Beldam Crossley and Beyond: Exploring Unconventional Employee Benefits

beldam crossley work

At Beldam Crossley, we believe in providing our employees with unique benefits including helping our new brides and grooms celebrate their wedding with an additional week’s holiday. We’ve always felt it’s not the greatest reason to get married…but it helps! Have you ever wondered about the most unusual employee perks out there? Honeymoon time may not be a common benefit offered in 2024, but it’s far from the strangest out there. An internet search revealed that companies around the world are offering some pretty creative employee benefits: One US company provides employees with a house cleaning service so they can relax when they’re off the clock, unlimited access to the best homemade guacamole served in the city and free mechanical bull rides at the bar across the street. Or what about a $50 Beauty Budget per month to spend on manicures, pedicures and haircuts? One company goes a step further by offering on-site Botox facilities. Fury friends are also catered for. Free on-site doggy daycare is not that uncommon in the USA and a number of companies offer free or subsidised pet insurance and grooming. Still too traditional? Well, a well-known outdoor clothing and equipment business promises to pay your bail if you’re arrested for a peaceful environmental protest, while another household-name company supports employees trying to start a family with generous $10,000 egg-freezing costs. And if you’ve had a particularly successful month at work, one automotive firm will allow you free use of their company fleet of yachts. What non-traditional employee benefit would really turn your head? Or let us know what’s the strangest/most unusual benefit you’ve heard of.

People Profile – Slavka Hughes

Slavka Hughes

Meet Slavka Hughes, Beldam Crossley’s Sustainability Manager. She’s passionate about the three Es – Engineering, Education and the Environment, and is a dedicated mum of two. We invited her to tell us more by answering questions about her life, both in and out of work. Here’s what she said… Q. Can you summarise your position in a few words? A. Integrating sustainability into business strategy to improve long-term business growth with less impact on the environment. Championing sustainability and its benefits to the business. Reducing the company’s impact on the environment while improving long-term growth. Q. What’s the best thing about your role? A. Working with people. Getting involved as a STEM ambassador at local schools has been a real pleasure for me. Volunteering and supporting the Beldam Crossley community by organising social events and bringing everyone together. For example, I’ve enjoyed the support we give to Bolton Lads and Girls Club. I genuinely feel that Beldam Crossley makes a difference and I love being part of that. Q. What’s the best thing about working at Beldam Crossley? A. Flexibility. Their progressive attitude allows me to do the job I want to do but also be a mum with all the commitment and responsibility that goes with it. Even in 2024, not all companies are as forward-thinking. Q. Describe the Beldam Crossley culture in three words? A. Family. Caring. Supportive. Q. How did you get into manufacturing and engineering? A. After college, I took my first job in manufacturing as an operator. I then moved into quality and engineering. My next job was in Compliance and with my passion for Environment and improvements I moved into my current role as Sustainability Manager. The rest is history. Q. What would you say to any young woman thinking of a career in engineering? A. As a woman in engineering, it is very rewarding to see yourself playing an important role in the workplace and society. To know that you’re inspiring young women – such as my daughter – is fulfilling. But there are definitely some challenges. Being in a profession relatively dominated by males is not always easy but with mutual respect, hard work, and empowering collaborations, we are all contributing to a brighter future for women in engineering. Q. Outside work, what are your passions and hobbies? A. Baking – I always wanted my own coffee shop with home-baked cakes made by me. Q. What’s your favourite place to visit in the world? A. Scotland. I love nature and woodlands. I spent my childhood with my dad teaching me all about trees, animals and mushrooms. Q. Do you have any special skills your work colleagues may not know about? A. I’m persistent, I don’t like giving up. My husband says I’m stubborn but I say I’m driven. After all, I wouldn’t be where I am now without being a little bit stubborn, sorry driven. But also, being able to compromise and choose my battles.

