conductivity, essential for components requiring grounding and electrostatic protection without compromising on corrosion resistance.

  • Eco-friendly compliance: As a trivalent chromium solution, SurTec 650 aligns with the latest environmental standards, including RoHS compliance, providing a safer, sustainable alternative to hexavalent chromium-based coatings.

  • Paint adhesion: The coating also improves paint adhesion, enhancing finish quality and lifespan for parts that require additional coating layers.

  • Airbus Specification AIPI02-05-007 Chemical Conversion Coating by immersion for AA5xxx and AA6xxx aluminium alloys.

  • MIL-DTL-5541 Chemical Conversion Coating Type II Class 3 and MIL-DTL-81706 Type II Class 3 Form I Method C on AA5xxx, AA6xxx and 7xxx Aluminium Alloys.

Hyde Coatings’ qualification for this advanced process is testament to their commitment to high standards, sustainability, and the latest in aerospace technology. Their expertise in SurTec 650 applications supports the industry’s shift toward more sustainable, high-performance materials, setting a new standard for quality and compliance.

Advancing aerospace testing with breakthrough rotating rig design

We’re excited to share Hyde Group's contribution to a collaborative paper on the design of a multi-purpose high-speed rotating rig for the National Centre for Propulsion and Power at the University of Cambridge, UK, a project made possible by funding from the Aerospace Technology Institute and InnovateUK.

Designed to rapidly test compressor, turbine and fan single stages, this ground-breaking rig offers unmatched versatility in rapid testing for the aerospace sector.  The rig design brings unique advantages to high-speed testing with its multi-purpose flexibility, allowing a variety of applications without the need for multiple rigs, which accelerates testing cycles and shortens development timelines. In addition, with advanced sensors and control systems, this rig delivers highly accurate data, offering new levels of confidence in testing outcomes.

The Hyde Group will shortly begin production of the rig – we’re proud to help drive technological advancement in aerospace with our partners and the talented team that made this project a reality.

The paper was presented at the ASME Turbo 2024 conference and can be downloaded from the ASME Digital Collection library here.

The Hyde Group has a long history of designing, developing and producing high performance mechanical, pressure, temperature and structural test rigs to accommodate our clients’ requirements, and we’ve manufactured test rigs across a range of industries including airframe, nuclear, marine and space.  Further information and past examples of our test rigs can be found here.