Midlands aerospace companies gather to celebrate a pivotal year

The ballroom awaits the guests

Aerospace companies from across the Midlands gathered at the spectacular Grand Hotel in Birmingham for our 5th annual black-tie dinner on 13th October. Over 200 guests joined us at the popular event - which was sponsored by Dynamic Aerospace Fabrications - from over 56 aerospace suppliers including Rolls-Royce, Meggitt, Moog and Collins Aerospace as well as SMEs from every tier of the industry, and partners from Make UK and the University of Nottingham. There was an air of celebration - not just because it’s the MAA’s 20^th anniversary this year - but because the whole industry has been working hard to regrow as air travel has gradually opened back up, build rates have increased and major events like Farnborough Air Show have returned.

During the Champagne drinks reception - which was sponsored by Deloitte - the historic ballroom at the Grand Hotel in Birmingham was filled with lively conversation. It was encouraging to hear how companies have been working together to innovate, diversify and win new business despite continued uncertainty in the market and global economic challenges. As companies caught up, it was a good opportunity to share experiences, learnings, concerns and successes in the collaborative spirit for which the Midlands aerospace cluster is renowned.

Alongside many familiar industry friends, it was great to welcome 10 member companies that joined the MAA since last year’s dinner: Apex Auctions, Darchem Engineering, Envisage Group, Harris RCS, Innovation In Life, Silcoms, South West Metal Finishing, Royal Air Force Museum and MyWorkwear. We were also very pleased to have Andy Street, Mayor of the West Midlands Combined Authority, joining as a guest, courtesy of MAA member, Logistics World. Andy was the VIP speaker at our first dinner!

After a welcome from Alan Dunbar, Chair of the MAA Board, guests enjoyed more interesting conversations over a three-course dinner before VIP speaker, Sir Michael Ryan CBE, took to the stage to share his perspectives on the future of the aerospace industry. Sir Michael is Vice-President, European Space & Defence, Government Affairs, and Chairman, Spirit AeroSystems UK as well as Industry Chair of the Aerospace Growth Partnership (AGP), a strategic partnership between the UK Government and industry aimed at boosting competitiveness and exports, and growing the UK aerospace industry. He is also a chartered engineer and Fellow of the Royal Aeronautical Society, and the Royal Academy of Engineering.

Sir Michael spoke positively about current and potential opportunities for aerospace companies but highlighted some of the big long-term challenges that must be tackled along the way. He focused particularly on the need to make aerospace more environmentally sustainable and the substantial investments in R&D needed to reach Jet Zero by 2050. He also shared insights into how Government is supporting innovation through the Aerospace Technology Institute (ATI) but acknowledged there is a lot of work to be done to ensure Midlands SMEs receive funding. In addition, Sir Michael talked about the short-term challenges around skills, stressing that it’s important to invest in this now and how organisations like the AGP can work together to help address gaps.

Toward the end of the evening, the charity raffle offered a selection of great prizes and, thanks to the generosity of guests, an incredible £2,500 was raised for the Air Ambulance Service. We’re very grateful to all the companies that donated prizes including Bromford Group, Dynamic Aerospace Fabrications, Gardner Aerospace, Gleeson Recruitment Group, Moog, Jonathan Lee Recruitment, Logistics World, MyWorkwear, Ricardo plc and the Grand Hotel, Birmingham.

The main event closed in style with high-tempo entertainment from Stringfever, after which networking continued, with conversations for some continuing into the early hours. We’re delighted that the event was, once again, a big success. We enjoy bringing the industry together and celebrating the impact the Midlands aerospace cluster makes on a global stage.