Welcome to the latest edition of Plane Talk. Keeping you up-to-date with NWAA news, Member news and key dates for your diary.
PLANE TALK
AUTUMN 2022
The Watchtower Programme Support for businesses to build competitiveness and resilience through insight, skills, innovation and diversification
Read more on pages 4 & 5
PLUS: Farnborough success | Your new NWAA team | New NATEP Calls | Aerospace Ball
NWAA Chairman’s autumn statement By Prof Andy Schofield
CONTENTS
02 Chairman’s statement
A very warm welcome to the latest edition of Plane Talk. It certainly has been a very busy and exiting time over the last three months and the forecast ahead looks even busier. Since the last edition we have seen the return of the Farnborough International Airshow. Myself and Paula Gill, our new CEO, attended the event and managed to withstand record temperatures in the UK at the time. The Airshow was a great opportunity to speak to some major companies about the aims and ambitions of the North West aerospace industry and the challenges we face as well as discussing international opportunities. There was also the chance to network, see some great innovation and technology and, of course, see some fantastic flying displays. Great progress continues to be made on the Lancashire Advanced Engineering and Manufacturing Watchtower Programme, which is aimed at helping improve competitiveness, resilience and sustainability. Look out for a key Watchtower event that is being held at Burnley College in September which is a great opportunity to meet the team and discover how companies in Lancashire can get involved in the programme to help unlock their business potential, particularly in the areas of innovation and diversification. There is more information on the Watchtower programme in this edition of Plane Talk on page 4.
The strategy refresh I referred to in an earlier edition of the magazine is finalised now. The clear focus is aimed at enabling sustainability and growth for the members of the NWAA and help develop the region. Our vision is to be recognised as a major contributor across UK Advanced Engineering and Manufacturing by delivering value to our membership and stakeholders. The key strategic objectives and action plans that underpin this will be finalised by the Board of Directors by the end of September and we will be in a position to share with you all. It is vital that we listen to the voice of the membership and also the many stakeholders involved so we welcome the opportunity to engage with as many of you as we can. There is no doubt that the future provides us with some real challenges, particularly around commercial aircraft rate increase, new defence products being developed, recruitment demands and the ever-increasing focus on sustainability. I remain, however, firmly of the opinion that these challenges provide fantastic opportunities and we need to ensure we are developing the skills and technical expertise in our workforce that will enable us to remain at the forefront of aerospace innovation. I have enjoyed the first half of the year as the new chair of the NWAA and have spoken to lots of people and continue to learn a great deal. I remain extremely positive about what the future holds and continue to look forward to working with you all to help drive the aerospace sector in the North West forward.
03 NWAA statement
04 Members’ News
15 Meet the Board
15 Save the date
16 Aerospace Ball
YOUR CONTENT
Please forward all content for future editions of Plane Talk to our editor at Freshfield, Paul Tustin.
nwaa@freshfield.com
OUR STAKEHOLDERS
01772 888400
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By Paula Gill NWAA Chief Exec’s autumn statement
It is with great pleasure that I write my first article for Plane Talk and I am delighted to have joined the NWAA as CEO. One of the biggest changes NWAA has seen since I joined is that we have welcomed new team members following the period of lockdown. Those new team members include Nichola Burton as Head of Marketing, Membership and Events, Paul Bell as Project Manager, Shona Pal as Projects Co-ordination Manager and you will hear much more from them over the next few months. You’ll find a brief introduction and their contact details as you read through this edition of Plane Talk, please do take the opportunity to contact them and introduce yourselves if you can. They are a very friendly bunch! Our Chairman, Prof Andy Schofield, and I attended the 2022 Farnborough Air Show in July. With temperatures soaring many successful meetings were held with business leaders, government officials, international trade organisations and existing and future partners, all focused on positioning and further growing the presence of the aerospace and AEM sector in the region and promoting the NWAA brand, strategies and future programmes.
