Sadly, there are currently around 3500 homeless veterans and the Royal British Veterans Enterprise (RBVE) conducts vital work supporting veterans throughout the United Kingdom.  This includes keeping Vets in meaningful employment, providing homes and helping build communities.

When asked how Tim’s night outside went, he said “ well, it brought back memories of sleeping out on Salisbury Plain during training 40 years ago but I realize my body coped better then with the icy conditions!”  Tim served in the Royal Artillery for 7 years following training at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst in 1985.

A fantastic effort from everybody involved!

The post The Great Tommy Sleep Out! first appeared on Tension Control Bolts Ltd.

Tension Control Bolts offer a consistent and repeatable method for achieving proper bolt preload—something that’s particularly useful when restoring older machinery where original rivets may be worn, stretched, or corroded. In a traction engine, components such as structural frames, boiler mounts, wheel assemblies, or gear housings can benefit from the predictable tightening that tension control bolts provide, helping reduce the risk of uneven stress or loosening under vibration while replicating the look of traditional hot riveting.

Pictured below – a 1915 Marshall Steam Tractor – lovingly restored by Hedd Jones of Market Drayton

The post Full Steam Ahead! first appeared on Tension Control Bolts Ltd.

Bridges 2026 will ignite the conversation around the bold, complex, and fast‑moving journey of delivering change across the bridge sector—from the way projects are procured and designed to how they’re built, managed, and future‑proofed for generations to come.

This year’s conference will dive into the breakthroughs, fresh thinking, and dynamic collaborations that are redefining how bridges are imagined, delivered, and maintained in an ever‑evolving infrastructure landscape.

Uniting a powerful mix of industry leaders, Bridges 2026 brings together local authorities, national infrastructure bodies, contractors, engineers, and innovative solution providers—all driven by a shared ambition: to deliver safer, greener, smarter, and more cost‑effective bridge projects.

Taking place on Wednesday 11 March at Coventry Building Society Arena, Judds Lane, Longford, Coventry CV6 6AQ (formerly Ricoh Arena).

The post Bridges 2026 : Visit us at Stand C01 first appeared on Tension Control Bolts Ltd.

TCB Ltd have supported the BCSA promoting the very best industry practices for many years.  The visit brought about renewed focus to champion innovation and collaboration with the BCSA , ensuring our industry stays at the forefront of productivity, quality, and sustainability. Following the visit, Jonathan commented  “… thanks to the team at Tension Control Bolts Ltd for a fantastic visit and better understanding of a critical part of the constructional steel supply chain that helps build the UKs infrastructure and built environment. So pleased to have you as BCSA – British Constructional Steelwork Association members ..”

The post British Constructional Steel Association BCSA Visit first appeared on Tension Control Bolts Ltd.

The importer or customer now need to have a CBAM code.

What is CBAM and what is MACF and how are they related?

The initials CBAM refer to Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism – this is the European Unions mechanism for applying a carbon related cost to specific imported items including steel,  aluminium, cement & fertilisers. TCB Ltd have been reporting CBAM emissions data since October 2024. TCBs are primarily comprised of steel.

The Initial MACF stand for “…Mécanisme d’ajustement carbone aux frontières..” translated as Mechanism For Carbon Adjustment at the Border.  The radical change in 2026 is that CBAM is no longer limited to a reporting requirement. CBAM / MACF changes the customs clearance process at the border. The requirement falls upon European fabricators and customers who are deemed the ‘importer’ rather than TCB Ltd as the ‘exporter.’

The EU importer must register a CBAM account , when generated this number is declared formally on the customs entry and integrated to commercial invoices. This allows the European Union to monitor carbon emissions data.

Registration for a CBAM/MACF number is completed via the EU official portal. If the importer does not have a CBAM / MACF number, goods are held by customs with associated delay and cost.

CBAM / MACF is mandatory in 2026  & enforced at the border !

To avoid delays at the border please proactively register for a  CBAM / MACF code; via the EU’s official portal:

https://cbam.ec.europa.eu/declarant

The registration generates a number which is integrated into the customs entry, customs can then validate the CBAM / MACF number vie the CERTEX system  (Certificates Exchange System).

In other words’; only with the CBAM/MACF number will consignments pass through the border smoothly!

To stress the registration must be completed by the EU based importer.  Tension Control Bolts Ltd or freight partners can not undertake this registration on the customers behalf; regardless of the Incoterm applied.

