NEWS

Turnmill Engineering, established in 2018, specialises in production of small to medium turned and milled components, production problem-solving, reverse engineering, and process improvement, delivering cost savings and supporting manufacturing success. Through the Sunderland Supply Chain programme, delivered by RTC North, they sought to de-risk their business and strengthen long-term resilience by improving supply chain visibility and supporting diversification into defence and adjacent sectors. Following their participation in 2024/25, targeted support to help them navigate the defence and security sectors continued.

The support focused on reducing exposure to market volatility driven by subcontracting pressures, while safeguarding existing jobs and positioning the business as a defence-ready precision engineering supplier. With growing geopolitical uncertainty increasing demand for resilient UK supply chains, supporting Turnmill Engineering to diversify and de-risk was a key focus.

The business received diagnostic support to assess growth risks, identify sector-specific requirements, and improve market readiness. This included connections into the North East Regional Defence and Security Cluster (NERDSC) and support from them as they joined Make UK Defence to help strengthen operational resilience, productivity, and future competitiveness.

Support included one-to-one diagnostic and advisory engagement to assess operational capability, identify growth risks, and understand Turnmill Engineering’s readiness to diversify into defence and adjacent sectors, alongside strategic input to de-risk the business by reducing reliance on volatile subcontracting arrangements and strengthening long-term supply chain resilience. The programme also provided defence supply chain readiness support, with guidance on sector requirements, procurement expectations, and navigation of the defence ecosystem through NERDSC, as well as facilitated access to defence and sector-specific events, including support to attend DSEI to build knowledge, confidence, and new commercial connections. This was underpinned by ongoing, relationship-based support through regular catch-ups, responsive advice, and practical problem-solving aligned to day-to-day operational pressures.

Building on this support from Sunderland Supply Chain, delivered by RTC North, Turnmill Engineering is now progressing its diversification into defence and adjacent sectors to strengthen long-term resilience and secure a more stable pipeline of work. Their next phase will focus on converting relationships and knowledge gained through NERDSC and defence-focused events into live opportunities, while continuing to enhance procurement readiness through improved cyber compliance, market positioning, and operational capability.

Lesley Hawke, Sunderland Supply Chain Project Manager commented:

“Supporting Turnmill Engineering throughout this programme has been a genuine pleasure. Andrew and the team were open, engaged, and willing to have honest conversations about the challenges they were facing, particularly during a period of wider market and geopolitical uncertainty. By working closely together, we were able to step back from day‑to‑day pressures, tackle issues head‑on, and focus on building a clear, long‑term vision for the business. Seeing Turnmill grow in confidence, resilience, and ambition—particularly around defence and future supply chain opportunities—has been incredibly rewarding, and I’m proud to have supported them on this journey.”

Andrew Howe, Operations Director at Turnmill Engineering commented:

“Following a one-to-one diagnostic with Lesley and her team we identified the best route to continue growing Turnmill Engineering. After targets were identified and a clear plan established, we were continuously supported. As Turnmill fully committed to this program we are now receiving orders from the targeted markets and continuing increase turnover year on year. This process would have been a lot more challenging and been over a longer time frame without this support and guidance.”

With continued Sunderland Supply Chain and NERDSC support, Turnmill Engineering is aiming to secure long-term success in the defence and security markets.

Support is fully funded by the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.

The UK Shared Prosperity Fund provides £900 million of funding for local investment in 2025/26. The Fund aims to improve pride in place and increase life chances across the UK investing in communities and place, supporting local business, and people and skills. For more information, visit UK Shared Prosperity Fund: 2025/26 technical note - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)