Twenty first century supply chains for the UK aerospace industry

Achieving supply chain improvements is critical to the continued competitiveness of the UK aerospace and defence industry.

To mark the first anniversary of the Defence Industrial Strategy by Lord Drayson, the Society of British Aerospace Companies (SBAC), in conjunction with its regional partners and industry, has launched an implementation guide.

The 21^st century supply chains (SC21) initiative aims to transform the UK defence and aerospace supply chains. Its implementation guide gives specific advice on how to work together for better effect, focusing on the areas of:

• Relationships – how companies communicate and interact in supply chains has long been recognised as a key factor influencing the ability of the industry to compete and increase its share in world markets.
• Performance and development – signatory companies recognise the importance of achieving commonality in supply chain development processes, including the use of lean principles and practices.
• Accreditation – reduced auditing through the recognition of supply chain accreditation, so avoiding repetition and duplication in processes and reducing the burden on supply chain companies.

The SC21 guide is a major step towards creating a supply chain fully prepared to meet the challenges faced by the UK aerospace sector in the 21^st century. It introduces the key approaches to bring about a more consistent, responsive, focussed and cohesive supply chain improvement programme. It also sets out key areas where industry must work to improve efficiency and effectiveness in order to stay competitive in an increasingly aggressive global market. Download the SC21 implementation guide from the SC21 website (PDF).

Invest NI are delighted to be a regional partner in the implementation of this initiative to improve the competitiveness of the UK aerospace supply chain. Invest NI encourages all Northern Ireland based aerospace related businesses to sign up to SC21. Each company will be assessed on their individual needs to satisfy SC21 obligations and support, if appropriate, will be offered to address key areas for improvement. Find out how to sign up to the SC21 initiative on the SC21 website.

The SC21 website sets out the first phase of the improvement processes. These processes have been designed and agreed by industry to remove audit duplication, deliver common improvement processes and enhance the development of industry relationships. Read about the improvement processes developed under SC21 on the the SC21 website.

For further information about SC21, and to obtain a copy of the SC21 implementation guide, please contact:

Michael Polson
Invest NI
Aerospace Client Team
Bedford Square
Bedford Street
Belfast
BT2 7ES

T: 028 9069 8495
E: michael.polson@investni.com