£42.2BN value add

£42.2BN value add – that’s the contribution to the UK economy from the UK Aerospace, Defence, Security and Space sectors! (2024)

And the impressive stats go on - 443k direct employees, £100BN turnover, £45.4BN in exports and 48% growth over 10 years.

The excellence in this region - the increase in GVA, increase in productivity and significant number of apprenticeships is probably why the South West has secured awards for two Defence Technical Excellence Colleges (DTEC). Copper Turtle are proud to have supported the bid through Yeovil College, great work Chris Wardman.

Yesterday it was great therefore to be at the first ADS South West event hosted by GKN Aerospace, in their UK Global Tech Centre of Excellence, and hear from David Brodie present about the £200m worth of tech projects underway. A great set-up, with Weston College Group aligned to the Centre.

With the current uncertain geopolitical landscape, it has never been more critical to continue to increase the economic growth through networks and employer connections. To find solutions to the problems identified, and build a stronger skills pipeline with the workforce of the future.

Talking of growth, it was great to hear from David Arthurton CB OBE, MD for Anduril Industries (Combat Air UK & Europe) about their products, and their impressive growth as an organisation both globally, and here in the UK. The development of their Fury 1 product from clean sheet to first flight in 556 days is astonishing – at that rate they will develop another by the time the DIP is released!

Great to see Matthew Thompson, Simon Howarth, Corrie Fearon, Austin Chick, Belinda Austin.