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
Leonardo animated rectangle

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
Babcock LB Babcock LB
Aviation Minister views engine inspection tech at GE Aerospace Filton

Aerospace Defence

Aviation Minister views engine inspection tech at GE Aerospace Filton

16 December 2025

Aviation Minister Keir Mather MP visited GE Aerospace’s Filton facility last week (Thursday 11th December) to see how UK-engineered artificial intelligence (AI) technologies are helping to transform aircraft engine inspection and reinforce Britain’s position as a global centre of advanced aviation services.

Altus to showcase advanced solutions at Southern Manufacturing & Electronics 2026

Aerospace Defence Events

Altus to showcase advanced solutions at Southern Manufacturing & Electronics 2026

16 December 2025

Distributor of advanced electronics manufacturing equipment in the UK and Ireland, Altus Group, will return to Southern Manufacturing & Electronics from 3rd-5th February 2026 at the Farnborough International Exhibition Centre, to showcase a range of advanced process technologies from global suppliers.

Wallwork returning to Southern Manufacturing 2026

Aerospace Defence Events

Wallwork returning to Southern Manufacturing 2026

15 December 2025

Wallwork Group will be returning to Southern Manufacturing 2026 - being held 3rd–5th February 2026 at the Farnborough International Exhibition Centre - with a significantly expanded capability, showcasing the hard coatings, heat treatments and advanced thermal processing solutions they supply.

Spaceport Cornwall and National Drone Hub launch UAS project

Aerospace Defence Security Space

Spaceport Cornwall and National Drone Hub launch UAS project

15 December 2025

The UK's first licensed spaceport, Spaceport Cornwall, has commenced work on a groundbreaking project with the National Drone Hub to establish a unique testing environment for uncrewed aerial systems (UAS).

Advertisement
Leonardo animated rectangle
Smiths Detection’s SDX 100100 DV HC on TSA ACSTL

Aerospace Security

Smiths Detection’s SDX 100100 DV HC on TSA ACSTL

15 December 2025

Smiths Detection's SDX 100100 DV HC X-ray scanner has been added to the Transportation Security Administration’s Air Cargo Screening Technology List (ACSTL), enabling its use by regulated operators across the US air cargo sector.

UK Government invests in next generation of aviators

Aerospace

UK Government invests in next generation of aviators

12 December 2025

Projects to inspire the next generation of aviators across the UK are set to get a boost as the Government today announced a £750,000 boost to projects inspiring young people to explore careers in aviation.

Advertisement
ODU RT