Thanks guys, I imagine buying a 5 axis Hurco which start at about 80k means we can put our hourly rate up on that machine as it is capable of more complex parts.
I don't know how you operate on 25/hr- once you subtract corporation tax, business rates, rent, energy, a wage it must be difficult.
I know of a company that are charging only £19 for a complex aluminium component, in a batch of 20, 5 ops! They must be very quick but their lead times are 4-5 weeks.