Projects

KEY PROJECTS VITAL TO THE FUTURE SUSTAINABILITY AND BUSINESS GROWTH WITHIN THE AEROSPACE SECTOR

WEAF continually seeks to deliver and support key projects vital to the future sustainability and growth of the aerospace sector, both nationally and in the South West.

Projects are normally either part of the national Aerospace Growth Partnership strategy and agenda, focusing on Technology, Skills, Manufacturing, and Supply Chain Competitiveness, or can be part of Local Enterprise Partnerships funded activities, which WEAF helps to align with the national aerospace strategy.

Currently, WEAF collaborates within the Federation, consisting of ADS and the other Regional Aerospace Alliances to deliver two specific projects in the South West –  Supply Chains for the 21st Century (SC21) and the National Aerospace Technology Exploitation Programme (NATEP).


National Aerospace Technology Exploitation Programme

The Aerospace Growth Partnership developed NATEP aimed at small and medium sized suppliers to help them develop their own innovative technologies to enhance their capabilities and increase their ability to win new business with higher tier companies anywhere in the world.

 


ACCESS

Accelerating Cross-sector Collaborative Ecosystems and Sustainable Supply-chains

The ACCESS programme aims to launch a cross-sector, SME focused supply-chain collaboration digital marketplace that will enable B2B tendering and collaboration. Establishing a freemium smart manufacturing app-store that will drive SME engagement and incentivise users to maintain profile data, connect with other network users and drive collaboration.

ACCESS will accelerate development of UK sustainable transport supply-chain by redeploying skilled labour and plant capacity of ‘at-risk’ aero/auto suppliers.

The program is being led by Valuechain Technology, partnered by the West of England Aerospace Forum, Tricorn Systems, Rail Forum and the North East Automotive Alliance.

Resources

News and Posts

Growth Sector Series: Innovation Overview in the South West

The South West is a powerhouse of innovation, fuelling the UK’s next generation of industrial capabilities. With a thriving aerospace ecosystem that spans sustainable technologies, uncrewed systems, eVTOL, and cutting-edge aircraft, this region is at the forefront of...

Needles and Pins Aerospace Nominated for MOD Quality Award 2024

Needles and Pins Aerospace, a minority-owned SME, has demonstrated significant improvements and tangible benefits through strategic innovation, continuous learning, and adherence to best practices. The primary purpose of Needles and Pins Aerospace is to excel in the...

DBT Space Technology Supplier Showcase, 10-13 February 2025, Florida

The Department for Business & Trade is pleased to follow-up the original announcement regarding the planned trade mission to the Cape Canaveral region of Florida, 10-13 February 2025, timed to coincide with Aerospace Defence Americas ‘Space Track’ day supported by...