Nigel Rata, CEO of Cambridge Precision Ltd,  joined Stuart Gibbons, Managing Director of Le Mark Group, and Charlotte Horrobin Regional Director of Make UK on the BBC Cambridgeshire Dotty McLeod breakfast show, this morning, to champion the success of a select few regional businesses, in what was forecast as a doom and gloom quarter for UK business nationwide.

CPL is bucking the trend and represents those within the UK manufacturing sector who have a positive outlook and can demonstrate growth and resilience in challenging times.  As Dotty explained, CPL make ‘clever parts for fancy machines’ ! Nigel expanded on this, commenting on the niche market that CPL are increasingly dominating, ‘developing high complexity, high value components for clients in life sciences and digital technologies’, those who are at the cutting edge of innovation.

He told Dotty that he believed that ongoing investment in the company’s infrastructure, commitment to developing close commercial relationships with clients and the hard work and capability of the staff at CPL, were the key to current success, including 30% growth in 2022.  ‘We are very proud of the team at CPL. Without them, we simply wouldn’t be where we are.’

None of the guests on the show questioned or doubted the pressures on the current economy and the hard times that all are experiencing. Rising energy costs and skills shortages are a genuine threat to the UK economy. But as Dotty summed up – it is great to know that in our region there is some positivity and much success.  Nigel commented that working with Make UK and with GrowthWorks over the past few years had been a real benefit and encouraged others in the region to explore the opportunities and support that these networks can provide.

The episode can be listened to via this link – https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p0fb1b26.

The piece begins at 2:07 with Nigel commenting from 2:16:40.