Author Archives: Ken

On June 6, 2026, Datalink Electronics’ Business Development Director, Aran Sharma, will take on one of the UK’s most demanding endurance challenges: the Cateran Yomp.

While the Yomp is widely recognised as a formidable test of physical and mental resilience across the Scottish Highlands, Aran’s reason for taking part goes far beyond endurance or personal achievement. This walk is about honouring a promise, remembering someone important, and showing up when it matters most.

In September 2025, Aran and his cousin Bally completed the Yorkshire Three Peaks together. It was a shared challenge – demanding, exhausting, and deeply rewarding. Less than three weeks later, Bally passed away suddenly.

After that walk, the two had quietly agreed that the Cateran Yomp would be next. There were no entry forms, no timelines, and no formal plans – just a clear understanding between them that they would take it on together.

One moment from that time has stayed with Aran. Bally told him that he knew he could always count on him – that he would never let him down. That trust, given freely and sincerely, carried real weight. Completing the Yomp now is Aran’s way of honouring that trust and carrying on the commitment.

“This isn’t about pushing limits for the sake of it,” Aran says. “It’s about keeping a promise, remembering someone who mattered deeply to me, and doing something meaningful even when the original plan can’t be followed.”

Aran will be completing the Cateran Yomp in Bally’s memory while raising funds for the Army Benevolent Fund, a charity that provides lifelong support to soldiers, veterans, and their families. Supporting an organisation built around long-term commitment and care felt like a fitting way to mark the journey.

At Datalink Electronics, values such as trust, reliability, and accountability underpin everything we do – whether supporting customers in highly regulated sectors or building long-term partnerships. Aran’s challenge reflects those same principles in a very personal way: following through on commitments, standing by promises, and doing the right thing even when it’s difficult.

If you would like to follow Aran’s journey or support the cause, you can do so here.

January has set a confident and purposeful tone for 2026 at Datalink Electronics, with a renewed focus on innovation, collaboration, and leadership across the communities and sectors we serve.

A key highlight this month has been our support for the 2026 TBAT Innovation Challenge. As a Workshop Sponsor, Datalink is proud to be involved in a programme that provides SMEs with practical tools, expert guidance, and the confidence to develop ideas into viable, scalable businesses. The challenge aligns closely with our own values – encouraging innovation not just as a technical process, but as a mindset rooted in problem-solving, resilience, and collaboration.

At Datalink, we regularly work with customers at the earliest stages of product development, particularly in highly regulated and performance-critical sectors such as aerospace, defence, medical, and industrial electronics. Supporting the TBAT Innovation Challenge reflects our belief that strong foundations – in thinking, planning, and execution – are essential for long-term success, whether in electronics manufacturing or business growth more broadly.

January has also highlighted the importance of leadership and representation within our industry. We are delighted that Mariam Smith, Managing Director of Datalink Electronics, will be speaking at the Enterprising Women International Women’s Day Conference 2026. Taking place on 5 March, the conference brings together business leaders from across sectors to explore the theme “Give to Gain” – a concept that resonates strongly with our approach to leadership, mentoring, and partnership.

Mariam’s participation reflects Datalink’s ongoing commitment to sharing knowledge, supporting others on their business journeys, and championing inclusive leadership. Creating space for diverse voices and experiences strengthens not only individual organisations, but the wider engineering and manufacturing ecosystem.

As we move into February, we continue to build momentum across quality initiatives, customer projects, and external engagement. January has been a reminder that progress is not just measured in output, but in the relationships we build, the ideas we support, and the leadership we show.

We look forward to the months ahead and to continuing our work with customers, partners, and the wider business community throughout 2026.

The TBAT Innovation Challenge (IC26) is a nationally recognised, nine-month initiative designed to help UK SMEs develop, validate and scale innovative ideas. Through a combination of expert-led workshops and a competitive pitch process, the programme provides practical guidance, commercial insight and access to an extensive partner network.

As a Workshop Sponsor, Datalink Electronics is supporting innovators at a critical stage of their journey – helping businesses strengthen their foundations, understand market realities and prepare for sustainable growth. With decades of experience supporting complex engineering and technology-led organisations, Datalink understands the challenges innovators face when moving from concept to commercial delivery.

IC26 includes five free-to-attend online workshops, delivered between March and June, covering key stages of the innovation lifecycle. Participants can also enter the competition element of the programme, culminating in a live Finalist Showcase in October.

The 2026 programme offers a total prize package valued at over £155,000, including a £50,000 grand prize, runner-up awards and tailored business support from TBAT’s extensive partner network.

Innovators can choose to attend the workshops, enter the competition, or take part in both. Many participants use the programme to refine their ideas, strengthen their business case and build confidence ahead of future investment or commercialisation.

Datalink Electronics is delighted to support IC26 and the innovators working to shape the future of UK industry.

To find out more about the TBAT Innovation Challenge and how to take part, visit:

Datalink Electronics is proud to announce that our Owner and Managing Director, Mariam Smith MBA, will be speaking at the Enterprising Women (East Midlands Chamber) International Women’s Day Conference 2026, taking place on 5 March 2026 at Vaillant Live, Derby.

The conference theme for 2026, “Give to Gain,” reflects a powerful and timely message: when leaders share knowledge, support others, and invest in their communities, everyone benefits. It is a principle that resonates strongly with Mariam’s leadership philosophy and with Datalink’s wider approach to business.

As a speaker, Mariam will join a line-up of influential voices from across the region and beyond, including BBC’s The Apprentice winner Sian Gabbidon, and fellow entrepreneurs, innovators, and business leaders who are shaping the future of enterprise in the East Midlands. The event will also celebrate the launch of the 2026 Enterprising Women Awards, which recognise outstanding achievement and contributions by women in business.

Mariam’s journey reflects the values at the heart of Enterprising Women. As the leader of Datalink Electronics, she has overseen the continued growth of a UK-based electronics design and manufacturing business serving highly regulated sectors including aerospace, defence, medical, industrial, and scientific instrumentation. Her focus on quality, long-term partnerships, and sustainable growth has helped position Datalink as a trusted supplier and employer within the region.

Beyond commercial success, Mariam is a strong advocate for inclusive leadership, mentoring, and creating opportunities for others. Her contribution to the conference will draw on real-world experience: building resilient teams, navigating complex supply chains, and leading with integrity in industries where trust and accountability matter.
At Datalink Electronics, we believe that strong businesses are built not only on technical excellence but also on people, values, and shared responsibility. Mariam’s participation in the Enterprising Women International Women’s Day Conference reflects that belief, and our ongoing commitment to supporting initiatives that champion collaboration, leadership, and positive change.

The event will be held on 5 March 2026, from 9:30 am to 2:30 pm at Vaillant Live, Derby, with support from headline partner Barclays, associate partner Knights, and venue partner Vaillant Live.

We are delighted to support this important event and look forward to the conversations, connections, and inspiration it will bring.