Dom Ridley

MOD Awards £18 Million Contract to Forum Energy Technologies for Advanced ROV Solution The Ministry of Defence has announced a significant contract with Forum Energy Technology (UK) Ltd (FET), valued at up to £18 million, for the provision of a state-of-the-art Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV), spares, and in-service support. Spanning 31 months from 2 September 2024 to 31 March 2027, this contract underscores the MOD's commitment to enhancing underwater capabilities with cutting-edge technology from UK manufacturers. The Salvage and Marine Operations (SALMO) division of the Ministry of Defence has chosen to award this contract directly to FET, citing national security reasons. According to SALMO, FET is the only provider that can fully meet all the Key User Requirements (KURs), including depth rating, payload capacity, dynamic positioning, and being a UK Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM). This partnership is a testament to the Ministry of Defence's focus on securing advanced and reliable solutions for our national Defence operations. #UKDefenceNews #DefenceTech #UKInnovation

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Aerospace, defence, security and space sectors add £38bn to the UK economy in 2023, new data finds. The latest figures published by ADS Group Ltd reveal that the #aerospace, #defence, #security and #space sectors added £38.2bn in value to the #UKeconomy in 2023, a growth of 50% in the last 10 years. According to the trade association, figures highlight a 40% growth in turnover for businesses in these sectors, reaching a combined £88.4bn in 2023. With almost half of industry turnover generated through exports. Read the full article on The Manufacturer. https://lnkd.in/efMK-VwQ #ukmfg #mfg #ukproductivity #manufacturing #productivity #ukgrowth #gdp

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Employment Trends in Defence, Aerospace, Nuclear & Infrastructure 🛠️ Industry insights for 2024 reveal promising trends: 📊 Demand for Skilled Professionals: - Defence: Increased by 12% compared to 2023 (Source: UK Defence Journal). - Aerospace: 10% rise in recruitment, driven by new R&D projects (Source: ADS Group). - Nuclear: 15% growth in hiring due to renewed focus on sustainable energy (Source: World Nuclear Association). - Infrastructure: 18% surge with major projects like HS2 (Source: Department for Transport). 📈 Key Drivers: - Government investments and strategic initiatives. - Technological advancements requiring specialised skills. - Emphasis on sustainable development and energy. At Electus Recruitment Solutions, we're at the forefront of these industries, helping top companies find the talent they need. Let's discuss how we can support your hiring needs! Follow Electus Recruitment for Jobs and News: https://lnkd.in/ekwbqcwY #EmploymentTrends #UKRecruitment #IndustryGrowth

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Today was a great reminder that transformation is happening everywhere. As an accredited JOSCAR supplier, it was inspiring to hear from CEOs like those at Lockheed Martin discussing the 10,000 job vacancies in the UK defence sector. They’re seeking young talent, more women in tech, and suppliers who can scale quickly. We’re proud to be part of that solution! #JOSCARLIVE2024 #Aerospace #Defense #ProjectManagement #PublicSector #BusinessTransformation #Contractors #Strategies #ManagementConsulting #InterimManagement #Malikshaw

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The Impact of the Skills Gap in Aerospace and Defence Industries 💥   Following on from my post last week where the skills gap was highlighted, it is now time to look at the economic impact of the skills gap as well as the effect on projects and overall innovation in the sector.   It should come as no surprise that skills gaps have economic implications. Companies must invest in recruiting the relevant skills or fund training programmes to bring engineers up to speed in the appropriate area.   Skills gaps will impact project timelines and ultimately the completion of projects. If a company is lacking engineers with the correct skills then they will need to take time to hire new talent or train up engineers in the team.   The bottom line is that skills gaps require short- and long-term planning, which involves a mix of hiring, internal training, and external education. This will provide sustainability to let the sector grow further.   I have added a link to my next blog post in the series below.   Let me know in the comments what other actions can be taken that will help shorten the skills gap.   #Aerospace #Defence #SkillsGap

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🚨 What’s New in the MOD Acquisition Pipeline? The Ministry of Defence has just rolled out the latest updates to its Acquisition Pipeline. This critical document details upcoming procurement opportunities, key for businesses aiming to collaborate on future defence projects. 👀 Don't miss out on understanding how these changes could benefit your business. Get all the insights and prepare to take advantage of forthcoming opportunities! Gear up to align your business strategies with the MOD's needs and stay competitive in the defence sector! https://lnkd.in/esj_BzsV #MOD #DefenceIndustry #Procurement #BusinessGrowth

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How can military bases become more efficient, effective, and sustainable? With the UK defence sector responsible for 50% of government emissions, sustainability is crucial. Smart Base supports better decisions, cuts emissions, and aligns with the MOD's net-zero strategy. Visit The Collective to explore a sustainable future: https://okt.to/hpMezv

