PRESS RELEASE

Release date:  27th February 2018

Midlands Aerospace Alliance gears up for biggest 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 from 8am until 4pm 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.

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, said: "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."

The full agenda for this year's conference is as follows:

• How big aerospace companies, like Airbus and Rolls-Royce, are managing their growthand 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 future technological change will 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, visithttp://www.midlandsaerospace.org.uk/events/Conference-2018.

-ends-

For more information or to interview Andrew Mair about the forthcoming MAA Conference or any of this year's topics, contact Denise Taylor, Bridge PR & Media Services on 024 7652 0025 or email denise@bridgepr.co.uk.

About the Midlands Aerospace Alliance

The Midlands Aerospace Alliance counts more than 300 organisations in membership, and supports and represents the aerospace industry across the Midlands region. 

More than 50 industry experts serve on the MAA board or one of its three working groups - a number that's been maintained since 2004. This network lies at the heart of the MAA's success.

Based in Coventry, the MAA works closely with the UK's other regional aerospace alliances and the national body, ADS. More information can be found atwww.midlandsaerospace.org.uk.