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April 2010 - SCL launch new website.
SCL blew away the old cobwebs from their previous website and bought in the new, by the re-launching of their long awaited website update. The new website features all our in-house and subcontract network services. The website provides chapters that enable the user to easily locate and browse the required service/s. However, we do encourage all users to contact us if more information is required. We are also launching our newsletter sign up through the web site where we can keep you regularly informed of our services and product updates.
March 2010 - CADHQ Toolbar becomes exclusive to SCL.
Shane Consultants Limited, has agreed to exclusively distribute CADHQ’s custom scripted PADS toolbar. The toolbar allows the user to setup complex design rules, including differential pairs and bus scheduling. The software also boasts an inbuilt logic wizard, a real bonus. Nigel Rowe, CEO said, “This toolbar is a must for all PADS users as it cuts down many hours of work and headaches when setting up design rules and constraints. This tool is easy to use and will certainly enhance the PADS platform while being cost effective.” For more details regarding this software package, see our products page and follow the links.
February 2010 - SCL Exhibit at FIVE, Southern Manufacturing.
Over two cold winter days in February, with the outside temperatures falling rapidly, snow in the air and ice forming on the windows, the inside was warming up nicely. We enjoyed a steady flow of visitors over the two days with interested parties keeping us busy with enquires. This year the events organisers reported the show having the best turnout for a number of years. I think we can agree with that as we have made many new contacts and received new enquires that we are now quoting on. The comments and enquires at the show reinforce the news from last month. So impressed are we with the show that we have decided to rebook the same stand for 2011, where we are planning to feature other partners.
January 2010 - Positive thinking is required.
As we leave 2009 behind, we are probably all thinking the same, what will 2010 bring and where are we heading? Will the recession finally be over or should we expect a double dip?
These are questions that are probably teasing many business analysts and challenging our sales forecasts for the year, but we think there is some good news to report. The weekly electronic magazines through November and December 09 suggested that it will not be all doom and gloom for this year. Our own studies are backing this theory up, with various views from buyers and sales managers predicting a slow economic recovery period for the first quarter of 2010. The cause could be due to our emergence from recession, but may also be likely to the fact that this year, both the budget and general election are planned to fall close to each other. Similar to all previous election years, the UK economy appears to slow down, leaving us open to a temporary spin or leaving us in a feeling of “just treading water.”
In reality, our customers at home and abroad are confirming similar stories to us, that they are seeing better growth opportunities within the industry than on the previous years. So the good news for us all is that we should not concern ourselves with the short term, but look forward to later in the year where we would expect to see more growth and stability than on the previous year. Regarding the double dip, it is only likely to affect you if you have not planned in moving your business forward, so positive thinking is required.
December 2009 - Economic Global Warming?
The year has been strange, with the subcontract world reporting a slow start to the beginning of the year, then suddenly ramping up from late February which continued throughout the year. How strange then, that we did not see much of a turndown over the holiday periods as would normally be expected. SCL had some customer forewarnings in November that their CAD services would be required over the Christmas period. A supplier commented to us, “Our seasons have changed, so why not the patterns of our work, maybe we should call the phenomenon economic global warming.”
The comment came from a PCB fabricator, but in essence not all are so lucky. Some suppliers and customers were concerned that work volume and requirements this year was either a feast or famine situation. Other subcontract service partners, especially in metalwork fabrication and plastic mouldings industry had experienced some very difficult times. Sadly, we can all conclude of knowing at least one company who fell during the recession, or had heard reports of project cuts and other nasties which in truth re addresses our focus and other survival tactics. Like most other companies we have adopted new policies, brought in new services and revised how we maintain our growth. However one thing is for certain, it has been a very strange year that has slipped away very quickly. Can Christmas really be here again! On this note we would like to take this opportunity and thank all of our customers and suppliers for their continued support, we would also like to wish everyone a Merry Christmas as we look forward to 2010.
November 2009 - New ideas, new silicon, new products means more ATE cards are in demand.
Apart from the major players in the industry, it is always encouraging to hear from start up and spin out companies who come into contact with us through recommendations or through introductions at industry network meetings.
With some brilliant academic minds developing new ideas for chip designs and products, we are pleased to report that the Semiconductor industry is alive and kicking and that the need for ATE load boards, probe cards and evaluation boards is still very much in demand.
October 2009 - SCL Hardware looks set to Fly in 2010
We were introduced into the space industry about a year ago with a design that was to control the gyroscopes in a communication satellite. SCL provided the layout and circuits which were finally completed this month. The latest news is that our hardware is due for launch in August/September 2010. Continuing with the space theme, we have successfully completed part of a system to control a network of ground based telescopes in the U.S. The customer has several months of test ahead of them before the units can be installed.
September 2009 - ISO Update achieved
This month has been busy with a spread of new customer orders giving us more diversity and challenges, which are always welcome. New contracts have appeared from the Space and Broadcast markets which appear to be recession proof, if there is such a thing.
We have also been assessed by NQA’s Ian Bell, who was pleased to confirm our successful transition from ISO9000-2001 to ISO9000-2008.
August 2009 - SCL relocate satellite office
Due to continued growth, SCL has transferred the Brighton office team to premises at Wyboston Lakes in Wyboston, Bedfordshire.
Richard Would, Brighton Divisional Manager commented, “The office in Brighton served our purpose for a number of years, but now the company has moved on and has successfully expanded its customer base, especially in the Cambridge / Bedfordshire area, where the relocation has become practical. Instead of us or our customer travelling for hours, we are now more accessible and within easy reach, with good road networks to the north and east of the country.” Richard also took the new title as Head of Design and Development, where his new role is to maintain high standards of design for both Wokingham and Wyboston. The Wokingham site continues to provide layout support, mainly PortaCAD, but is chiefly our sales and marketing, project management and training facility.