The focus at Farnborough this year weighed very heavily around sustainability as part of the recovery of the industry. There was a lot of opportunity to see the technology of the future and how that is developing, including a focus on future fuel technologies, materials and manufacturing activities such as factories of the future. Future programmes to support this will be launched by NWAA soon and will begin in early 2023. Farnborough will prove a catalyst for the ongoing development of the relationships between the five aerospace alliances in the UK. The CEOs of the five regions spent time together, planning the strategy for greater collaboration and knowledge-sharing across the regions in order to support the growth of the member organisations, and the opportunities and capabilities of the members across the whole UK supply chain. Make sure to remember to keep your capabilities register on our website up to date! The Lancashire Watchtower programme is a major programme of work and we are looking forward to the launch event being held on 14 September at Burnley College. This programme is designed to support and promote the businesses in areas of diversification, enabling and adapting innovation and the retention and development of skills for the future, ensuring that prospective procurement leaders have a thorough understanding of the skills, expertise and experience to be found in the region.
Other exciting programme launches are eagerly anticipated as the NWAA is taking the lead in driving sustainability across the advanced engineering and manufacturing sector, enabling members to meet the future expectations and needs of their customers, government set targets for carbon reduction, Net/Jet/Fly zero and sustainable product development. The government has also launched a funding pot for businesses that are looking to supply into the development of defence technology. The application for funding is being delivered by a competition for bids and the closing date for this round of funding is 20 September and can be found here. Similarly, a continuation of the SC21 - Supply Chain for 21st Century programme is being launched and a small funding pot will be utilised to support businesses in supply chain excellence programmes. The launch from ADS will be communicated soon. Finally, I look forward to meeting, working and supporting all our members and look forward to speaking to you soon.
The NWAA welcomes the following new members…
FDM Digital Solutions Burnley, Lancashire
Kingsbury Gosport, Hampshire
Innovation in Life London
View website
View website
View website
Righton Blackburns Kingswinford, West Midlands
Kernow Oils Hayle, Cornwall
View website
View website
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Member News
The Watchtower Initiative Support for businesses to build competitiveness and resilience through insight, skills, innovation and diversification The Lancashire Advanced Engineering and Manufacturing (AEM) Watchtower project delivered by North West Aerospace Alliance, Aerospace Consulting and Community & Business Partners official launch date is confirmed as Wednesday 14 September 2022 and we are delighted to invite members and non-members to find out how it could support and grow your business.
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Member News
Book your place
Who can sign up
Your business needs support to help you diversify and find new contracts that fit your manufacturing capabilities. Your business needs support to find new contracts which fit your capabilities. Your business support needs to understand their opportunities to innovate and develop new products, processes and services to connect with Lancashire innovation centres of excellence. Your business needs support if you have individuals at risk through restructuring and redundancy, supporting those staff to find companies needing their skills to secure further employment within the sector.
If your business is an SME. If your business is Lancashire based. If your business is in the f ollowing industries or supply chain to
Watchtower is a two-year, £1,000,000 initiative from Lancashire County Council to support the Advanced Engineering and Manufacturing (AEM) sector targeted at tackling some of the economic impacts of Covid-19 and stimulating growth. There has been a temporary collapse in demand for AEM products as a result of lockdowns, which has impacted on the aerospace, automotive and power markets and supply chains. In turn, significant numbers of high value jobs had been furloughed and potentially lost, impacting on Lancashire’s skills base and wealth generating capacity. How can Watchtower help Lancashire based companies The Watchtower project has used local industry knowledge to develop a dashboard of the health of 50 strategically important aerospace suppliers as they stabilise, recover and grow during the Covid-19 pandemic. The dashboard has assisted in identifying organisations that will most benefit from: • tailored, coordinated business advice & support • help to engage with the right level of business support & at the right phase • support to innovative & diversify • identifying skills and knowledge gaps in the workforce and advice on how to address • assistance to access growth opportunities
these industries: • Aerospace • Advanced Engineering & Manufacturing • Automotive • Nuclear • Advanced Materials • Computing and Electronics • Other: i.e Rail, Medical
“This is a fantastic opportunity to contribute to making Lancashire the most attractive location in the UK. Businesses, academia and local government will have the opportunity to work together to provide the best location for AEM investment that generates high value employment and delivers sustainable growth contributing to net zero targets.”
Prof Andrew Schofield, Chairman of North West Aerospace Alliance
“Lancashire is at the heart of the North West of England with the largest advanced engineering and manufacturing capability in the UK. This ambitious new Lancashire AEM Watchtower programme will look out for those companies in the region which need help and support with diversification, innovation and skills to recover and grow their businesses.”
Dr David Bailey, CEO of Aerospace Consulting
“We have a talented and highly skilled workforce in Lancashire and this investment focuses on both the people and businesses. This programme will allow us to support with retention, redundancies, and recruitment, ensuring we keep our talent within the sector and county, following the aftermath of Covid-19.”
