Qimtek Case Study: Warren Engineering

Warren Services: A dynamic, full-service engineering company providing precision fabrication, CNC machining, welding, and assembly. With advanced technology and a skilled workforce, Warren Services delivers high-quality, innovative solutions for complex projects across industries, from prototyping to large-scale production.

Warren Services, based in Thetford, Norfolk, has undergone significant leadership changes as it prepares for future growth. Founded in 1990 by Richard and Sharon Bridgman, the company has evolved into one of the largest subcontract engineering firms in East Anglia, specialising in fabrication, machining, welding, and assembly for a wide range of sectors. After a long and successful career in the industry, Richard has recently retired, receiving an OBE in recognition of his dedication to training apprentices and supporting the next generation of engineers.

Leadership and Vision

With Richard stepping back, his son Will Bridgman has taken on the role of Managing Director, bringing with him a vision of continued innovation and expansion. “We’re focused on embracing cutting-edge digital technology to drive the next industrial revolution,” says Will. “Our aim is to achieve 50% growth over the next three years, building on the strong foundation my father established.”

How Qimtek Helped Us Grow

Warren Services joined Qimtek’s platform in 2012 with a healthy dose of scepticism. Richard Bridgman, known for his hands-on approach, initially wasn’t sure the platform would deliver the results he was looking for. “I have to admit, I didn’t expect much from it at the start,” says Richard. “But after some time, the quality of leads we were receiving surprised me. I even made a point to visit Qimtek’s office and let them know how impressed I was. The platform became a significant part of our client development strategy.”

One of the most notable successes came from a 2017 trade show, where Warren Services teamed up with Qimtek to showcase their capabilities. At the event, Richard and then-General Manager Clive Poyner (who has since moved on to TML Precision, also a Qimtek member) met with a major player in the food retail industry. This introduction blossomed into one of Warren Services’ largest accounts, contributing to a significant increase in their turnover. “We didn’t expect that connection to grow so quickly,” siad by Clive at the time. “But by the time the partnership was fully developed, it had nearly doubled our turnover.”

Turning Small Leads into Big Business

Clive played a crucial role in transforming the leads generated through Qimtek into substantial business opportunities. By being able to deal directly with Qimtek’s leads, Clive was able to quickly book appointments with potential clients and showcase what Warren Services could truly deliver. “Qimtek made it easy to connect with the right people. I was able to get face-to-face with buyers, which allowed us to demonstrate our full capabilities,” says Clive. “Once clients could see what we could do, those initial small jobs often turned into major contracts.”

One standout success came from a small lead from Crossrail sent through Qimtek. What started as a modest project quickly escalated into a major fabrication contract worth £350,000, including the construction of 4-metre-high structures. “We were sent a small job from Qimtek, but once delivered, it opened the door to larger opportunities,” explains Clive. “The next thing we knew, we were fabricating substantial infrastructure for one of the UK’s most prominent projects.”

Warren Services Today

Today, Warren Services continues to be a versatile and innovative company, delivering complex engineering solutions for a variety of industries. The company’s projects range from manufacturing luxury apartment balconies in London - which started as a small lead from Qimtek, to automated foldable buildings and even animatronic dinosaurs for the entertainment sector. Their ability to take on technically challenging projects that require multiple engineering processes has made them a trusted partner for blue-chip companies and start-ups alike.

“If it can be fabricated, machined, welded, connected, and assembled – we can make it,” says Will Bridgman. “Our goal is to be the go-to manufacturing partner for clients who need high-quality, technically demanding work.”