North West Aerospace Alliance

NWAA AGM, Winter Forum & Mix & Jingle
2025-12-10 12:00 - 18:00 (Europe/London) | Dunkenhalgh Hotel, Blackburn Road, Blackburn, Lancashire, BB5 5JP, United Kingdom
NWAA AGM, Winter Forum & Mix & Mingle
3 Events in 1 Day
📅 Date: Wednesday 10th December
📍 Venue: Mercure Dunkenhalgh Hotel and Spa, Blackburn Road, BB5 5JP
⏰ Time Event#1: AGM 12:00 PM | 1pm
⏰ Time: Event#2: WINTER FORUM 1pm | 4pm
⏰ Time: Event #3: MIX & JINGLE 4pm | 6pm

EVENT #1: FREE MEMBER ONLY EVENT ‘ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING’
Time: 12.00 noon onwards
We are pleased to invite all NWAA members to our Annual General Meeting on 10th December at 12:00 noon. This event is free for NWAA Members to attend.
Join the Board and fellow members to review this year’s achievements, discuss future strategies, and ensure the continued success of our thriving community. This is a key opportunity to gain insights into the Alliance’s direction, engage in meaningful discussions, and have your voice heard as we plan for 2026 and beyond.
Agenda Highlights:

Year in Review: Accomplishments and Milestones.
Strategic Plans for 2026 and Future Initiatives.
Financial Overview and Governance Updates.
Member Q&A Session

Your participation as an NWAA Member is essential to shaping the future of NWAA. Don’t miss this important Member only event.

EVENT #2: NWAA MEMBER EVENT ‘WINTER FORUM’
Time: 1.30pm onwards

Confirmed Speakers: IBM | A & G Precision | Siemens | Accenture | Lloyds Banking Group & Surprise Guest Speaker

“AI-Powered Efficiency | Maximising Productivity & Growth in Engineering, Manufacturing & Distribution”. Unlock the True Potential of AI in Your Business.
The pace of change in engineering, manufacturing, and distribution has never been faster — and those who master AI-driven efficiency will define the industry’s future.
Join the NWAA Winter Forum to discover how artificial intelligence is transforming every link of the value chain — from smarter operations and supply chain optimisation to next-generation product development.
This exclusive afternoon brings together industry leaders, innovators, and AI experts who are already driving measurable impact through automation, predictive analytics, and digital transformation.
What You’ll Gain
✅ Actionable Insights | Learn how to turn data into real business results, from predictive maintenance to intelligent automation.✅ Future-Ready Strategies | Discover how AI can help your organisation boost productivity, resilience, and sustainability.✅ Real-World Case Studies | Hear from pioneers at Siemens and other leading companies who are already reaping the benefits of AI-powered growth.✅ Human + AI Collaboration | Explore how AI enhances—not replaces—human innovation, freeing your teams to focus on higher-value work.✅ Networking That Matters | Connect with decision-makers, peers, and technology partners shaping the future of advanced manufacturing.
Who Should Attend The Winter Forum
This event is essential for:

Senior leaders and decision-makers in engineering, manufacturing, and distribution.
Operations, automation, and digital transformation managers.
Innovation, R&D, and product development teams.
Anyone looking to gain a competitive edge through smarter, faster, AI-driven growth.

Don’t Just Keep Up—Get Ahead
AI isn’t just a tool; it’s the next wave of industrial transformation. Join us to see it in action, learn from industry experts, and walk away with clear steps to implement AI efficiency in your organisation.

