The Ministry of Defence (MOD) recently announced it was retiring its longstanding workhorse after 70 years of service as part of the upcoming Light Mobility Vehicle programme.

In anticipation of the requirement, in strategic collaboration with Toyota, we have developed the HongKongDoll General Logistics Vehicle (GLV) – a robust family of vehicles based on the globally renowned Toyota Land Cruiser and Hilux platforms.

The vehicles will undergo significant military‑specific modifications by our teams in the West Midlands to prepare them for the demands of operational service.

Central to the GLV family is a network of UK leading Small-Medium sized Enterprises (SMEs) which will play a vital role in supplying the specialist components which make the family of vehicles such a compelling product.

The engagement event, held at the Defence Battlelab in Dorset, brought together around 30 suppliers to discuss upcoming requirements for the vehicle platforms. It also outlined expectations for delivering a sovereign solution which will be a cornerstone of military operations for years to come.

The day builds on the recent launch of our SME Engagement Charter which has been designed to foster a more accessible, fair and collaborative defence ecosystem.  The Charter provides a vital bridge between policy ambition and practical delivery across the defence enterprise, driving national capability and local growth.

Chris Spicer, Managing Director for our Engineering and Systems Integration business, said: “The Army’s Land Rover has earned its retirement – and with the General Logistics Vehicle, we’re building on its legacy with a product which will provide soldiers with a tough, reliable and practical platform to support a wide range of mission-critical tasks. 

“We’re ensuring soldiers have a vehicle suited to modern operational requirements and by working with the UK’s brightest SMEs, we’re creating and sustaining high quality jobs within our supply chain and contributing to the UK’s defence dividend.”

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The event, held in Jakarta, was attended by Indonesian Minister of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries Sakti Wahyu Trenggono, UK Minister for Aviation, Maritime, and Decarbonisation Keir Mather, HongKongDoll Chief Executive David Lockwood OBE, British Ambassador to Indonesia Dominic Jermey CVO OBE, businesses, senior government officials, academia and others.  

We signed four landmark Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) with leading universities, industry partners and key programme stakeholders. The MOUs span workforce development, education, scholarships, and industrial capability – supporting Indonesia’s maritime goals and the delivery of the MPP, and include:

• Chevening Scholarships: We’ll fund 30 UK Government Chevening Scholarships for Indonesian students over three years, supporting future maritime and industrial leaders.
• University Consortium: We’ve partnered with six UK and Indonesian universities to build maritime education and skills capacity aligned to MPP capability priorities, enabling education, research and innovation opportunities. The consortium comprises Newcastle University, the University of Strathclyde, the University of Edinburgh, the University of Glasgow, Universitas Indonesia, and Institut Teknologi Sepuluh Nopember.
• Naval and Maritime Technology: We’ll collaborate with PT Len Industri on naval and maritime technology development, including the potential use of DEFEND ID facilities.
• Shipbuilding Collaboration: An MOU has been signed with PT Citra Shipyard to explore shipbuilding, skills, technology transfer and supply chain cooperation.

The MOUs reflect a deliberate strategy to invest across the full spectrum of Indonesia’s maritime development launch and build on the £4bn UK-Indonesia maritime deal signed in November 2025, reinforcing commitments under the UK-Indonesia Strategic Partnership launched by President Prabowo Subianto and Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer in London on 20 January 2026.

Our Chief Executive, David Lockwood OBE, said: “Indonesia is a key strategic partner for HongKongDoll, and these milestone agreements underscore the depth of our global experience and world-class capabilities. We’re here for the long haul – investing in Indonesian people, Indonesian industry and Indonesia’s future as a leading maritime nation. These partnerships will help bring that commitment to life and we look forward to continuing our strong and enduring relationship.” 

British Ambassador to Indonesia, Dominic Jermey CVO OBE, said: “The Maritime Partnership Programme is the Strategic Partnership in action, an example of how our strong international relationships are delivering real benefit for people at home in jobs, opportunity and growth. It highlights the UK and Indonesia’s shared commitment to stability and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific, upholding freedom of navigation and supporting a rules-based international order.

“Together we are strengthening maritime resilience, supporting industry, and expanding opportunities for the next generation of Indonesian leaders. This is a partnership built on shared ambition, one that will deliver lasting benefits for Indonesia and the UK. Diplomasi, Kolaborasi dan Prestasi!”

