As 2025 draws to a close, we sat down once again with our Managing Director, Andrew Gentle, to reflect on a year that has brought real progress, important milestones and continued investment into UK manufacturing. From achieving EcoVadis Gold status to showcasing British-made diamond tooling on the global stage, Andrew shares his highlights, the lessons learned and what lies ahead for Team DK in 2026.
Andrew, looking back over 2025, what would you say are the moments that stand out for DK and why those in particular?
“Two immediately come to mind.
The first is achieving EcoVadis Gold Medal status and placing within the top five percent of companies assessed worldwide. It is a significant achievement for any business, but for a manufacturing company of our size, it is a real testament to the dedication and focus of our teams. The effort put in by our Compliance department and the way the rest of the business engaged in the process, showed how committed we are to responsible and sustainable practice. It is a milestone we are very proud of.
Our participation at JEC World 2025 is another standout. It remains one of the key exhibitions for the composites sector and being part of the Composites UK Pavilion puts us in front of an international audience. The conversations, the interest in new materials and processes and the trust shown by both existing and new partners made it a very rewarding few days.“
We have seen the manufacturing industry in the United Kingdom face some challenges this year. How have you felt the team at DK responded and what is your takeaway of how we handled 2025?
“Manufacturing will always have its challenges, but what stood out this year was the resilience and involvement of everyone across the business.
Training has played a major part in that. Ensuring that our staff understand the structure of the company and the principles behind how we work gives people ownership and clarity. When the team feels connected to decisions, they respond well even when the landscape shifts.
My takeaway from 2025 is simple: the team remained calm, committed and collaborative. Departments supported one another exceptionally well and that makes a real difference.“
Our apprentices, production colleagues and wider team are key to delivering our ‘Made in the UK’ precision diamond tooling promise. On that note, how have you seen culture, collaboration or mindset evolve at DK this year?
“Apprentices remain a central part of our long-term strategy, and the support structures around them have strengthened again this year. The blend of internal and external training is giving us a flexible workforce that can adapt as technologies change.
We are also fortunate to have some exceptional young talent coming through. A highlight was seeing our CAD Apprentice, Freddy Beard, named as one of three finalists in the Composites UK Industry Awards. It is an outstanding achievement for a seventeen-year-old in a medium-sized, family-run business.
We attended the ceremony surrounded by more than two hundred influential industry figures and Freddy fitted straight in, confident, capable and representing the future of UK manufacturing.
Of course, apprentices still get tested with the classic workshop humour – the old “ask the stores for a long weight” trick refuses to die but the overriding atmosphere is one of genuine support. Seeing experienced hands guide the next generation reflects the culture we want: skilled, helpful and proud of the production processes we pass on.“
Turning to 2026, what is the big ambition for Team DK next year?
“Our ambition for 2026 is clear: continued investment.
We will be investing further in machinery, training and workforce development to give us the flexibility required to support our customers. Manufacturing moves quickly, and reinforcing our capabilities ensures that we remain competitive and innovative in the years ahead.”
The company is due to attend MACH 2026 for the first time as part of MAKE UK’s Pavilion. Can you tell us yet what is in store?
“2026 will be a very busy year for us, with JEC World in March and a return to glasstec in Düsseldorf in October.
MACH has always been on our radar, as it is a major platform for engineering and advanced manufacturing. When MAKE UK invited us to join their Pavilion, it felt like the right moment. MACH allows us to showcase our precision diamond tooling for engineering applications, from intricate grinding processes to specialist solutions developed for high-performance materials.
We are looking forward to demonstrating the performance of British-made tooling, seeing our partners there and engaging with visitors from across the sector. It is an exciting new audience for us and a great fit for what we do.”
And finally… the festive question everyone wants to know the answer to: Christmas pudding – brandy butter, custard or cream?
“Why choose? My perfect Christmas pudding comes with vanilla ice cream, double cream and custard. If it is Christmas, then it is all in.”