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LANCASHIRE LEADERS By Rob Kelly
He says the cluster has gained “great momentum” since its launch, establishing strong links across prime defence and security organisations, SMEs, higher education, research and technology organisations, local and national government agencies and trade associations.
That collaborative approach has gathered momentum over the last decade, Prof Schofield believes.
He adds: “There has also been a sharp increase in the development and adoption of industrial digital technologies, such as artificial intelligence, immersive technologies, such as virtual reality, automation and data analytics.”
Looking forward, he says the government’s defence spending plans will benefit Lancashire’s supply chain.
Professor Andrew Schofield in association with
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With more than 45 years in the industry, Professor Andrew Schofield is a high-flyer in aerospace and defence.
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He started as an apprentice at British Aerospace and during his career has had the opportunity to be involved in key programmes working across the globe.
In 2022, the then director of programme technology integration at BAE Systems was offered the opportunity to chair the North West Aerospace Alliance (NWAA).
The organisation represents, supports and unites aerospace companies in the region.
The 64-year-old served in that high-profile position for three years before standing down
His highlights during his time in the chair include its annual conferences, held in iconic venues such as the Concorde Museum at Manchester Airport.
He adds: “The NWAA was also back at the Farnborough International Airshow in July 2024 for the first time in six years.
“It gave the opportunity for the members to showcase some of the great capability we have in the North West.”
Today he sits in a new role as chair of the emerging North West Regional Defence and Security Cluster (NWRDSC), launched at the end of last year.
The NWRDSC is part of a growing network
The new UK Defence Innovation organisation announced £400m to invest in UK-based companies, which aims to strengthen the innovation development eco-system
in March this year. During that time the NWAA’s membership nearly doubled. He says the alliance is playing a ‘key role’ in driving the sector forward.
He says: “The main purpose of the NWAA is to deliver value to every one of its members by providing the opportunity to network, collaborate and promote their capabilities, ultimately helping to increase their future business opportunities.
“My main focus was to raise the profile of the alliance and re-establish it as a key player across the UK aerospace community and refresh the strategic direction.”
across the UK supported by the Ministry of Defence and the government’s Defence and Security Accelerator.
He says: “The aims of the NWRDSC are to raise the profile of the exceptional capabilities that exist across the region and establish routes for the increased investment and the commercialisation of innovation and research and development across the North West.
“It also aims to enable greater collaboration and provide opportunities that support the UK’s defence and security priorities.”
He says: “This is a very positive time to be involved in defence and security given the recent publication of the Defence Strategic Review.
“It sets out a vision to make Britain safer and emphasises the need for greater regional engagement between academia, industry and local government, and the importance of regional defence and security clusters.
“The new UK Defence Innovation organisation announced £400m to invest in UK-based companies, which aims to strengthen the innovation development eco-system.”
He adds: “I have my roots in Lancashire and I am passionate about the sector. I have been fortunate to gain some valuable experiences and build some great relationships and networks.
“I feel that there is a great opportunity to help pass on some of these to help the region become recognised as the leader in defence and security in the UK.”
ANDREW’S TAKE ON LEADERSHIP
What do you think makes a good leader?
The key qualities include being able to inspire others by creating a vision and establishing a strategic direction.
Good leaders have integrity, show resilience and can engage effectively across a wide range of stakeholders.
What leaders have inspired you?
I would say that Sir Richard Branson is a great example of a leader.
His style is very informal and down- to-earth and he works alongside his employees rather than positioning himself above them.
He is a visionary, creative and, perhaps most importantly, can influence others to follow and support him.
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