NWAA Watchtower Cumbria Pilot
Key Findings and Regional Impact
The North West Aerospace Alliance (NWAA) launched the Watchtower pilot in Cumbria thanks to funding from Cumbria Chamber of Commerce, to explore the region’s significant potential in Advanced Engineering & Manufacturing (AEM) and to provide structured support for future growth.
Cumbria is home to a highly capable industrial ecosystem—spanning nuclear, defence, engineering, and major‑project delivery—and has a strong culture of collaboration between SMEs, colleges, universities, and representative bodies. These capabilities, combined with the region’s engineering heritage, made Cumbria an ideal location for a targeted innovation and diversification initiative.
Across two intensive workshops held at Energus in February 2026, NWAA facilitated a comprehensive assessment of the county’s AEM strengths and challenges. The sessions highlighted notable assets, including specialist skills, strong market domain knowledge, and the ability to transfer expertise from nuclear programmes into adjacent sectors such as space, autonomous systems, and advanced materials. At the same time, participants acknowledged the realities of the region’s skills shortages, dependency on a small number of major customers, infrastructure constraints, and exposure to wider global and political uncertainty. The result was a clear, evidence‑based understanding of Cumbria’s current position and its strategic potential.
One of the most impactful outputs was the identification of a major opportunity to develop a Digital Supply Chain Directory for Cumbria. This would provide UK and international customers with better visibility of local SME capabilities, improving access to new markets and strengthening the region’s competitiveness. Diversification pathways were also mapped out using the Ansoff Matrix, highlighting growth areas such as Small Modular Reactors (SMRs), autonomous systems for dual‑use applications, circularity and recycling supply chains, and advanced composite manufacturing for future aerospace and space technologies.
The pilot also produced a Clear Shared Vision co‑created by regional stakeholders. This vision includes ambitions to grow non‑nuclear manufacturing, secure greater investment from government, enhance travel and digital infrastructure, support new talent development, and build Cumbria’s reputation as a northern manufacturing hub. The findings underscored the value of stronger collaboration between Cumbria and neighbouring regions, especially Lancashire, where complementary skills can unlock wider opportunities for the North West as a whole.
The final report noted that the impact of the Watchtower Cumbria Pilot has been very positive, with strong engagement from SMEs and partners. Supported by funding from the Cumbria Chamber of Commerce, the initiative has laid firm foundations for future growth, and NWAA hopes to continue working with the region to help realise its full potential
To Find Out More Please contact paul.bell@aerospace.co.uk
