UK SMEs pitch for stake in high-tech industries of the future

Image courtesy Raytheon

Over 100 small- and medium-sized enterprises, or SMEs, from across the UK were given access to global opportunities via the Raytheon Technologies supply chain during a two-day event to help build onshore capabilities and promote export business.

SMEs from across the UK represented a broad set of aerospace, space and cyber technology development and manufacturing at the largest supply chain event held yet between the UK government and Raytheon Technologies’ businesses.

Minister for Exports at the Department for International Trade, Graham Stuart MP, said: “Raytheon is one of the biggest names in the aerospace, security and space sectors and the connections and skills these SMEs will acquire through this event will accelerate their growth enormously while contributing to the levelling up of the UK. This Government is doing all it can to forge closer partnerships between UK businesses and overseas partners, particularly those with a strong foothold in huge markets such as the US, our closest friends.

“We have created the National Space Council, with a National Space Strategy that will be published this year, and the Prime Minister has highlighted the importance of transitioning to cleaner, greener aircraft through his creation of the Jet Zero Council. These initiatives, underpinned by our free trade agreements, will help the UK lead the charge on these exciting frontiers while championing sustainability as we move towards net-zero emissions.”

Initiated by UK government, suppliers from across the UK used the event as a transatlantic platform to pitch their capabilities to deliver the latest technological developments ranging from aviation to space as companies seek to build back better from the economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.

With more than 30,000 jobs supported through Raytheon Technologies operations in the UK, the company understands the vital role of teaming with UK suppliers to help drive prosperity and technology advancements across the country.

Raytheon Technologies’ footprint spans across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland with world-leading manufacturing and design facilities in every nation of the UK. The contribution by the company to the UK Gross Domestic Product in 2019 stood at over £2.2 billion.

Raytheon UK Chief Executive and Managing Director Jeff Lewis said, “This event demonstrates our focus on delivering on the UK government’s Defence and Security Industrial Strategy and SME Action Plan.

“We are continuing to invest in Britain to open up domestic opportunities and export markets, create employment, contribute to regional economic prosperity and deliver wider social value to foster a more secure and productive future,” he said.

“Collins Aerospace in the UK has more than 100-years of supporting the aerospace and defence sector in the region and around the world,” said Chris Hazeel, vice president Customer & Account Management UK and Northern Europe at Collins Aerospace. “With more than 4,500 employees across 20 locations in the UK, and a broad portfolio of solutions, we’re well-positioned to support the country’s industrial strategies, sustainably and securely.”

With facilities across the entirety of Britain, Raytheon UK is a unit of Raytheon Technologies and sits within the Raytheon Intelligence & Space business. Raytheon UK is invested in the British workforce and the development of UK technology. Across the country the company employs 2,000 people. As a prime contractor and major supplier to the UK Ministry of Defence, Raytheon UK continues to invest in research and development, supporting innovation and technological advances across the country.