2025 has been a landmark year for Datalink Electronics – one defined by strategic investment, market recognition, and operational excellence. We began the year with strong momentum, laying foundations that would support the company’s growth throughout the months ahead. January set the tone as teams focused on consolidating new initiatives and driving forward ambitious goals for innovation and customer service, reflecting our commitment to delivering cutting-edge electronics design and manufacturing solutions across critical sectors.

In March, we reflected on significant transformation and progress, celebrating both internal milestones and the contribution our people have made to expanding our capabilities and responsiveness to client needs.
The spring also saw us take bold steps in shaping our identity and strategic direction. A refreshed brand identity was unveiled, symbolising a more dynamic, forward-looking Datalink – one equipped to meet evolving customer expectations in sectors from medical and life sciences to industrial automation and defence.

By May and into the summer, our teams were actively building on that momentum, with continuous improvements across operations and preparations for upcoming expansions.
One of the standout achievements came in August, when we celebrated achieving AS9100 certification, a testament to our commitment to quality, process excellence and industry leadership.

As autumn approached, investment in innovation continued to pay dividends. In November, we shared updates on digital process enhancements supported by Made Smarter grant funding, enabling us to advance automation and refine our manufacturing workflows, which enhances speed, traceability and efficiency for our customers.
October was also notable for industry recognition, with Datalink shortlisted for multiple regional awards that acknowledge excellence in engineering and manufacturing – a reflection of our team’s hard work and reinforced reputation in the sector.

Across the year, these accomplishments have been underpinned by a clear strategic vision: investing in people, embracing technology, and continuously enhancing our ability to deliver outstanding contract electronics manufacturing services tailored to complex, high-reliability applications.

Looking Ahead to 2026

As we move into 2026, Datalink Electronics will continue advancing its mission to be a trusted partner for clients at the forefront of innovation. With plans to expand our digital capabilities, deepen sector-specific expertise, and foster new collaborations, we’re poised for another year of progress. A highlight on the horizon is the launch of our brand-new website, designed to better showcase our services, insights and thought leadership – watch this space for its unveiling soon.

As we approach the festive season, we would like to inform our customers, suppliers, and partners of our Christmas shutdown period. Datalink Electronics will be closed from Tuesday 24th December 2025 and will reopen on Monday, 5th January 2026.

During this time, our offices, production facilities and support channels will be unavailable. Normal business operations will resume from 5th January.

If you have any urgent project requirements ahead of the break, please get in touch with your usual Datalink representative as early as possible so we can ensure everything is completed in good time.

Thank you for your continued support throughout 2025. We wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year.

Showcasing our Made Smarter grant success – and welcoming new talent

November has been a standout month at Datalink Electronics as we proudly welcomed representatives from Made Smarter East Midlands and the Department for Business and Trade (DBT) back into our facility. Earlier this year, Datalink was awarded match-funded grant support through the Made Smarter programme, enabling us to invest in digital process improvements designed to boost efficiency, enhance precision, and strengthen future scalability.

The visit focused on reviewing the impact of our grant-funded investment and showcasing how we’ve applied the funding to real operational improvements. Our team demonstrated the transition from traditional paper-based route cards to a fully digital platform with integrated Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs). This new system is already delivering measurable benefits, including improved process consistency, enhanced traceability, and clearer visibility across manufacturing and assembly.

This transformation forms part of a wider digital roadmap developed with Made Smarter guidance. Their support has been instrumental in accelerating our adoption of smarter manufacturing technologies and ensuring we are well positioned to deliver high-quality products with agility. Alongside our technology upgrades, our teams continue to embrace new digital skills and upskilling opportunities to ensure these tools deliver maximum value.

Welcoming Andy Cropley – Strengthening our Digital Journey

This month also marks the arrival of Andy Cropley, who joins Datalink as a Production Engineer – and he is already playing an active role in advancing our digital transformation.

Andy brings 23+ years of electronics manufacturing experience, with deep expertise in SMT, PTH, digital manufacturing systems, and NPI delivery. His background includes:

• Rolling out and standardising MES platforms such as Aegis FactoryLogix
• Leading process automation, including RFQ automation, documentation optimisation, and Excel/VBA-driven improvements
• Managing end-to-end NPIs and improving build documentation, traceability, and process flow from prototype to medium-volume manufacture
• Strong experience with Mycronic SMT lines, AOI programming, oven profiling, and quality systems including NCR processes and reporting tools

With his proven track record in MES/ERP integration, digital process optimisation, and continuous improvement, Andy is already contributing insight and hands-on expertise to our ongoing shift toward fully integrated, data-driven manufacturing.