Reserve your place today — spaces are limited!
An unmissable event for both NWAA members & non-members featuring key industry speakers. This forum will bring together thought leaders and innovators from across the sector to share their expertise, explore new opportunities, and address the challenges ahead. It’s the perfect chance to gain fresh insights and network with professionals shaping the aerospace landscape.
Secure your place at this engaging and informative event [REGISTER FOR THESE 3 EVENTS HERE]

EVENT #3: The WINTER FORUM will be followed by the NWAA MEMBER CHRISTMAS MIX & JINGLE NETWORKING EVENT and the last event of 2025.
Following the Winter Forum – The Final NWAA Event of 2025
As the year draws to a close, we invite all NWAA members to come together for a well-deserved celebration at our Christmas Mix & Jingle Networking Event — the perfect way to wrap up a year of innovation, collaboration, and growth across the North West’s aerospace industry.
Join us after the Winter Forum for an evening of festive networking, great conversation, and good company. Enjoy a relaxed, informal setting with drinks, food, and plenty of seasonal cheer, as we reflect on the successes of 2025 and look forward to the opportunities ahead in 2026.
This is more than a networking event — it’s a chance to connect with fellow members, strengthen relationships, and build new partnerships that will help shape the industry’s next chapter.
[REGISTER FOR THESE 3 EVENTS HERE]

Please note there is a small contribution from your company required to attend all 3 events as refreshments will be served upon arrival for the AGM & Winter Forum and also includes food & drinks for Event#3 Mix & Jingle.
Let’s finish 2025 by raising a glass to each other and toast to the new opportunities to come in 2026!!

JOIN US FOR THREE SPECIAL NWAA MEMBER EVENTS IN ONE DAY!
2024-12-04 11:00 - 18:00
JOIN US FOR THREE SPECIAL NWAA MEMBER EVENTS IN ONE DAY!
📅 Date: 04/12/24
📍 Venue: Dunkenhalgh Hotel & Spa, Blackburn Road, Blackburn, BB5 5JP

EVENT #1: FREE MEMBER EVENT ‘ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING’
⏰ Time: 11.00am onwards
We are pleased to invite all NWAA members to our Annual General Meeting on 4th December at 11:30am. This event is free for Members to attend [REGISTER YOUR FREE MEMBER PLACE NOW]
Join the Board and fellow members to review this year’s achievements, discuss future strategies, and ensure the continued success of our thriving community. This is a key opportunity to gain insights into the Alliance’s direction, engage in meaningful discussions, and have your voice heard as we plan for 2025 and beyond.
Agenda Highlights:

Year in Review: Accomplishments and Milestones.
Strategic Plans for 2025 and Future Initiatives.
Financial Overview and Governance Updates.
Member Q&A Session

Your participation as an NWAA Member is essential to shaping the future of NWAA. Don’t miss this important Member only event [REGISTER YOUR FREE MEMBER PLACE NOW]!

EVENT #2: NWAA MEMBER EVENT ‘WINTER FORUM’
⏰ Time: 1.30pm onwards
An unmissable event for members & non-members featuring key industry speakers. This forum will bring together thought leaders and innovators from across the sector to share their expertise, explore new opportunities, and address the challenges ahead. It’s the perfect chance to gain fresh insights and network with professionals shaping the aerospace landscape.
Secure your place at this engaging and informative event [REGISTER FOR THIS EVENT HERE]
What to Expect:
🎤 Expert presentations from leading industry speakers
🚀 In-depth discussions on the latest trends and technologies in aerospace
✈️ Opportunities to connect and collaborate with peers from across the North West
Speakers Announced:

“Stephen Cowan, Vice President of Supplier Development & Strategic Dual Sourcing for GKN Aerospace, brings over 30 years of aerospace experience across engineering, operations, and supply chain management, including leadership roles at Bombardier Aerospace. Previously, he served as VP of Technology for GKNA and led the UK’s Global Technology Centre, advancing Industry 4.0 practices and GKN’s Industrial Strategy. He also spearheaded the UK Ventilator Challenge, coordinating ventilator production at two sites. Stephen holds an MBA from the University of Ulster, is a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Purchasing & Supply, and actively contributes to the Aerospace Growth Partnership as Chair of the Manufacturing Supply Chain Working Group”

“Mark Preston Sales Director MGS Technical Plastics, a Burnley native with a 40-year career in engineering, began in toolmaking before moving into both the diecasting and plastics industries. As one of the UK’s first to complete a technician engineer’s apprenticeship, he has held various technical and sales roles, earning numerous awards along the way. Mark joined Blackburn-based MGS as Technical Sales Manager in 2006, later returning in 2018 as Sales Director. He has since fostered strategic partnerships across multiple markets and is now a shareholder, committed to driving MGS’s continued growth and innovation.”

