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The WEAF Making a Difference Awards celebrate teams and individuals that have gone above and beyond in the South West Aerospace and Advanced Manufacturing Sectors.
2024 award Winners
The Innovative Team Award was presented to prime, Airbus UK for the company’s Wings of Tomorrow programme. Spearheaded in Filton, the project is looking at new ways to design and build wings for next generation aircraft, including the concept of a folding wing.
Sue Partridge, Airbus Head of Wing of Tomorrow programme, said: “Wings are one of our greatest assets for reducing carbon emissions from flying, and it makes me incredibly proud to see our Wing of Tomorrow team recognised for the folding wing demonstrator which represents a giant leap forward in wing technology.”
The Innovative Team Award was presented to SME Sora Aviation for its pioneering of a high-capacity, 30-seat electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft. The project aims to revolutionise urban air mobility by providing a sustainable and scalable solution for transportation in urban centres and remote areas.
Sora Aviation’s innovative team is making remarkable strides in the Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) sector. As a new entrant, Sora’s bold vision and cutting-edge work on a high-capacity, zero-emission eVTOL aircraft are poised to reshape the future of transport.
The Unsung Hero Award was received by Freya Woollett, a trainee at Leonardo in Yeovil, who has demonstrated leadership at a young age further to her organisation of AeroWomen 2024. An event which focusses on inclusion and diversity within aerospace and engaging an audience from across the UK on the availability of careers to young women in the sector.
“I feel truly honoured to have received the Unsung Hero Award, as it is more than just a recognition of my efforts. It symbolises progress and possibility for young women pursuing careers in engineering and STEM.
The Sustainability Award won by Infinity Systems Engineering was for the SME’s leading environmental stewardship in the South West.
The team has undertaken comprehensive research to produce a functioning and accurate Carbon Calculator (CO2 equivalent) to allow the company to assess its emissions and identify means of reducing these and offsetting the residual (unavoidable) emissions through responsible charity schemes.
Olivia was recognised as a passionate advocate for the value that Supply Chain Management professionals can bring to all levels of business operations, and she has spent recent years leading the establishment and integration of effective Procurement and Logistics into the technically complex world of an eVTOL startup.
Olivia said: “I am incredibly honoured to receive the Celebrating Leadership award. It is my hope to represent all Women and Veterans Leaders in Aerospace, and those individuals navigating the challenges of leading diverse teams in the dynamic, ever-changing world of an aerospace startup like Vertical Aerospace.
A special industry award was provided to Neil Tolson, Business Controller at SKF, who has dedicated over a decade to WEAF. Neil has served as a pillar of strength and reliability.
His unwavering loyalty, wisdom, and steadfast financial support guided WEAF through challenging times and strengthened the trade association’s ability to cultivate collaboration across the aerospace sector.
Stewart Lane, Head of Business Development at Renishaw, was presented by WEAF a special award to recognise his continual support to the organisation.
Stewart said: “The aerospace industry in the Southwest is so important to the local economy and communities that rely on it. So, to be recognised by the WEAF for services to this industry means a huge amount and the award is something I am very proud to have received. Thank you.”
Jo Rufus, Senior Economic Development Officer at Dorset Council, was presented a special award which recognised her efforts and determination in going the extra mile for the aerospace and defence community throughout Dorset.
Jo stated: “Thank you WEAF for this award. It has been a journey and a pleasure working with WEAF and the former South West Local Enterprise Partnerships (LEPs) and now the combined and local authorities in promoting South West Aerospace and its supply chain for investment and growth.
Some highlights from the event