Jaydee Davis, Operations Director at Community & Business Partners
Register your interest now
Date: Wednesday 14th September 2022 Venue: Burnley College, Lecture Theatre Time: 8:30am to 1:00pm
Register your interest now to discover how Watchtower is helping Lancashire based companies recover, grow & continue to thrive.
For Lancashire businesses wishing to participate and to see how you can benefit from the Watchtower Programme come and meet the team at our launch event on Wednesday 14 September 2022 at Burnley College.
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Member News
Verlingue, the NWAA’s insurance partner, helping members to manage risk Specialist insurance broker, Verlingue has enjoyed a long-standing and collaborative relationship with the North West Aerospace Alliance for over five years. The insurance market has toughened dramatically recently as a result of the cost of living crisis, Covid, Brexit and supply chain issues. Verlingue is working with the NWAA to help members control spiralling insurance costs and obtain the best risk and insurance solutions for their businesses.
A new dedicated team
How Verlingue have recently supported a NWAA member
Who we are
We are delighted to introduce a new team to look after NWAA members – experienced Insurance Brokers Phil Kelly and John O’Hara. If you would like a complimentary review of your current insurance arrangements, or simply an informal chat over a coffee, please feel free to contact Phil or John. They look forward to working with many of you over the months to come.
Verlingue is a leading insurance broker and risk management consultant with experience in the aerospace sector. We help businesses control risk and manage long term insurance costs, whether they operate solely in the UK or internationally. We have an outstanding reputation for client service and are proud to have been awarded the prestigious Investor in Customers Gold Award, as well as ‘Commercial Lines Broker of the Year - SME/ Mid Corporate’ at the UK’s most prestigious insurance industry award ceremony, the British Insurance Awards. As part of one of Europe’s leading insurance businesses, our buying power in the insurance market means that we are able to access competitive insurance solutions which are supported by help from our in-house risk management experts.
Airframe Designs Ltd were referred to Verlingue by the NWAA because they were looking for assistance with their insurance arrangements. Historically the company had been involved with engineering design and consultancy services to the aerospace sector, however, they are now moving to manufacture and supply of products. The switch to being a manufacturer / supplier of physical products altered the requirements for their insurances, and their current insurance placements would not have been fit for purpose to pick up this new exposure. After several positive calls with the leaders of the business to understand fully the operation, we were able to source a suitable solution to cover the Products Liability Insurance.
Phil Kelly Client Director
Verlingue’s industry expertise and relationship led approach
M: +44 (0) 7703 326 055 E: Phil.kelly@verlingue.co.uk
Services we can provide to NWAA members:
As fellow members of the NWAA, we pride ourselves on our understanding of the aerospace industry. We consider internal and external factors which may impact businesses operating within the sector No two businesses are the same, and we always take the time to understand an organisation’s particular challenges so we can provide the most appropriate insurance and risk management solutions. Becoming an extension of your team is key to understanding your business and the key people within it.
• Corporate insurance programmes • Ongoing risk management support and training • Credit insurance to protect against bad debt • Employee benefits to help you recruit and retain key talent
John O’Hara Director - corporate M: +44 (0) 7740 819421 E: John.ohara@verlingue.co.uk
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Member News
BAE Systems launches recruitment drive to take on ‘once-in-a-generation opportunity’
Engineers at the company’s sites across the North of England are leading the design, test, evaluation and build process, bringing together new and novel digital engineering technologies such as synthetic modelling and model-based systems engineering. These future technologies are at the heart of its work behind the FCAS concept demonstrator aircraft, developing a new cockpit for a future standard of Typhoon and working on electrically-powered aircraft which help air forces to meet their Net Zero commitments.
BAE Systems is recruiting 1,000 engineers over the next year as it gears up for a once-in- a-generation opportunity to reshape the future of combat air. It was announced that the company will lead the UK industry response to the development of a new combat air demonstrator which will fly within the next five years, playing a critical role in proving the technology needed to deliver the UK’s Future Combat Air System (FCAS). The new roles will support this effort and also programmes including the next generation of capability for Typhoon, which makes up the frontline of today’s RAF, and the development of electric and unmanned aircraft. Dave Holmes, Technology & Manufacturing Director, BAE Systems Air, said: “There has never been a more exciting and rewarding time to be involved in this industry, because what we are doing is re-designing the way the world’s air forces will operate for generations.
