We were proud to welcome Sarah Russell, MP for Congleton, to the Avocet Research Centre (ARC) on Friday the 24th of October for a tour of our battery innovation lab and facilities in Holmes Chapel.
As the constituency’s representative in Parliament, Sarah took a keen interest in our ongoing work in battery materials research, lightweight technologies, and component development for emerging markets like drones, aerospace, and e-mobility. Her visit offered an opportunity to showcase the cutting-edge projects we’re working on, and to speak frankly about the opportunities and challenges for advanced manufacturers like Avocet.
Supporting Growth at a Critical Time
The visit couldn’t have come at a more pivotal moment. ARC is currently expanding its scope, from enabling next-gen battery materials and components to exploring advanced capabilities in laser processing, coatings, feasibility testing, and custom R&D for material innovation.
One highlight of the discussion was Flyweight, our ultra-light bimetallic battery tab developed by ARC, which is gaining traction in weight-sensitive, high-performance applications like eVTOLs, drones, and motorsport.
Sarah Russell MP recognised the broader potential of our work, and the challenges of scaling up in such a competitive, global market. In fact, she took our message back to Parliament.
Parliamentary Recognition
Sarah Russell MP’s speech at Parliament following her visit to Avocet Materials Group.
On Monday, 3rd November, Sarah Russell MP addressed Parliament and said:
“I recently visited Avocet, an innovative manufacturing company based in Holmes Chapel in my constituency. They are looking to grow by diversifying into supplying components and materials for drone battery production… They expressed to me the potential for improved support and guidance from the government in order to break into and thrive within this competitive international market.”
We appreciate this recognition and advocacy, and hope it helps pave the way for more direct support and practical guidance from government to help British innovation succeed on a global stage.
What’s Next for ARC?
At the Avocet Research Centre (ARC), we’re continuing to build our reputation as a partner for:
- Advanced battery materials research
- Laser processing feasibility projects
- Lightweight component prototyping and testing
- Coatings and surface modification for materials science
- Innovation in aerospace, space, and e-mobility sectors
We’re always open to collaborations with OEMs, research institutions, and partners pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in clean energy, transport, and advanced manufacturing.
