UK electronics companies helping to shape the world

Here, Electronic Specifier takes a look at some of the major UK electronics companies, their areas of expertise, and the UK’s contribution to the electronics industry.

Arm Holdings

Arm Holdings is a semiconductor and software design company headquartered in Cambridge, UK. It is renowned for designing the Arm architecture, which is used in the majority of mobile device processors worldwide. The company licenses its technology to a broad range of clients, from device manufacturers to semiconductor firms, empowering them to develop microprocessors that are integral to smartphones, tablets, and increasingly, in IoT devices.

BAE Systems

Based in Farnborough, England, BAE Systems is a global defence, aerospace, and security company. It develops and manufactures products and systems for air, land, and naval forces, as well as advanced electronics, security, information technology solutions, and support services. The company’s technology plays a crucial role in national defence and security, supporting armed forces and protecting populations.

Oxford Instruments

Oxford Instruments is headquartered in Abingdon, UK, and operates within the high-technology sector. It specialises in designing and manufacturing tools and systems that contribute to research and industry. By providing cutting-edge equipment and services for the analysis of materials at the microscopic and molecular level, it supports scientific research across nanotechnology, quantum computing, and physical biosciences.

Pico Technology

Pico Technology is based in St Neots, UK, and is a pioneer in the design, development, and manufacture of high-quality PC oscilloscopes and data loggers. It aids engineers, scientists, and technicians in various industries by providing tools that are essential for signal acquisition and analysis, enhancing productivity and innovation in electronics testing and diagnostics.

RS Group

RS Group, formerly known as Electrocomponents plc, operates from London, UK. It is a global distributor of industrial and electronic products and solutions. Through its extensive product offerings and digital platforms, it simplifies the process for engineers and procurement specialists to source, test, and buy electronic components, supporting the efficiency and operations of businesses across various sectors.

Teledyne e2v

Located in Chelmsford, UK, Teledyne e2v is a part of the larger Teledyne Technologies company. It is known for its advanced technology solutions which include imaging sensors, radio frequency power solutions, and high-reliability semiconductors. Its products serve critical applications in healthcare, life sciences, space, transportation, and civil engineering, aiding in enhancing safety, reliability, and performance across these crucial industries.

The UK’s contribution to electronics

The UK electronics industry is a significant contributor to the economy, with a market value of approximately £78 billion as of 2023. This industry not only drives technological innovation but also supports over 250,000 jobs across various sectors such as automotive, healthcare, and telecommunications​. The growth of the industry has been particularly notable in areas that involve advanced technologies like artificial intelligence, Internet of Things, and the expansion of 5G networks​​.

The UK electronics and telecommunications sector showed a strong performance as it entered the new year, buoyed by increased profitability during the festive Christmas quarter. This growth is particularly pronounced among mid-sized companies within the sector, driven by heightened product demand and stabilisation in supply chains. According to the latest Manufacturers’ Health Index by Unleashed, part of the Access Group, electronics manufacturers achieved a notable increase in profitability, with an average gross margin return on inventory (GMROI) of £2.69 for every pound spent on inventory, a significant rise from £1.54 in the previous quarter.

The report ‘Ensuring a Successful UK Research Endeavour’ by Paul Nurse offers a detailed analysis on the strategic importance of research and development (R&D) in the electronics, engineering, and technology sectors within the UK's research framework, highlighting the essential role that these sectors play in driving the UK economy and maintaining a competitive edge globally, a vital part in ensuring economic growth and innovation.

By fostering collaboration between academia and industry, the report assert that through funding and initiatives, skills development and the translation of research into practical, societal benefits would be a boon to the global economy and highlight the UK as a leader in tech and innovation. It also highlights the necessity for a research ecosystem that is well-equipped to handle current technological demands and anticipates future scientific challenges.

The UK electronics industry, with its array of leading companies and innovative technologies, plays an essential role in the global electronics ecosystem. From semiconductor design to consumer electronics, the UK has carved out a niche that underscores its historical significance and future potential.