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As an experienced recruitment specialist, the undertaking of comprehensive market research within the Defence Industry is critical to understanding the dynamics of ILS and Obsolescence Management. ILS is vital for maintaining cost-effectiveness and efficiency in defence equipment life cycles, while Obsolescence Management is crucial for sustaining the operability of legacy systems within stringent budgets. The UK Defence market's landscape is witnessing expansive transformations with emerging technologies such as Artificial Intelligence, advanced robotics, and cyber-physical systems integrating with ILS. Defence companies are increasingly investing in predictive analytics to streamline logistics and obsolescence management processes. These advancements forecast a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) in Defence Industry employment, with a projected increase in ILS roles over the next five years [Source: Defence Employment Statistics UK, 2024]. Salaries are expected to rise in correlation with the demand for technical expertise. An average salary increase has been observed for roles requiring advanced ILS knowledge and expertise in managing obsolete systems The rise of autonomous defence systems and the integration of Industry 4.0 technologies are influencing ILS and Obsolescence Management with markets such as cybersecurity and unmanned vehicle systems developing rapidly. These technologies not only demand novel skills but also pose a shift in traditional Defence Industry roles, with an inclination towards systems engineering, data analytics, and cyber-physical security expertise. In-demand skills are centred around systems integration, life cycle cost analysis, and a deep understanding of new software tools designed for ILS and Obsolescence Management. Experience with predictive maintenance models and familiarity with regulatory compliance related to defence procurement are equally essential. One of the foremost challenges is the talent shortage, especially in specialised and technically advanced roles. Changing government regulations post-Brexit and economic uncertainties brought about by global events contribute to a fluctuating job market climate. Moreover, companies must remain vigilant about the rapid pace of technological obsolescence, which not only affects systems and parts but also the skillsets of their workforce. Ensuring continuous professional development and effective skills-transfer strategies is essential. The trajectory of job growth, salary trends, and skill demand within the UK Defence Industry indicates a robust future for ILS and Obsolescence Management. However, companies and recruiters should proactively address the challenges of talent acquisition and retention, technology adoption, and regulatory compliance to maintain a competitive edge in 2024 and beyond.

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Aerospace & Defence news Please see below for the latest news flow: BAE Systems: acquisition of UK base Kirintec – an expert in cyber and electromagnetic activities (CEMA) with aprox 50 employees. The deal will strengthen BAE’s electronic warfare and force protection portfolio. (ukdj) Safran: In talk to sell its 50% stake in Roxel. MBDA is looking to buy Safran’s 50% stake in Roxel, the tactical propulsion system business 50/50 owned by Safran and MBDA. (Reuters) (+) Rolls Royce: Rolls Royce and Flensburger Fahrzeugbau Gesellschaft (FFG) to modernise Leopard 1 tanks.  RR and FFG announced the concept at the RU.NET forum earlier this week. The project, which also includes transmission specialist ZF, covers new power units for the Leopard 1 tank family and the Wisent 1 support vehicle. The purpose is to extend the operational life of the Leopard 1 by replacing outdated engines, and thereby offering a cost effective upgrade solution. (ukdj) (+) Melrose: Engine maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) business is booming. Shortage of parts and labour, delayed new aircraft deliveries at Boeing and Airbus, engine recalls and a rebound in air travel have resulted in a scramble to make existing airplanes and engines last longer. This trend is benefitting Melrose which reported “strong progress in the first half, driven by Engines aftermarket performance”. (cnbc, company reports) Hanwha: Hanwha Ocean dismisses criticism its Orka submarine offer is unsuitable for Poland.  Hanwha Ocean has pushed back on the criticism that the KSS-III Batch-II is too large for Poland and the shallow Baltic Sea. If chosen, Hanwha has stated it can deliver the first sub six years from contract award. (Navalnews) Comment: The ORKA project was announced in 2014 and is a new submarine project for the Polish Navy worth approximately EUR2.25bn in size, involving acquisition of three submarines. Talks have been held with foreign defense companies including France's Naval Group, Germany's ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems, Sweden's Saab, Spain's Navantia, plus Nauta, a Polish ship repair company. (+) QinetiQ: Awarded catapult contract for the US Navy. On September 5th, General Atomics Electromagnetic Systems (GA-EMS) awarded QinetiQ a contract to provide software and hardware for the Electromagnetic Aircraft Launch System (EMALS) and Advanced Arresting gear (AAG) to be installed on the US Navy’s next Ford-class aircraft carrier. This is a multi-year production task contract to update, procure, assemble, and test launch control and arresting control hardware.  (adsadvance.co.uk) Comment: QinetiQ has supported GA-EMS and the US Navy by providing hardware and software for the EMALS Launch Control Subsystem and the AAG system for more than decade. The size of the contract was not disclosed. (+) RTX: The US approves potential sidewinder sales to the Netherlands. The contract has an estimated value of $691m. (Reuters) (+) RTX: Secures $405m contract for F-35 propulsion system.  

