Case Study: Ingleside Engineering Ltd.
Innovation, Resilience and Supply Chain Growth Following Industrial Transition
Ingleside Engineering Ltd., a structural and mechanical engineering consultancy based in Port Talbot, faced significant uncertainty following the closure of Tata Steel’s heavy end operations. This turning point placed the business at risk, with a highly skilled team facing potential redundancy.
Through a combination of grant funding and tailored business support, Ingleside was able to transform its operations, expand its service offering, and secure new growth opportunities across the UK.
The Challenge
The closure of Tata Steel’s heavy end created several immediate pressures:
- Risk of redundancy for experienced engineers
- Reduced pipeline of local work
- Limited external visibility beyond existing networks
- Need to modernise services and diversify income streams
The Support Provided
Investment in Grant Funding
Grant funding enabled Ingleside to purchase a Trimble X9 3D laser scanner, significantly enhancing its capabilities.
This technology allows the business to:
- Conduct highly accurate site scans
- Capture real-world data quickly and efficiently
- Identify design clashes early
- Reduce project time and costs
It also supports modern engineering processes including 3D modelling, virtual design and advanced project planning.
Business Support from BIC Innovation
Ingleside also benefited from tailored support delivered by BIC Innovation, which focused on strengthening the company’s market position.
Key areas of support included:
- Identifying weaknesses in business development
- Improving online presence and brand visibility
- Enhancing marketing through:
- Social media
- Website improvements
- Vehicle branding (sign-written vans)
- Developing a clearer strategy to reach new clients
The Transformation
With the combination of new technology and strategic business support, Ingleside successfully evolved its operating model.
The business can now:
- Travel to sites across the UK to perform detailed scans
- Bring data back to its Baglan office for design and development
- Deliver more efficient, accurate and innovative engineering solutions
This has broadened their service offering, which includes design, project delivery and specialist services such as 3D scanning, structural design, and digital project planning.
Results & Impact
Financial Growth
- Over £150,000 in additional revenue generated
Jobs Protected and Created
- Retained a skilled team of local engineers
- Recruited a new junior engineer
- Plans in place to recruit an additional engineer
New Business Opportunities
Ingleside is now working on a number of high-value projects, including:
- Designing an extension to Bristol Airport (for ProSteel)
- Acting as main designers for Pritchard’s
- Planning a major development in Newport for Andrew Scott
- Securing new enquiries from across the UK
Why it Worked
Several factors contributed to the success of this intervention:
- Investment in cutting-edge engineering technology
- Targeted support to improve visibility and marketing
- A strong foundation of technical expertise and industry experience
- Ability to adapt quickly to changing market conditions
Conclusion
The support provided to Ingleside Engineering demonstrates how strategic investment and expert guidance can drive real business transformation.
From a position of uncertainty, the company has grown into a more resilient, innovative and outward-facing business—capable of competing on a national scale while continuing to support local employment.
This case highlights the value of combining innovation, capability building, and business support to unlock sustainable growth.
Funded by the UK Government through the Tata Supply Chain Fund.