“The announcement of our FCAS flying demonstrator is the starting point for a surge towards creating the technologies which will make a real difference to our national defence and security, protecting those who protect us. “But that programme is just one of many similar programmes where we need engineers to work on such as developing the next generation of capabilities on Typhoon or engineering the way that pilots train in the future. “We don’t just need engineers, but also manufacturers and all the people in supporting roles who make a programme like this happen.” BAE Systems has launched a Talent Pool registration website for people interested in working on its future programmes to register their interest.
The website can be found at www.baeystems. com/talentsignup
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Member News
Ceratizit UK & Ireland adds strength to applications support
“Having seen the work that applications engineers do from a customer perspective, the opportunity to take on a similar role really interested me and the opportunity to join Ceratizit UK & Ireland came at a point in my career when it was time to try something different,” says James McLeary, Applications Sales Engineer, Ceratizit UK & Ireland. Shaun Thornton, Ceratizit UK & Ireland’s Technical Manager added: “James brings with him huge enthusiasm coupled with youth and energy that will fit perfectly with the existing team. Applications support is a vital element of our business and ongoing strategy, and we will continue to develop and expand the team as and when it is required, to ensure customers are fully aware of the potential that our products can deliver.”
Ceratizit UK & Ireland has further expanded its Applications Support Team with the appointment of James McLeary, who will be working with customers across Scotland to enhance productivity and make sure they benefit from the latest cutting tool and workholding technology. James’s appointment brings the number of field-based applications sales engineers to 11, all of whom work alongside Ceratizit’s extensive technical sales engineering team. Key to James’ role will be his ability to draw on his own extensive shopfloor experience working within the aerospace and oil & gas sectors. That experience covers everything from manual machine tools through to the latest in five-axis machining centres, where he developed his enthusiasm for problem solving and supporting colleagues with training.
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Member News
Leeds Based Bearings Company Celebrate 10 Year Anniversary Crowned with the Queen’s Award Multi-award-winning Leeds based business, Quality Bearings Online, have a double celebration by receiving the Queen’s Award For Enterprise For International Trade and marking 10 years of continuous growth.
auxiliary engineering products, offering the fastest and most reliable service worldwide. With this in mind, we have expanded to a purpose-built warehouse to cater for our growing team and facilitate our business development.” This summer, the team at Quality Bearings Online headed to London to attend a Royal Reception at Buckingham Palace hosted by His Royal Highness The Prince Of Wales to celebrate winning a Queen’s Award. Hao Phan, Digital Marketing Manager, who represented QBOL at the event, commented, “It was great to see over 200 UK businesses that had won the award all in one room. It was inspiring to meet with them and hear their stories about their journeys to winning such a prestigious award. It was a surreal experience to be inside Buckingham Palace and an honour to meet Prince Charles.”
In 2015, Quality Bearings Online began its journey to exporting by attending the Passport to Export programme delivered by the Department of International Trade (DIT). The Leeds City Region Enterprise and Partnership (LEP) has greatly provided the business with many years of support, helping invest in digital growth, recruiting the right talent and company strategy. Quality Bearings Online is constantly looking for ways to break barriers by encouraging women in engineering and employing new talent from graduates and apprenticeship schemes. Over 67% of the workforce is women, with an average age of 29. The young, dynamic, and talented team continue to deliver record-breaking results as over the past year, Quality Bearings Online has seen a 76% growth. Business Development Director, Simon Riley, commented, “As we progress further into 2022, we are heavily investing in our strategy to help bring the vision of our company forward while focusing on delivering our mission to customers, which is to be the number one choice for premium bearings and
Recognised for British Excellence, The Queen’s Award for Enterprise is awarded to those businesses with outstanding achievements, growth, and success in international trade. Success like this only comes to a select few businesses each year, and Quality Bearings Online is one of 226 organisations to be recognised with a prestigious Queen’s Award for Enterprise this year. Founded in 2012 by Co-Directors Simon Riley and Denny Maude, Quality Bearings Online (QBOL) is a multi-award-winning e-commerce distribution company that supplies ball bearings, engineering spares and technologically advanced lubricants to customers in over 110 countries worldwide. Denny Maude, CEO at Quality Bearings Online, said, “We are greatly honoured and proud to have won a Queen’s Award for Enterprise for International Trade. Amongst all the cherished awards we have won over the years for exporting, business, and e-commerce growth, winning the Queen’s Award has undoubtably been the most rewarding, one the team here at QBOL could not imagine achieving.”
