Top managers from scores of UK hi-tech firms recently gathered at a Valleys electronics plant to explore how they could forge new partnerships to build their business in the multi-billion pound aerospace market.

The groundbreaking event was organised jointly by the Aerospace Wales Forum (AWF), which promotes Wales’ thriving aerospace and defence industry, and Axiom, one of Britain’s leading providers of contract electronics manufacturing services.

Senior representatives of some of the biggest names in the high-profile sector – including BAE Systems and General Dynamics - briefed delegates at Axiom’s showpiece plant in Newbridge on major new contract opportunities emerging in the industry.

Aerospace firms and their supply chain already employ more than 20,000 people in Wales and the sector is set to continue growing rapidly over the coming years.

Many delegates who attended the Axiom event in January have been attracted by the opportunities created by the 21st Century Supply Chain initiative or SC21. This enables supply chain firms to raise standards and achieve quality accreditation which is recognised right across the aerospace and defence industry.

In addition, hi-tech firms are focusing on the openings created by the new Ministry of Defence Innovation Strategy, which seeks to encourage cutting-edge research and development among Britain’s defence supply companies. A key element of this strategy will involve the creation of effective partnerships between supply chain firms with complementary skills.

Said John Whalley, Chief Executive of AWF, who spoke at the event : “Building strong partnerships will add value to the aerospace and defence supply chain in Wales and elsewhere in the UK, leading to more innovation, better products, higher quality and ultimately the generation of increased business and more jobs.”

Among the key speakers at the event were Mike Webb, BAE Systems Procurement Performance Excellence Manager and Russ Armitage Chairman of the Society of British Aerospace Companies (SBAC) SC21 Programme. They explained how firms can use models such as the European Foundation for Quality Management (EFQM) Excellence Model, delivered in Wales by the Wales Quality Centre (WQC), to achieve accreditation under the SC21 system.

Axiom, which hosted the event, is one of the UK’s fastest growing providers of contract electronic manufacturing services, and an increasing proportion of their work is now coming from the aerospace and defence sector.

The firm’s managing director, Shaun Ashmead, said Axiom was pleased to work with the Aerospace Wales Forum in promoting partnerships among supply chain companies.

He said: “Aerospace is a complex and demanding sector in which the creation of effective partnerships is essential if businesses are to achieve their full potential and provide the service that aircraft and other equipment manufacturers require.

“We believe there are huge possibilities ahead for firms willing to invest time and effort in forging such partnerships,” he added.

Delegates who attended the event were also addressed by top motivational speaker Geoff Burch who explored the key issues involved in creating profitable and sustainable partnerships between firms.

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