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ADS Group Ltd
About us
ADS represents and supports over 1600 UK businesses operating in the aerospace, defence, security & resilience and space sectors. Our members are the custodians of a world-leading advanced engineering and services workforce and range from major multinational businesses with substantial UK presences, to hundreds of small and medium sized companies in every part of the country. Joining ADS offers access to business development support through our programme of
in-person and digital events and expertise in specialist areas such as supply chain excellence, public procurement and research funding. Our policy work helps to create the environment that allows our members to invest in productivity, exports and growth. We work with local, regional, and national Government departments and agencies in the UK and with other European and international organisations involved in setting and implementing policies that impact our sectors.
Over 40 ADS Special Interest Groups provide specialist and exclusive networks of like-minded
stakeholders to seek out new business opportunities, learn and influence markets and keep up to date with industry developments specific to your interests and objectives.
Products & services
Unlocking Opportunities with ADS - A guide to ADS Membership
Membership benefits extend to your whole organisation Joining ADS offers access to business development support, a programme of in-person and digital events, informed knowledge and expertise in specialist areas such as supply chain excellence, procurement and R&D funding.
ADS Manifesto 2024
The aerospace, defence, security, and space sectors are critical national assets that are essential to securing prosperity and security across all four nations of the UK. They underpin many areas of our society, whether it is in providing the opportunity to secure a skilled job in a productive and well-paid sector, enabling the transition to Net Zero, or protecting our citizens – the role and importance of ADS’ sectors cannot be overstated. In 2024, the UK stands at cross-roads. Growing global competition, proliferating international security challenges, the rapid pace of technological development, and the pressing need to develop a more resilient and sustainable economy are challenges that must be addressed if the next Government is to secure strategic advantage for the UK. We recognise that the next Government will face significant economic challenges and must carefully allocate resources accordingly, but a strong strategic partnership with industry is essential for addressing them successfully. The UK’s aerospace, defence, security, and space sectors will be vital in effectively delivering the technology, skills, and growth that we need to secure our domestic, global, and future advantage in the face of these constraints.
Supply Chain Solutions - At a Glance
Competitive and sustainable supply chains are vital to the future growth and success of our industries. Whether you need to enhance your resilience, improve efficiency or unlock new growth opportunities, ADS Supply Chain Solutions (SCS) Framework is here to help. Our expert support in continuous improvement, sustainability and digital transformation empowers SMEs in the aerospace, defence, security and space sectors to enhance and strengthen their capabilities, reduce risks and stay competitive in an evolving market. Pillars, pathways and programmes When we launched SCS at Farnborough 2022, it was built on the heritage of SC21, an award-winning and established improvement programme. Since then the Framework has evolved to incorporate a broader range of activities and support. SC21 now sits within our Competitiveness Pillar alongside the new Aero Excellence programme. In addition, to help navigate the complexities of regulatory compliance and improve resilience, we have developed an Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) Pillar and Digital Pillar; each with its own maturity pathway and self-assessment tool. SCS is delivered by ADS, the trade association for aerospace, defence, security and space sectors; representing over 1600 members. We are proud to deliver SCS through a partnership delivery model supported by 14 major customers: Airbus, Babcock, BAE Systems, Boeing, Collins Aerospace, GE Aerospace, GKN, Leonardo, MBDA, Ministry of Defence, Rolls-Royce, Spirit Aerosystems, Safran and Thales. By helping to raise supply chain performance in quality, delivery, sustainability and responsiveness our sectors can exceed customer expectations and lead growth internationally.