EBC Group

Windows Server 2016 End of Life: What It Means for Manufacturers

EBC Group — 13/02/2026

Microsoft has confirmed that Windows Server 2016 is reaching End of Life — but for many manufacturing organisations, this isn’t simply an IT deadline. It’s a business decision that can directly impact production uptime, cybersecurity, compliance, and long-term operational resilience.

To help manufacturers understand what this change really means, EBC Group is hosting a short, practical webinar designed to provide clarity, not confusion.

What the Webinar Will Cover

This educational session is designed for business leaders, operational teams, finance decision-makers and IT professionals within manufacturing organisations.

During the webinar, attendees will gain a clear understanding of:

• What “End of Life” actually means in real terms, beyond Microsoft’s announcement
• The genuine business risks of maintaining unsupported infrastructure
• The potential impact on cybersecurity, compliance requirements, and cyber insurance eligibility
• The realistic options available to organisations, and how to assess which path aligns with operational and budget priorities

Supporting Manufacturing Resilience

As a member of Made in the Midlands, EBC Group works closely with manufacturing organisations across the region, helping businesses strengthen cybersecurity, modernise infrastructure, and maintain production continuity in an increasingly digital landscape.

This webinar is part of EBC Group’s commitment to providing practical, educational support to manufacturers navigating evolving technology risks.

Register Your Place

Manufacturers who want to understand how Windows Server 2016 End of Life could affect their organisation can register for the webinar here:

👉 [REGISTER HERE]

Who Are EBC Group – And What Do We Bring to UK Manufacturing?

EBC Group — 06/02/2026

Manufacturing remains one of the most technologically complex and operationally critical sectors in the UK economy. As production environments grow, manufacturers are balancing innovation with growing demands around cyber security, operational resilience, compliance, and digital transformation.

Following EBC Group’s recent appointment as a Patron of Made in the Midlands, we wanted to introduce who we are, the experience we bring to the sector, and why supporting UK manufacturing is such a strong focus for our organisation.

Supporting the Modern Manufacturing Environment

EBC Group is a UK-owned technology and managed services provider delivering solutions across IT infrastructure, cyber security, connectivity, cloud platforms, communications, and document management. While we support organisations across multiple sectors, manufacturing represents a core area of specialism.

Our work with manufacturers is built around understanding the realities they face. We support organisations operating complex environments that include Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) platforms, Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES), and Industrial Control Systems (ICS), often across multiple production sites and supply chain locations.

Maintaining Stability in Legacy Production Systems

Unlike many sectors, manufacturing frequently relies on specialist machinery with operational lifespans measured in decades rather than years. It is not uncommon for high-value production equipment to run on older operating systems or proprietary software that cannot be easily upgraded or replaced.

EBC Group supports manufacturers by taking a pragmatic and stability-focused approach. Rather than forcing unnecessary upgrades, we help organisations secure and maintain legacy environments while creating phased modernisation strategies aligned to production priorities and investment planning.

This ensures manufacturers can continue operating safely and efficiently while preparing for long-term digital transformation.

Reducing Downtime Through Proactive Support

For manufacturers, IT performance directly impacts production output, delivery schedules, and supply chain commitments. Even short periods of downtime can have significant commercial and reputational consequences.

Our service delivery model is built around proactive monitoring and preventative maintenance. By using advanced monitoring tools and analytics, we help identify emerging issues before they disrupt production operations.

Strengthening Cyber Security and Compliance

Cyber threats targeting manufacturers have increased significantly in recent years, particularly due to the value of intellectual property, production data, and supply chain connectivity.

EBC Group supports manufacturers in building structured cyber security frameworks aligned with recognised standards such as ISO 27001 and the NIST Cyber Security Framework. Our approach focuses on practical, documented controls that help organisations maintain audit readiness while strengthening overall resilience.

Security is supported through multiple layers, including endpoint protection, security monitoring, staff awareness training, and incident response planning, ensuring both corporate and production environments are protected.

Building Long-Term Partnerships With Manufacturers

EBC Group was founded more than 35 years ago and has built its reputation on long-term relationships and practical support. We work with over 750 organisations across the UK and continue to invest heavily in cyber security, managed services, and cloud infrastructure to support evolving customer needs.

Our partnership with Made in the Midlands reflects our commitment to supporting the manufacturing community through collaboration, knowledge sharing, and insight-driven support.

Manufacturing continues to be a cornerstone of UK industry, and as the sector evolves digitally, organisations require technology partners who understand the operational realities of production environments as well as the strategic opportunities technology can provide.

We are proud to support manufacturers across the Midlands and beyond as they continue to innovate, grow, and strengthen the UK’s industrial landscape.

EBC Group Joins Made in the Midlands as Patron to Support Manufacturers Facing Growing Cyber Risk

EBC Group — 01/02/2026

EBC Group has joined Made in the Midlands as a Patron, reinforcing its commitment to supporting UK manufacturers at a time when cyber security, data protection and operational resilience have become critical business priorities.

The partnership will be led by Lee Reece, Head of New Business Sales at EBC Group, and brings together two organisations with a shared focus on collaboration, insight and long-term resilience across the manufacturing sector.

A timely partnership for UK manufacturing

As cyber threats continue to increase in scale and sophistication, manufacturers of all sizes are finding that digital risk is no longer just an IT concern, but a direct threat to productivity, uptime and supply-chain continuity.

Headquartered in the West Midlands, EBC Group is a UK-owned technology and cyber security provider employing more than 80 people. The group supports manufacturers and other critical organisations with secure IT infrastructure, cyber protection and digital resilience strategies. “Our decision to become a Patron is about timing as much as alignment,” said Lee
Reece. “EBC Group has grown organically for more than 35 years, but we’re now placing greater focus on sectors where resilience really matters. Manufacturing is one of the most exposed.”

Cyber resilience as a productivity issue

EBC Group’s work with manufacturers increasingly centres on protecting productivity, not just systems.
“Data is king,” Lee continued. “Protecting data protects uptime, safeguards productivity and ultimately protects the bottom line. Cyber security, digital platforms and automation all sit at the heart of efficient modern manufacturing.”
He added that many manufacturers are still developing a clear understanding of their digital risk profile. “This isn’t about fear. It’s about awareness. Helping leaders understand where their data sits, what their real risks are, and how disruption can be
avoided.”

UK ownership and community commitment

Beyond technology, EBC Group’s partnership with Made in the Midlands reflects a shared belief in long-term investment, UK ownership and community involvement.
The group owns Kidderminster Harriers and supports a wide range of sporting and community initiatives across football, rugby and cricket. Recent projects include the launch of the Harriers Foundation and a significant expansion of grassroots football teams over the past year.
“These initiatives aren’t about commercial return,” said Lee. “They’re about
participation, inclusion and building something people feel part of.”

Shared values, shared responsibility

Jason Pitt, CEO of Made in Group, welcomed EBC Group as a Patron. “Manufacturing is entering a period where resilience – digital, operational and human – is just as important as growth.
EBC Group understands that, and they understand the value of collaboration, community and long-term thinking.” Lee added: “Made in the Midlands works because it’s practical and relevant. Businesses share experiences, learn from each other and support one another. That sense of unity is incredibly important right now.”

Purpose beyond technology

Having worked in the technology sector for more than 26 years, Lee says EBC Group’s motivation remains simple.
“Be honest. That’s the best advice I’ve ever received. If we can protect businesses from disruption, reduce downtime and help them operate more efficiently, that’s genuinely rewarding.”
As Made in the Midlands continues to champion UK manufacturing, EBC Group brings a partner focused not just on protecting systems, but on strengthening the resilience of British industry itself.