Cambs Compressors Newsletter Summer 2025

www.cambscompressors.co.uk Cambs Compressors cultivating talent – the Apprenticeship Advantage Cambs Compressors’ core belief in investing in people drives their robust apprenticeship programme, offering vocational training and academic qualifications for roles like field engineers, CAD operators, and customer support. This approach emphasises real-world learning and mentorship from experienced colleagues. A key aspect is their work experience programme with local schools and colleges, allowing individuals to experience the workplace first-hand while enabling Cambs Compressors to identify talent early. For individuals, this route offers a rewarding career in a high-demand industry, providing practical skills, academic qualifications, and financial stability without student debt. The business benefits from a continuous pipeline of skilled, loyal employees, reduced recruitment costs, and enhanced innovation. Customers, in turn, receive superior service, more precise designs, and effective maintenance, leading to reliable systems and optimised costs. A compressor manufacturers perspective of Cambs Compressors Over 30 years of partnership with Avelair Avelair Compressed Air Solutions was established in 1993 by Jean and Brian Wood with the goal of becoming the leading British air compressor manufacturer. To achieve this, they identified they needed to work with a trusted group of specialist engineers to achieve their objectives. Cambs Compressors were one of the first compressed air solutions providers to be appointed as an official distributor. At Avelair, we firmly believe that manufacturing a high-quality air compressor is only half the equation. The crucial other half lies in ensuring that our products are expertly specified, installed, and maintained. This is where our trusted network of distributors, like Cambs Compressors, become indispensable partners. Their dedication and expertise are integral to the Avelair success story. From my perspective as Managing Director, the selection of Cambs Compressors as one of our earliest distributors was a pivotal moment. What impressed us then, and continues to impress us today, is their deep-rooted engineering expertise. They possess a team of highly skilled engineers who truly understand the intricacies of compressed air systems. Unwavering dedication to customer service In today’s fast-paced world, genuine commitment to the customer can be a rare commodity. Cambs Compressors consistently goes the extra mile to ensure their clients receive exceptional support, from the initial consultation and system design to ongoing maintenance and aftercare. This mirrors our own ethos at Avelair, where a focus on solutions and service remains paramount. “Our long-standing partnership with Cambs Compressors is a testament to the power of shared values and a mutual commitment to excellence. Companies like Cambs Compressors are not just distributors; they are extensions of the Avelair family, playing a vital role in ensuring our customers receive the very best in compressed air technology and support.” David Wood Managing Director, Avelair Compressed Air Solutions Selecting the right companies to distribute our product has been the foundation of our success. To build a world class UK distribution network, Avelair needed to select only the best compressed air engineering companies. The hidden costs of delayed compressor upgrades in a flatlining economy The UK’s flatlining economy and recent NI tax rises are pushing businesses to “sweat assets,” prolonging the life of equipment like compressed air compressors. While deferring investment offers short-term financial relief, this strategy carries significant hidden costs, especially if proactive maintenance is neglected. Holding onto older, less energy- efficient compressors can lead to higher electricity bills as their efficiency degrades and they become more prone to leaks and mechanical issues. Without robust maintenance, the risk of costly breakdowns, production losses, and emergency repairs increases dramatically, quickly eroding any initial savings. This trend creates a discrepancy with market predictions, which generally forecast growth for the UK compressed air sector. However, on-the-ground experience shows many companies are indeed delaying upgrades, prioritising immediate financial stability over long- term operational efficiency. In this environment, proactive maintenance becomes paramount. Regular inspections, leak detection, and preventative care can mitigate the hidden costs of increased energy consumption and frequent breakdowns, ensuring older systems operate as efficiently and reliably as possible under challenging economic conditions. David Wood Managing Director, Avelair Compressed Air Solutions with Mark Fryer Managing Director, Cambs Compressors Annthea Fryer Finance and HR Director, Cambs Compressors