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Farnborough Air show 2022
It’s been four years since the last air show at Farnborough. Prof Andrew Schofield and Paula Gill enjoyed meeting North West businesses, UK based primes and organisations from right across the aerospace, aviation, space and defence industries. The business gathered from all over the globe to forge new partnerships, negotiate deals, discuss new contracts, reconnect with old acquaintances and to learn about the new technology developments being showcased. Despite soaring temperatures, every hall was packed with businesses of all sizes and bustling with activity. Throughout the Air Show, there were a large number of great events, initiatives and announcements that involved companies from across the country, highlighting new programmes of support for businesses in the UK including new plans and opportunities in NATEP, DTEP and SC22/23. Paula Gill attended the launch of the AGP Supply Chain Solutions Framework. The enhanced supply chain programme led by AGP will see collaboration of the UK Regional Trade Associations (including North West Aerospace Alliance) and ADS to support business improvement for SME members across the regional and UK supply chain. One of our favourite moments during the week was a gathering of the five UK regional alliances who work closely with our national and the global aerospace community and supporting partners to address future supply chain solutions, international trade, sustainability and future initiatives to drive aerospace forward.
Left to Right: Andrew Mair Midlands Aerospace Alliance, Alan Fisher Farnborough Aerospace Consortium, John Whalley Aerospace Wales Forum Ltd, Paula Gill North West Aerospace Alliance and Colin Turner West of England Aerospace Forum.
The NATEP Autumn Call 2022 is open for
applications. Please contact glen.bullen@aerospace.org. uk for more information and guidance. All projects should align with the ATI Strategy and all projects must be SME led and collaborative with at least one other funded partner involved. SME’s are able to recover 70% of their development costs, for more details and how to apply please visit:
NATEP Autumn 2022 Call now open
vwww.natep.org.uk/apply
aerospace.co.uk/technical
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BSI launches sustainability evaluator tool
Here at BSI, we have developed the Ability Evaluator for organisations planning their sustainability journey, and providing you with helpful information concerning key sustainability topics. BSI helps organisations to achieve their sustainability goals regardless of what stage they’re at on their journey. We actively support clients to advocate best practice, champion sustainability, and boost organisational resilience. This is demonstrated through activities such as working to achieve net-zero, pollution reduction, climate change mitigation, and environmental regeneration. Time is running out for businesses to act and do their part. BSI has a new tool to help you establish and achieve your sustainability goals.
stakeholder group. This isn’t anything new, as the industry has always been under a high amount of public scrutiny and as a result, driven to evolve, ever since the day it became a genuine commercial enterprise. Stakeholders, including customers, governments, and regulators, are becoming increasingly aware of the need to protect our planet. The responsibility that organisations face in playing their part is of paramount importance. In fact, according to Accenture’s ‘Commercial Aerospace Insight Report 2021,’ 70% of aerospace and defence executives see sustainability as a critical focus for the next five years, yet only 2% of organisations believe they have finished implementing or achieving their sustainability goals and that 38% of organizations haven’t even established what their sustainability goals are (2022 YouGov Survey). As an organisation, you have a responsibility to set your own goals. However, these can often be difficult to define and navigate.
As leaders in organisations across the world grapple with the forces reshaping our world, we find ourselves neading to learn from the past, ensuring we act in the present while trying to understand what may lie ahead. With uncertainty affecting many sectors, now is a good moment to take stock and understand what the future may hold, what will remain the same and what may be different in our futures for aerospace. Changes that we know we will see, brought about by increased awareness and a higher degree of social consciousness of society/ consumers—married with public demand for greater transparency, will result in all areas of aerospace being held to account. In a more digitally connected world, the challenge isn’t about merely fielding a problematic question around sustainability performance and goals and publishing a corporate report; companies need to ensure that they also come up with the answers to the difficult questions asked by a much broader and more informed
Upcoming changes to the R&D tax relief scheme
Your adviser will work with you to agree a process of ongoing in-year project review, as the six-month advanced notification could mean many eligible organisations are unable to make an R&D claim due to engaging accountants who are not experts in this specialist area of tax, and therefore opportunities to identify activities taking place in the year may be missed. If you would like to discuss the changes to the R&D tax relief scheme which are due to take effect from 1 April 2023, get in touch with one of our expert advisers by emailing enquiries@pmm.co.uk.