His background in implementing digital work instructions, streamlining build packs, and reducing program creation time adds valuable momentum to our current Made Smarter initiatives and the next stage of our digital roadmap.

We are delighted to welcome Andy to the team and look forward to the impact his experience will bring as we continue expanding our digital capabilities.

Looking Ahead

As we look toward 2026, this year’s achievements provide a solid foundation for further advancements, including deeper data integration, smarter routing, increased automation, and continued process optimisation.

We’re proud of how far we’ve come – and excited about where we’re heading.

As October draws to a close, we’re celebrating another month of innovation, recognition, and connection at Datalink Electronics. From process excellence and award nominations to new partnerships and a successful presence at the Advanced Engineering Show, it’s been a standout month for our team.

Connecting at the Advanced Engineering Show

We were delighted to exhibit at the Advanced Engineering Show, held at the NEC Birmingham on 29–30 October 2025. It was fantastic to connect with industry peers, clients, and future collaborators across aerospace, defence, medical, and scientific sectors. The conversations we had reaffirmed the strength of British engineering – and the vital role that precision electronics continues to play in powering next-generation innovation.  

A big thank-you to everyone who visited our stand, shared ideas, and explored how we can work together. The show was an excellent reminder of why we do what we do: solving complex engineering challenges through collaboration and creativity.

Continuing Our AS9100 Journey

Our partnership with Apex Solutions continues to help us align our processes with AS9100 standards. Their practical, hands-on approach has strengthened how we apply quality principles in daily operations – enhancing consistency, efficiency, and confidence across all our design, development, and production activities.

Engineering Excellence and Digital Transformation

Our engineering and production teams have continued to deliver complex, high-precision solutions across multiple sectors. We’re also investing in digital transformation, introducing smarter systems that improve traceability, communication, and project visibility – from concept to completion.

Award Nominations and Recognition

We’re proud to announce that Datalink Electronics has been nominated for three local industry awards, recognising excellence in engineering, innovation, and customer service. The winners will be revealed at the awards event in February 2026, and we couldn’t be prouder of the team behind this achievement. Here’s hoping for a big win!

Stay Connected – Datalink Newsletter

This month also saw the release of the second edition of the Datalink Newsletter, featuring exclusive insights into our projects, people, and progress.  

👉 Don’t forget to subscribe  to receive future editions directly to your inbox.

Looking Ahead

As we move into November, we remain focused on innovation, sustainability, and collaboration – driving the standards of precision engineering ever higher.  

A heartfelt thank-you to everyone who has supported us this month, from partners and customers to the many people we met at the NEC. Together, we’re building the future of intelligent electronics manufacturing.

*Stay tuned for more updates – and wish us luck at the awards in February!*

Datalink Electronics has reached an important quality milestone following a successful collaboration with Apex Solutions to align our systems and processes with AS9100 requirements.

AS9100 is the internationally recognised quality management standard for the aerospace and defence industries, setting a rigorous benchmark for process control, risk management, and continuous improvement. Partnering with Apex Solutions allowed our team to not only meet the technical requirements of the standard but to embed its principles into how we work every day.

Through a series of interactive workshops and on-site sessions, Apex’s practical, hands-on approach gave our teams clarity on how to apply AS9100 principles effectively – from design and procurement to manufacturing and quality assurance. Their guidance helped translate the standard’s theory into real-world actions that enhance efficiency, reliability, and traceability across our operations.

We’d like to extend a huge thank you to James and the Apex team for their expertise, patience, and approachable teaching style. Their ability to make complex compliance topics simple and actionable has strengthened our culture of continuous improvement.

This achievement reinforces Datalink’s long-standing commitment to delivering quality-driven electronics design and manufacturing solutions – built on process discipline, collaboration, and trust.

For customers, it means even greater confidence that every Datalink project is supported by the highest levels of quality assurance and regulatory alignment.

#AS9100 #QualityManagement #Aerospace #ElectronicsManufacturing #ContinuousImprovement #DatalinkElectronics #ApexSolutions

Datalink Electronics, a leading UK electronics design and manufacturing company based in Loughborough, has been shortlisted for three categories in the East Midlands Chamber Leicestershire Business Awards 2025/26.

