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The Capabilities Database is a market leading search facility that enables access to firms specialised capabilities in all sectors of aviation, space, security and defence.

The database has been developed in partnership between FAC, WEAF and Aerospace Wales. By merging this membership information with that held by the SBAC, it provides the start of a national database of UK Aerospace & Defence companies.

Special features of this new system enables buyers to find not only individual firms but consortia capable of delivering entire systems.

Please note that separate username and password are required for amending your company profile and using the search engine

You can amend your company profile by clicking here

WEAF Members can obtain their username and password by contacting enquiries@weaf.co.uk

You can search the database free of charge by clicking here.

UK TRADE & INVESTMENT (UKTI)

Why export? Apart from the fact that the supply chain is being drastically restructured and the necessity to win new business, it has also been demonstrated; companies that export become significantly more competitive. UK Trade & Investment provides a range of services to manufacturing and service companies. These services are designed to support UK companies in the design and implementation of their international business strategy.

We provide a number of services to manufacturing, as well as increasingly, to service companies. Working closely with the West of England Aerospace Forum, we cover the following key areas:

Are you ready to export? This is done through a diagnostic process, which examines your Company’s strengths and weaknesses and will examine resources, capability and management commitment. Help to research your target market. Identify prospective customers and new agents/distributors. Facilitated through our worldwide network of Consulates by experienced and knowledgeable Commercial Officers. Plan your Route to Market and Entry strategy. Examine market potential verses ease of entry. How you differentiate yourself from your competitors? Have you a marketable product or service you can export? Trade barriers and legislation including offset opportunities and export controls. Cultural/language issues and local business practices

UKTI’s flagship programme is called Passport to Export. If you have been largely a reactive or passive exporter up to now, the Passport to Export programme is for you. It comprises three main elements:

1. Mentoring and support to design a tailored export plan.
2. High quality training programme
3. Matched funding up to a limit of £1500

UKTI possess many success stories of how a focused export strategy can turn around a company’s fortunes. One such example is Star Hydraulics, who doubled their turnover in three years by growing their exports from 20% to 60%.

In addition, UK Trade & Investment can offer a wide range of services, which are described more fully on the web portals – www.uktradeinvest.gov.uk or the UKTI-SW section - www.uktradeinvest.gov.uk/ukti/south_west. These cover market research schemes, seminars, inward and outward mission, funding for exhibitions, business opportunities, meet the buyer events and enquiry services. For example, WEAF companies exhibiting on the WEAF stand at Overseas International Air Shows can apply for a £1800 grant towards the costs of exhibiting.

If you are interested in the Passport programme, or any other UK Trade & Investment service, please contact Brian Cooper. You may be able to secure a 50% grant for joining WEAF if you join the Passport to Export programme.

Brian Cooper

M: 07971 136578

E: brian.cooper@uktisouthwest.org.uk