The Greater Lincolnshire Regional Defence and Security Cluster attended an industry day at RAF Waddington which celebrated MOD partnerships with significant contractors specialising in ISTAR (Intelligence, Surveillance, Target Acquisition and Reconnaissance) technologies.
The event brought the leaders of RAF Waddington, the RAF’s Rapid Capability Office, the RAF’s Capability Area, and the Air and Space Warfare Centre face to face with industry partners and Lincolnshire’s defence sector SMEs.
Nine members of the Regional Defence and Security Cluster exhibited at the event – Metrea Mission Data, Metis Aerospace, Leonardo, QinetiQ, Castlet, the University of Lincoln, DEA Aviation Ltd, SRC UK and the Armour Group of Companies – and a number of others attended as visitors, including new member Nortrak.
Managing Director Antony Norton said: “Nortrak is looking to provide tracking products and services into the military marketplace, which for a micro SME can look like a daunting, almost impossible thing to achieve or know where to start.
“Our membership of the cluster got us an invite to the RAF Waddington industry day, which was structured, well paced and very informative. Through presentations by senior RAF personnel and their industry partners I got to see how the military actively engages with industry and their supply lines.
“At informal networking sessions between presentations I met several very promising potential business partners with whom we will be engaging in the following weeks to discuss mutually beneficial opportunities.
“To anyone who has any doubts about getting involved in future Defence and Security Cluster events, I would say go for it!”
The Greater Lincolnshire Regional Defence and Security Cluster (GLRDSC) is an industry-led forum bringing together national and international defence organisations, manufacturing, research, development and innovation expertise.
The network is designed to provide a single forum to overcome sector challenges and identify business opportunities in Greater Lincolnshire and Rutland.
If you are interested in finding out more please visit the website or email GLRDSC@lincolnshire.gov.uk.
