membership > what sbac offers to its members

representation

SBAC represents member companies to Government, Parliament, the media and with other key opinion formers. SBAC focuses on national government. In Europe we work through the ASD and in the USA we collaborate with the Aerospace Industries Association.

In Scotland, SBAC has a team that works with the Scottish Enterprise, Parliament and the media. In Wales and for the English Regional Development Agencies, SBAC supports its regional partners who provide the focus for representation.

SBAC is working to involve an even wider range of member companies in the development and delivery of our key campaigns both directly and through regional partners. SBAC keeps members briefed on key campaigns at board and committee meetings, and through member-only networks and the web site. It will be using more on-line surveys to encourage member companies to have their say in these key debates.

added value and advice

Several information services are available for members, delivered through the members' only web site. There are many commercially available services available to members and SBAC expressly does not compete with these. The added value which differentiates what SBAC offers is the special role that member companies play in providing case studies and information into these services.

public affairs information e-services

• alerts - early identification of upcoming issues
• advice on new policy, regulation and legislation
• research results
• industry statistics
• policy bulletin

market intelligence e-services

• aerospace
• airports

best practice information e-services

• research results
• lean manufacturing case studies
• supply chain relationship case studies
• sign posts to best practice providers

Briefings and seminars are also organised for members on topical items around the e-services. These are organised by SBAC and the network of regional partners.

intelligent networks bringing people together

SBAC provides a number of intelligent networks for the industry to work together on priority issues. What we say on behalf of members, the projects and initiatives that members engage with are all led by a network of boards and committees. The SBAC model builds consensus bottom-up, it has strong member leadership and involvement in our networks and our strength certainly in dialogue with Government is that "it's about the industry".

All of the SBAC networks offer opportunities for members to meet, debate key industrial issues, work together and keep themselves informed. These represent opportunities for professionals within the industry to develop their credentials and take on highly visible cross-industry roles.

Members have different motivations to participate in SBAC networks. Some invest key people and resources to drive the industry agenda. Others want to keep their companies informed at strategic or tactical levels. Some participate to raise the profile of their company or people. Some look to participate in specific projects - achieving very particular objectives to drive their business forward.

SBAC networks are encouraged to communicate their work broadly through the SBAC web site so that all members can have visibility of the work that is undertaken. So even if members can not afford the time to engage directly, they can keep in touch or participate electronically at a time that suits them, in those topics that most relevant to their business.

promotion of members and assistance in developing business in UK supply chains and overseas

exhibitions

SBAC has a team that can help members make the most of trade shows, exhibitions and air shows throughout the world. It has a range of services to fit every scale of business ? whether you are new to exhibiting, want to exhibit as part of the UK pavilion or wish to participate in or sponsor networking events.

trade missions

SBAC works alongside UK Trade and Investment, Scottish Development International and the Defence Export Services Organisation to focus Government support to trade development and export to meet the needs of member companies. If your business would like to take part, access or influence missions overseas and delegations then contacting SBAC is the first step to take.

meet the buyer events

One of the key opportunities that SBAC offers members is the chance to meet new customers or suppliers and to broaden contacts within existing customer and supplier organisations. SBAC sets up company briefings throughout the year, stimulated both by companies looking specifically for suppliers in the UK and also when our members have identified specific sales targets in UK supply chains or overseas.

Toulouse office

SBAC has an office in Toulouse which helps members access market opportunities in the region. Members can buy the mix of services to suit their business - fully serviced office facilities, assistance in making contacts with potential customers, marketing information, access to specific events and practical translation services.

assistance to members in industrial transformation

investing in new technology and demonstration projects

Through the work of SBAC's engineering and technology board, SBAC is supporting the implementation of the National Aerospace Technology Strategy and increasing UK participation in European-level research programmes.

SBAC helps members focus on innovation as key to maintaining their competitive position in the global market. Member companies work with us to ensure they know what opportunities there are for participating in or creating technology and demonstration programmes.

SBAC keeps member companies up to date with the implementation of the strategy and ensures the wider social and economic benefits of aerospace innovation are reflected in the schemes and support offered by Government.

maintaining UK aerospace's global position

In 2003 the Aerospace Innovation and Growth Team Report determined that the UK aerospace economy was the second largest in the world. This position is being challenged by established and emerging aerospace economies.

SBAC's enterprise excellence board is working to ensure that members are aware of these challenges and are increasing their rate of competitiveness improvement. It offers the opportunity to learn from research, participate in pilot business improvement projects and provides new opportunities for members to engage with supply chain relationship initiatives.

SBAC works with the automotive sector through the Industry Forum to assist companies implement productivity improvements. A team of high calibre engineers who understand the aerospace industry work on a one to one basis with companies. This service is provided on a commercial basis.

aerospace standards

SBAC has the responsibility on behalf of UK industry to develop technical standards for common aerospace parts and there are opportunities for members to become involved in the development of these.

Under the auspice of the International Aerospace Quality Group, SBAC operates the aerospace sector certification scheme (ASCS) that authenticates auditors and accredits certified bodies to issue worldwide aerospace quality standards to AS or EN9100, 9110 and 9120.

SBAC also operates the UK Aerospace Sector Certification Scheme, which qualifies manufacturers to produce common parts.

The preparation of standards in the AS, AGS, ESC series is part of a continuous programme of standardisation for aerospace application under the control of SBAC's Technical Standards Committee. SBAC Standards are published as part of the series of SBAC Aerospace Industry Standards and where appropriate additional manufacturingand inspection requirements are issued as reference sheets ortechnical specifications.

a new focus on skills

SBAC's people and management board supports the implementation of the sector skills agreement published by the Science, Engineering, Manufacturing Technologies Alliance. It looks to ensure that both employer commitments and Government actions are delivered for the benefit of the aerospace industry. It offers opportunities for member companies to join networks of training managers to find solutions to workforce development and recruitment issues and also to influence Government on skills provision.

sustainable aviation

SBAC is committed to the implementation of the national strategy for sustainable aviation. It promotes best practice in environmental management and sustainable production, as well as providing regular information and advice on the latest legislation. Sustainable aviation is a joint initiative with airport operators, airlines and the principal air navigation service provider and provides an opportunity to engage in the broader debates impacting on civil aviation.

As part of the industries commitment to sustainable aviation, SBAC operates the climate change levy agreement for the sector.