The shortlist recognises Datalink’s commitment to digital transformation, customer service excellence, and sustainable small business growth.

The awards ceremony will take place at Leicester City Football Club on Thursday, 26 February 2026, celebrating 12 of the region’s most innovative and high-performing organisations.

1. Digital Transformation Award

Datalink Electronics has been nominated for its successful implementation of a company-wide digital transformation strategy.

The project has introduced advanced ERP and data management systems, giving teams real-time visibility across design, manufacturing, and test processes. This integration has improved traceability, shortened lead times, and supported tighter quality control in regulated sectors including aerospace, defence, medical, and scientific instrumentation.

As a result, Datalink has achieved measurable improvements in productivity, decision-making, and customer responsiveness – key outcomes that demonstrate the ROI of a carefully planned technology investment.

2. Excellence in Customer Service Award

Customer service is one of Datalink’s strongest differentiators. The company operates with a partnership-based model, providing customers with clarity, consistency, and direct access to engineering expertise throughout each project.

This nomination acknowledges Datalink’s proactive communication, on-time delivery performance, and responsiveness to customer feedback. Continuous improvement initiatives have refined project onboarding, documentation, and aftercare, helping clients across industries bring products to market faster and with total confidence in build quality.

Datalink’s service philosophy is simple: combine technical precision with personal accountability.

3. Small Business of the Year Award

The Small Business of the Year nomination celebrates Datalink’s ability to compete and grow in a demanding global market while maintaining the agility and integrity of a smaller UK manufacturer.

With around forty employees and a turnover growth of nearly 40% in the last year, the business continues to invest in advanced surface-mount technology (SMT), process automation, and skills development.

Recent growth initiatives include expanding into new market sectors, optimising lean production workflows, and developing sustainability measures aligned with AS9100 principles.

This nomination demonstrates how Datalink Electronics combines innovation, quality, and collaboration to create measurable impact for its customers – and for the UK manufacturing sector as a whole.

About the East Midlands Chamber Leicestershire Business Awards

The East Midlands Chamber Business Awards celebrate regional excellence across 12 categories, recognising the achievements of organisations that contribute to economic growth, innovation, and community success.

The 2025/26 Leicestershire event will be held on 26 February 2026 at Leicester City Football Club. More information can be found on the Chamber’s website here!

Looking Ahead

Datalink Electronics Shortlisted for Three East Midlands Chamber Business Awards

Being shortlisted in three categories underscores Datalink’s position as one of the East Midlands’ most forward-thinking electronics manufacturers. The recognition highlights how technology, teamwork, and customer focus continue to drive the company’s evolution.

Venue: NEC Birmingham
Dates: 29 & 30 October 2025
Stand: #194

Datalink Electronics is delighted to confirm that we will be exhibiting at Advanced Engineering 2025, the UK’s leading engineering and manufacturing event, held at NEC Birmingham on 29 and 30 October. 

Why We Are Exhibiting

This event is a prime opportunity for us to showcase our capabilities in end-to-end electronics design and manufacture, connect with industry peers, and explore new collaborative opportunities. Over the two days, our team will be on hand at Stand #194 to present how Datalink can support complex, regulated projects from concept through production.

What You’ll See at Our Stand

• Live demonstrations of our design-to-manufacture workflow
• Insights into our quality, traceability, and supply chain resilience
• Case studies from medical, aerospace, and industrial sectors
• One-to-one consultations with our engineers

Don’t Miss These Highlights

• Engage in deep-dive technical discussions around manufacturability and cost efficiencies
• See how we integrate feedback loops across design, testing, and production
• Learn about our latest investments in process automation and digital traceability

Event Details

• When: 29 Oct, 9:00–17:00; 30 Oct, 9:00–16:00
• Where: NEC Birmingham, Halls 3 & 3a

Registration: Free for industry professionals. Secure your place via the Advanced Engineering Website.

In a fast-moving industry, technology may change quickly – but trust is timeless. At Datalink Electronics, our approach has always been rooted in partnership: working closely with clients to deliver not just products, but confidence.

As 2025 draws to a close, we’re proud to reflect on the relationships we’ve built, the resilience we’ve shown, and the opportunities ahead.

