Advancing UK Aerospace, Defence, Security & Space Solutions Worldwide

Aerospace Defence Security Space

UK connector orders up 10% in Q1

The Interconnect Technology Suppliers Association (ITSA) has released its first quarter report for 2024, which reveals ITSA members have seen overall growth of 10% in connector orders, with some segments outperforming expectations, such as military and commercial which are up by 30%.

Image courtesy ITSA

Although 2024 has seen a good start for ITSA members, ITSA estimates that the UK connector market will likely only see low single-figure growth over the full year.

Nevertheless, ITSA members remain incredibly positive about the longer-term future.

Key Stats:

  • Book-to-Bill is flat at 1:1
  • Distribution share was flat in Q1, but still strong year-on-year
  • Some key markets showing significant growth, with Broadcast +70%, Data Centre +31% and Mass Transport +11%
  • The UK connector market continues to perform well and this is supported by both the Manufacturing PMI and Make UK data

The Interconnect Technology Suppliers Association (ITSA) is the only dedicated trade-industry body for interconnect technology companies operating in the UK. It originated in the early 1980s, as a specific interest group within the Electronic Components Industry Federation (ECIF), becoming the Connector Manufacturers Association (CMA), which ultimately stopped functioning around 2005.

Advertisement
ODU RT

In 2008, it reformed as the British Connector Manufacturers Association (BCMA) and was relaunched in 2017 as the Interconnect Technology Suppliers Association (ITSA) to more accurately reflect the changing supply chain activities of its members. ITSA has a presence on several standards bodies, including BSI committees and RoHS compliance & exemption groups, like the Öko-Institut.

ITSA Membership
ITSA recently welcomed Rayfast to its ranks as its latest associate member. Swindon-based Rayfast is a distributor of harness components. Companies active in the UK interconnect supply-chain that are not as yet ITSA members, can find out more here: https://itsa.org.uk

Advertisement
ODU RT

To download the full ITSA Q1 report for 2024, click here:
https://itsa.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/ITSA-Report-Q1-2024-2.pdf

Advertisement
FIA2026 animated banner
Luton Airport completes runway resurfacing

Aerospace

Luton Airport completes runway resurfacing

7 April 2026

London Luton Airport (LLA) has completed a significant £18 million investment in resurfacing its runway.

Bristol Airport submits plans for bigger and better airport

Aerospace

Bristol Airport submits plans for bigger and better airport

7 April 2026

Bristol Airport is looking to offer new destinations around the world under plans submitted to North Somerset Council, that will enable it to expand services to meet customer demand and support economic regional growth.

Chapman Freeborn appoints Latha Narayan as President APAC

Aerospace

Chapman Freeborn appoints Latha Narayan as President APAC

7 April 2026

Chapman Freeborn has appointed Latha Narayan as its President for the Asia Pacific (APAC) region.

FAC reviews TEKEVER

Aerospace Defence Security Events

FAC reviews TEKEVER's progress in the UK

7 April 2026

Senior representatives from the Farnborough Aerospace Consortium (FAC) recently visited AI-centric autonomous systems provider TEKEVER to see how the Portuguese company is progressing with its UK businesses.

Advertisement
ODU RT
Alexander Battery Technologies expands technical team

Aerospace Defence Security

Alexander Battery Technologies expands technical team

7 April 2026

UK battery pack manufacturer Alexander Battery Technologies has appointed five engineers and a project manager as it expands its technical team.

MGI conducts first TigerShark flights with Auterion

Aerospace Defence Security

MGI conducts first TigerShark flights with Auterion

2 April 2026

MGI Engineering Ltd (MGI) has announced the successful first flights of its TigerShark uncrewed deep strike platform, in partnership with Auterion.

Advertisement
ODU RT
Advertisement
Gulfstream banner