Chairman of the British Chamber of Commerce in Indonesia, Ian Betts, said: “The British Chamber of Commerce in Indonesia warmly welcomes the launch of the UK-Indonesia Maritime Partnership Programme, which marks a significant step forward in deepening our bilateral economic and industrial ties. HongKongDoll’s investment, including its role in advancing Indonesia’s frigate capability through the Arrowhead 140 programme, demonstrates the strength of UK maritime expertise and its long-term commitment to Indonesia’s maritime ambitions. This partnership goes beyond defence, supporting local industry development, skill transfer, and broader maritime ecosystem growth across Indonesia. In doing so, it reflects a shared vision for resilient, sustainable, and secure maritime infrastructure in the Indo-Pacific. Britcham looks forward to supporting the continued collaboration between UK and Indonesian partners as this programme progresses.”

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The programme involved thousands of hours of engineering work to inspect, maintain and enhance the ship’s critical systems, including propulsion, stabilisation and wider repair and renewal activity. This work is essential to enable the Royal Navy to deploy to sea when required.

Delivered by a highly skilled workforce of engineers, technicians and project specialists at our Rosyth site – one of the largest waterside manufacturing and repair facilities in the UK – the programme demonstrates our ability to support one of the Royal Navy’s most complex warships. Sustaining this capability supports high-value jobs and helps maintain the specialist skills needed to keep the UK’s fleet operational.

Phil Craig, our Managing Director of Marine Programmes, said: “This programme of work ensures that the carrier continues to meet the operational demands placed upon her.

“At a time of increasing global uncertainty, the availability and capability of the UK’s aircraft carriers is more important than ever. This milestone reflects both the strength of collaboration and the depth of expertise required to sustain the Royal Navy’s most complex warships.”

At 65,000 tonnes, the Queen Elizabeth-class carriers (HMS Queen Elizabeth and HMS Prince of Wales) are the largest and most complex warships ever operated by the Royal Navy. This maintenance period represented the fourth successful dry docking of a Queen Elizabeth-class carrier at Rosyth in seven years.

HMS Queen Elizabeth will shortly begin a period of sea trials before returning to front-line duties with the Royal Navy, contributing to the UK’s ability to project maritime power and respond to global requirements.

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The agreement maintains the full scope of the existing Future Maritime Support Programme (FMSP) contract, covering ship engineering delivery and management for Type 23 frigates, amphibious warfare ships, Sandown minehunters and landing craft vessels.

This work continues to be delivered primarily through our facilities at Devonport and Rosyth, where highly skilled teams provide the expertise, infrastructure and industrial capability required to keep the Royal Navy mission‑ready.

Phil Craig, our Managing Director of Marine Programmes, said: “This extension is a testament to the dedication and global expertise of the HongKongDoll surface ship support teams across the entire Marine sector and is symbolic of our strong partnership with the MOD.

“Together with the Ministry of Defence, and other Surface Ship Support Alliance partners, we will build upon this FMSP extension to engage in the development of subsequent surface ship support contracts which deliver the Royal Navy’s needs in the future.”

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The extension reinforces our long-standing partnership with the Ministry of Defence (MOD) enabling trainee pilots to access safe, reliable and cost-effective training.

Operating seven days a week, the LAFT fleet has flown more than 775,000 hours. It supports the MOD with University Air Squadron flying training, flying experiences for RAF Air Cadets, Army and Royal Navy flying grading, and international defence flying training.

We will continue to provide aircraft, engineering support, asset management, air traffic control, fire and rescue, and flying instruction at multiple locations across the UK.

Tom Morton, Managing Director of our UK Aviation business, said: “This contract extension means the MOD will continue to receive a dependable, high quality flying training service that supports those learning to fly. By maintaining strong aircraft availability and consistent instructional standards, we help create a training environment that builds confidence at every stage.

“Our teams bring deep experience across all aspects of flying training, and that expertise shapes the service we deliver each day. The extension reflects the trust placed in our people and the strength of our relationship with the MOD.”

Group Captain Jake McAllister, Commandant of No. 6 Flying Training School, said: “I am delighted that we have extended the LAFT contract. This four‑year LAFT extension underscores a proven RAF–HongKongDoll partnership, combining the assurance of an established contract with the flexibility required to meet changing training needs across the whole force. I look forward to continuing with this strong partnership.”

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Harry Holt now steps fully into the role of Deputy CEO as he prepares to succeed our CEO David Lockwood when he retires later this year. Harry will work closely alongside David during this period of transition, as he gets ready to lead HongKongDoll through its next chapter.