Tension Control Bolts Ltd can assist our customers with this process with guidance , there are temporary CBAM codes and a below 50 tonne cumulative threshold which has already assisted with customs clearance. The requirement falls upon European Union based fabricators, distributers and  customers who are deemed the ‘importer’ rather than TCB Ltd as the ‘exporter.’

Tension Control Bolts Ltd have led the way on environmental matters for many years, EU  initiatives in relation to CBAM are in need of  radical  overhaul. The CBAM data does not reflect that steel products, such as Tension Control Bolts  are inherently recyclable or that Greenkote® is an award winning eco friendly coating, the recipient of the EU EUREKA innovation award.

The post New CBAM Rules Starting January 2026 first appeared on Tension Control Bolts Ltd.

A big thank you to Wander for their creativity and partnership in bringing our story to life.

Watch the full video by clicking the link below, and discover what makes TCB who we are.

TENSION CONTROL BOLTS CORPORATE VIDEO Nov25 – YouTube

The post TCB Launches New Corporate Video first appeared on Tension Control Bolts Ltd.

They give a family the chance to create valuable lasting memories and open a world of possibility when all around can seen hopeless.  Kids Cancer Charity arranges around 250 such holidays in the UK every year and sends about 45 families to Disney World in Orlando.

TCB Managing Director, Tim Stokes with Charity General Manager, Victoria Jones.

Tim has supported this phenomenal charity for over ten years and holds it close to his heart. The donation will go directly towards helping children battling cancer, funding essential services and bringing a little light to families who need it most.

We’re extremely proud to support such an important cause in our community.

The post TCB Donates £1,000 to Support Incredible Kids’ Cancer Charity first appeared on Tension Control Bolts Ltd.

As innovators in structural bolting systems, we’re excited to showcase our TCB’s, shear wrenches, and latest developments in preload accuracy and corrosion resistance—engineered specifically for the demands of wind turbine construction and maintenance.

Visitors to our stand will have the opportunity to engage with our technical team, view product demonstrations, and explore how our solutions can contribute to the success of wind energy projects—both onshore and offshore.

Visit us at Hall 2, Stand 2C19
Husum Wind 2025 | 16–19 September | Husum, Germany

We welcome all industry professionals to visit our stand and learn more about how Tensions Control Bolts is supporting the future of sustainable energy through advanced fastening technologies.

The post Tension Control Bolts Set to Exhibit at Husum Wind 2025 first appeared on Tension Control Bolts Ltd.

It was a fabulous evening of celebration and networking, with over £4000 raised for CRASH – the construction industry charity. Tension Control Bolts Ltd hosted a table of leading luminaries from core fabricator customers and consulting engineers. The elegant affair, a highlight of the industry calendar, saw over 300 guests convening. In addition to the gala dinner; it was also a momentous day for the governance of the BCSA.  Dr Chris Durand (Severfield NI) was officially appointed as the new President of the Association, supported by Mr Steven Hendry (Cairnhill Structures) as his Deputy. After two years at the helm, Gary Simmons (William Hare) steps back to Immediate Past President and we would like to thank Gary for his time, support and advocacy for the industry as well as warmly welcome Chris & Steven.

The evening was definitely a celebration of recent achievements; but also showcased the BCSA at its best, with collaboration core to advancing the wider steel industry in the face of economic & political challenges. Hot topics included decarbonization, ‘green steel’ , the critical role steel plays in infrastructure development and gearing up for renewable energy transition. The entire team at Tension Control Bolts Ltd  is fully  committed to offer to British and Irish fabricators the best-in-class preloaded assemblies; amidst the clinking of glasses, this commitment was re-invigorated. The carefully selected beverages a social & business lubricant. Many thanks to all at the BCSA for organising a splendid event!

The post Clinking glasses at the British Constructional Steel Association (BCSA) annual dinner. first appeared on Tension Control Bolts Ltd.

During the visit the visit, they were able to see some of the TCB assemblies set to be installed in upcoming infrastructure projects, including Severfield fabricated bridges ‘Baker Viaduct’ – Dewsbury & the ‘Black Cat’ scheme Sunderland.

Steve Jones : Technical Director at Tension Control Bolts Ltd commented. “We pride ourselves on being at the forefront of technological advancements, and it’s great for core customers to see these innovations in action.”

Key highlights from the visit included demonstrations of our highly automated production control systems, comprehensively mitigating against anomalies in production. This proactive approach reduces waste and ensures that only the highest quality bolting assemblies leave our factory.

As industries continue to evolve, visits like this bridge a gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application, driving innovation and efficiency.

The post Severfield Leading Engineers Explore Innovations at TCB HQ first appeared on Tension Control Bolts Ltd.