As we wrap up 2025, it’s clear it has been another packed year for Woodward Group, full of hands-on projects, new partnerships, and positive team news.
Whether we were installing turnkey solutions, supporting clients in high-pressure environments, or helping the next generation of apprentices find their feet, our focus has always been on doing the job properly and supporting the people we work with. Check out some of our 2025 highlights below.
CCTV installation for Alstom Derby
Back in January, we were commissioned to enhance health and safety monitoring and protect stock, tools, and products from malicious damage at Alstom Derby’s three main service and fit-out shops: G, U, and V. Our team successfully delivered comprehensive CCTV coverage across all areas, ensuring no blind spots and enabling effective oversight of contractor activities on-site. Read the case study here.
Celebrating National Apprenticeship Week
Each February, we take the time to celebrate National Apprenticeship Week, a UK-wide event that shines a spotlight on the benefits apprenticeships bring to both individuals and businesses. The theme for 2025, #SkillsForLife, gave us the perfect opportunity to sit down with our Site Manager, Stuart Harrison, to discuss his career. Stuart started out as an electrical apprentice himself nearly 18 years ago and now oversees the training and development of many young apprentices here at Woodward Group. Watch the full interview here.
Water Network & GV installation for Soufflet Malt
Woodward Group was proud to support Soufflet Malt with the installation of two new 225-tonne germination vessels (GVs) at its Burton-on-Trent facility earlier this year. These new vessels, positioned alongside the existing four GVs, were designed to increase processing capacity and efficiency at the site. Find out more.
The evolution of LED technology
Earlier this year, we reflected on how far LED technology has come and the ways these advancements can benefit businesses. LEDs have long been celebrated for their energy efficiency, but the latest models take things even further. They use less power, offer better colour accuracy, last longer, and come in smaller, more versatile designs. If you’re thinking about upgrading your LED lighting in 2026, we’d be happy to explore the best options with you.
Taking on Tough Mudder Midlands
On 5 July 2025, Woodward Group successfully completed the Tough Mudder Midlands challenge at the stunning Belvoir Castle in support of the Alzheimer’s Society. Known as one of Tough Mudder’s most technically difficult events, the course featured scaled-up obstacles, unexpected twists, and gruelling terrain.
It took mud, sweat, and tears, but the guys came together with determination and enthusiasm, pushing themselves to the limit. Thanks to the generosity of colleagues, friends, and supporters, we have raised over £1,200 for Alzheimer’s Society. We’re already thinking about the next challenge we’d like to take on in 2026 – watch this space!
Installing 20 lifting jacks for Mechan
This summer, Woodward Group was appointed by longstanding client Mechan to support the electrical installation of a new set of 20 lifting jacks at a rail maintenance facility in Bletchley. These jacks work in unison to lift full train carriages, allowing engineers safe and efficient access within the maintenance pit.
The project formed part of a broader effort to enhance maintenance capabilities for West Midlands Trains, providing additional capacity at this key location. Read the case study here.
Fire alarm upgrade for Ibstock Brick
Having successfully delivered multiple projects for Ibstock Brick up and down the UK (including Project America and a recent fit out for its brand new ‘pathfinder’ factory), Woodward Group was once again entrusted by the company to design and install a compliant, high-performance fire alarm solution at its Aldridge site.
Woodward Group designed and installed a new open-protocol fire alarm system in line with the requirements set out in Ibstock Brick’s latest fire risk assessment. The system was built to BS 5839-1:2017 standards, ensuring compliance and reliability across the site. Find out more about the project.
Growing future talent at Woodward Group
In October, we were thrilled to welcome two new electrical apprentices to Woodward Group, Callum Waite and Keenan Baldwin. Callum and Keenan have quickly got involved in a wide range of projects, and it’s been great to see them learning and developing new skills already. We are also proud to celebrate Ben Willison for completing his apprenticeship and securing his JIB Gold Card. Read the full blog here.
Installation of building services for Network Rail
Towards the end of the year, Woodward Group supported Network Rail with the development its unique training centre – the Birmingham Rail Resilience Hub – which will help prepare transport providers and the emergency services for major incidents on the railway. Led by James Yunus, Installations Manager at Woodward Group, we delivered a comprehensive internal fit-out across two floors and adjacent facilities. Read the case study here to learn more.
Supporting modern brick slip manufacturing
This year, we also completed Phase 2 of our work for Ibstock Brick PLC’s Futures Division at its Nostell site, building on the successful delivery of Phase 1 last year. The project spans both traditional and modern manufacturing environments, supporting the production of brick slips through a comprehensive electrical and fire systems fit-out.
Phase 2 focused on the main factory, enabling a highly automated operation with improved efficiency, waste reduction and product quality, underpinned by robust HV and LV infrastructure and a site-wide fire alarm system. We’re proud to have supported Ibstock’s continued investment in modern manufacturing and will be sharing the full case study in the new year.
Exploring opportunities in hydrogen energy
The conversation around hydrogen has been growing louder in recent years, and for good reason. As industries and governments work towards ambitious net zero targets, hydrogen energy is being hailed as one of the most promising solutions to decarbonise sectors that electricity alone cannot easily reach. In a recent blog post, Woodward Group explores how hydrogen is being developed in the UK, the opportunities it offers, and the critical role of safety in its successful adoption. Read it here.
Woodward Group is on the move
We’re finishing the year with the exciting news that we are officially moving into a new facility on Shobnall Road. We are now three months into the renovation and progress remains firmly on track. Completion is expected by Christmas, allowing us to fully transition from our current premises in time for the start of 2026.
This project is an exciting way for us to close 2025, and marks a major step forward in Woodward Group’s long-term growth plans. Over the next five years, we’re aiming to expand our team and broaden our capabilities, and the new facility has been designed to support that ambition with the space and environment we need to keep progressing.