Across the UK, engineering firms are facing a familiar challenge: project demand is growing, but internal resources are stretched thin. Whether it’s due to skills shortages, economic caution, or hiring freezes, engineering teams must do more with less. So, how do you deliver the same output, or more, without adding permanent headcount?
The answer lies in partnering with a trusted engineering subcontractor. UK businesses, such as GWH, help plug critical capability gaps, allowing manufacturers to stay agile, scale quickly, and maintain high-quality standards.
The Skills and Capacity Crunch
Today’s engineering challenges are more complex than ever. From CNC machining of exotic materials to designing and fabricating large, high-integrity assemblies, the talent needed to execute such work isn’t always available in-house.
According to Make UK’s 2025 report, over 65% of manufacturers face difficulty recruiting skilled machinists and welders. That’s a significant risk for companies working on high-value or time-sensitive projects.
Where Subcontracting Adds Value
Engineering subcontractors like GWH provide:
- Specialist skills: Access to CNC turning/milling, precision welding, CAD/CAM, and material expertise
- Flexible capacity: Support for single parts, small batches, or repeat work
- Speed and focus: Quick turnaround without draining your internal team
- Reduced risk: Quality and compliance remain high without the cost of permanent hires
What to Look For in a Subcontract Partner
Not all subcontractors are created equal. When outsourcing engineering work, look for:
- ISO 9001 certification for quality assurance
- Proven industry experience, especially in regulated sectors
- Material versatility, including superalloys, titanium, and hardened steels
- Scale and equipment, like large VMCs, heavy fabrication bays, and precision metrology tools
Our Experience: More Than Just Overflow
At GWH, we don’t just take on overflow. We act as a true extension of your team. We’ve supported machinery OEMs, defence suppliers, and medical tech innovators with:
- Reverse-engineered legacy parts
- Prototyping and iterative R&D components
- Long-term manufacture of key system parts
Example: OEM Partnership
A UK-based automation OEM needed an engineering partner to manufacture robotic arm supports to their design. Lacking fabrication capacity in-house, they partnered with us. Within two months, they had a validated part in production, freeing their team to focus on innovation.
Overcoming Common Concerns
Subcontracting is often dismissed due to fears of lost control, delays, or inconsistent quality. But with the right partner, these concerns can be eliminated. We integrate with client workflows using secure file sharing, consistent QA documentation, and design collaboration.
Extend Capability Without Headcount
Hiring takes time. Training takes more. If you need engineering capacity now, an experienced UK engineering subcontractor like GWH can help bridge the gap, without the overhead. Want to explore how a UK subcontractor could support your team? Book a call to discuss your resource needs today.
