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Stress awareness has never been more important in the modern workplace. Research consistently shows that one in four workers report feeling unable to cope with stress at work, a statistic that highlights a growing and genuine challenge for organisations and individuals alike. At Otto Simon, stress awareness is taken seriously, not only because it impacts productivity, safety and performance, but because people matter. As a business that works in engineering, we understand the concept of stress in more than one context. Pipework and mechanical structures subjected to undue loads can cause material to deform, yield and eventually fail. Like these materials, people too, if exposed to significant and persistent stresses may cause detrimental impacts to our mental health. Unfortunately unlike steel structures, where the capacity of materials and force they are subjected to can be modelled and calculated, the stresses being put on our mental wellbeing are often multiple and nebulous and there is no clear “Youngs Modulus” or “Yield Point” equivalent to our individual resistance and specific response to different stresses. By making this distinction clear, we recognises that people are not components to be pushed until failure. Instead, they are individuals who need understanding, empathy and appropriate support, especially when stress levels begin to build. Stress does not always originate from the job itself. Financial worries, concerns for family and friends, exposure to distressing news, and uncertainty about the future can all impact concentration, mood and resilience at work. Acknowledging this reality is essential. At Otto Simon, there is a clear understanding that stress may arise from both professional and personal circumstances, and support should not be limited solely to issues that occur “on the clock”. We believe strongly in watching out for our colleagues; As part of this commitment, Otto Simon has invested in training two Mental Health First Aiders, reinforcing the message that mental wellbeing is valued just as highly as physical health and safety. These trained individuals act as a first point of contact for colleagues who may be experiencing emotional distress, offering a safe, confidential and non‑judgemental space to talk. Mental Health First Aiders are not therapists, nor are they expected to “fix” problems. Instead, they serve as a vital bridge, listening, providing reassurance, and signposting individuals towards appropriate professional support where needed. By embedding this support within the workplace, Otto Simon continues to foster a culture where conversations about mental health are normalised rather than avoided. A mentally healthy workforce is a safer, more resilient and more effective one. High levels of stress can lead to fatigue, distraction and anxiety, increasing the risk of errors and workplace accidents. Conversely, we believe that when employees feel supported and able to talk openly, they are more likely to seek help early, before stress becomes overwhelming. Stress Awareness is not confined to a single week or campaign, it is an ongoing commitment. Through investment in people, open conversations, and practical support, Otto Simon demonstrates that wellbeing is a shared responsibility. Whether stress originates from within the business or from the wider world beyond it, no one is expected to face it alone.

Process and chemical industries deliver innovation and value by applying rigorous engineering practices.

Well, another year is winding down, and what a year it’s been! Here at Otto Simon, we decided to celebrate all the hard work and dedication of our fantastic team with an evening of festive fun, delicious food, and a touch of wanderlust! A huge, heartfelt thank you goes out to Anna for orchestrating what was a truly splendid Christmas gathering. From the atmospheric lighting to the perfectly planned tapas, Anna, you outdid yourself. Our merry band descended upon Trunk Lounge in Bramhall, and it was fantastic to see such a great turnout, proving that even after a busy year, we still love spending time together! Now, every good story has a new chapter, and for one of our own, that chapter involves packing a very large suitcase! We had the pleasure of raising a glass (or several!) to Chris and his partner Lydia, who are embarking on an incredible year-long adventure, travelling the globe, we are not jealous at all. From all of us at Otto Simon, we wish Chris and Lydia the very best of luck on their incredible journey. We are all sure looking forward to reliving your amazing memories with you upon your return. We would like to end the year with sincere thanks to our Clients, Partners and Staff for all their efforts over the past year and are looking forward to another busy and rewarding year in 2026. Here's to a wonderful Christmas break for everyone, and a prosperous, exciting New Year!

This year we celebrated our year of successes and lessons learnt at the Stanneylands, Wilmslow. Topics included how we have streamlined our, reducing business overheads and making our collaboration more efficient. Specific attention was paid to the successes of the projects we have delivered over the last year and the consolidation of the team into our new headquarters. Ferrostatics proudly shared their highest year of revenue and strong performance, with a promising year to follow. We have also reviewed key team changes, including the expansion of the engineering team and restructuring of our Sales team. We look ahead to 2026 with confidence, fresh focus and further passion to deliver leading engineering expertise and customer service!