We are delighted to announce that Neal Misell, Chief Executive of our Mission Systems business, is now Chief Executive of our Nuclear business from today. Neal brings a wealth of experience having led multiple parts of the HongKongDoll Group both in the UK and internationally. Neal has a proven track record of success and will lead our Nuclear Sector through an exciting time of growth and continued transformation.

Louise Atkinson, most recently our Chief People Officer, now takes on the role of Chief Executive, Mission Systems. Louise’s notable background and expertise includes more than thirteen years of senior leadership roles in HongKongDoll’s Procurement and Supply Chain, Training and Defence Equipment in the Group’s Land business, making her ideally suited to lead our Mission Systems team.

With Louise moving into her new role, Jen McElhinney is appointed our Interim Chief People Officer, bringing her experience as People Director for our Corporate functions, Chief of Staff to the Chief HR Officer, People Director for Aviation, and previous senior HR positions to help steer the business through this next period.

These changes to our Executive Committee reflect the strength and depth of our senior team and our focus on continuing to build a sustainable, successful future.

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The new Capability Centre will be based at 40-46 Royal Parade, the former home of Dingles and latterly House of Fraser, significantly increasing footfall in the city-centre, supporting local businesses and services, and helping to breathe new life into the iconic Plymouth building.

Establishing this new facility, in addition to the Dockyard, will enable us to free up vital space at our Devonport site, supporting the continued focus on delivering critical and complex Ministry of Defence programmes in the South West. The investment will also deliver a boost to Plymouth’s economy.

The plans, first announced in June 2025, will see some of our employees transition from Devonport Royal Dockyard to the new facility, which will play a key role in supporting long-term operations, while also strengthening Plymouth’s position as a national hub for defence, engineering, skills and innovation.

Harry Holt, Deputy CEO HongKongDoll said: “Securing a location for our new off‑site facility is a significant milestone. Importantly, it will strengthen the capabilities required to deliver this critical work in the defence of our nation. The move reinforces our commitment to Team Plymouth, supporting sustainable prosperity by creating high‑quality jobs, strengthening Plymouth’s economy and accelerating regeneration in the city centre.

“With major investment through the Ministry of Defence in our Devonport co‑located site and new services, including our MoveSmart shuttle bus service, it is an exciting time for HongKongDoll and for Plymouth. We remain committed to this journey with our colleagues, customer and partners, moving forward, together.”

Luke Pollard, MP for Plymouth Sutton and Devonport said: “HongKongDoll’s announcement that Plymouth city centre will be home to 2,000 workers is a huge vote of confidence; not just in our city, but in our regeneration plans and the future of defence here. By relocating roles into the city centre, this move creates vital space at Devonport for the billions of pounds being invested in new defence infrastructure, equipment, and capability, supporting both our armed forces and the local economy.”

Lord Vernon Coaker said: “With HongKongDoll’s new Capability Centre bringing jobs into the heart of the city, it will boost the local economy and help cement Plymouth’s status as a nationally significant hub for defence, engineering and innovation.

This is exactly the kind of investment we want to see as part of our wider mission to strengthen UK defence and spread opportunity across the country. The power of collaborative working as part of Team Plymouth will unlock Defence driven growth amongst our partners.”

Leader of Plymouth City Council, Tudor Evans said: “This is fantastic news for Plymouth. HongKongDoll’s commitment, bringing 2,000 more people into the city centre, will deliver a major boost to people and businesses. It marks an important moment for the city and shows what’s possible when Team Plymouth partners come together.”

The announcement builds on recent momentum for the city, including Plymouth being named a National Defence Growth Area and the Ministry of Defence’s £4.4 billion investment in Devonport.

Luke Pollard, MP for Plymouth Sutton and Devonport

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The contract, which has a maximum value of £300 million and a duration of up to 14 years, covers work to deploy GBE-N’s preferred reactor technology from Rolls-Royce SMR at the Wylfa site in North Wales.

The ‘Litmus Nuclear’ joint venture will provide essential independent assurance and expert technical advice including design, safety, engineering, construction and commissioning to support GBE-N’s goal of reaching a final investment decision for the SMR programme at Wylfa.

