Centre of Expertise

Citation

(1999), "Centre of Expertise", Aircraft Engineering and Aerospace Technology, Vol. 71 No. 3. https://doi.org/10.1108/aeat.1999.12771cab.044

Centre of Expertise

"Centre of Expertise"

Keywords Aerospace industry, UK

The West of England has earned special recognition as a Business Link "Centre of Expertise" for the aerospace/defence industry.

The DTI National Centre of Expertise will be located at Business Link West's South Gloucestershire outlet (Tel: +44 (0) 0117 973 7373), led by general manager Kathy Morris. Its resources will be available to organisations throughout the country, whichwill be signposted to it by the national Business Link Network.

Business Link West is working on the project with three core partners ­ the Regional Supply Network, the Defence Contractors Network and the West of England Aerospace Forum. They in turn are able to draw on the expertise and resources from industry heavyweights such as British Aerospace, Rolls-Royce and GKN Westland, as well as academics and national bodies, including the Ministry of Defence Procurement Executive at Abbey Wood, near Bristol, and the Society of British Aerospace Companies.

Phil Smith, chief executive of Business Link West, said: "The Centre will act as a focal point, allowing commercially experienced, technically qualified people among our partners to interpret an inquiry and deal with it or to highlight the most appropriate route for further assistance."

A key objective of the Centre is to build on existing knowledge of the range and scope of expertise available in the UK. Through its partners, it will also encourage networking within the industry, develop and improve supply chains, act as a contact point for information on aerospace engineering research and development, signpost testing facilities, track industry trends, assist in exporting and provide access to Government through the Regional Development Agency.

The Centre will also be working to strengthen the business operations of those involved in the industry, building on its already strong profile as European restructuring begins.

Among initiatives being undertaken by the Centre's partners is a "supply chain mapping" exercise, headed by the Regional Supply Office, which has already won funding from the European Social Fund through the Government Office for the South West.

Market research is being carried out among 500 aerospace suppliers with the aim of building a comprehensive database of supplier capability and producing a skills profile which will assist companies to develop new skills and win extra business, such as offset work. Peter Buttier, of the RSO, said: "The database we are creating will be used to raise the profile of the South West as a region of excellence for the aerospace/defence industry and to promote new technologies and initiatives, such as joint ventures and partnerships. It will also highlight gaps where training for employees, quality assurance accreditation, benchmarking requirements and strategic planning for owner-managers are needed in the supply chain."