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A year marked by the election of new governments, global unrest, and volatile weather.
2024 has also been a busy year for the WEAF team navigating the opportunities and challenges within the Aerospace and Advanced Manufacturing sectors through networking, exhibitions, and cluster meetings.
Here is a round-up of the major regional news highlights over the last 12-months.
January
iAero in Yeovil received £144,500 in funding, from the Heart of the South West LEP, enabling the installation of an Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre Factory+ Demonstrator at the facility. The initiative creates a digital data space for SMEs by focussing on using the data to enhance efficiency, productivity, and innovation within the aerospace and advanced manufacturing sectors.
See more here: Funding boost for iAero Centre to pioneer ‘Factory of the Future’
February
This month saw Tata confirm that Somerset will host the UK’s largest electric vehicle battery manufacturing facility with a £4 billion investment in a brownfield site near Bridgwater. It was reported at the time that the enterprise will create 4,000 direct jobs plus, including the supply chain.
See more here: Tata confirms Somerset will host £4bn battery factory | WEAF
March
WEAF held its annual expo and conference, under the theme of “more with less.” More than 150 delegates and exhibitors, the conference at Renishaw focussed on enhancing business potential through interactive workshops on SME funding, continuous improvement, and sustainable strategies.
See more here: WEAF Expo 24 Round Up | WEAF
April
The previous UK Government joined UK aerospace industry leaders at an event to mark the 10-year anniversary of the Aerospace Technology Institute (ATI), a joint government-industry funded organisation that drives world-class research in sustainable aviation.
ATI CEO Gary Elliott said: “The ATI Programme has helped secure jobs, support growth, return economic value to the UK and position the UK to capture market share in next-generation sustainable aircraft.”
See more here: Industry Minister celebrates ATI milestone and green-tech funding
May
UK government announced its mandate requiring the use of 10% blended SAF on all flights leaving the UK by 2030.
See more here: Flight 100 “a milestone not just for Virgin Atlantic but the industry”
June
Rolls-Royce held its first SMR supplier conference. The Rolls-Royce SMR is the first nuclear power station to be designed and built in the UK for over a generation and offers a radically different approach to delivering new nuclear power. Each ‘factory-built’ nuclear power station will provide enough low-carbon electricity to power a million homes for more than 60 years and will create thousands of long-term, high-skilled jobs.
See more here: Rolls-Royce SMR Supplier Conference
July
The WEAF engaged with several members and exhibitors at the Farnborough International Airshow, one stand visitor was the newly-elected Prime Minister Keir Starmer. The PM and his ministerial team were able to see the fantastic contribution the SW and UK make to the worldwide aerospace supply chain.
See more here: Farnborough Air Show 2024 – Full Show Round Up | WEAF
August
Since 2020, GKN Aerospace has been a key player in the Airbus-led Wing of Tomorrow programme aimed to revolutionise aircraft wing design. From 2022, GKN has successfully delivered three Fixed Trailing Edge assemblies to Airbus. These assemblies are now integral components of three full-scale Wing of Tomorrow demonstrators being tested at Airbus’ advanced facilities in Broughton and Filton, UK.
See more here: GKN gives update on Airbus next-generation wing tech programme
September
The tendering process closed for the UK MOD’s New Medium Helicopter requirements; Leonardo in Yeovil remains the only bidder in the competition.
See more here: UK Company Sole Bidder for £1bn MOD Helicopter Project
October
UK Government published its Invest 2035: the UK’s Modern Industrial Strategy is a green paper seeking feedback from industry and bodies on key sectors that will drive long-term growth through investment. A core objective of the Strategy is unleashing the full potential of the UK’s cities and regions ‘by attracting investment and creating the best environment for businesses to thrive.’
See more here: Demystifying the UK Government’s Industrial Strategy
November
Following the release of Invest 2035, a green paper seeking industry feedback on key growth sectors, the UK Government now aims to understand why advanced manufacturing scale-ups struggle to secure investment for technological development and commercial success.
Advanced Manufacturing is one of eight key growth areas marked for investment. Sarah Jones MP, Minister for Industry at the Department for Business and Trade and the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero, commented: “The Industrial Strategy will help ensure a pro-business environment and drive regional growth by supporting high-potential clusters.”
See more here: UK Government considers financial hurdles in Advanced Manufacturing
December
Leading UK aerospace and advanced manufacturing companies met to celebrate the skills, talent, and capabilities unique to the region at the West of England Aerospace and Advanced Manufacturing Forum’s (WEAF) gala dinner and Making a Difference Awards.
Over 180 guests met in Bristol from across the region, the awards elevated the excellence of industry by celebrating the innovative and enterprising spirit of colleagues throughout the South West.
See more here: Elevating Excellence: South West Aerospace and Advanced Manufacturing community celebrated at regional awards ceremony
Looking forward to 2025, the major events WEAF will be keeping members updated on include the Industrial Strategy, Strategic Defence Review, the outcome of the UK MOD’s New Medium Helicopter requirement, and future WEAF events – if you would like to share your news or provide updates please get in touch here: enquiries@weaf.co.uk