Advancing UK Aerospace, Defence, Security & Space Solutions Worldwide

Aerospace Events

ADS wins CQI award for SC21

ADS today celebrated the 2024 CQI International Outstanding Achievement Award for its SC21 Competitiveness Programme at the CQI Awards last night.



Image courtesy ADS

This prestigious award from the Chartered Quality Institute (CQI) acknowledges the programme’s exceptional impact on enhancing quality throughout the UK aerospace and defence supply chains.

The SC21 Competitiveness Programme was honoured for its contribution to improving quality standards within the supply chain to empower UK SMEs to become more competitive and resilient in a global market.

Advertisement
ODU RT

Built on 18+ years of success, the programme operates using continuous improvement. Through a new self-assessment tool and full assessment followed by the deployment of an individually focused Continuous Sustainable Improvement Plan and enhanced learning from a comprehensive library of 110+ improvement modules, participants can systematically build capability for improved operational excellence through quality and delivery performance.

SC21 Programme optimises the customer-supplier relationship for mutual benefit and is supported and recognised by leading Primes and OEMs and our regional partners. This award recognised the programme’s dedication to fostering industry buy-in and supporting supplier development to position the programme as a leading model for quality excellence and innovation.

Colin Hart, ADS Competitiveness Programme Director said: "We are delighted to receive the 2024 International Outstanding Achievement Award from the CQI. As we strive to meet the future challenges of net zero and global insecurity, the demands for competitive supply chains are multi-faceted and ever increasing. Quality remains a fundamental cornerstone in determining value, supply chain performance and safety.

"Since its launch, the SC21 programme has helped over 1,000 SMEs achieve internationally recognised supply chain performance, not only by helping them thoroughly understand their own business performance but also identifying and implementing the right steps to improve their efficiency, productivity and resilience.

"We take immense pride in the SC21 programme’s focus on evidenced quality performance, so this award not only recognises that success but more importantly the achievements of its participants who achieve consistent high-performance standards, not only of quality but also delivery and business capability."

Advertisement
ODU RT

Vince Desmond, CEO the Chartered Quality Institute said: “This is a richly deserved and, some might say, overdue recognition of the impact of the ADS Competitiveness Programme. In addition to acknowledging the great work by ADS, we hope this initiative provides a benchmark for other sectors in the development of quality management especially in terms of how to gain industry buy in, how to make it accessible to the supply chain, and how to develop and promote good practice through capability development support services.”

ADS is committed to driving quality improvements and competitive standards in UK supply chains. As our sectors look to the future, the SC21 Competitiveness Programme will continue to play a pivotal role in shaping resilient, high-performing supply chains.

SC21: now part of the ADS SCS Framework
SC21 provides an accessible platform for suppliers to develop and promote best practices, thereby raising their overall capabilities. It is now a cornerstone of the Supply Chain Solutions (SCS) Framework, an enhanced cross sector programme led by industry through a partnership delivery model, facilitated by ADS in partnership with Regional Aerospace Alliances. The framework enables suppliers to improve their competitive performance, highlights innovation funding and helps SMEs build maturity in sustainability and wider ESG goals.

You can find out more about the SC21 Competitiveness Programme and SCS Framework here:
www.scsframework.org.uk

Advertisement
FIA2026 animated banner
CAA warns of risks posed by incorrectly packed batteries

Aerospace Security

CAA warns of risks posed by incorrectly packed batteries

26 June 2026

Ahead of the big summer getaway where over 60 million people are expected to be flying, the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) is telling all passengers to 'pack right for a safe flight' by taking their batteries in the cabin with them.

University of Bristol study looks at reducing vertical air taxi noise

Aerospace

University of Bristol study looks at reducing vertical air taxi noise

25 June 2026

The University of Bristol has published a study in Applied Acoustics this week, showing how landing pad design could reduce noise for vertical air taxis.

Digital Twin solutions set to deliver on UK-wide industrial transformation

Aerospace Defence Security

Digital Twin solutions set to deliver on UK-wide industrial transformation

24 June 2026

Digital Catapult has concluded its inaugural Digital Twin Adoption Accelerator which showcased cutting-edge digital twin solutions developed by nine small-to-medium sized enterprises (SMEs) from across the UK.

Intelligent Energy advances commercial hydrogen aviation

Aerospace

Intelligent Energy advances commercial hydrogen aviation

24 June 2026

Intelligent Energy has successfully completed H2GEAR (Hydrogen Electric Aircraft Propulsion System) - the UK’s flagship hydrogen aviation research programme - and is now applying the technology, expertise and infrastructure developed through the project to its next phase: commercial hydrogen fuel cell systems for zero-emission aircraft.

Advertisement
ODU RT
Gatwick Northern Runway Project cleared for take-off by High Court

Aerospace

Gatwick Northern Runway Project cleared for take-off by High Court

23 June 2026

The High Court in London has today upheld the UK Government’s decision to grant consent for Gatwick Airport’s Northern Runway Project.

Altus Group expands portfolio with SEHO partnership

Aerospace Defence

Altus Group expands portfolio with SEHO partnership

23 June 2026

Redditch based Altus Group has announced a new partnership with SEHO Systems GmbH, a German manufacturer specialising in wave and selective soldering systems, automation technology as well as THT inspection solutions.

Advertisement
ODU RT
Advertisement
General Atomics LB