MEET THE
AEROSPACE UP TEAM

Having recently joined the University of Nottingham from the East Midlands Chamber, Lisa brings with her substantial experience of enabling innovative companies to secure funding, collaborate, and expand globally. Lisa helps businesses understand the support that is available to them through the Aerospace UP programme so they can maximise the benefits. She also looks for opportunities to enable businesses to connect and build networks.

Emma has worked as the Marketing Manager for the MAA for around ten years. She is passionate about raising the profile of the Midlands aerospace cluster and member companies in the region. Emma supports the organisation and promotion of airshows, exhibitions and other popular events for the MAA. She also manages the newsletter, which has a readership of over 4,000, as well as the website. In addition, Emma is a relationship manager for the Aerospace UP programme, helping to ensure eligible companies hear about the benefits on offer. She enjoys supporting aerospace companies in the Midlands through both her roles and promoting the great work they do.

Joanne has worked with companies across various sectors including automotive and aerospace. She now plays a lead role in managing relationships with the MAA’s active member community based in the Midlands aerospace cluster and beyond. Her warm approach has been instrumental in building the MAA’s reputation for creating an engaging member experience. Joanne is also now working as a relationship manager for the Aerospace UP programme, reaching out to companies and introducing them to the members of the team who can best support. In addition, she arranges Aerospace UP information events with local stakeholders. Joanne enjoys meeting people and seeing aerospace companies benefiting from the programme.

Pamela helps aerospace supply chain companies uncover the potential of innovative ideas to improve products and manufacturing processes as well as grow their businesses. She gets great satisfaction from discovering overlooked technologies, sometimes from different sectors, and bringing them to aerospace, as well as enabling companies to diversify into new markets. She sees disruptive technologies for greener aerospace, such as electric-powered flight, to be key focuses for the industry in the near future.

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“Aerospace UP could play a significant role in enabling aerospace companies to work more broadly with the high-tech and disruptive sectors in our region to create fresh opportunities for the future, enabling a strong recovery and regrowth.”
 

Hitendra has played a pivotal role within the Institute for Aerospace Technology at the University of Nottingham since its inception. With a background in production engineering and a PhD in Mechanical, Materials and Manufacturing Engineering, he uses his expertise to drive R&D-related activities focused around aerospace technologies. Hitendra’s knowledge is widely regarded and he sits on several national and international working groups, committees and panels. He is proud to work for an organisation with a pioneering spirit and is excited by all the wonderful things that go into making aircraft fly not just now but into the future. Hitendra is passionate about the difference Aerospace UP can make by deepening the links between Midlands aerospace suppliers and one of the world’s best aerospace universities located in our region.

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“The opportunities for aerospace in the Midlands are unbelievably huge, for example, it’s clear that electrification is going to be a big trend in the aircraft of the future. Aerospace UP is here to support supply chain companies to prepare for the challenges of this century. I’m delighted to be working closely with the Midlands Aerospace Alliance through the programme.”
 

Tim has over 30 years’ experience in a broad range of engineering environments in large and small companies, working all the way from the shop floor to senior management. He has a wealth of knowledge, especially around strategic planning, quality management and continuous improvement. He prides himself in helping companies get results and many have gone on to achieve national awards. Tim believes embracing change is critical to future competitiveness. He is looking forward to enabling more aerospace companies adapt and develop to achieve long-term success.

“Aerospace UP encourages innovation and entrepreneurial approaches. Companies benefit from not only the funding and expert support from the University of Nottingham but opportunities to connect with people and promote their success. Ideas will crosspollinate, helping enhance the competitiveness of the region.”

Peter has spent most of his career working in aerospace R&D and brings his experience and enthusiasm for developing technologies to the aerospace supply chain. Peter is excited by uncovering hidden gems of technology in our aerospace SMEs and helping to bring these to the attention of customers. He is confident that the Midlands aerospace cluster has a great future despite the current challenges because of its reputation for engineering excellence and innovation, exemplified by the Institute for Aerospace Technology at the University of Nottingham. These will be crucial in meeting the demand for more sustainable air travel.

“There has never been a more important time for companies to take a long, hard look at their products, manufacturing processes and services to make sure they are fit for the future. Sustainable technologies could be a key differentiator in a depressed market.”

