Aerospace Alliance gears up for industry event of the year

How UK manufacturing is coping with current economic uncertainties and the best ways aerospace suppliers can prepare for Brexit will be top of the agenda at this year’s MAA Conference.

Run by the Midlands Aerospace Alliance (MAA), at this year’s event delegates will also hear from major aerospace companies, including Airbus and Rolls-Royce, on their approach to managing growth.

Taking place at the prestigious Rolls Royce Learning and Development Centre in Derby on March 8, guests will hear from a host of high profile speakers, including Simon Kirby, Chief Operating Officer at Rolls-Royce, Andy Moran, Head of Supplier Development UK at Airbus, Lee Hopley, Chief Economist at EEF and David Wimpenny, Chief Technologist for Component Manufacturing at The Manufacturing Technology Centre.

The MAA Conference takes place in Derby on March 8 / Picture: MAA

Andrew Mair, Chief Executive of the Midlands Aerospace Alliance, said: “This is the sixth year in a row that we’ve held our conference, which doesn’t just provide delegates with access to a wealth of exceptional insight, all in one room, but an opportunity to network with like-minded businesses and individuals, who are all living and breathing similar sorts of challenges and experiences as them.

“The event is also an invaluable way for businesses to stay up-to-date with the latest trends and get the inside track on the burning issues that are impacting our industry right now, such as the impact Brexit will have on the leading edge currently held by the UK aerospace industry. What’s more, it’s also a chance for organisations to make sure they’re doing the right things now, and in the future.”

David Danger, Chairman of the MAA, added: “The MAA Conference is undoubtedly one of the biggest events within the aerospace industry’s calendar and we’re honoured to have such high-profile speakers willing to share their knowledge and insights.

“Managing growth is an on-going challenge for all businesses right across the aerospace industry and one that’s going to grow in significance once Brexit starts to take effect within the UK. However, there are ways aerospace companies can effectively manage their growth, which I’ll be sharing on March 8, as well as discussing the implications for smaller manufacturers and the supply chain.”

2018 MAA Conference agenda

• How big aerospace companies, like Airbus and Rolls-Royce, are managing their growth and what this means for smaller manufacturers and the supply chain
• What the world’s aerospace industry leaders are privately thinking and what their plans mean for your company
• How UK manufacturing is coping with current economic uncertainties, where aerospace fits in, and what you should do next
• The best ways aerospace suppliers can plan for Brexit
• How will future technological change affect today’s aerospace manufacturers – what does ‘more-electric aircraft propulsion’ mean for the gas turbine industry? – what does ‘additive manufacturing’ mean for machinists, fabricators and special process firms?

For more about details this year’s conference or to book a place, visit http://www.midlandsaerospace.org.uk/events/Conference-2018.

Delegates will hear from major aerospace companies, including Airbus and Rolls-Royce, on their approach to managing growth / Picture: MAA