Bolton: A Legacy of Innovation & Excellence

Bolton skyline

When it comes to helping the world take a step forward, Bolton has always been right up there. We’re so proud to be part of this town. Great stuff has come from here – from the humble – but delicious – ice cream wafer sandwich to the genius of Carbon 60, the stronger-and-lighter-than-steel substance that earned its Bolton-born inventor Sir Harry Kroto a 1996 Nobel Prize. The very first running spikes were hammered into shoes in a cobbler’s shop in Bolton – that little company went on to become American giant Reebok. Lord Leverhulme, the original king of the soap industry and founder of Britain’s first modern multinational was born in the town centre in 1851. Even the doors of the 19th Century Imperial Ottoman Bank Museum in Istanbul read: “Chatwoods of Bolton.” None of this is surprising when you remember that Bolton’s manufacturing pedigree is built on the world-changing inventions of Richard Arkwright and Samuel Crompton, two of the Industrial Revolution’s greatest design engineers. All these incredible advances started as a niche, but have contributed greatly to the world. We like to think the same can be said of Beldam Crossley. Our industrial precision sealing technology is protecting lives, investments and environments. Think F1 racing cars and our components are there. They are also inside the Ariane 5 space satellite and many commercial and national naval fleets. Our PTFE polymers and slide bearings have massively improved the safe operation of the oil and gas industry. At the same time, we are committed to advancing renewable energy, producing sealing solutions for wind, hydro, electrolysis and tidal. Surely history will judge the first transatlantic flight powered by 100% sustainable aviation fuel as every bit as significant as Messrs. Arkwright and Crompton’s cotton-spinning mules. Beldam Crossley was there on that day too. Maybe there’s always been something in that Bolton air…

Beldam Crossley – An Accredited Living Wage Employer

beldam team image eating

Beldam Crossley: Pioneering the Path to a Fairer Future as a Living Wage Employer In a world where income inequality continues to rise, the role of businesses in ensuring fair compensation for their employees cannot be overstated. In this regard, Beldam Crossley, a leading company in the manufacturing industry, has emerged as a true pioneer. By achieving the prestigious accreditation of being a living wage employer, Beldam Crossley has set an example for other organizations, highlighting the significance of providing employees with a wage that enables them to meet their basic needs and live a dignified life. Let’s delve into the significance of this achievement and the impact it can have on employees, the community, and the company itself. The Living Wage: A Commitment to Fair Compensation Unlike the minimum wage, which represents the legally mandated lowest pay rate, the living wage is calculated based on the actual cost of living in a specific location. It considers essential needs such as housing, food, healthcare, and transportation, allowing individuals and families to afford more than just the bare minimum. By voluntarily choosing to pay their employees a living wage, Beldam Crossley has demonstrated their commitment to the well-being of their workforce and the principles of social responsibility. Improving the Lives of Employees The decision to become a living wage employer will undoubtedly have a profound impact on the lives of Beldam Crossley’s employees. Financial stability is a fundamental pillar of overall well-being, and by offering a living wage, the company is empowering its workers to support themselves and their families more effectively. This move not only helps employees escape the cycle of poverty but also enhances their motivation and job satisfaction, leading to increased productivity, loyalty, and reduced turnover rates. It fosters an atmosphere of trust and respect, where employees feel valued and recognized for their contributions. Setting a Positive Example for the Industry Beldam Crossley’s accreditation as a living wage employer is not just a testament to their commitment to their employees but also a statement to the industry. By prioritizing fair compensation, the company is taking a stance against the prevailing notion that businesses should maximize profits at the expense of their workforce. As a role model for others, Beldam Crossley has the potential to inspire similar changes within the manufacturing sector and beyond. Their leadership in this regard can spur a ripple effect, encouraging other companies to evaluate their compensation practices and consider the broader impact they have on society. Conclusion Beldam Crossley’s achievement in becoming a living wage employer marks a significant milestone in the pursuit of a fairer and more equitable society. By recognizing the importance of providing employees with a wage that meets their basic needs, the company is taking a proactive approach towards improving the lives of its workforce, setting an example for the industry, and reaping the benefits that come with being a socially responsible business. In a world where income inequality remains a pressing issue, Beldam Crossley’s commitment to the living wage serves as an inspiration for other companies to join the movement towards a fairer future.JTNDZGl2JTIwY2xhc3MlM0QlMjJjdXN0b20tZm9ybS13cmFwcGVyJTIyJTNFJTBBJTIwJTIwJTIwJTIwJTVCZWxlbWVudG9yLXRlbXBsYXRlJTIwaWQlM0QlMjIxNjQ0MyUyMiU1RCUwQSUzQyUyRmRpdiUzRQ==

Benefits of Beldam Crossley’s PTFE Sealing Solutions (Polymeric Bearing and Radial Seals) for the Renewable Energy Sector

