Providing support to UK defence

While representatives across the aerospace and defence sectors took refuge in the various Chalets and exhibition Halls of the Royal International Air Tattoo, I for one enjoyed meeting members, stakeholders and seeing an impressive array of aircraft (more so on the Saturday). I found the great focus on careers in the industry by the organisers endearing, and it was inspiring to see the future generation’s enthusiasm in learning more about our sectors.

In my last article, I discussed the inaugural meeting of the Land Enterprise Working Group which is focussed on helping to bring the Land Industrial Strategy to life. I’m pleased to report that we have refined sub-group thinking, structure and received initial voting feedback. Progress continues at pace, and the next thing to get right is a regular cadence of meetings to ensure our bright, vibrant, and collaborative environment in the UK land domain continues to prosper and develop.

As ever, it’s always a pleasure to get out of the office, this month, I greatly enjoyed attending the Army Expo 2023 which focused on: a story of today, tomorrow and the future. It was fantastic to connect with a range of Army representatives, and see the outstanding vehicles and kit on display, many of which featuring British engineering and components. I particularly enjoyed being taken through realistic battlefield scenarios using immersive headsets on the front court of the Wellington Barracks in central London.

Supporting the Advanced Command and Staff of the future, I was honoured to present an award to the best Defence Capability Course Member, at the Joint Services Command and Staff College, Defence Academy awards, my congratulations again to Lieutenant Colonel Gary Robertson of the Parachute Regiment. This year, 257 course members, which includes 102 international officers from 52 nations successfully completed the Advanced Command and Staff Course and it was fascinating to hear some of the course members’ stories. What particularly struck me is that not all careers into the defence sector run linear, and within defence we should be proud of the sector’s welcoming approach to career changers, STEM returners as well as our early careers cohorts.

To end the month, we in ADS were pleased to see the refreshed Defence Command Paper published, a much needed and timely publication that demonstrates how the UK is learning lessons from the war in Ukraine. We were pleased to see that ADS’ submission to the Secretary of State’s Office of Net Assessment and Challenge consultation has helped shape the paper’s thinking particularly on the importance of providing industry with long-term certainty. You can read ADS’ full Defence Command Paper analysis here.

Finally, with summer break looming, I’d like to reflect on the challenges many working parents face. At ADS, I’m lucky to enjoy the benefits of flexible working, including a nine-day fortnight option which as a busy twin mum gives me a chance to catch my breath, recharge and enjoy some personal time. I know I am privileged to have this, and if any of ADS Group Ltd members or my network has any questions on how I make this work, please get in touch.?