Make UK Defence Members Visit to Aquila
Aquila hosted more than 30 fellow Make UK Defence members at the CTC on Tuesday 12th December. The special members’ event – part of a series of visits to member company sites, included a keynote address by Phil Blunden (Assistant Head Cyber Supply Chain Security – MOD) on the topic of Cyber Security in the Supply Chain. Other presentations included updates and insights from Make UK Defence and Aquila representatives. Aquila CEO, Mike Stoller, gave a company overview while Aquila Head of Business Development, Tim Peacock, presented our capabilities and programmes. Aquila Head of Procurement & Performance, Cindy Knight discussed how we like to work with our partners in our supply chain. Representing the MAKE UK Defence Team, Director General Andrew Kinniburgh and Area Director, James Watson, gave their view of the challenges and opportunities facing companies operating in the defence sector in 2024.
The event also included a tour of our facilities, with particular focus on our crucial Service Desk (special thanks to Garry Burke & Anthony Scanes for facilitating!). It was super to see such vibrant networking exchanges take place, to meet new trade body members and a highlight undoubtedly was hosting Alice, the two year old golden retriever cadet from Hounds for Heroes who behaved impeccably and demonstrated the importance of our selected charity’s work. Luckily, Glen Grant, their charity manager was in attendance and able to verbalise their work for us all, as well as draw the lucky winners of a business card raffle.
Our membership of MAKE Uk Defence, which is arguably the most important trade body representing the interests of SME and mid-tier companies operating in the defence sector, is an extremely important element of our business strategy. Not only does it enable us to keep up to date with industry developments and have a say in the development of policy, but it is a forum that is helping us expand our network and raise our profile. MAKE UK Defence, also brings it members the opportunity to share exhibit space at major events, conferences and shows, including DSEi and DPRTE.
Thank you to all who contributed in rounding off the Aquila 2023 event calendar very well indeed, the feedback we’ve received thus far has been very positive and proved to be a worthwhile event. It is important for us to make ourselves known as an active participant in the trade body arena. Being prominent amongst other defence & engineering related companies of many varieties is an opportunity for knowledge sharing and prospective partnering. There will be many more new and exciting events we, as a company will participate in, in 2024 – more to follow soon.
