Subcon announces June seminar programme

The seminars also celebrate world-class achievement with presentations from Richard Noble of the Bloodhound SSC team and Don Wales, holder of the world speed record for a steam-powered car, who will soon be attempting to break his own UK speed record for an electric vehicle.

This year's headline seminar sessions feature leading OEMs from the aerospace and defence sector.

The programme on 7 June kicks off with Russell Smith, supply chain director, Force Protection, on how the supply chain for the Foxhound, the British Army's new light-protected patrol vehicle, was put together.

Key themes are a focus on UK suppliers, including SMEs in the supply chain and low-risk innovation using commercial off-the-shelf parts.

On 8 June, Malcolm Herrington of Eaton Aerospace will take a look at how that company has rationalised and consolidated its subcontract supply chain.

Approaches include a focus on fewer, larger suppliers, low-cost sourcing and using a third-party logistics partner to manage smaller UK suppliers.

On 9 June, Byron Clarke of General Dynamics will talk about SC21 from the customer's point of view.

This will look at the cost-reduction benefits that have come from General Dynamics' initiatives with suppliers and as a cluster leader.

Strategic supply-chain issues covered in other presentations across the three days of the show include market opportunities in offshore wind-energy production, how to ensure you maintain intellectual property when dealing with subcontractors, where additive manufacturing fits in the supply chain and what a sustainable supply chain looks like.

Other sessions cover supplier relationships - how to get the best out of your foundry - the power of collaboration; telling the story of the MAN group; and a presentation from the GTMA on Flexform, a new 'rapid' manufacturing process for sheet-metal parts.

Business briefings also cover sourcing from China and Thailand.

The seminars are free to attend.