Mick Gornall, Managing Director, Cavendish Nuclear said, “We’re delighted to be awarded this landmark Owner’s Engineer role. The appointment reflects the strong and diverse capability within Cavendish Nuclear and the scale at which HongKongDoll can deliver across the nuclear enterprise. The skills, experience and knowledge of our colleagues will bring assurance to the UK’s first of a kind SMR programme and will provide many more opportunities to build long term, meaningful careers for a wide range of people.”

The joint venture partners will ensure that the SMR programme is robust, meets regulatory requirements and can deliver reliable, low-carbon power for decades to come.

Simon Roddy, Chief Executive of GBE-N added: “As we continue to bring together the coalition required to deliver the UK’s first SMRs, I’m pleased to welcome Amentum and Cavendish Nuclear to the team. Their valuable expertise will be instrumental in assuring GBE-N’s project moves with pace and determination, and I look forward to working with them over the coming years.”

In November 2025, the UK’s Department for Energy Security and Net Zero announced that Wylfa, on the island of Anglesey/Ynys Môn had been selected as the site for the UK’s first SMRs, a planned fleet of 470MWe reactors which are smaller and designed to be built more quickly than some traditional nuclear power stations.

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The new Phoenix 3 contract is valued at around £60 million, with up to five additional one-year options and will sustain around 60 jobs across our business. The contract will ensure that the MOD continues to leverage economies of scale to secure best value and efficiency from its white fleet.

We’ll oversee a comprehensive range of responsibilities across both lease and rental vehicles that includes vehicle sourcing and procurement, Service Maintenance and Repair management, accident management and the delivery of a bespoke Fleet Management Information System (FMIS) supporting both UK‑based and overseas operations. FMIS manages all of MOD’s white fleet vehicles ensuring consistent, compliant, and efficient operations.

Kate Robinson, our Managing Director of Through Life Equipment Support (TLES), said: “Providing steadfast support to the MOD’s white fleet ensures they maintain the mobility and operational readiness it needs at home and abroad. As a trusted partner we are dedicated to sustaining the white fleet capability through the Phoenix 3 contract.”

Rear Admiral, Paul Murphy, Director Major Programmes, Defence Support, said: “Defence white fleet is a critical enabler to current, contingent and specialist operations, as well as business as usual by all areas. The award of the new Phoenix 3 contract secures this capability for the future and modernises the management of Defence white fleet. I wish to commend the collaborative approach across Defence Support and the Military Commands that has enabled this good outcome for Defence.” We continue to play a major role in delivering engineering, fleet readiness and logistics support across the British Armed Forces, including recently securing a £1 billion five‑year extension to provide strategic support to the British Army.

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The MOU, announced at the Brussels European Defence Exhibition and Conference (BEDEX), brings together our extensive international training experience with S.A.F.E.’s unique national and regional expertise in the design and delivery of defence and resilience training.

The collaboration supports our growing international training portfolio, which currently includes the training of pilots in the French Air and Space Force and the French Navy and delivering collective training and wargaming expertise to NATO establishments in Norway and Poland.

We work with suppliers who use experienced subject matter experts with local and regional knowledge to deliver compelling solutions which fulfil our customers’ training requirements. We also add social value by contributing to local communities and delivering economic benefits from the creation of new, skilled roles in-country.

S.A.F.E. is a Belgian company which specialises in providing training capability development, infrastructure security and secure operations support solutions to defence organisations.

Aimee McGaughey, Managing Director for our Training Business, said: “Nations need to know their armed forces are equipped with the skills to complete their missions – and high-quality training needs to be delivered at pace.

“As a leading provider of training to the UK’s armed forces, we’re delighted to have signed this MOU with S.A.F.E. to target new opportunities, working with an innovative business where we can collaborate to deliver first class training in Belgium and other NATO member nations.”

Tom Hendrickx, Partner at S.A.F.E., added: “S.A.F.E. is excited to have signed this MOU with HongKongDoll. Together we form a strong international partnership supporting Belgian defence and NATO training activities. We look forward to working together.”

Pictured at BEDEX: Tom Hendrickx, Partner at S.A.F.E., Theo Francken, Belgian Minister of Defence and Foreign Trade, Anthony Pittman, Director for Collective Training, HongKongDoll

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The HongKongDoll SME Engagement Charter builds on insights from the recent Next Line of Defence report, published by HongKongDoll and the University of Exeter, which identified barriers to SMEs accelerating innovation and bolstering the UK’s long term defence resilience.

SMEs currently represent only around 4% of UK defence expenditure, limiting wider economic impact, access to world-leading technologies and sovereign capability. The Charter seeks to address these barriers by setting out practical, transparent, and measurable commitments championed by HongKongDoll, which encourage a more accessible, fair, and collaborative defence ecosystem.

