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
PTC rectangle

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
ECS leaderboard banner
Quantum Systems introduces UGV MANDRILL

Defence

Quantum Systems introduces UGV MANDRILL

6 March 2026

Quantum Systems has introduced its own unmanned ground vehicle (UGV) called MANDRILL, officially launching the ground robotics domain within the group of companies.

BMT to launch ROC-Sim at Oceanology International

Defence

BMT to launch ROC-Sim at Oceanology International

6 March 2026

BMT is launching ROC-Sim - a scalable high fidelity virtual test environment and training solution enabling development, testing and assurance of uncrewed and autonomous systems - on the first day of Oceanology International, taking place next week at ExCel London (10th-12th March).

Serco continues health support for ADF readiness

Defence Security

Serco continues health support for ADF readiness

6 March 2026

Serco has been awarded a contract extension with Bupa to deliver health services across Australian Defence Force (ADF) Health Centres for a further 12 months to 30th June 2027.

Babcock launches joint skills pact with Fife and Forth Valley colleges

Defence

Babcock launches joint skills pact with Fife and Forth Valley colleges

6 March 2026

Babcock International Group, Fife College and Forth Valley College are to accelerate the development of Scotland’s defence and advanced manufacturing workforce through a new joint skills pact outlined in a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed by the three organisations.

Advertisement
Security & Policing Rectangle
Smith Myers expands ARTEMIS capability

Aerospace Defence Security

Smith Myers expands ARTEMIS capability

5 March 2026

Smith Myers Communications Ltd. today announced the addition of passive Wi-Fi and Bluetooth detection and geolocation capability, together with ATAK Cursor-on-Target (CoT) integration, expanding the capability of its ARTEMIS system.

Metamorphic AM launches Rapid Geometry Review

Aerospace Defence

Metamorphic AM launches Rapid Geometry Review

5 March 2026

UK-based design and engineering consultancy, Metamorphic AM, which provides advanced computational Design for Additive Manufacturing (DfAM) programmes, has launched Rapid Geometry Review, a new service aimed at making high-level DfAM expertise more commercially accessible.

Advertisement
Security & Policing Rectangle
Advertisement
Security & Policing 2026