East Midlands companies which supply the aerospace industry are being urged to take advantage of a project which could lead to new jobs in the region.

The Midlands Aerospace Alliance (MAA) is managing a major project which offers companies support to help implement the national Supply Chains for the 21st Century (SC21) programme. 

SC21 has been designed to improve the competitiveness of companies throughout the supply chain and help them compete successfully against overseas competitors in the global aerospace and defence markets.

Over £150,000 of grant funding has been made available to ensure aerospace companies in the region - which employ more than 25,000 - are able to fully benefit from the SC21 programme, with the fund to be used to offer financial aid as well as assistance in accessing expertise to help improve productivity and reduce costs.

There are an estimated 500 companies in the East Midlands who could benefit from the scheme and one company which has already signed up is Derbyshire-based Paul Fabrications.

Ingard Sagstad, managing director of Paul Fabrications, which is based in Castle Donington and supplies hi-tech precision engineered components, said: "This is a very valuable initiative. Aerospace is a key sector to the East Midlands and anything which can help us be more competitive as companies is to be welcomed.

"We are already applying the SC21 philosophy to our existing customers and the results are being used by our marketing team as differentiator with target customers."

MAA is working with the A|D|S, the national industry body advancing AeroSpace, Defence and Security, to deliver SC21 in the East Midlands area over the next two years - backed by funding from the East Midlands Development Agency (EMDA).

Ian Godden, chairman of A|D|S, said: "A strong, lean and efficient supply chain is a key tool in maintaining the UK's leading global position in aerospace and defence. 

"SC21 is our industry's means to ensure that the UK supply chain does not falter in the face of current and future challenges presented by the global and economic climate. 

"In a relatively short amount of time we have seen a remarkable range of positive results and real enthusiasm from the industry for SC21." 

The MAA will oversee the work within the region, while acting as a link to the national programme and the Manufacturing Advisory Service in the East Midlands.

David Wallace, director of innovation at the EMDA, added: "The aerospace industry is extremely strong in the East Midlands and is one of the reasons why we have established an innovation network (i-Net) in the transport equipment sector to ensure businesses receive the help and support they need to develop and grow. 

"The SC21 programme is an important part of this support package, and will help businesses to improve their efficiency and effectiveness, which will in turn improve the competitiveness of the regional aerospace industry."

For more information about becoming fully involved in the SC21 programme and the support available contact Tim Holmes, SC21 Manager with the MAA on tim.holmes@midlandsaerospace.org.uk