Andy Leather, a fellow of the Royal Aeronautical Society, has been working in the aerospace and defence industries for over 45 years, the majority of which have been in senior roles for organisations including Goodrich, Thales, Ultra and ADS. Andy has served on several joint industry and Government committees including the National Defence Industries Council. He was also the inaugural Chair of the Midlands Aerospace Alliance and the Impartiality Board of the Civil Aviation Authority.  

Hadrian has worked on European-funded projects for several years and now, as part of the Aerospace UP programme, supports companies through the grant payment process and the events they attend as well as tracking the outputs. He enjoys working with spreadsheets which is useful as they play a big role in the work he carries out. 

Andrew has led the work of the Midlands Aerospace Alliance, which represents over 300 companies in one of the world’s largest aerospace clusters, for 20 years. He is dedicated to supporting and promoting the work of the aerospace supply chain and demonstrating why the Midlands is such a great region for developing innovative solutions to global aerospace challenges. Andrew is passionate about bringing together industry, academia and government to ensure the region maintains its competitive advantages into the future.

“Our cluster’s smaller aerospace suppliers don’t get national R&D funding to help them become more innovative so it’s great to be partnering with the University of Nottingham’s world-class aerospace experts, and local ERDF funding, to develop new knowledge and ideas right in the regional roots of the industry.”

Stan uses his extensive experience of business and technology road mapping, developed during his career at Meggitt, to support aerospace SMEs planning the future of their businesses. The process helps them decide the products, technologies and services they need to develop, diversify and grow. He enjoys helping companies identify projects that could help them achieve their goals, finding new ways to use their capabilities and expanding their expectations as to what is possible.

“The aerospace industry is going to take time to bounce back and demand is likely to be different going forward with a large focus on smaller aircraft and sustainable technologies. Aerospace UP can help supply chain companies plan and prepare for a new future.”

After 25 years in senior automotive industry positions, Maxine is now General Manager of the MAA. She is key to the organisation’s strategic and financial planning as well as leading its member services team. Maxine has been involved with Aerospace UP since its inception and she now manages a team of relationship managers for the programme. Working closely with the University of Nottingham, her team identifies companies that may be eligible for support, arranges scoping sessions to identify projects eligible for grant funding and assists with the financial claims. She enjoys connecting people, for example through the exhibitions, events and workshops she manages, developing creative business ideas, marketing and creating success.

Mike has worked in aerospace for over 30 years, mainly in heat and fluid transfer systems, encompassing various senior management roles. In recent years, he has been focused on securing funding to support innovative composite technology R&D projects. As part of the Aerospace UP programme, Mike supports SMEs with a variety of projects spanning additive manufacturing, electrification technologies, specialist composites, digitalisation and more. 

Liz has 20 years’ experience in the aerospace sector, working in both engineering and project management roles across gas turbine and flight simulator programmes. More recently, she has worked with SMEs in the Midlands to help them deliver improvements to processes and tools. Liz is passionate about supporting smaller businesses that, through the Aerospace UP programme, are able to develop innovative products and services that might not happen otherwise. 

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“This year is critical for the aerospace supply chain with environmental sustainability high on the agenda as we emerge from the Covid pandemic. The Aerospace UP programme can support SMEs with projects to help them innovate and grow.” 

Hana has over 15 years’ manufacturing experience and has worked in senior positions specialising in digital transformation and process improvement. She has been responsible for creating strategic visions, plans and roadmaps as well as leading technical teams. Key to successful delivery has been her solid foundation in lean principles and effective change management. Her approach has led to her receiving an award for being an Engineering Innovation Champion.

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Hana is particularly keen to support SMEs in the Midlands with projects related to Industry 4.0 and digitisation, however, she is passionate about all aspects of innovation from idea to implementation. 

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“With limited resources, it can be difficult for SMEs to invest in digitisation and R&D. The Aerospace UP programme is a great way to access the guidance, support and funding to make it happen.” 

Chris has 30 years’ experience in aerospace engineering and senior management, spanning the full product lifecycle from new product introduction to in-service support. He has worked on equipment systems including cryogenic cooling for space satellites, airframe flight controls, electrical power generation and aero-engine controls. More recently, he has worked on digital and artificial intelligence solutions in a range of industrial sectors. As part of the Aerospace UP programme, Chris uses his extensive experience to support companies across the Midlands with developing innovative solutions. 

