Mark Edwards
says: “Businesses join the NWAA because they want to be part of something bigger – a community that’s shaping the future of aerospace, defence and space.
“Whether you’re an SME in Lancashire or a global player, membership gives you a voice, visibility, and a clear route to growth.
“NWAA has helped Lancashire businesses scale up, win contracts, and access world-class networks. We champion local talent and capability on an international stage – and that creates jobs, investment, and long-term value for the region.
“Each business has a voice, and we don’t just talk, we like to make things happen.”
Sophie Addison, marketing manager at Addison Engineering, based in Thornton-Cleveleys, says the alliance works to bring aerospace and defence businesses in the region together.
Miranda Barker
She says: “It is so valuable to SMEs as there is a real push to raise the profile of our valued precision engineering and manufacturing businesses in the North West.
“Solid efforts are made to bring relevant keynote speakers and to create a sense of community for the members.
“There is much more of an emphasis on genuine collaborations now to create a consortium of businesses in the North West and working together.
“It would be easy to feel isolated or on your own and out of touch but if you are part of associations like these you see so many positives and can share best practices amongst member businesses.”
The Northern Automotive Alliance (NAA) has been established for more than 20 years and has around 95 members with a third in Lancashire.
Rob Hallam
It is also based in the county. Chief executive Paul Jones says it offers “focused support”.
Rob Hallam, managing director of Bigtank Productions, which supplies video and animation content to the industry is part of the NAA.
He says: “Whether you specialise in one industry with your products or services or are industry agnostic, I would always recommend engaging with trade organisations. Not only are they one of the best sources of trends, innovation and news for an industry, they give a vital human-lifeline into a sector that you just can’t get from search- engines and AI.
“In addition, the relationships you develop from attending an organisations and events will pay dividends when a company is looking to procure products and services you offer and you are likely to be ahead of your competition in the vital ‘know, like and trust’ stakes.”
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SME TOOLKIT
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