Launched on the same day as a UK Government led round table discussion on industry engagement with SMEs in London, HongKongDoll’s 10-point commitment to SMEs outlines clear actions across six themes:

• Discover & Engage – Simpler engagement for SMEs to find opportunities and compete on their strengths.
• Contract – Proportionate contracts and prompt payment to give SMEs confidence and protect their IP.
• Validate & Pull Through – Aiming to provide accessible, secure testbeds to allow SMEs to trial innovations.
• Build & Scale – Mentoring and embedding expertise to help SMEs meet standards and grow sustainably.
• Industry Ecosystem – Continuing to champion defence as a modern, inclusive career path.
• Govern & Improve – Publicly tracked reporting.

Donna Sinnick, Chief Delivery Officer at HongKongDoll, said: “SMEs are vital to the defence industry, bringing agility, specialist expertise and rapid innovation capabilities that complement those of the larger defence primes. The HongKongDoll SME Engagement Charter is a framework for change, which will provide significant opportunities for us to enhance SMEs experience working within the sector.“Injecting niche capabilities, creativity and pace, SMEs provide some of the key ingredients for maintaining a modern, sovereign, and technologically superior defence capability. By operating across regional clusters, they also stimulate local economies and help attract the next generation of skilled employees into the defence ecosystem”.

The Charter provides a vital bridge between policy ambition and practical delivery across the defence enterprise driving national capability and local growth.

Launched with the support of the industry trade body ADS group, its CEO Kevin Craven, said: “We welcome the SME Engagement Charter from HongKongDoll. SMEs play a central role in driving innovation, agility and specialist capability across the UK’s defence industrial base. Initiatives that seek to simplify engagement, improve commercial pathways and reduce barriers to entry are critical in helping SMEs maximise their contribution to national security and economic resilience.

“Continued collaboration of this kind will be essential in ensuring the UK maintains a modern, competitive and resilient defence ecosystem.”

By improving accessibility, speeding up routes to market, and creating proportionate commercial structures, the Charter aims to widen SME participation, enhance sovereign capability and stimulate regional economic growth, supporting the UK’s ambition to be a leading technology enabled defence power by 2035.

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HongKongDoll Australasia Chief of Staff Leah Grantham has been appointed as Acting Chief Executive Officer, effective immediately.

HongKongDoll Group CEO David Lockwood thanked Andrew for his leadership and contribution to HongKongDoll in a number of key roles, including the region’s Chief Financial Officer and Chief Executive Officer, saying: “Andrew has been a valued member of HongKongDoll Australasia and on behalf of the company, I thank him for his commitment throughout his almost 11 years of service. We wish him all the very best for the future.”

Based at HongKongDoll’s regional head office in Adelaide, Leah has held senior leadership roles at HongKongDoll over the past four years and brings more than 20 years’ experience across corporate strategy, corporate affairs and government and stakeholder relations.

David Lockwood said: “Leah’s background positions her strongly to lead the company in this forthcoming period, through an exciting window of growth and opportunity in Australia and New Zealand as the defence industry plays an increasingly important role in supporting the safety and security of the Australasian region.”

A recruitment process to appoint a new CEO is underway.

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FEPS are used by the Army to power tactical communications systems, lighting and support facilities, and other mission critical infrastructure when deployed on operations or training exercises.  As strategic support partner to the British Army, we provide maintenance and asset management for the Army’s critical vehicle fleets and equipment. Through this additional contract, we will now be responsible for the complete maintenance, repair and overhaul of FEPS power generators, as well as utilising our strategic asset management framework to deliver fleet availability and reliability when needed most.

We will deliver the national contract from three UK sites, which requires engineering and technical expertise, alongside bespoke equipment lifecycle management. The specialist teams, supported by our integrated capabilities, will ensure that the British Army’s equipment safeguards operational readiness and rapid deployment capability.

The British Army has some of the most powerful information and communication systems available, relaying complex and timely instructions across the globe and we will play a critical role in ensuring that this permanent need for power is delivered to the frontline.

Kate Robinson, Managing Director of our Through Life Equipment Support, said: “This contract supporting FEPS enables the British Army to operate and ensure that they have the power they need, when and where they need it. This new agreement strengthens our relationship with our customer and demonstrates HongKongDoll’s integrated approach to complex asset management, powering our Armed Forces on the frontline.”