end of the period to which the claim relates’. If you are unsure whether you will make a claim, it’s worth submitting an advanced notification to HMRC, just in case, as there won’t be a penalty if the claim doesn’t go ahead. The requirement to provide prior notice of an R&D claim will only apply to new claimants, or organisations who have not made an R&D claim in the previous three years. According to HMRC guidance, there doesn’t seem to be any flexibility on the six-month notification period, therefore advanced planning and proactiveness will be required in identifying R&D projects as they arise and not as part of an organisation’s Corporate Tax Return preparation, which could be up to 12 months post accounting year-end.
From 1 April 2023, R&D tax relief is changing, following announcements in the 2021 Autumn Budget. But what do these changes mean for your business? The Research and Development Communication Forum (RDCF) recently met in July 2022 to discuss the upcoming changes, the most significant being: • Restrictions for businesses conducting R&D activities overseas • Inclusion of cloud computing and data costs in qualifying R&D expenditure • Increased focus on compliance and tackling abuse of the tax credit scheme • Requirement of a senior company officer to sign off R&D claims Perhaps the most notable discussion point at the RDCF meeting was the requirement for companies to inform HMRC of their intention to make an R&D claim ‘within six months of the
Take action
We would recommend speaking to your accountant if your organisation undertakes research and development and has not yet made an R&D tax relief claim.
Claire Astley Director – Corporate Tax claire.astley@pmm.co.uk
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Industry Insight: Win new and high value contracts with confidence in your CNC production capability.
Look to case studies for best practice. BAE Systems, for example, have had these tools in place on their F-35 Lightning II Joint Strike Fighter program since its conception because of the high-precision and consistency needed on the parts. Talk to experts. This will make any adaption seamless and minimise the impact on your processes, so you can start seeing the positive changes as soon as possible. If you want to chat about anything discussed in this insight, please email info@mspltd.com.
tool setting and checking system means new tools can be verified first and used without issue. Fixturing Generic systems allow fixturing to be quickly designed and configured, multiple fixture sets can be easily made, fixture improvements are simple to implement. Fixtures can be shared between machines. Probing Arguably the most important tool which brings everything together. First, having an automated probe calibration routine is essential for repeatable, accurate probing results. Then on-machine probing makes automated part alignment and inspection possible and removes the requirement for expensive bespoke datum fixturing. The automation means part setup procedures are repeatable in terms of both time and accuracy. It also allows for the raw parts’ condition of supply to be verified before machining, essential for taking on new suppliers. In this post-pandemic era, where there is still a lot of uncertainty, the quickest to adapt will survive. And as we’ve touched on, this doesn’t mean overhauling everything and starting from scratch. Flexible tools can be introduced incrementally, one production section at a time, using existing equipment and resources. They’re there to enhance, not completely transform.
Following the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on civilian aircraft production, there has been a move towards more flexible processes and companies looking to expand into other industries to protect their businesses should an event like this happen again. It is often thought redefining machining processes in the aerospace industry is challenging as the sector is tightly controlled and processes are usually set up for specific sets of parts. In this Industry Insight, we share the simple ways you can create efficiencies inside the rigid boundaries of aerospace manufacturing. The key is to have a highly accurate but flexible manufacturing system where new parts can be seamlessly introduced with confidence, with limited customisation. Below we have listed a range of generic manufacturing tools that, when used together, can achieve this: CAM and Simulation This allows part processes to be developed offline using standard machining processes for different materials and features. Programs can be written and tested before the first raw part is even delivered. Tooling and Tool Setting Generic tool holding allows new tools to be introduced for different materials easily by your tooling provider. Using an on-machine
Benefits • Reduced lead time and prove-out time of new part processes. • Work can be assigned to any available machine. • Operator training is only needed for each system, not each part set. • Once generic systems are in place, they can be easily replicated for new cells and/or sites. • Most of all, a controlled manufacturing system with high accuracy and repeatability gives you the confidence to go after high value contracts or enter emerging industries, such as Additive Manufacturing.
