Midlands Aerospace Alliance

What is SC21?

SC21 is a change programme designed to improve the competitiveness of the aerospace and defence industry by raising the product and service quality and delivery performance of its supply chains.

SC21 is largely about doing what we already do, but in a more efficient and coordinated way, with customers and suppliers working together under one UK-wide system:

making certification and quality improvement (AS/EN 9100, Nadcap) more efficient
using the same lean and business improvement tools (based on manufacturing and business excellence) across the industry
improving relationships along the supply chain (relationship management matrix tools)
recognising SC21 companies for excellent performance (bronze, silver, gold awards).

So, if your company is part of a supply chain, SC21 could help you win business by making you more competitive.

What can the MAA do for you?

The MAA and its Manufacturing Advisory Service (MAS) partners have secured funding and expertise to assist companies of any size to implement SC21 throughout the range of activities. Some examples of the assistance on offer:

Demonstrate a route through the process – this may include site visits, one to one meetings with senior management, delivery of information about SC21 to your company or senior management team. Just ask and we'll tell you more.
Help companies get started on SC21 – focusing resources on the initial stages of the programme from customer engagement and metrics alignment through diagnostic tools and producing an SC21 Continuous Sustainable Improvement Plan (CSIP).
Facilitate supply chain cluster activity – offering support in the formation of cluster groups of companies within the region working together as suppliers to a key customer, or as groups cooperating to implement SC21 in their respective companies.
Identify expert support for SC21 implementation – advising on qualified consultants and trainers and the range of services on offer, from accredited delivery of Business Excellence and Manufacturing Excellence to facilitation of supply chain relationship workshops and the implementation of the whole suite of lean tools to help companies at all levels achieve performance improvements.
Assist in securing access to direct and indirect funding for companies engaging in SC21 – with almost £2 million of secured SC21 funding to be tapped into in the Midlands, there is often financial support available to companies from the MAA or MAS, funded by the regional development agencies and European Regional Development Fund.
Act as a link to the national SC21 programme – providing valuable feedback at the national level, highlighting the successes and challenges faced by companies carrying out SC21 activities in the Midlands, giving equal voice to supply chain companies of all sizes.