Charlotte Cane MP Visits Local Business Following Launch of Apprenticeship Cluster to Support Local Workforce Development
19 February 2025
Charlotte Cane, MP for Ely and East Cambridgeshire, today visited Huxley Bertram, a leading local engineering business, following their work as an inaugural member of Automate UK’s recently launched Apprenticeship Cluster.
The Cluster is an innovative new initiative designed to address national skills shortages in the Manufacturing industry. Huxley Bertram Engineering Ltd is an inaugural member of the Cluster, alongside Domino UK Limited, SMC Corporation (UK) Limited, RARUK Automation Limited, and Endoline Machinery Limited. It aims to deliver top-tier training opportunities for young people through a collaborative approach, uniting business leaders, educators, and apprentices to shape the future workforce.
Huxley Bertram, founded in 1979, provides mechanical engineering solutions. The company’s first location was in a large garden shed, later relocating to Cottenham, Cambridge, and the business is now within Charlotte Cane MP’s constituency, in Waterbeach, Cambridge, where it has been since 2014.
Their work ranges from concept design to system build, test and commission, and ongoing service and support, with turnkey projects often culminating in fully automated machines helping transform manufacturing in industries such as pharmaceutical, medical healthcare, hydrogen fuel cells and new nuclear. As an inaugural member of the Cluster, they benefit from the model which enables businesses to share best practices in apprenticeship training, promote interest in manufacturing careers, and expand the talent pool for member companies and their end users.
Commenting on the visit, Mark Jenkins, Senior Engineer & Director at Huxley Bertram, said: “We are proud to be one of the five inaugural members of Automate UK’s Apprenticeship Cluster, helping to boost skills and employment opportunities for young people in the region, and look forward to continuing to work with Ms Cane to ensure the manufacturing industry is prepared to meet the demands of the future.”
During the visit, Charlotte Cane MP met with Huxley Bertram’s leadership team, toured the facility, and spoke with current apprentices about their experiences. She celebrated the business for its commitment to developing local talent and creating opportunities for young people in the Cambridge area to gain practical, hands-on experience in their chosen fields.
Charlotte Cane, Member of Parliament for Ely and East Cambridgeshire, said: “Capitalising on the potential within the engineering and manufacturing sectors is vital to kickstarting economic growth. This visit has provided an opportunity to witness firsthand the benefits of both the Cluster and the wider work Huxley Bertram is doing in the constituency. Their work demonstrates the significant impact that investment in the sector could deliver.”
Peter Williamson, CEO, Automate UK, said: “Members of Automate UK, such as Huxley Bertram, stand as examples of British technological excellence in the manufacturing sector, showcasing the innovation that defines the UK’s industrial capabilities. Facilitating more skills within the sector – particularly within robotics, industrial vision, and packing automation.The Cluster presents an opportunity for policymakers to back sectors with the highest growth potential and expand access to more rewarding jobs.”
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