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📈 UK Employment Trends in Defence, Aerospace, Nuclear & Infrastructure - A 2024 Snapshot 🚀 Good morning, LinkedIn community! As the Recruitment Director at Electus Recruitment Solutions, I've been closely monitoring the employment landscape within our core sectors. Here's a distilled insight into the current trends and statistics for 2024: - **Defence**: The UK's defence industry has seen a 7% increase in demand for skilled professionals, particularly in cyber security roles, as per the Defence Growth Partnership report. This reflects a heightened focus on national security and technological advancements. - **Aerospace**: Despite global challenges, the UK aerospace sector remains resilient with a 5% job market growth this year, driven by sustainable aviation technology projects (Source: ADS Group). - **Nuclear**: With the government's commitment to net-zero targets, the nuclear sector is experiencing a 12% surge in employment opportunities, especially in the areas of project management and engineering (UK Nuclear Industry Association). - **Infrastructure**: The National Infrastructure and Construction Pipeline has outlined a £650 billion investment over the next decade, translating to a steady demand for talent in civil engineering and construction management roles (HM Treasury). These sectors are pivotal to the UK's economic and technological development, and the demand for top-tier talent has never been more critical. At Electus, we understand the nuances of these industries and the importance of finding the right fit for your organisation. 🤝 How can Electus Recruitment Solutions assist your company? - **Specialised Recruitment**: Our consultants are industry experts, ensuring we match the right candidates with the right roles. - **Security Clearance Expertise**: We excel in sourcing candidates with DV, SC, CTC, or NATO level security clearances. - **Quality Assurance**: As an APSCo member with ISO9001 UKAS certification, we guarantee a high-quality recruitment process. - **Diversity and Inclusion**: We help you meet CSR objectives by integrating ED&I into your recruitment strategy. If your company is navigating these employment trends and looking to secure top talent, let's have a conversation. Reach out to me directly or contact our team at Electus Recruitment Solutions. Together, we can build a workforce that not only meets but exceeds the demands of tomorrow's industry challenges. 🔗 Connect with us to explore how we can support your hiring needs and drive your business forward. #DefenceJobs #AerospaceCareers #NuclearRecruitment #InfrastructureTalent Remember, the right hire is not just about filling a vacancy; it's about propelling your company into the future with the best and brightest minds in the industry. Andrew Little Recruitment Director, Electus Recruitment Solutions

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🌠 Navigating the New Frontiers of Space with Holmes Noble 🌠 As we gear up for Farnborough International Airshow 2024, it's evident that the #space industry is in a transformative era. With advancements in technology, increased private sector involvement, and expanding international collaborations, the demand for visionary leadership has never been greater. Key Talent Implications: Cross-Sector Expertise: Leaders must now navigate and integrate diverse industry knowledge. At Holmes Noble, we specialise in identifying talent from outside your immediate sector to drive innovation and bring fresh thinking. Strategic Visionaries: The need for leaders who can balance long-term goals with short-term challenges is critical. Our tailored competency frameworks and psychometric testing enables you to identify and onboard individuals who embody this dual capability. Collaborative Leadership: Future space exploration will hinge on partnerships across sectors and borders. Our executive coaching and leadership development programmes can help you strengthen your team's ability to foster and manage these crucial collaborations. Diversity and Inclusion: Diverse perspectives are essential for innovation and growth. Holmes Noble is dedicated to promoting diversity at the leadership level, with extensive experience in delivering diverse shortlists at executive level. Holmes Noble's Strategic Advantage With a proven track record in executive search within the space industry and related sectors, Holmes Noble leverages global networks and sector-specific knowledge to place leaders who are fit for today's challenges and poised to drive future growth. If you're attending Farnborough 2024 and would like to discuss how we can support your talent challenges in a changing space industry, our CEO Amy Speake and Global Head of Industrials Katie Poxon will be there on Wednesday 24th and Thursday 25th - email [email protected] for details. #SpaceIndustry #ExecutiveSearch #FIA2024 #HolmesNoble #Leadership #Innovation #TalentManagement #Aerospace

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Are we really ready to tackle delivery challenges in the defence industry amidst what has to be the most complex geopolitical landscape of the last 40 years? What should the UK Gov and Defence industry be working together on to improve? #DefenceIndustry #Geopolitics #Security