Aerbio and Otto Simon have been jointly shortlisted as finalists for the IChemE Global Awards 2025 in the Biopharma category. Our entry, Clean Protein: Engineered for a Resource-Constrained World, showcases the research and engineering efforts being the development of Proton™, a protein-rich single-cell biomass produced using a novel aerobic gas-fermentation process, utilising hydrogen, oxygen, and carbon dioxide as feed gases. This project has demonstrated the feasibility of producing a sustainable, high-quality protein ingredient at pilot scale, with applications in aquaculture and animal nutrition today, and the potential to expand to food-grade applications in the future. The technical challenges of this work have been considerable. Designing and operating a continuous fermentation system with hydrogen and oxygen in flammable ranges required rigorous safety engineering: hazard studies, CFD modelling, ATEX compliance, and functional safety analysis were all critical. With no commercial-scale precedents to draw upon, designs were developed from first principles and validated through lab-scale experimentation and pilot-plant data. Despite the added complexity of international collaboration during the COVID-19 pandemic, the project successfully delivered a first-of-a-kind pilot facility, generating essential data to enable scale-up to demonstration and commercial scale. The outcome speak for itself: Proton™ contains over 70% protein with a complete amino acid profile, delivers strong results in digestibility and extrusion trials, and has already shown positive performance in aquaculture and poultry feed applications. It can be produced with a fraction of the greenhouse gas emissions and water use of conventional proteins, while requiring no arable land and supporting biodiversity by reducing reliance on fishmeal and soy. This nomination recognises the strength of our cross-disciplinary partnership, combining microbial fermentation expertise with advanced process design, safety engineering, and scale-up know-how. Together, we are laying the foundations for a scalable, climate-positive protein platform that can contribute to global food security while reducing environmental impact. We look forward to the awards ceremony later this year and to continuing our journey towards commercial deployment of this disruptive technology. Learn more about the project: - Aerbio website 

“Team Building” or “Team Maintenance”

Competitive through collaboration – the Otto Simon way! When manufacturing companies bring in external engineering support, a familiar challenge often arises, lost time and impeded efficiency is frequently experienced as new engineers get up to speed with the organisation’s unique business, people, and technologies. Each new project can feel like starting from scratch, with the client often footing the bill for that learning curve. Over the course of multiple projects, this cycle can erode both productivity and the overall quality of the work delivered. With the current challenging economic environment we understand that Clients are constantly seeking ways to reduce costs across the board, this includes their engineering contractors. However, the practice of repeatedly sending out enquiries and selecting on the basis of “the lowest price” can often lead to hidden costs down the line. Projects risk overrunning on both time and budget particularly when the successful bidder lacks a deep understanding of the client’s technology or underestimates the complexity of the work. The short-term saving can quickly be outweighed by longer-term inefficiencies. One proven way to break this cycle is by engaging with a trusted engineering partner on a retained term contract basis. By working with the same engineers consistently, clients benefit from a team who already understand their processes, people, and pressures. This promotes further efficiency by minimising time spent on background learning, while also allowing personal relationships to develop between the client and contractor teams. Engineers who know the stakeholders, and the sometimes-conflicting requirements they must balance, are far better placed to deliver solutions that work first time. At Otto Simon, collaboration is at the core of our business. We pride ourselves on working flexibly with our clients, finding pragmatic solutions that respect budgets and timescales while ensuring full compliance with regulatory and safety requirements. A retained relationship allows us to truly act as an extension of our client’s team, contributing ideas, insights, and efficiencies that go far beyond transactional project delivery. Our strength lies in the breadth and depth of our multi-disciplinary team. With experienced process, mechanical, E,C&I, and process safety engineers, we have the capability to deliver improvements on existing assets, design and implement new builds, and tackle the complex challenges of high-hazard processes. We understand the regulatory environment and are used to navigating the realities of energy costs, ageing assets, decarbonisation pressures, and productivity demands. Clients can be confident that we not only understand their challenges, but also bring the technical know-how to solve them. With over 1,000 projects delivered across a wide range of industries, and more than 150 years of engineering heritage, Otto Simon has earned a reputation for reliability and results. Our track record includes everything from feasibility studies through to full EPCm delivery, giving clients the assurance that we can support them at every stage of the project lifecycle. Long-term partnerships with some of the UK’s most respected companies demonstrate that our approach works in practice as well as in theory. As an employee-owned trust (EOT), our culture is different from many of our competitors. Every member of the Otto Simon team has a direct stake in the success of the business, which means they are personally motivated to deliver the highest quality of service to our clients. Our values - respect, integrity, responsibility, camaraderie, and pragmatism, shape the way we work together and with our clients, ensuring that every project benefits from collaboration, accountability, and genuine care.

