NWAA and Engineering & Manufacturing Network partner to expand aerospace, defence and space opportunities across the North
North West England, 1 September 2026: The North West Aerospace Alliance (NWAA) has announced a new partnership with Engineering & Manufacturing Network (EMN), designed to strengthen collaboration between aerospace, defence, space and advanced manufacturing supply chains across the North of England.
The agreement brings together NWAA’s aerospace, defence, space and security expertise with EMN’s established network of engineering and manufacturing SMEs across the North East. It will support stronger connections between regional supply chains, improve access to specialist events and create new routes for manufacturers seeking to diversify, grow and engage with major sector opportunities.
As part of the partnership, members of NWAA and EMN will be recognised as affiliated members of the partner organisation, allowing them to attend member-only events at member rates. The organisations will also work together on a programme of events and promotional activity, with collaboration across conferences, member showcases, supply chain sessions and www.EMCON.show
The partnership will help NWAA increase its visibility and activity across the North East, creating more opportunities for its northern members and enabling deeper collaboration with engineering and manufacturing businesses across the region. It will also support EMN members seeking to build relationships with Tier 1 suppliers, OEMs and primes in the aerospace, defence and space sectors.
Paula Gill, CEO of NWAA, said:
“This partnership reflects our commitment to building stronger, more connected supply chains across the North. By working with EMN, we can support more businesses to engage with aerospace, defence and space opportunities, while helping our members connect with the depth of engineering and manufacturing capability in the North East.”
Richard Bradley, Chair of EMN, said:
“North East manufacturers have significant capability, ambition and expertise. Our partnership with NWAA will help open new doors for our members, support collaboration with major aerospace and defence supply chains, and build stronger links between two important industrial regions.”
Both organisations will also explore how collaboration could support a wider Northern Networks Alliance, focused on industry growth, regional economic development and increased opportunities for engineering and manufacturing businesses across the North.
NWAA was formed in 1994 and represents a major aerospace, defence, space, security, advanced engineering and manufacturing cluster across the North West.
EMN supports engineering and manufacturing businesses across the North East, providing networking, peer support, supply chain connections and practical business support. To learn more please visit: emn.org.uk