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UK Defence and aerospace is presently facing a range of challenges from integration of already scaled-down capability, skills shortages and the adoption of digitalisation to maintain an edge on the battlefield. This is set against a background of on-going conflicts and the recent change of government and an impending Strategic Review. In particular, the current and future challenges faced by the Land environment is high on the Army’s agenda. TP Group collaborates closely with Land Command, in the delivery of sophisticated UK Defence capabilities. We help our clients address the more complex challenges (and some simpler ones too). We operate across the Defence domains and the capability CADMID cycle, and can support delivery of many of the DLODs. Our expertise spans military, economic, and political considerations, ensuring informed, successful outcomes and strategic guidance on transformative technologies. TP Group’s Christopher Cullis and Stephanie Hart will be attending Royal United Services Institute Land Warfare Conference in London, 22nd – 23rd July where they are looking forward to meeting senior land and ground forces leaders, policymakers and experts from the industry and think tanks and gaining insights into how industry can bring our expertise to support these challenges. View our video where Chris Cullis, TP Group's Delivery Director, outlines our market experience and approach to delivering market-leading technical and domain expertise, collaborating with clients to help them clarify uncertainty around capability, decision making or technology through our various consultancy practices.    If you would like to meet Chris and the team to discuss our capabilities further please email [email protected] or visit https://lnkd.in/e8uqSj-9 to find out more. You can also meet Chris at DI24 taking place in Thornbury on Wednesday 10th July. #RUSI #defence #security #consultancy

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Britain’s development of a sovereign hypersonic strike capability is taking a substantial leap forward with a new agreement to facilitate collaboration on cutting edge tech. Ninety organisations – large and small – from across industry and academia have secured a place on a £1 billion transformational Hypersonic Technologies & Capability Development Framework (HTCDF) agreement set up to rapidly develop advanced hypersonic missile capabilities for the UK. The organisations accepted onto the eight-lot Framework, which is led by MOD’s Team Hypersonics (UK), will now be eligible to bid for contracts; the maximum value of the Framework across the next seven years is up to £1 billion.

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A consistent concern that arises from both defence suppliers and investors is the so-called ‘valley of death’: the gap between the capital available for small-scale pilots and the funding required to develop a production-ready capability. As a result, defence technology is largely seen as an un-investable market for start-ups, given the level of risk capital required to build the competition and supply chain needed to deliver benefits to MoD. A few factors drive this. The first is the disappointing level of market engagement with a diverse set of suppliers. This is partly caused by strict rules around market engagement, many of them rolled over from EU regulations. However, efforts such as Digital Exploitation for Defence (DX4D) aim to increase the touchpoints with digital solution providers. This is important because the best solutions to a problem have often been identified in adjacent markets. Let us not forget that the genesis of Silicon Valley was the defence industry, with Hewlett Packard selling microprocessors to the US Navy. Hewlett Packard selling audio oscillators to the US military To truly take advantage of dual-use technologies and bring a more diverse set of suppliers into the defence market, the MoD must look to expand its market engagement activities beyond the typical avenues. The second factor is the length of procurement timelines for defence. Particularly for specific technology or software applications, as opposed to platforms, the average timeline and onerousness of MoD procurement rules out a large proportion of companies with which Defence would benefit from engaging. The MoD announced in July 2023 that it intends to reduce the maximum timeline for digital acquisition programmes to three years. However, this remains well outside the typical lifespan of a typical early-stage digital start-up.

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The future of a major British aerospace plant is in doubt with up to 2,400 jobs at risk following a carve-up of owner Spirit AeroSystems between Boeing and Airbus. A chunk of Spirit’s operations at the facility in Belfast have been left without an owner, putting the long-term future of the entire factory in danger. Boeing is to buy Kansas-based Spirit for $4.7bn (£3.7bn) in order to gain control of a key supplier to its troubled 737 Max jet, while offloading operations that provide components for Airbus to its European rival. This means Airbus will be taking control of a part of the Belfast factory that oversees wing and fuselage production for the Airbus A220 regional jet. Boeing said an alternative buyer is being sought for the other parts of Spirit’s Belfast business that neither manufacturer is prepared to take on. But if this deal falls through, it is feared the entire facility – the biggest manufacturer in Northern Ireland – will no longer be commercially viable. https://lnkd.in/e5mmrs5R

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Determining the requirements of a military asset years ahead of its delivery requires a deep understanding of the emergent threat and the technology required to counter it. Our subject matter experts deliver unwavering support to some of the defence industry’s most complicated technical environments. They help form requirements through detailed analysis and understanding, and manage and inform programmes as requirements are developed and tested. #Inzpire #DefenceIndustry #DefenseIndustry #Aerospace #AerospaceIndustry #MilitaryTraining #DefenceTraining #Defence #Defense #DefenceCapability #DefenseCapability #ProgrammeManagement #ProgrammeDevelopment #RequirementsManagement #RequirementsAnalysis #RequirementsEngineering #ConceptDevelopment https://lnkd.in/d66z9bA

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