Made in the South West completed their second regional factory tour this week, welcoming more than 40 industrial leaders to Somerset-based Berry & Escott, a specialist engineering and fabrication firm with a growing national reputation.
The Bridgwater event was designed to give manufacturers an inside look at a business operating at the sharp end of sectors such as nuclear, defence, and clean energy, all while maintaining a firm commitment to high standards, innovation, and regional pride. Hosted by Sales Manager Scott White, the event offered an impressive deep dive into how Berry & Escott blends traditional engineering expertise with cutting-edge technology to deliver turnkey solutions for high-compliance industries.
The factory tour attracted a strong cohort from the South West manufacturing community, including a group of Midlands-based Made in Group members who travelled to Somerset to support the network’s cross-regional collaboration.
Engineering Excellence, Local Roots
Scott White delivered a presentation that showcased not just the company’s impressive capabilities, but its strategic use of technology to meet the rigorous demands of its clients.
“At our core, we are a steel fabrication and engineering company,” said Scott. “But it’s what we do with our expertise, from 3D laser scanning to point cloud data integration, that really sets us apart. We deliver end-to-end solutions, from design to installation, in some of the most tightly regulated sectors out there.”
Berry & Escott’s advanced scanning technology has allowed the company to drastically reduce onsite issues and deliver on their ‘right first time’ philosophy, a crucial advantage in industries where precision and compliance are non-negotiable.
Among their many achievements, the company designed and installed a mechanical training simulator for the National College for Nuclear, a project that demonstrates both technical excellence and their contribution to the future of UK energy infrastructure.
Recent media coverage, including pieces from PES Media and the BBC, has highlighted Berry & Escott’s role in delivering major contracts at Hinkley Point C, the UK’s flagship nuclear power station project. It’s clear the company is fast becoming a key player in the UK’s clean energy future.
Growth, Investment, and Regional Optimism
The sense of optimism for Bridgwater and the wider Somerset region was palpable throughout the event. Berry & Escott made it clear that their commitment to the area is about more than location — it’s a belief in the region’s potential.
“We’re proud to be an SME, we’re proud to be based in Bridgwater, and we’re proud to be responsive to our customers,” said Scott. “But that responsiveness never comes at the expense of compliance. We’re proving you can work at speed without compromising standards.”
Berry & Escott's confidence seems well-founded. With increasing investment in both nuclear and battery technology in the area, Bridgwater is emerging as a strategic hub for clean industry — and Berry & Escott is right at the heart of it.
A Workforce Built for the Future
Jason Pitt, CEO of the Made in Group, reflected on the tour with clear admiration:
“It’s great to see the energy and positivity in this company. For me, that was a key takeaway. They’ve future-proofed the business, with more than 20% of their workforce at apprenticeship level. That gives them the perfect blend of youth and experience.”
This commitment to nurturing the next generation of engineers is reflected not only in workforce composition but in Berry & Escott’s education-linked projects — such as their simulator work for nuclear training and collaborative engagement with local schools and colleges.
Cross-Regional Connections
The event wasn’t just about Berry & Escott. It also served as a platform for Made in Group’s expanding cross-regional collaboration. Members from Made in the Midlands made the journey to Somerset, bringing fresh perspectives and forging new relationships with their South West peers.
That connectivity is exactly what Made in the South West was established to foster: a peer-led network of industrial leaders who want to share ideas, drive growth, and support the next generation of manufacturing excellence.
Tony Mattravers who heads membership for Made in the South West said, “It’s not every day you get to walk around a business that’s delivering to nuclear clients and winning national awards, all while staying so grounded in their local roots. There’s a lot to learn here.”
Looking Ahead
With the success of this second factory tour, Made in the South West is clearly building momentum. The day was a perfect reflection of what the Made in Group stands for: knowledge sharing, regional pride, and an unwavering belief in the power of British industry.
Berry & Escott, with their impressive combination of innovation, compliance, and local investment, made the ideal host and gave attendees more than enough inspiration to take back to their own businesses.