Why did you enter the Wales STEM Awards?  

Laser Wire Solutions entered the Wales STEM Awards to showcase the innovative and impactful work that our team has been doing for medical device manufacturers around the world. Our company is dedicated to revolutionising the manufacture of medical devices to increase access for all, and that’s only possible through the use of STEM throughout our processes. The Wales STEM Awards provided us with an opportunity to showcase our contributions and share our story with a wider audience.

What did winning mean for you or your business? 

Winning the award for STEM International Business of the Year 2022 was a tremendous honour for Laser Wire Solutions, it’s a testament to the hard work and dedication of each person in our team. It was recognition of our efforts to drive innovation and drive change within the way medical devices are manufactured, and it provided a platform to showcase the positive impact that our business and technology is having in the global community.

What did you think of the awards ceremony? 

The awards ceremony was a wonderful celebration of the achievements of the STEM community in Wales. It was great to see so many talented individuals and businesses being recognized for their contributions. The atmosphere was electric, and it was an unforgettable experience to receive the award in front of such a distinguished audience. Overall, the ceremony was a fantastic celebration of STEM, and we were proud to be a part of it.

What’s been a challenge for you or your business during the last year and how did you overcome it? 

As with many other manufacturing companies around the world, the main challenge we’ve faced in the last year was the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on our supply chain. The pandemic caused disruptions in the supply of raw materials, components, and components that we use to manufacture our machinery which direct impact on our production schedule.

To overcome this, we implemented a number of measures to ensure the continuity of our operations. We quickly assessed our supply chain and worked with our suppliers to secure alternative sources of raw materials and components. We also implemented a flexible manufacturing schedule that allowed us to adjust our production based on the availability of components and raw materials.

It was a challenging time for our business, but by being proactive, flexible, and adapting to the changing situation, we were able to overcome the challenges and maintain our commitment to delivering high-quality laser wire stripping machinery to our customers.

What’s been a highlight for you or your business over the last year and why? 

2022 was our best year yet. Despite the challenges in our supply chain, we received and delivered on the most orders we have ever received in a single year. This has allowed us to invest more money into the company to improve our processes, technology, and staff. This was a huge accomplishment for us, and it was a testament to the hard work and dedication of our employees. They consistently went above and beyond to make sure our customers received the best products and services possible.

Winning the Wales STEM Awards for International Business of the Year was a major highlight for us too. It was recognition for all the hard work and dedication that our team has put into building a successful business. The award has given us a boost in visibility and credibility, and it has opened new doors for us in terms of partnerships and collaborations.

Overall, the last year has been a period of growth, recognition, and success for our company, and we’re proud of what we’ve achieved. We’re looking forward to continuing to build on this momentum in the coming years and to making a positive impact in the STEM sector in Wales and beyond.

What are your goals for 2023? 

In 2023, we’re aiming to build upon our achievements from 2022. Our top priority is to continue improving our technology to better serve our customers. We’ve recently shifted our focus towards serving the medical sector, and we’re dedicated to making sure our products are designed and built to meet their needs.

We’re also passionate about promoting STEM careers to young people and particularly women, and we’re working closely with our local community to make STEM more accessible and attractive to these demographics. There are several other exciting projects and goals that we’re working on this year, so stay tuned! Our team is keen to make a positive impact in our industry.

What, in your opinion, can be done to inspire more young people to pursue careers in STEM? 

We believe there’s many ways to inspire more young people to pursue careers in STEM, many of which we’ll be working on in our plans mentioned above. So, the areas we’ll be focusing on are:

Providing access to quality STEM education – investing time and resources into communities to make sure they have access to information that is relevant and up-to-date.

We’ll also be encouraging hands-on learning experiences. Hands-on learning experiences, such as work experience sessions, workshops, and projects, can be extremely effective in inspiring young people to pursue STEM careers. These experiences provide them with practical experience and give them a taste of what a career in STEM might be like.

Showcasing the impact and relevance of STEM careers is another important step in inspiring young people to pursue these fields. We’ll be doing this by highlighting the positive impact that STEM professionals have on society and demonstrating how STEM careers can be used to solve some of the world’s biggest challenges. Ensuring that these professionals are from diverse backgrounds will really help so many young people realise their potential regardless of their backgrounds.

What, or who, is exciting you in the STEM sector in Wales? 

We’re excited by the growth and innovation taking place in the STEM sector in Wales. There is currently a really strong commitment to developing the next generation of STEM professionals. The Welsh government, along with schools, universities, and industry partners, are working together to provide young people with access to high-quality STEM education and hands-on learning experiences.

Another exciting development is the growth of the technology sector in Wales. With a thriving start-up scene and an increasing number of multinational companies setting up operations in the region, Wales is becoming a hub for technology innovation.

What do you think could be done to help the STEM sector in Wales? 

We believe it’s important to invest in education to ensure that young people have access to high-quality STEM education and are equipped with the skills they need to pursue STEM careers. More collaboration between industry and academia is also needed to create new opportunities and innovative solutions.