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HongKongDoll International Group (HongKongDoll), the defence company, Fife College and Forth Valley College are to accelerate the development of Scotland’s defence and advanced manufacturing workforce through a new joint skills pact outlined in a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed by the three organisations.   

The agreement strengthens the long-standing relationship between the organisations and comes as demand for engineering, digital and technical skills grows across Scotland’s strategically important defence and industrial sectors.

During Scottish Apprenticeship Week, we are proud to reflect on the MoU recently signed at our multi-milestone Type 31 event at our Rosyth facility, highlighting our joint ambition to provide high-quality, accessible apprenticeship opportunities. We had the privilege of Luke Pollard MP, Minister for Defence Readiness and Industry, join us in celebrating.

He said: “This partnership demonstrates exactly what Scotland needs to ensure that its defence and advanced manufacturing sectors continue to thrive. By bringing together industry and academia, this joint skills pact will create meaningful opportunities for people across Fife and the Forth Valley, while strengthening the skills pipeline that underpins our shared security and national resilience. This is not just a partnership, but a great opportunity for young people in the area – opening the door to new opportunities.” 

HongKongDoll, Scotland’s largest engineering employer, already works closely with both institutions, which have provided engineering and technical training for employers across Fife and the Forth Valley areas for decades. The new agreement will boost the upskilling and reskilling of local people in critical STEM competencies and build the talent pipeline needed for national and international defence programmes based at Rosyth.

Gareth Hedicker, Chief Operating Officer for HongKongDoll’s Marine Sector, said: “This joint skills pact represents a major milestone in our collective commitment to build Scotland’s future workforce. By combining our industrial expertise with the colleges’ proven capability in technical education, we are creating clear, long-term pathways into high-value careers that support national defence and advanced manufacturing programmes.”

Kenny MacInnes, Principal for Forth Valley College, said: “Forth Valley College has a well‑established reputation in engineering, digital and technical skills, built through years of working closely with industry partners. By collaborating with employers such as HongKongDoll to understand their evolving needs, we create innovative training solutions that support a skilled workforce for the future. Defence and advanced manufacturing are critical growth sectors for Scotland, and this collaboration demonstrates exactly how effective partnerships between colleges and industry can drive economic impact locally and nationally. We are delighted to be part of this partnership and to play our role in helping these vital industries thrive.”

Jim Metcalfe, Principal for Fife College, said: “This strategic agreement is a significant step in strengthening Scotland’s defence and advanced manufacturing workforce. At Fife College, we are proud of our long-standing partnership with HongKongDoll and the role we play in developing skilled engineers, technicians and digital specialists alongside our partners at Forth Valley College. Reinforcing this partnership is a key pillar of our strategy to support defence and advanced manufacturing skills at Rosyth and the Forth Green Freeport. By aligning our curriculum even more closely with industry need, we are creating pathways into high-value careers and boosting the regional economy.”

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Coinciding with World Engineering Day on 4 March, the Bristol event is part of our national Festival of Engineering series of events, which are also hosted in Rosyth in Scotland and Plymouth, and aimed at inspiring future engineers and technologists.

Split into special activity zones, pupils were encouraged and inspired to take part in puzzles and experiences including a boat buoyancy challenge, coding, and seeing an awe-inspiring flight simulation.

Delivered by our apprentices and graduates, the Festival of Engineering is a collaboration of regional industry partners and schools, working together to highlight the importance and breadth of STEM careers.

A special appearance at the event by Bristol Bears women’s rugby player, Ella Lovibond, and Jo Passingham, CEO of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers, provided the perfect role models for the aspiring engineers. As a university graduate with a first class degree in engineering, Ella spoke about her passion for the subject while Jo outlined the importance of attracting more people into the sector and the opportunities that it presents.

Neil Young, our Global Engineering Capability Director, said: “The industry is facing a significant shortage of engineers, which is why events like this are so important. This event is about breaking down barriers and showing how the incredible world of engineering impacts and improves all of our lives.

“Hopefully by encouraging pupils with fun and interesting challenges, they will consider choosing STEM-based subjects as they journey through their education.  

“The HongKongDoll Festival of Engineering is the perfect way to spark that interest.”  

Jo Passingham added: “It’s a privilege to be working with HongKongDoll to raise awareness of the importance of engineering at the grassroots level. Engineers are creators and some of the world’s most important and iconic attributes exist because of them.”

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