WEAF and ADS integrate to create ADS South West

Image courtesy ADS

The integration will create a regional branch of ADS, the national trade body for the UK’s aerospace, defence, security and space sectors, which currently has 1800 members. Under the new arrangement, ADS South West will continue to deliver the renowned network of events, business opportunities and local support that WEAF has instigated and continued to deliver for many years. 

Commenting on the transition, Chair of the WEAF Board Peter Marchbank said: “In order to better support our members and continue to develop the South West as a region of excellence in aerospace and advanced manufacturing, the WEAF Board has continually sought to enhance our offering to our businesses. By integrating the activities and remit of WEAF to form ‘ADS South West’, we can collectively strengthen aerospace, defence, security, space and advanced manufacturing capabilities in the South West.”

“On behalf of the WEAF Board, I would like to stress how excited we are to be taking this next step for our industries. While much of the team will remain, WEAF CEO Colin Turner will step down on this changeover and we would like to express our sincere thanks for his tireless enthusiasm for our region.” 

Following a transition period, ADS South West will formally take on WEAF’s operations from 1st April 2026. 

Kevin Craven, CEO of ADS, said: “As a leading national trade body that is embedded in the aerospace, defence, security and space supply chain, ADS’ team are dedicated to supporting members with ongoing success 

“As part of our enhanced regional offering, ADS are bringing that wider knowledge to a granular, local level – ensuring our support is available to our members, where they are. This integration builds on WEAF’s strong foundations and ensures members in the South West benefit from ADS’ scale, expertise and global reach. Together, we will deliver more opportunities, more influence and more value for our members.”