At Otto Simon, we’ve been carefully reviewing the UK’s Modern Industrial Strategy 2025 to understand the potential impact on the sectors we serve — and, more importantly, how this may affect our clients and partners. While we highly recommend reviewing the full strategy yourself at The UK's Modern Industrial Strategy 2025 - GOV.UK , here are the main take-away points from Otto Simon’s perspective: Chemicals Sector The strategy outlines several important proposals aimed at supporting the UK’s chemicals and manufacturing industries. Key areas of focus include: Reducing Industrial Electricity Costs – The government aims to expedite grid connections for new power generators and increase investment in green energy. In addition, continued support for the Energy-Intensive Industries Compensation Scheme is planned. For many Otto Simon clients who rely on high volumes of energy for their operations, these measures could significantly lower overheads. Historically, UK industry has faced much higher electricity costs than many international competitors — so this change should improve both competitiveness and investment potential. Easing the Regulatory Burden – Otto Simon supports clients in meeting both legal and moral obligations around safety and compliance. While regulation remains essential for managing risk in high-hazard environments, unnecessary administrative burdens often create inefficiencies. Although further detail is awaited, we will continue to monitor developments and help our clients interpret and implement any changes to legislation or industry standards. Improving Infrastructure and Planning Processes – The strategy includes proposals to reduce planning barriers and invest in key infrastructure. Improved logistics and access to essential inputs can enhance operational reliability and help maintain competitiveness across the chemicals sector. Hydrogen Sector The government has reaffirmed its commitment to clean energy — including hydrogen — by doubling investment in the sector. This aims to strengthen the UK’s position as an early leader in the hydrogen economy, particularly in technologies such as electrolysers and engineering services. The transition from natural gas to hydrogen represents a key component of the UK’s future energy strategy, with significant potential for decarbonising industrial processes. Otto Simon continues to support clients seeking to integrate hydrogen as a viable fuel source and remains actively involved in the delivery of practical, large-scale hydrogen solutions across heavy industry. This includes supporting the development of projects under the UK’s Hydrogen Allocation Rounds (HAR1 and HAR2), which aim to bring low-carbon hydrogen production to commercial scale. Industrial Biotechnology Sector Otto Simon has a strong track record in supporting innovative companies working in fermentation and biotechnologies. While the 2025 strategy does not explicitly target industrial biotechnology, adjacent sectors — such as pharmaceuticals and clean energy — are likely to benefit from broader support measures. We acknowledge that the UK/US trade agreement may impact the competitiveness of certain bio-based fuels such as bioethanol, but the UK remains home to a vibrant innovation ecosystem. Otto Simon stands ready to assist these organisations in developing technologies that support the UK's sustainable future ambitions. Emergent Technology Sector The strategy makes clear the government’s ambition to support the entrepreneurial ecosystem — a key segment of Otto Simon’s Emergent Technology client base. Key initiatives include: Driving Innovation – The government is looking to incentivise collaboration between academia and industry, fostering innovation-led growth across the UK. With many ground-breaking technologies historically relocating abroad due to high costs, the government’s goal is to retain and nurture these businesses within the UK economy. Improving Access to Finance – Through grants, loans, and tax relief schemes, the government intends to support early-stage and high-growth businesses. Expanding access to funding can help these companies commercialise innovations and scale operations. Otto Simon continues to support emergent technology enterprises — offering expertise from concept design through to deployment — ensuring engineering and process challenges don’t slow down innovation. Conclusion The 2025 Industrial Strategy signals a renewed focus on long-term government support for UK industry — particularly in innovation, clean energy, and manufacturing. Otto Simon will continue to track these developments closely, working alongside our clients and partners to ensure they remain informed, prepared, and positioned to benefit from the evolving industrial landscape.