ABOUT

We support engineers with specialist IMPS software

We want our software to give users the tools to achieve what needs to be done, and empower them to make decisions and progress projects. From procurement to production, we provide the tools and support you need to stay ahead in today’s fast-paced industries.

Innovation doesn’t have to be disruptive.

We work alongside you, step by step, minimizing downtime while preserving the systems you already rely on. Our focus is on driving value through precision, efficiency, and continuous improvement, so you can stay focused on what you do best.

We’re more than developers. Our team of engineers and industry experts understands the unique demands of sectors like offshore, defence, and heavy engineering. We’re not selling a one-size-fits-all product. We’re crafting a system that feels like it was built just for you.

Our History

Founded in 2013 by Mechanical and Software Engineer Alex Wilkinson, Blacksmith Engineering has always had a mission to power the best in engineering. With an initial deployment in Pipecoil Technology, IMPS focused on part management and the Purchase Order workflow. By continually listening to customers’ most pressing concerns, the system quickly grew to include build planning and stock control.

When OSBIT set out to bring next-generation equipment to the offshore industry, IMPS was a natural fit from the start. As OSBIT has grown, IMPS has grown with it, adding features like documentation management, now recognised as a central component of quality control. Blacksmith is a small team of dedicated specialists based in the North East of England, and we’re always looking for the best talent to help us grow and serve our customers.

How We Work

Meet Our Team

Alex Wilkinson

Alex Wilkinson

Managing & Product Director

A graduate of Bristol University as an Aeronautical Engineer. Founded Blacksmith Engineering to bring improved productivity and production to an early employer, Pipecoil Technology. Has worked in the offshore industry at Viper Subsea and defence with Pearson Engineering. Also co-founded OpenWorks Engineering, a pioneering counter-drone engineering company.

Chris Sharp

Chris Sharp

Chief Revenue Officer

A seasoned Commercial Director with a keen focus on creating end to end integrated solutions for manufacturing and engineering verticals. Over 20 years’ experience, driving transformative, value-based software to support scalable, sustainable and measurable business growth. Previous roles at Sage, Experian and Exact Software.

Josh Richardson

Josh Richardson

Software Engineer

Josh is a North East–born software engineer with over 10 years’ experience across testing, infrastructure and modern software development. He specialises in .NET and web technologies, bringing a practical, end-to-end engineering approach to building robust and scalable systems.

Kyle Lisgo

Kyle Lisgo

Senior Software Developer

A developer of global-scale online software products combined with a background developing in-house management software for engineering firms in the North East. Brings experience across the full technology stack and development process. Bring data-analysis skills along coding to develop actionable information from process data.

Liz McElroy

Liz McElroy

Commercial Development Executive

A graduate of the University of St Andrews in Sustainable Development. Joined Blacksmith Engineering to help drive the commercial rollout of IMPS, bringing experience across commercial operations, sales coordination and art market management, alongside experience in start-up environments in Edinburgh and Berlin.