Daniel is passionate about transferring knowledge and expertise between academia and enterprises to support business growth. His PhD focussed on Hydrogen & Fuel Cell Technology and he has worked across many scientific and engineering sectors, supporting a variety of businesses and projects. He enjoys connecting with people and exploring how the University of Nottingham’s Precision Manufacturing Centre can support innovation in SMEs.

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“Aerospace UP offers a unique opportunity for aerospace businesses to enhance their innovation and productivity through the development of new products, processes and services as well as the adoption of digital technologies to drive growth and competitiveness in a global marketplace.”
 

Sarah is dedicated to project managing the Aerospace UP programme with the University of Nottingham’s Institute for Aerospace Technology. She has worked in European funding for over 10 years and brings all that experience to the programme. She works closely with all of the project team to ensure progress is monitored, requirements are delivered and funding rules are complied with. She is working hard behind the scenes to ensure eligible companies can access the grants they need to achieve results.

“The strong partnership between the Midlands Aerospace Alliance and the University is unique. If you work for an aerospace supply chain company in the Midlands, make the most of the opportunities Aerospace UP has to offer. Not only will it give you financial support but it will also provide access to experts, at our universities, for instance, who are leading the way in aerospace.”

Since joining the University of Nottingham’s Institute for Aerospace Technology (IAT) in 2014, Helen has been successfully managing and co-ordinating large, multi-million pound European doctoral programmes centred around innovative aerospace technologies. Helen’s PhD focused on Manufacturing Engineering and she enjoys linking SMEs with academic colleagues inside the university to build relationships, share knowledge and nurture innovation. As part of the Aerospace UP programme, Helen chairs the grant reviews and provides support to SMEs through the full funding and support lifecycle. 

Technology Manager, Nicola Deards’ career has spanned both the aerospace and automotive industries over 30 years with roles encompassing new product introduction, in-service management and aftermarket, with both mechanical and electrical products.

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During her diverse career, Nicola has worked with many SMEs in the supply chain and is eager to help further companies succeed through the Aerospace UP programme, particularly those in the automotive and motorsport sectors that have an aspiration to enter aerospace and gain a competitive advantage in an exciting, global market. 

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“Over the next few decades, a whole new supply chain needs to grow to enable technologies to meet net zero emissions targets and the ambitions of the aerospace industry, with traditional air travel models coming under pressure to change and new models emerging.”

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Nicola believes SMEs have so much to offer the aerospace industry as it evolves. The Aerospace UP programme is helping these companies leverage their agility, expertise and independence to successfully compete to meet the challenges of the future.
 

Technology Manager, David Farrow’s extensive career has encompassed manufacturing operations, new technologies, the design of specialist machine tools and equipment, and business development. He has led SMEs supplying global markets including aerospace, defence, medical, rail, nuclear, oil and gas, as well as several process industries.

As part of the Aerospace UP programme, David draws upon his diverse experience to help SMEs look to the future and succeed at creating new opportunities for their products, capabilities and ideas. He also brings his passion for factory management, people, processes, systems and digitisation to help companies find a path toward a sustainable future.

“The next few years are going to be both challenging and full of opportunities for SMEs, with new technologies required to achieve net zero. Aerospace UP provides the knowledge, experience and support needed for companies to look forward and grasp the benefits these opportunities offer.”

Technology Manager, Clive Lewis, brings a focus on Advanced Air Mobility and defence markets. Clive has supported senior decision-makers at dozens of organisations in aerospace, aviation, defence and security to develop, fund and deliver technology, capability and business aspirations. 

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Clive's ability to translate complexity into clear and understandable insight will enable SMEs to map out their ambition in these exciting but complicated markets. The prospect of turning these into reality will be bolstered by skills in problem solving, solution creation and planning. 

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“I cannot remember a time of greater opportunity for SMEs in my four decades in aerospace. The post-Covid recovery will see the biggest ramp-up ever. The emerging Advanced Air Mobility market will spawn new configurations, technologies, business models and market players. Meanwhile, defence is set to continue its dependable growth.”