Anderman & Company Successfully Completes Annual ISO Audit

Images courtesy Anderman & Co.

Anderman & Company is pleased to announce the successful completion of its annual ISO audit, reinforcing the company’s ongoing commitment to quality, operational excellence, and continuous improvement.

The independent audit, conducted as part of Anderman’s certification requirements, reviewed key processes across the business to ensure full compliance with internationally recognised ISO standards. 

The positive outcome demonstrates the strength of Anderman’s quality management systems and the consistent focus on quality across its teams. This marks the 6th consecutive year of successful ISO certification for Anderman.

“This achievement reflects the hard work and focus of everyone across the organisation,” Gary Hateley, Commercial Director, told That's Business.

“Completing the audit successfully is not just about meeting standards, it’s about maintaining the highest level of performance for our customers and continuously improving how we operate.”

ISO certification is widely regarded as a benchmark for quality and consistency, providing customers with confidence that products and services are delivered through robust, well-managed processes. 

For Anderman Ceramics, the audit outcome highlights the company’s ability to meet demanding industry requirements while continuing to innovate and support long-term customer partnerships.

The annual audit covered a wide range of areas including manufacturing controls, documentation practices, risk management, customer feedback and ongoing improvement initiatives. Its successful completion underscores Anderman’s proactive approach to ensuring reliable supply and maintaining the highest standards across its operations.

Anderman remains focused on delivering high-performance ceramic solutions to customers worldwide, supported by strong governance, skilled expertise, and a culture the priorities quality.

With the audit now complete, the company looks forward to another year of growth, strengthening customer relationships, and building on its reputation as a trusted supplier in the advanced ceramics sector.

https://anderman.com

That's Green: Energy-hungry AI and air conditioning risk wiping ...

That's Green: Energy-hungry AI and air conditioning risk wiping ...: The rapid expansion of renewable energy is being used to meet rising electricity demands rather than displacing fossil fuels, according to ...

Young entrepreneur programme launches in Furness

Young entrepreneurs taking their first steps in business have been selected for an exciting new programme to help them bring their plans to life.

Six young people, aged between 15 and 24 from across Furness, have been awarded a place on Positive Enterprise, run by Cumbria Community Foundation and the Centre for Leadership Performance (CforLP).

Their innovative business ideas range from selling African food and pizzas, to photography and make-up services.

Each participant will receive a £1,000 grant, plus workshops, expert advice, and the opportunity to shadow local entrepreneurs.

They will also be paired with an experienced businessperson to act as a mentor and guide them through highs and lows of running their own business.

The programme has run successfully in West Cumbria for the past three years and is expanding into Furness for the first time for 2026. It was launched at The Bridge in Barrow on 12 February, where participants and their families, mentors and organisers had chance to get to know each other and hear about previous success stories.

The programme is delivered by CforLP. Project Lead Rhianna Smith told That's Business: “Positive Enterprise doesn't just focus on the business outcomes, the real impact is long-term – supporting participants to build confidence, resilience and essential skills that shape their futures. 

"We are really excited to run the programme in Furness for the first time, and very impressed with the broad and creative range of their business ideas that reflect their different experiences, interests and ambitions.”

Positive Enterprise in Furness is funded by the Printers Inc Social Mobility Fund and individual donor Jan Ambler. Mrs Ambler explained what led her to support the programme.

“My husband came from a very poor background and appreciated the advice he got when starting out in business. We have always been interested in helping young people, especially those who do not have the same opportunities as others. Everyone deserves an equal chance.”

Annalee Holliday, Head of Grants Practice & Programmes at Cumbria Community Foundation, said: “Positive Enterprise has a fantastic track record of delivering practical support and advice to young people starting out in business. There are so many success stories from the first three years of the programme – not only in terms of the number of businesses still going from strength to strength, but the confidence and life skills it has given those taking part.

“We are delighted to be able to offer the programme in Furness for the first time and are very grateful to the funders and mentors giving up their time to share their skills and experience.”

James Batchelor MBE, founder of Alertacall, has been a mentor on the programme for the past three years. He is encouraging others to sign up as mentors too.

"One of the most powerful ways you can have a positive impact across a community is to lend support to a young person trying to start their own venture,” James said. 

“You'll improve their skills, confidence and capabilities, and if their venture succeeds, they will go on to have a positive impact on countless other people. Your life experiences shared and your encouragement just a few hours a month is all that many brilliant young people in Cumbria need, and the truth is you'll also have fun and meet brilliant people.

“If you're considering youth mentorship, the Positive Enterprise programme is one of the easiest ways to get involved in Cumbria because all the participants benefit from brilliant leadership training and other wraparound support which truly maximises their chance of success. Go for it!"

To get involved with Positive Enterprise in Furness, either as a participant or mentor, please contact Rhianna Smith at CfLP on 07949 642598 or email rhianna.smith@cforlp.org.uk.

For more information visit www.cumbriafoundation.org/positive-enterprise

How UK Businesses Can Improve Employee Happiness and Productivity

Discover practical strategies UK SMEs and larger companies can use to improve employee wellbeing, boost productivity, and create a happier, more engaged workforce.

For SMEs and larger corporations alike, improving working life isn’t just good ethics — it’s good business. 

Employees who feel valued, supported and trusted are more productive, loyal and engaged.

Here are the essentials:

1. Build a Culture of Respect

Encourage open communication, listen to feedback, and recognise contributions. Trust reduces micromanagement and increases accountability.

2. Offer Flexible Working

Hybrid models, flexible hours or compressed weeks can significantly reduce stress and improve morale — often at little cost.

