Support package for Midland defence and aerospace firms

Jan 21 2009 by Tom Scotney, Birmingham Post

Defence and aerospace firms in the West Midlands have been boosted by a support package set up to link them with global contract opportunities worth billions of pounds.

The £1.5 million World Class Supply Chains Initiative, funded by Advantage West Midlands, will provide grants supporting smaller firms looking to get involved in supply chains for the world’s military contracts.

The scheme is being delivered by the Manufacturing Advisory Service (MAS) in partnership with the Midlands Aerospace Alliance, and will offer grants of up to £20,000 to firms looking to expand their profile on the world stage.

Jim Coyle, the aerospace cluster manager at Advantage West Midlands, said: “Our aerospace and defence sectors include more than 480 companies dedicated to supporting these industries, employing 20,000 people and generating an annual turnover of £3 billion.

“These businesses operate at truly world class standards and underpin a huge amount of high value jobs, with some of the larger companies in the region investing heavily in research and development.

“With this in mind, we are delighted to announce this specialist support package as it will ensure our companies continue to be the best in the world when it comes to aerospace and defence. “The £1.5 million investment in the West Midlands is currently the biggest regional investment being made in the UK to bring the benefits of SC21 – including the crucial expertise of the major industry leaders -- to local manufacturers. This reflects the strength of the cluster and in particular the importance placed on helping small and medium sized firms to benefit.”

SC21 is an MOD-recognised industrial change programme for the UK aerospace and defence industries set up to promote British firms in the industry. All 16 of the country’s top defence names – including the likes of Goodrich, Rolls-Royce and BAE Systems, are involved in the scheme.

Mr Coyle added: “Considerable growth is forecast in the aerospace industry over the next 20 years, in spite of the current global economic downturn, with exciting new developments coming on board. These include a major programme to replace short range aircraft like the Airbus A320 and Boeing 737.

“With billions of pounds of potential global contracts up for grabs in the next 10 years alone, it is essential that we give the region the best possible opportunity to win our fair share of orders.

“SC21 is here to help achieve this goal.”

Nine companies have already started on the initiative after a pilot scheme was run last year. It involves a visit from an MAS adviser, who sets up a business strategy to get the company involved in the SC21 programme.

Cliff Johnson, of the MAS in the West Midlands, said: “Quite simply it’s a win-win situation.”