What Partnership Means to Us

1. Shared goals – We treat your success as our own. Projects are delivered with customer outcomes, not just specifications, in mind.
2. Open communication – Transparent reporting, collaborative planning, and quick problem resolution.
3. Flexibility and agility – Whether it’s rapid prototyping or scaling production, we adapt to client needs without compromising quality.
4. Longevity and trust – Many of our clients stay with us for years because they value reliability and consistency. 

Why Clients Choose Datalink

• Cross-sector expertise – From medical to aerospace, we understand the unique demands of safety-critical industries.
• Integrated services – Design and manufacturing under one roof simplifies processes and shortens lead times.
• Commitment to standards – ISO 13485, AS9100, and a culture of continuous improvement.
  People-focused ethos – We’re large enough to deliver, but small enough to care.

Looking Ahead to 2026

The coming year will see further advances in design innovation, supply chain resilience, and quality standards. For businesses seeking a partner who can combine technical strength with customer-first service, Datalink is ready to help shape the future.

From satellites and aircraft to radar and defence systems, electronics in aerospace and defence face extreme conditions where failure is not an option. High altitude, vibration, temperature fluctuations, and mission-critical demands all require systems that are rugged, precise, and fully compliant with international standards.

At Datalink Electronics, we bring technical depth and a commitment to quality that ensures our aerospace and defence customers can operate with confidence.

Why Standards Matter in Defence & Aerospace

The aerospace and defence industries impose some of the most rigorous quality expectations in the world. Certification frameworks such as AS9100 ensure suppliers meet strict criteria around traceability, safety, and reliability. For clients, certification is more than a box-ticking exercise: it’s reassurance that every component is fit for purpose in demanding environments.

Datalink’s Capabilities in Aerospace & Defence

1. Design for extreme environments – Engineering electronics that operate in vibration-heavy, temperature-sensitive, or mission-critical contexts.
2. Advanced testing protocols – Stress testing, traceability checks, and validation against regulatory standards.
3. Precision manufacturing – Controlled processes ensure repeatability and reliability across batches.
4. Commitment to AS9100 certification – Datalink recently achieved this aerospace benchmark, further strengthening our ability to support the sector.

Case in Point: Mission-Ready Innovation

A defence customer recently partnered with Datalink to deliver ruggedised electronic systems for field deployment. By combining design-for-environment principles with strict traceability, we enabled them to meet military-grade requirements while shortening time-to-deployment.

The Value for Customers

With global defence programmes investing billions in next-generation technologies, the demand for reliable, UK-based partners is growing. Datalink stands out as a supplier that combines flexibility with world-class standards – delivering electronics where performance and compliance are equally critical.

When designing electronics for consumer goods, delays or faults may cause frustration. In healthcare, the stakes are far higher: a malfunction could impact treatment outcomes, patient safety, or even lives. That’s why healthcare organisations must partner with suppliers who understand that precision and compliance aren’t negotiable.

At Datalink Electronics, we bring decades of expertise and rigorous processes to the medical sector – ensuring electronics that are reliable, compliant, and safe.

Standards That Safeguard Patients

We work to ISO 13485 and other medical device standards that demand strict documentation, validation, and traceability. Every component, process, and test is logged for compliance and future auditing.

What Makes Healthcare Different?

1. Safety-critical design – Medical devices must operate in controlled environments with zero tolerance for failure.
2. Stringent regulation – MHRA, FDA, and CE approvals require suppliers to maintain robust, auditable processes.
3. Reliability under pressure – Devices must perform consistently in high-demand hospital and clinical settings.
4. User experience focus – Devices must be intuitive for clinicians, ensuring safe, effective usage. 

How Datalink Supports Healthcare Clients

• Design for compliance – Ensuring safety and performance requirements are built into the earliest design stages.
• Controlled manufacturing environment – Quality assurance checks ensure no step is left to chance.
• Customised reporting – Clear documentation for regulators, auditors, and quality teams.
• Collaboration with client engineers – We work as an extension of in-house R&D to bring devices to market faster.

Example: A Safer Monitoring Device

A healthcare client partnered with Datalink for a patient monitoring system. We delivered a design and manufacturing process aligned with ISO 13485, ensuring every unit could be traced, tested, and verified. The result was a faster route to regulatory approval and safer outcomes for patients.

Why Healthcare Trusts Datalink

In an industry where trust is everything, Datalink delivers not just electronics, but confidence – confidence that lives won’t be compromised.