Airframe Designs Accelerates into Additive Manufacturing
Jerrod Hartley, Owner and CEO of Airframe Designs, said:
The capital investments into the new facility include a new Stratasys Fortus 450mc FDM printer, capable of printing a wide range of aerospace grade polymers for both airworthy parts and tooling applications. Alongside the Stratasys machine, the facility also operates large and small format industrial FDM printers with a maximum build volume of 1100 x 500 x 820mm. The large format printer is primarily aimed at printing PLA to enable AFD to produce a wide variety of cost-effective structures including mock-ups, trial-fit parts, and various tools and fixtures. The facility also provides the capability to perform 3D scanning for reverse engineering and to support part geometry validation (metrology scanning) using an accurate hand- held ISO certified scanner.
Blackpool-based Airframe Designs Limited (AFD) has accelerated its entry into additive manufacturing by completing the refurbishment and furnishing of their new #AFD3D production facility. #AFD3D is a new branch of Airframe Designs, established to focus on the supply of cross-sector 3D engineering and manufacturing services, encompassing 3D modelling, 3D scanning and 3D printing. The new facility is adjacent and allied with their engineering design centre located at the heart of the Blackpool Airport Enterprise Zone. The facility provides all of the necessary functions to support digital 3D additive manufacturing services and is under-pinning a progression towards becoming a UK CAA Part21G production organisation to enable the production of airworthy parts in the future.
“The new facility is really showcasing our ability to make things happen quickly, demonstrating our agility to execute plans and deliver on-time. “Recent visits to our facility by BAE Systems and Multi-Ply have enabled AFD to highlight our turn-key capability for design, analysis and manufacture and appear to have attracted a level of attention that I believe the business deserves.” Contact Airframe Designs via email at: reachout@airframedesigns.com or call: +44 (0)1253 400320
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Soaring success Burnley College alumni takes control as her career as a pilot takes off.
Ella’s passion for the skies even took over her bedroom, with her installing a high-tech flight simulator and cockpit mock-up so she could take off and land around the entire world without ever leaving home.
a Distinction* on her Advanced Level Travel and Tourism at Burnley College Sixth Form Centre last year – and immediately got a role at Ryanair as Cabin Crew. Now the former Rawtenstall Grammar School pupil is taking the next step and has started on a course which will see her become a fully qualified pilot.
Ella Butterworth has always dreamed of being a pilot – and thanks to her passion and dedication it’s now coming true. Burnley College Sixth Form Centre prides itself on building futures and changing lives. As the tourism industry continues to rebuild itself in the wake of Covid 19, the College want to ensure it can provide the workforce of the future – and Ella is a perfect example of this in action.
She continued to pursue her dream with private flying lessons.
Now she has passed her medical and has been officially accepted into flight school in Cork – and is moving there in September.
The 19-year-old from Ramsbottom achieved
“I should be a First Officer in just over two years if all goes to plan.”
Ella is hoping to be qualified soon. She said:
“It depends on the weather how fast you can get through the course; I should be a First Officer in just over two years if all goes to plan. “I’m also doing the Ryanair Mentored Program which means that Ryanair support you from day one and if you pass the course, you are guaranteed a final interview assessment. “Once I completed this stage, it’s then onto Ryanair for my type rating which establishes whether I can fly their aircraft and when that’s complete – I’m officially a Ryanair Pilot!”
Do you have passion like Ella’s?
Do you want to travel the world in your career?
Have you always dreamed of working in the world of aviation? A qualification in Travel and Tourism can open up the world to you.
Find out more about our courses and enrol now at burnley.ac.uk
Ella Butterworth – Burnley College Alumni and future Ryanair pilot.
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Your new NWAA team
A new era beckons for the NWAA, with a new leadership team and strategic direction to support members to diversify and grow.
We hope to meet you all over the coming months, particularly at some of our future events including the Watchtower, the Aerospace Ball and the AGM/Winter Forum.
Below is the guide to our current team, to help you put faces to names you may have seen or engaged with. In addition to finding out about the team, please do save the relevant mobile numbers and add our email addresses to your safe sender lists, as well as our team email membership@aerospace.co.uk
With a new Chair in Professor Andy Schofield and new Chief Executive Paula Gill, amongst a range of new appointments and some familiar faces, the organisation is preparing for a period of growth and helping to rebuild the North West aerospace cluster as well as related industries.
Paul Bell Diversification Project Manager
Paula Gill CEO
Andy Schofield Chairman
Paul Bell leads the diversification project within the Watchtower programme. Having worked for Rolls-Royce for 18 years, he has been focusing on future green technology and understanding the needs for skills development within the workforce.
