In an industry where precision is measured in nanometres and quality can mean the difference between mission success and failure, few companies have achieved and maintained the consistent excellence that defines exceptional optical component manufacturing.
In this article, Kelvin Biggs, owner of UQG Optics, shares insights into the seven-decade journey of this Cambridge-based family business at the forefront of precision optics.
What led you to start working in the optical industry?
It was a family business and even during my summer holidays as a young person, I had the opportunity to get involved. My grandfather provided invaluable guidance and advice while I worked alongside my father.
From those early days of learning the fundamentals to where we are today, it’s been an incredible journey. There’s something special about a family business: you’re not just manufacturing products; you’re continuing a legacy of craftsmanship and innovation spanning generations.
What has been the most rewarding moment in your career so far?
I think the most rewarding thing is that we’re still here, producing high-quality optics in Cambridge, 70 years later. What makes this even more meaningful is our team.
We have people who have been with us for many years and bring incredible experience and institutional knowledge and we also welcome new members who bring fresh perspectives and energy. This blend of experience and innovation is what keeps us competitive and growing.
How has the optics industry changed since you began working?
Supplying to OEMs (Original Equipment Manufacturers) has increased over the last few years and is continuing to grow. In the case of precision optics, the specialist expertise required can make it very difficult to find a suitable OEM supplier, but doing so can help reduce manufacturing costs and increase their own reliability.
At UQG Optics, we supply a vast range of optical components to OEMs for use in the production of optical products. With expertise developed from over 70 years’ experience, we can supply precision optics from stock and customised to exact requirements.
What is your long-term vision for the business and the industry?
Our strategy focuses on organic growth with our existing customers, while also bringing new clients on board. We have positioned ourselves as a niche supplier offering a comprehensive range of optical components.
This approach enables us to remain agile and responsive while maintaining the specialised expertise that our customers depend on. The industry itself is evolving rapidly and we aim to be at the forefront of this evolution by supporting the next generation of optical applications.
How do you choose the right optical material for a specific application?
Material selection is both an art and a science. The most critical specifications for the customer depend entirely on the specific application. Sometimes, transmission characteristics are paramount, such as how efficiently light passes through the material.
At other times, it’s about the material’s hardness and durability, particularly in challenging environments. Cost-effectiveness is also becoming increasingly important. We work closely with our customers to understand their priorities and strike the right balance between performance and budget.
Can you walk us through your quality control process for optical components?
We have a comprehensive management system in place that the entire team must adhere to. Each stage of the production process is carefully measured before the component moves to the next operator and everything must be signed off at each step.
By the time a component reaches our inspection team for the final review, detailed documentation of every manufacturing stage has already been compiled. Our inspection team then carries out the necessary final inspection protocols and also performs a 100% visual check on every component. This multi-layered approach ensures that nothing leaves our facility unless it meets our exacting standards.
What’s one project you’ve worked on that really stands out?
I’m particularly proud that some of our optics are currently in space, supporting research projects. Some are on the Moon, while others are probably lost forever on various missions. It’s profound to know that the components we’ve crafted with our own hands are helping humanity to explore and understand the universe. This connection links our daily work here in Cambridge to the grandest adventures of human discovery.
What’s the most valuable business lesson you’ve learned as a founder?
Don’t be a control freak. It’s crucial to learn to let go and give your team meaningful challenges while building their capabilities. It’s about trusting the expertise of those around you and creating an environment in which they can flourish. The strongest businesses are built on strong teams, not individual control.
What does being “ready for the next 70 years” mean for UQG Optics?
This means that we are well-placed to face any challenges or opportunities that arise while staying true to the values that have made us successful. Our commitment to quality, innovation and building trusted relationships with our customers remains unchanged. However, now we have the infrastructure, technology and sustainable practices to support this commitment for decades to come.
We’re not just thinking about next year or even the next decade; we’re building a foundation that will serve our customers, our team and our community for the next 70 years. The optical industry will continue to evolve and we’ll be ready to evolve with it, all the while maintaining the excellence that has defined UQG since day one.
Want to Know More?
Visit our History page to learn more about how UQG Optics has evolved over the decades.
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