Advancing UK Aerospace, Defence, Security & Space Solutions Worldwide

Aerospace

Sir John Parker joins SOE as new Patron

The Society of Operations Engineers (SOE) has appointed former Royal Academy of Engineering President Sir John Parker as its new Patron, replacing outgoing Patron Beverley Bell CBE, the former Traffic Commissioner, at the Society’s AGM in July.

Sir John (right) is currently Chairman of the Pennon Group plc and the Laing O’Rourke Group, and is a Director of Carnival Corporation. He has chaired five FTSE 100 Companies including Anglo American and National Grid and is considered as one of Britain’s most senor industrialists. He chaired the Court of the Bank of England 2004-2009.

Advertisement
Marshall RT

Born in County Down, Northern Ireland, Sir John studied Naval Architecture and Mechanical Engineering at the College of Technologies and Queen’s University Belfast. He is the recipient of a number of Honorary degrees including a DSc (Engineering) from Queen’s University.

SOE Chief Executive Bruce McGill, said: “We are absolutely delighted that Sir John has agreed to be our new Patron. His considerable knowledge of engineering in all its forms will be incredibly valuable to the Society going forward. He will bring a wealth of experience having worked across a range of industries and has taken up positions of seniority in many countries.

“Beverley has supported the Society through a period of significant change and has helped strengthen SOE as an engineering institution. On behalf of the board of trustees, volunteers, employees and everyone associated with SOE, I would like to thank Beverley for her support and contribution.”

Sir John has been an advocate of campaigns for increased diversity in engineering and, in 2018, conducted The Parker Review – a report showing a lack of gender and ethnic minority representation at FTSE 100 companies - to draw attention to the matter.

Advertisement
Farsound RT Brain

Sir John said: “Engineering in all its forms adds significant value to the economic well-being of our country. Operations engineers are also in the front line of delivering critical services that keeps the economy moving. I am honoured to become the Patron of the Society of Operations Engineers and am particularly supportive of the encouragement the Society provides for the careers of young people.”

 

Advertisement
General Atomics LB
British Airways and Virgin Atlantic CEOs to speak at Sustainable Skies World Summit 2024

Aerospace

British Airways and Virgin Atlantic CEOs to speak at Sustainable Skies World Summit 2024

28 March 2024

Aviation leaders Shai Weiss, CEO of Virgin Atlantic and Sean Doyle, CEO of British Airways as keynote speakers at the Sustainable Skies World Summit 2024.

Airframe Designs helps to lead additive manufacturing industry body

Aerospace

Airframe Designs helps to lead additive manufacturing industry body

27 March 2024

Airframe Designs has joined a national industry body to help lead the development of additive manufacturing and 3D printing in the UK.

Leonardo secures presence at Bahrain International Airshow

Aerospace Defence Events

Leonardo secures presence at Bahrain International Airshow

26 March 2024

Italian aerospace, defence and security firm, Leonardo has secured its presence at the Bahrain International Airshow for the seventh year.

Made Smarter and tech institutes to demystify digital transformation

Aerospace

Made Smarter and tech institutes to demystify digital transformation

26 March 2024

Made Smarter and leading technology demonstrators have joined forces to demystify digital transformation with a new white paper.

Advertisement
ODU RT
Britten-Norman secures new investment

Aerospace

Britten-Norman secures new investment

25 March 2024

Britten Norman has secured new investment from a group of investors led by 4D Capital Partners LLP (“4D”) The new investors are making funds available to Britten-Norman to fund working capital and to drive successful long-term growth.

First disability flying lessons to be launched at Kent airport

Aerospace

First disability flying lessons to be launched at Kent airport

25 March 2024

The UK’s disabled flying charity Aerobility has partnered with Lydd Aero Club in Kent to provide opportunities for lessons and experience flights for people living with disabilities, at Kent airport.

Advertisement
ODU RT 2