Professor Andy Schofield joined NWAA as Chairman in January 2022. Andy is an experienced business leader and Technology Director with extensive experience and knowledge working at senior executive level in the aerospace and defence industry.
Paula recently joined NWAA as Chief Executive in May and brings a wealth of experience in multi sector organisational growth. As a senior executive of several businesses, in more recent years Paula has supported many businesses on a sustainability journey, whether that is taking products to market or in actions to achieve net zero.
M: 07791957195 E: paul.bell@aerospace.co.uk
M: 077494 89925 E: paula.gill@aerospace.co.uk
E: andrew.schofield@aerospace.co.uk
Nichola Burton Marketing, Membership and Events Manager
Glen Bullen Innovation Project Manager
Roger Singleton Program Leader
Mechanical Engineer with 15+ years’ experience in aerospace, defence and nuclear manufacturing, now a programme coordinator ensuring that customer and beneficiary needs are being met from programme delivery.
Nichola is the Marketing, Membership & Events Manager for NWAA and has only been with the organisation since July (nice to meet you). She has over 30 years of sales and marketing experience working with blue chip companies developing and implementing strategies and processes.
Glen has worked at NWAA since 2004. and is currently working on both the NATEP Programme supporting companies to develop R&D applications and the innovation activity within the Watchtower Programme.
M: 07591 143779 E: roger.singleton@aerospace.co.uk
M: 07984 458724 E: nichola.burton@aerospace.co.uk
M: 07958 521 291 E: glen.bullen@aerospace.co.uk
Natasha Thomas Marketing and Events Assistant
Shorna Pal Projects Co-ordination Manager
Martin Sayle Finance Manager
Shorna has over two decades of experience in managing projects across a wide range of industries in the UK and abroad. In addition to her role at NWAA, she is also a consultant on a change management programme impacting sustainability practices with charitable organisations.
Natasha is a marketing and events assistant at NWAA. She started in July but has seen only a few of you during my time at a few events so far. She looks forward to meeting and talking with many more in the future.
Finance Manager, originally from the Isle of Man, now living in Chorley Lancashire. Martin has been at NWAA for nine years, married with two grown up boys.
M: 07530 097 899 E: natasha.thomas@aerospace.co.uk
T: 01772 648802 E: martin.sayle@aerospace.co.uk
M: 07593 444 977 E: shorna.pal@aerospace.co.uk
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Save the date
Meet the board
Wednesday 14 September Watchtower Launch Innovation & Diversification Spotlight Time: 08:30 – 13:00 Venue: Burnley College
Wednesday 21 - Thursday 22 September International Composites Summit Venue: ILEC Conference Centre, London
Andy Schofield NWAA Chairman 01772 648800
Paula Gill CEO
Wednesday 2 – Thursday 3 November Advanced Engineering 2022 Venue: NEC, Birmingham
Friday 11 November NWAA Annual Black Tie Ball Venue: Dunkenhalgh Hotel, Blackburn
Anthony Hammond Hyde Group Director 0161 3435844
Jackie Taylor Safran Nacelles Director
If you would like to register for any of our events, please contact membership@aerospace.co.uk for further details.
Please regularly check our website www.aerospace.co.uk
LinkedIn ( @North West Aerospace Alliance ) and Twitter ( @NWAerospace ) pages for the latest upcoming events and networking opportunities.
James Milligan MBDA Director
Jeff Cheetham Blue Sky Growth Solutions Director
Copy deadlines
Express News Copy deadlines for members wanting to share news September 22 October 20 November 17
Jon Bridges Velocity Composites Director
Paul Burns BAE Systems Director
Plane Talk
Copy deadline for members wanting to share news in the next edition of Plane Talk
Winter 2022 November 7, 2022
Sarah Mallon Rolls Royce Director
Please send all information to nwaa@freshfield.com
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Annual Black Tie Ball 2022 Friday 11th November 2022
The Dunkenhalgh Hotel Blackburn, Lancashire BB5 5JP
Contact Nichola for details on tables / tickets
E: membership@aerospace.co.uk M: 07984 458724
Our Partners:
@NWAerospace + 44 (0) 1772 648800 www.aerospace.co.uk
Pendle Business Centre, Commercial Road, Nelson, Lancashire, BB9 9BT
North West Aerospace Alliance ™ North West Aerospace Alliance, NWAA and ASCE are all Trade Marks.
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