wind energy

With fossil fuels accounting for the largest contribution to the global greenhouse emission (75%) and with humans exceeding 20 tonnes* of carbon footprints in their lifetime, approximating to 40 trucks to carry the solid mass of the carbon, Beldam Crossley’s renewable energy sealing solutions could be vital for the future growth of the renewable energy sector. Common Failures of Wind Turbines Bearings Wind turbines containing metallic bearings can suffer from axial cracking, resulting in bearing failure. Additionally, contaminated lubrication causes a change in viscosity resulting in the bearing running hot, and potential bearing failure. PTFE Radial Seals – Sealing Solutions Radial shaft seals are mounted between the rotating and stationary components. The inner sealing lip seals dynamically and statically against the shaft. Using PTFE helps extend the bearing’s life, increasing the reliability of the overall system, with a reduced leakage rate. Additionally, the maintenance cost is relatively cheaper, depending on the application, PTFE is a lot cheaper than metallic seals. Avoiding Wind Turbines Bearings Failure with Beldam Crossley At Beldam Crossley, our well-designed sealing solution ensures no failure takes place. We have our own brand of PTFE solutions – Crossflon. Lubrication contamination issues are reduced, due to PTFE being self-lubricating and having excellent chemical compatibility with a wide range of media. Furthermore, Beldam Crossley’s PTFE can help avoid axial cracks in the metallic bearing. This is due to our PTFE having a high load-bearing capacity, in conjunction with a low coefficient of friction compared to most metallics, ensuring it is an outstanding choice for radial bearing. Metal’s Friction Performance When dragging something over metal, its performance is greatly affected unless it’s lubricated. At Beldam Crossley, we have used our PTFE sheets to skid over 50,000 tonnes successfully. The more load applied to the metallic bearing, the more friction it creates, resulting in the build-up of the temperate causing wear to increase. Therefore, we supply PTFE, which is the complete opposite! Loading the material appropriately using PTFE will help reduce friction, resulting in less wear on the turbine, shafts, and on the gearbox. Beldam Crossley’s Fresh Perspective in the Market Friction Performance Over the years, across the UK and Europe, there have been massive supply chain issues, and increased costs of materials, especially in metallics. Due to numerous global factors, businesses have found themselves to be re-evaluating the supply chain across the board. This is where we, Beldam Crossley, step in. Being a smaller organization compared to our competitors allows us to have greater flexibility. We can make driven and decisive decisions promptly, whether this means priority reorganizing of our production schedule and manufacturing cells or even additional CapEx spending on new machinery. We can fulfil demands from one-offs right through to mass production – the competition is not able to do that. At Beldam Crossley Ltd, we are very proud of our rich heritage. It is important for us to ensure our customers are properly looked after. Hence if you have any problems, questions, or queries, feel free to contact us!JTNDZGl2JTIwY2xhc3MlM0QlMjJjdXN0b20tZm9ybS13cmFwcGVyJTIyJTNFJTBBJTIwJTIwJTIwJTIwJTVCZWxlbWVudG9yLXRlbXBsYXRlJTIwaWQlM0QlMjIxNjQ0MyUyMiU1RCUwQSUzQyUyRmRpdiUzRQ==

New Year, New Opportunities!

new year at beldam crossley

To celebrate 2023, we’d like to look back and reflect on what a successful year 2022 has been for us! Beldam Crossley are proud to say that 2022 has been a great year for us. We have achieved many important milestones this year, due to our team’s outstanding hard work and dedication. 2022 Success Took part in the mission and raised £844 in cash donations plus a raft of gifts physically delivered to the mission HQ. More information Achieved the Bronze standard. Thanks to our sustainability team, who all became CL certified in 2022. The team consists of Dave Haxton, Gareth Holt, Chris Partington, Lee Smith, Lee O’Connor, Slavka Hughes, Paul Murray, Andy Batty, and James Donnelly. More information Our very first exhibition has been a success! It taught us valuable lessons on how to prepare for our next exhibitions in 2023. More informationWe have expanded our operations in Europe. A brand-new stockist of Pilot Lidpack 3800 Marine tank hatch packing. More information A brand-new Digital Marketing Executive was recruited in August 2022. This has massively helped transform the digital presence of Beldam Crossley and ease the customer experience. More information Our staff are being trained throughout the year, ensuring their skills keep on developing. This includes sales development, team & production leadership improvement, etc.New CRM system developed to process flow management. Allowing fully reflective costings using new electronic methods for accuracy and repeatability.Beldam Crossley joined Bolton Lads & Girls Club as a Gold Patron to support their mission by providing opportunities for young people More informationDespite global economic challenges affecting price, lead times, and logistics, a substantial increase in demand for Beldam Crossley services took place. We are a secure UK manufacturer with full in-house manufacture, with the ability to control alleviating risk when compared to competitor import supply. New Year Prediction As we move into 2023, We are energized and ready to continue working hard to take Beldam Crossley to new heights. We are confident the talent and commitment of our team, will enable us to achieve even greater success in the coming year. Beldam Crossley Beldam Crossley have been an innovator in the industry for over a century (since 1876). We have a solid track record of providing industrial sealing technology that protects lives, investments, and environments. Hence, we have always been, and always will be, committed to research and development to move our technologies forward. We continue to innovate for clean power generation and work across many Renewable Energy sectors. Overall, at Beldam Crossley Ltd, we are very proud of our rich heritage. It is important for us to ensure our customers are properly looked after. Hence if you have any problems, questions, or queries, feel free to contact us!JTNDZGl2JTIwY2xhc3MlM0QlMjJjdXN0b20tZm9ybS13cmFwcGVyJTIyJTNFJTBBJTIwJTIwJTIwJTIwJTVCZWxlbWVudG9yLXRlbXBsYXRlJTIwaWQlM0QlMjIxNjQ0MyUyMiU1RCUwQSUzQyUyRmRpdiUzRQ==