3. Prioritise Wellbeing

Support mental and physical health through realistic workloads, access to wellbeing resources, and leadership that models healthy boundaries.

4. Invest in Development

Training, mentoring and clear career progression keep staff motivated and reduce turnover.

5. Recognise Achievement

Simple gestures — public thanks, small rewards, milestone celebrations — can have a powerful impact on morale.

6. Strengthen Leadership

Good managers communicate clearly, lead fairly and support their teams. Poor management remains one of the main reasons people leave jobs.

The Bottom Line

When employees thrive, productivity rises, absenteeism falls, and recruitment costs decrease. Whether you’re running a growing SME or a large corporate operation, investing in workplace happiness is a strategic advantage — not a luxury.

FEV analysis: TCO cut by up to 33% through range extender trucks

FEV has published new analysis results on the economic efficiency of electrified commercial vehicles as part of an internal research program. 

The evaluation of extensive techno-economic data shows: depending on the driving cycle, through trucks with range extender architecture (REEV/Hybrid BEV) the total cost of ownership (TCO) can be reduced by up to 33% compared to conventional diesel trucks – while also significantly reducing CO₂ emissions. Even in the most unfavorable long-haul scenario, the TCO declined by approximately 14%.

Calculations are based on realistic European usage profiles with overnight charging at industrial electricity prices of around 19 cents per kilowatt hour. In regions with lower electricity costs, the advantage is correspondingly higher.

Cost-effectiveness without megawatt charging infrastructure

A key lever of the REEV architecture is the reduced battery size compared to purely battery-electric long-haul trucks. While typical BEV trucks require battery capacities of around 560 kWh, a REEV truck can manage with around 280 kWh. 

Even with slower AC charging at 22 kW, around 240 kWh can be recharged overnight – enough to power the vehicle almost entirely electrically for the next day. Thus, a megawatt charging infrastructure is not necessary for economical operation.

Significant TCO advantage in the cost-critical commercial vehicle market

The economic advantage of the range extender architecture results from several factors. The smaller battery of a REEV truck reduces vehicle costs and weight while increasing payload. Also, the high proportion of electric driving enables low energy costs, especially when charging at depots at night at industrial electricity prices.

Due to their low dependence on public high-performance charging infrastructure, REEV trucks can be seamlessly integrated into existing depot structures.

www.fev.com

MODS Launches Digital Enablement Service to Maximize ROI from Industrial Software Investments

MODS, a global provider of intelligent industrial software solutions, announces the launch of their Digital Enablement services, ensuring customers achieve immediate value, seamless adoption, and overall success from their digital investments.

An agile software provider, MODS moves beyond traditional implementations to deliver a bespoke experience that helps clients maintain business continuity through every stage of digital transition. 

MODS Digital Enablement supports the full journey from purchase to business-as-usual and beyond. 

The service combines training, system configuration, data readiness, an interim Super User, software customization, and continuous support into one flexible offering.

“At MODS, we don’t just provide software — we deliver success. Digital Enablement is a proactive change management and implementation service that ensures our customers realize value from Day 1, with quality-assured workflows, rapid adoption, and a clear path to measurable ROI.” – Jon Bell, CEO told That's Business.

From Purchase to Performance: A Proven Enablement Model

MODS Digital Enablement follows a six-step framework to deliver seamless implementation and long-term value:

Agree & Train – Full product demonstrations, user training, and skills-gap closure.

Optimize – Workflow assessments to identify and resolve process pinch-points before go-live.

Quality Assure – Data collection, digitization, validation, and system tuning to client needs.

Pre-populate – Systems are pre-loaded with project or asset data for immediate use.

Support – Ongoing change management, training, and implementation assistance.

Business as Usual – MODS can temporarily operate digital workflows on behalf of clients to ensure continuity during transition.

This approach significantly reduces implementation time and delivers value from the first day of use.

Designed for Real-World Project Workflows

MODS Digital Enablement includes bespoke software customization. Enhancements may include new features, integrations, templates, and workflow tools tailored to a client’s operational environment. Examples include: integration with enterprise systems (e.g., ERM), bespoke templates and automated reports, and new tools that streamline execution workflows. These customizations ensure faster returns on investment while aligning digital systems with existing processes.

https://mods.solutions

From SMEs to Corporates: How UK Employers Can Increase Productivity Through Employee Happiness

Learn how UK organisations of all sizes can enhance employee wellbeing, reduce staff turnover, and improve business performance.

For SMEs and larger corporations alike, improving working life isn’t just good ethics — it’s good business. Employees who feel valued, supported and trusted are more productive, loyal and engaged.

Here are the essentials:

1. Build a Culture of Respect

Encourage open communication, listen to feedback, and recognise contributions. Trust reduces micromanagement and increases accountability.

2. Offer Flexible Working

Hybrid models, flexible hours or compressed weeks can significantly reduce stress and improve morale — often at little cost.

3. Prioritise Wellbeing

Support mental and physical health through realistic workloads, access to wellbeing resources, and leadership that models healthy boundaries.

4. Invest in Development

Training, mentoring and clear career progression keep staff motivated and reduce turnover.

5. Recognise Achievement

Simple gestures, public thanks, small rewards, milestone celebrations, can have a powerful impact on morale.

6. Strengthen Leadership

Good managers communicate clearly, lead fairly and support their teams. Poor management remains one of the main reasons people leave jobs.

The Bottom Line

When employees thrive, productivity rises, absenteeism falls, and recruitment costs decrease. Whether you’re running a growing SME or a large corporate operation, investing in workplace happiness is a strategic advantage — not a luxury.