Booth Welsh recently introduced a new content series, discussing the shift from Industry 4.0 towards Industry 5.0. As well as adding emerging technologies, industry 5.0 adds three pillars of People Centricity, Sustainability and Resilience. You can read our introduction and outline here: What is Industry 5.0? A New Way Forward for Industry : Booth Welsh
The second blog written by our People, Brand & Culture Director Aimee Doole, focuses on the pillar of people-centricity and how we have embraced this at Booth Welsh.
As you may know our mission at Booth Welsh is, Through collaboration, we engineer a better future and is one that we proudly embrace. As we step into the era of Industry 5.0, this purpose has never been more relevant, or more powerful. Industry 5.0 is more of a phase shift from Industry 4.0 and people have a large part to play this time. Read more on what industry 5.0 is here. As an engineering services business, people have always been at the core of everything we do. For over 35 years, we’ve been combining engineering expertise with innovative technology, all with a purpose that’s deeply rooted in who we are and how we’ve evolved over the years.
Our ability to pivot and adapt to change is rooted in our workplace innovation principles, a journey we’ve been on since 2018. These principles empower our team to think creatively, act decisively, and collaborate effectively. By fostering a culture of innovation and embracing a co-created approach to strategy, we’ve not only navigated change but turned it into opportunities for growth; a true testament to the power of empowering people. In 2024, Booth Welsh has placed purpose at the heart of everything we do, with people firmly at the centre. Here’s a look at the steps we’ve taken this year and the lessons we’ve learned along the way.
“Machines learn, humans discover”.
At a recent EUWIN event, where I had the privilege of speaking on a panel, one key takeaway resonated strongly with me: “Machines learn, humans discover.” This simple yet powerful concept sums up our approach to Industry 5.0. Technology is here to augment our work; learning from data and automating processes, but it’s people who bring the curiosity, creativity, and spark of discovery that drives true innovation and progress. This philosophy is central to how we operate at Booth Welsh; embracing technology while keeping the human touch at the heart of progress towards our purpose. This has come to life in several ways this year:
- People Powering Social Impact
Our team isn’t just driving engineering solutions and innovation, they’re driving change in our communities too. Whether it’s fundraising for local initiatives, taking part in community wealth building and knowledge sharing across Ayrshire, or driving sustainability and digital enabled projects, we’ve been creating ripples of positivity far beyond our office doors. We have been working on our social impact report for 2024 which showcases our achievements here. Watch this space for launch in the next few weeks.
- Creating Jobs Fit for the Future
Industry 5.0 has inspired fresh thinking about roles at Booth Welsh. We’re creating opportunities that combine the best of human creativity, technology, and meaningful impact. Our goal is to equip our team with the tools to adapt, innovate, and lead in an ever-evolving world. Recently, we’ve introduced new roles such as Net Zero & Social Impact Coordinator, Sustainable Business Development Lead, People Business Partner, and Culture Lead. In addition, we’re strengthening ties with academia and will soon launch a Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) with UWS to advance the use of Artificial Intelligence in our engineering operations.
- Launch of New People-Centric Systems
At Booth Welsh, our commitment to empowering people extends to the systems and tools we provide. As part of our “Digital First” campaign, we’re working to connect the dots across the business, ensuring our people have the digital tools they need to do their best work. While this transformation is a journey, we’ve already made significant strides. Recent successes include the design of a new CRM system, the launch of an integrated HR platform, the rollout of an improved document management system, and the development of a goal-oriented digital platform that links our workforce to our broader objectives. Crucially, these advancements have been shaped by employee-led focus groups, ensuring smoother implementation and wider adoption.
- Building a Culture of Inclusion
At Booth Welsh, our goal is to create an environment where everyone feels comfortable bringing their whole selves to work and that means we’re working hard to create a more inclusive workplace. This year, we introduced Insights profiles to help our team get a better understanding of each other’s strengths, styles and the unique qualities that make us different. We’ve also welcomed new team members from a range of backgrounds, bringing fresh ideas and perspectives into the mix. These efforts are shaping our 2025 Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) strategy, reinforcing our commitment to building an inclusive culture.
- Launching Our People, Brand & Culture Team
To tie all of these initiatives together, we established our People, Brand & Culture team this year. This department combines HR and marketing to ensure our focus on well-being, inclusivity, and purpose aligns with the values of our people, clients, community and stakeholders we support. Amplifying our story, sharing our culture, and showcasing the innovative and people-centred work happening at Booth Welsh, it’s a step forward in building a workplace where everyone feels supported, inspired, and ready to thrive as we continue shaping the future.
In Summary: Putting People and Purpose to Work in Industry 5.0
“Machines learn, humans discover” sums up how we see people-centricity in Industry 5.0. Technology is changing everything, but it works best when it’s used to support people; helping them create, innovate, and solve problems in new ways.
At Booth Welsh, we’re focusing on getting that balance right. By blending human expertise with smart technology, we’re finding better solutions, encouraging innovation, and creating a workplace where our team can thrive. As we embrace Industry 5.0, we’re showing that real progress happens when people and purpose lead the way.