Rock FM’s Mission Christmas Mission Christmas Accomplished Beldam Crossley Exceeds initial Target of £500

Festive Bake MAIN at beldam crossley

At Beldam Crossley, we’re proud to announce that we’ve recently taken part in Rock FM’s Mission Christmas charity campaign and have successfully donated over our initial target of £500, with donations of over £844 as well as a huge amount of dropped off presents! Rock FM’s Mission Christmas Mission Christmas is a charity organization that supplies essential support to disadvantaged children and their families during the Christmas season. From supplying food and clothing to offering educational and recreational opportunities, the charity is dedicated to helping children in need and giving them the best possible start in life. Hence, as part of Beldam Crossley’s commitment to giving back to the community, we took part in Mission Christmas charity. We set a goal of raising £500 and stepped in as a gift/cash collection hub for the charity. Through various fundraising activities within the company, we’re thrilled to announce that we’ve exceeded that goal! Rock FM’s Mission Christmas activities Our employees have been incredibly enthusiastic about supporting this cause. From leg wax and bake sales to raffles, we’ve been blown away by the support and engagement from our team. We’re grateful for the opportunity to support the charity and make a difference in the lives of disadvantaged children. We believe that by working together, we can make a positive impact on our community and help give children in need the best possible start in life. To conclude, we’d like to thank everyone who participated in and supported Rock FM’s Mission Christmas campaign. We’re looking forward to continuing to give back and make a positive impact in the future. Beldam Crossley Having been an innovator in the industry for over a century (since 1876), we have a solid track record of providing industrial sealing technology that protects lives, investments, and environments. Hence, we have always been, and always will be, committed to research and development to move our technologies forward. We continue to innovate for clean power generation and work across many Renewable Energy sectors. At Beldam Crossley Ltd, we are very proud of our rich heritage. It is important for us to ensure our customers are properly looked after, hence if you have any problems, questions, or queries, feel free to contact us!JTNDZGl2JTIwY2xhc3MlM0QlMjJjdXN0b20tZm9ybS13cmFwcGVyJTIyJTNFJTBBJTIwJTIwJTIwJTIwJTVCZWxlbWVudG9yLXRlbXBsYXRlJTIwaWQlM0QlMjIxNjQ0MyUyMiU1RCUwQSUzQyUyRmRpdiUzRQ==

Brand New Stockist in Europe Alert!

tenk tec logo

At Beldam Crossley, we welcome Tank Tec B.V to the BCL family! Stockist in Europe We have expanded our operations in Europe with a brand-new stockist of Pilot Lidpack 3800 Marine tank hatch packing. This has enabled us to service the European marine industry market for sea-going and inland tankers! We are very proud to announce, by focusing on the supply of marine Tanklid packing, we have been able to have quick turnarounds across the European shipping ports. At Beldam Crossley, we now hold stock with Tank Tec B.V. for swift supply to ports in Belgium and the Netherlands and around Europe. The vessels can be attended to inspect and measure the tank hatches on request. Additionally, endless Pilot Lidpack 3800 rings can be produced within hours. Ensuring optimum sealing performance and cargo integrity. Better service Working together, Beldam Crossley and Tank Tec will provide and extend the offer of excellent sealing products and services to our customers. Therefore, resulting in the two companies strengthening based on the support and cooperation between the two companies. Ultimately, increasing the levels of service available for our existing and new customers. Beldam Crossley Beldam Crossley have been an innovator in the industry for over a century (since 1876). We have a solid track record of providing industrial sealing technology that protects lives, investments, and environments. Beldam Crossley have always been, and always will be, committed to research and development to move our technologies forward. We continue to innovate for clean power generation and work across many Renewable Energy sectors.Overall, at Beldam Crossley Ltd, we are very proud of our rich heritage. It is important for us to ensure our customers are properly looked after, hence if you have any problems, questions, or queries, feel free to contact us! #Marine #FugitiveEmission #Tanklidpacking #PilotLidpack #PilotLidpack3800 #LidpackJTNDZGl2JTIwY2xhc3MlM0QlMjJjdXN0b20tZm9ybS13cmFwcGVyJTIyJTNFJTBBJTIwJTIwJTIwJTIwJTVCZWxlbWVudG9yLXRlbXBsYXRlJTIwaWQlM0QlMjIxNjQ0MyUyMiU1RCUwQSUzQyUyRmRpdiUzRQ==