“Chloe Maine, Sales Manager at MGS Technical Plastics, brings 8 years of polymer industry expertise and a commitment to client-focused service. Known for fostering strong client relationships, Chloe bridges customer needs with the MGS projects team to deliver tailored solutions. With a career that began in financial services before transitioning to plastics manufacturing, Chloe gained hands-on experience in extrusion and injection molding, making her a trusted advisor with deep industry insight and a passion for innovation that strengthens MGS’s reputation for quality.”

“Mark Edwards, Operations Director and co-owner of Seriun, brings over 15 years of experience in commercial operations with expertise in leadership and cybersecurity. As a key player in one of the North West’s leading managed service providers, he is dedicated to helping businesses build secure, growth-ready digital foundations. In his presentation, “Business Growth Starts with a Secure Foundation,” Mark will outline the critical role of cybersecurity in supporting seamless digital transformation—from establishing secure networks to implementing ERP/CRM systems—emphasizing how a robust security framework drives reliable operations and future-proofs growth.”

“Mary Speakman, Managing Director of Code Galaxy, one of the leading website development and bespoke software companies in the North West. Their standout projects include a robust warehouse management system and innovative event management software, both designed to streamline complex operations, boost efficiency, and enhance profitability for high-demand sectors like manufacturing and aerospace.”

Secure your place at this engaging and informative event [REGISTER FOR THIS EVENT HERE]

The WINTER FORUM will be followed by the last NWAA MEMBER CHRISTMAS MIX & MINGLE NETWORKING EVENT. Register Your Place for BOTH events [REGISTER HERE]
We invite you to connect with fellow members from across the North West’s dynamic aerospace industry. Enjoy a relaxed, informal atmosphere with drinks, food, and the perfect opportunity to strengthen existing partnerships or make new connections before the Christmas break. Let’s finish 2024 by raising a glass to each other and toast to the new opportunities to come in 2025 Register Your Place for BOTH events [REGISTER HERE]

NWAA Mix & Mingle Member Networking Event
2024-07-10 17:00 - 20:00
We are thrilled to announce our pre-Farnborough Airshow catch-up ‘Mix & Mingle Member Networking Event’ providing an excellent opportunity to discuss upcoming trends, innovations, and strategies before one of the industry’s biggest events. On Wednesday, July 10th, the North West Aerospace Alliance (NWAA) is hosting an exclusive “Mix & Mingle” event, open to both members and non-members.
Join us from 5 PM to 8 PM at the Towneley Suite, Dunkenhalgh Hotel & Spa, Blackburn Rd, Clayton-le-Moors, Blackburn, Lancashire, BB5 5JP. This is your chance to connect with professionals from the aerospace, advanced engineering, manufacturing, and defence industries, fostering meaningful relationships and collaborations.
Throughout the evening, you’ll have the opportunity to network with key industry players, potential clients, and suppliers from the North West region. Share ideas, experiences, and explore new business opportunities in a relaxed and welcoming environment.
To enhance your evening we will be serving a selection of delightful canapés and drinks. The venue also features a bar, restaurant, and accommodation for those who wish to extend their evening or stay overnight.
Please RSVP by 5 PM on Tuesday, July 9th. We look forward to welcoming you to this exciting networking event.
NWAA Members 50% Discount – £25.00 (excluding VAT & booking fee)
Non-Members – £50.00 (excluding VAT & booking fee)
To book your place – CLICK HERE
