As we move through the first quarter of 2025, I find myself reflecting on the unique yet familiar challenges that continue to shape the landscape of industrial automation. Labour shortages, rising employment costs, and the breakneck pace of technological advancements remain as pressing as ever. To these, we must now add the as-yet unknown impact of global tariffs. However, these challenges also offer an incredible opportunity for competitive advantage to those willing to adapt and innovate.
From my position as Director at BPX, it is clear that these challenges aren’t merely industry trends—they’re topics of daily conversation with customers, team members, and partners. The pressure on manufacturing businesses to remain profitable, sustainable, and competitive is undeniable, but it also serves as a call to action. The question isn’t whether we will face obstacles; it’s how to respond. A response that seeks to leverage advanced automation to deliver energy efficiency and improved productivity, allied to informed data analysis derived from connected machines, is often the smartest choice.
Navigating the challenges and opportunities together
The truth is, no company can tackle these issues alone. Labour shortages, knowledge gaps, and rising costs are stretching many organisations to their limits. At BPX, we’ve adopted a strategic stance: we don’t just supply products; we partner with businesses to help them find the right response amongst the many and varied offers in a rapidly evolving world.
BPX goes far beyond supplying components by offering personalised support tailored to each company’s needs and goals. Some customers may seek our guidance on selecting a suite of solutions for a new factory, while others might ask us to assess their existing site and suggest modernisation upgrades to enhance energy efficiency. Regardless, we strive to be all things to all our customers. For those looking to take a measured approach to sustainability, we guide them through their digitalisation journey and alignment with the UK government’s Invest 2035 focus on advanced manufacturing.
One of the challenges we hear about most frequently is the shortage of skilled labour. Whether it’s due to a post-pandemic shift, the “Boomer” retirement wave, or the impact of Brexit, manufacturers are struggling to fill roles across their operations. These shortages lead to widening expertise gaps, which can stall modernisation and sustainability efforts.
The role of a true industrial automation partner
What sets BPX apart—and I am proud to champion—is our role as a technology business partner specialising in industrial automation. We have moved beyond the traditional role of a distributor to become problem-solvers, bridging the labour gap with advanced training, tailored solutions, and ongoing support. For instance, when Promtek, a system integrator, approached us to modernise a motor control system for Wynnstay, a provider of agricultural products and services for UK farmers, we didn’t merely propose a product. We collaborated.
The customer’s existing equipment was functional, but they required advanced capabilities to enhance efficiency and performance. After introducing Promtek to the Schneider Electric TeSys Island solution during a Lunch & Learn training session, their customer decided it was the right solution to improve operational efficiency and to support their sustainability goals. TeSys Island provides real-time and actionable information about their motor energy usage and maintenance, along with remote predictive maintenance alerts to help avoid downtime.
The result? A modernised system that exceeded the customer’s expectations, and now they are looking to replicate this success throughout their enterprise.
Adapting to an evolving industrial automation market
The industrial automation market is changing rapidly, and it is imperative that we stay ahead. At BPX, we have invested heavily in upskilling our team and expanding our competencies to advance in the industrial space, expertly supported by Schneider Electric’s Alliance Programme for Industrial Automation Distributors. Our business understands that our ability to specialise and offer solutions in areas such as EcoStruxure™ software, industry services, motion and robotics, drive solutions, and sustainability is paramount for our customers’ success—and to our own.
This journey is, and always should be, about more than technology. It is fundamentally about relationships, understanding each customer’s unique goals and challenges, and working together to find the right path forward.
A shared vision for the future
Looking ahead to rest of 2025 and beyond, I feel very optimistic. Yes, the challenges are real, but so are the opportunities. At BPX, we are committed to helping our customers face the economic headwinds by embracing innovation, overcoming obstacles, and building a sustainable future. As a Schneider Electric Alliance Master IAD, we are prepared to assist our customers in taking the next steps in their journey. Together, we can make this a year of transformation and success.
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