Rock FM: Mission Christmas 2022 cashforkids

cashforkids donate gifts - beldam crossley

This Christmas we are proudly supporting Rock FM’s Mission Christmas 2022 from the 14.11.2022 Mission Christmas The charity runs every year with the mission to make sure Christmas is for every child. The charity focuses on ensuring that children living in poverty can have a great Christmas. Families struggling to make ends meet due to the current living crisis have pushed many into poverty. Numerous people see this year’s Christmas to be a luxury they cannot afford. Therefore, Beldam Crossley has stepped in as a gift/cash collection hub for Mission Christmas. How to get involve There are two ways in which we are contributing this year and we would love you all to get involved. We are acting as a physical collection hub to receive and hold gift donations from the public. Industrial Estate, Lostock Ln, Lostock, Bolton BL6 4BL We are also fundraising and taking online donations. https://www.cashforkidsgive.co.uk/campaign/rock-fm—greatest-hits-radio-mission-christmas-fundraising-2022/fundraisers/beldam-crossley-ltd-/ Further Information The gift donations should be new and unwrapped gifts suitable for children and young people aged 0 to 18. You can bring them to our collection site: Industrial Estate, Lostock Ln, Lostock, Bolton BL6 4BL Additionally, the fund raises will be used to purchase gifts for age groups the charity is struggling to help, and if all applications are fulfilled, anything left over will go to support the children who need it most in the New Year Beldam Crossley Having been an innovator in the industry for over a century (since 1876), we have a solid track record of providing industrial sealing technology that protects lives, investments, and environments. We have always been, and always will be, committed to research and development to move our technologies forward. We continue to innovate for clean power generation and work across many Renewable Energy sectors.JTNDZGl2JTIwY2xhc3MlM0QlMjJjdXN0b20tZm9ybS13cmFwcGVyJTIyJTNFJTBBJTIwJTIwJTIwJTIwJTVCZWxlbWVudG9yLXRlbXBsYXRlJTIwaWQlM0QlMjIxNjQ0MyUyMiU1RCUwQSUzQyUyRmRpdiUzRQ==

Beldam Crossley saving a well-known Marine Shipping Company from losing a shipping contract

Power

Recently, Beldam Crossley has saved a well-known Marine Shipping Company from losing a crude shipping contract in Europe. A new customer recently joined the Beldam Crossley family of customers for our Hatch Seal Lidpack range. This customer was on the brink of losing a shipping contract for crude on a VLCC (very large crude carrier). This was due to the hatch tank packing having leakage problems. This hatch tank had been manufactured and supplied by another well-known company. The hatches were suffering from loss of pressure, grease from the seals, oozing out of the hatch. It was spilling onto the deck, creating a danger of slippage to the crew and pollution to the environment. Lidpack However, Beldam Crossley was asked to step in and put the Lidpack 3801L hatch sealing product; rated for Naphtha and certified by DNV. We tested the product on the same VLCC and see if the problem could be resolved. As suspected, we knew with confidence that our Lidpack range, being the best in the hatch sealing market, would resolve the issue straight away. Consequently, this was conducted in a timely fashion. We received the thumbs up from the ship captain and are proud to say the seals passed the inspection. Therefore, resulting in ultimately saving the contract and gaining a happy new customer! Beldam Crossley Having been an innovator in the industry for over a century (since 1876), we have a solid track record of providing industrial sealing technology that protects lives, investments, and environments. We have always been, and always will be, committed to research and development to move our technologies forward. We continue to innovate for clean power generation and work across many Renewable Energy sectors. Additionally, Beldam Crossley Ltd employees pride themselves on looking after our customers, if you have any problems, questions, or queries, feel free to contact us!JTNDZGl2JTIwY2xhc3MlM0QlMjJjdXN0b20tZm9ybS13cmFwcGVyJTIyJTNFJTBBJTIwJTIwJTIwJTIwJTVCZWxlbWVudG9yLXRlbXBsYXRlJTIwaWQlM0QlMjIxNjQ0MyUyMiU1RCUwQSUzQyUyRmRpdiUzRQ==