
Welcome back, one and all. With the festive break now just a distant memory in our minds (despite the turkey that’s still hanging around…), 2025 has kicked off with a bang.
While you may have seen some of our work in the media over the past few weeks – including our latest aircraft order and delivery figures, where a muted outlook is fuelling our early conversations with Government – I’m handing over to our Membership and sector directors to discuss our 2025 priorities.
As a trusted partner to more than 1400 organisations, we deepen strategic relationships, support business opportunities and drive policy developments to improve the resilience and prosperity of our sectors. After all, our sectors are essential to the UK’s prosperity and global influence. They are dynamic, agile and filled with unlimited potential.
We are proud to work with you to secure UK advantage.
Here’s just some of the ways the team are doing just that…
Warm regards,
Kevin Craven
ADS Chief Executive
ADS 2025 Priorities

Membership: Growth & new challenges
ADS membership continued on its growth trajectory throughout 2024, this success sets a solid foundation for 2025, however, there is no room for complacency. Every year, we face existing and new challenges, and the membership and region’s 2025 budget and objectives will be challenging to achieve.
Further improving our retention rate will be a key focus for 2025 as we work to create a more stable and engaged membership base. By effectively communicating the member value proposition, we aim to reinforce the benefits of membership while driving growth aligned with our long-term membership strategy. Additionally, we will further expand our regional ‘Engage’ series of events, ensuring ADS remains visible and accessible across the UK.
We will implement a strong engagement programme to provide members with access to business opportunities, Primes, events, and easy-to-access information via the ADS website. We will also improve communication methods and deliver tailored information to support our efforts to enhance member value. These initiatives, along with our core activities, will help us maintain a strong membership base for 2025 and beyond.
Aerospace: Driving an action plan for the sector
As we go into 2025, ADS remains absolutely committed to driving value for our aerospace members. Continuing to work closely with our members and Government, we intend drive an action plan for the aerospace sector as part of the Industrial Strategy approach and build on the recent £975 million announcement for the sector. We will also work with our members to launch the Industries of Choice campaign for the aerospace and defence sectors.
Looking ahead we are looking forward to delivering a successful Sustainable Skies conference in May, working with Sustainable Aviation and Farnborough International, and to hosting a UK pavilion at Paris Airshow 2025. We will continue to build our B2B offerings through the year, opening new business development and trade opportunities for our members.


Defence: SDR, ESG & more…
With our ‘members first’ approach, 2025 will see ADS continue to reduce barriers, help strengthen supply chains and position UK industry as a partner of choice both domestically and internationally, delivering growth and prosperity for our nation.
ADS will strengthen the ‘Defence and Industry Alliance’ to help deliver on the commitments made in the upcoming Strategic Defence Review and Defence Industrial Strategy with a focus on implementing a NATO First policy. This is underpinned by a strong and stable industrial base and investment community. ADS will advocate for our sectors through our ESG Campaign and working with the newly formed Defence Industrial Joint Council, will launch our Industries of Choice campaign to build our sector attractiveness.
Looking ahead we will further deepen our relationships with UK Ministry of Defence and Front-Line Commands, advocating for ‘Early Market Engagement’ and delivering at secret events, across the industrial landscape, highlighting the capabilities and opportunities on behalf of our members. We look forward to delivering a successful DSEI, including representing our members at the AUKUS Advanced Capabilities Industry Forum, and advocating for a UK-EU defence pact.
Security: Deepening relationships…
In 2025, we will continue to deepen ADS’ relationships with a wider public and private sector customer base in our diverse Security & Resilience Sector. Transforming relationships – at home and overseas, from transactional engagements to strategic partnerships on behalf of our members. This will include an enhanced cyber and digital offer across our ADS sectors, in recognition of the emergence of new technology.
Utilising our position as industry partners delivering the Home Office Security & Policing Event in March 2025 to showcase our world leading UK Sector and developing relationships, collaboration and opportunity throughout the following year. Through our leadership of the Security and Resilience Suppliers Community (RISC), whose Chair Dame Julie Kenny jointly Chairs the Security and Resilience Growth Partnership (SRGP) with the Security Minister, we will lead in supporting the growth of the UK Security and Resilience Sector, UK exports and our strategic engagement with the UK Government as they focus on key Missions such as take back our streets and economic growth.
All this alongside our robust pipeline of business development and meet the buyer opportunities for members.


Space: Will 2025 be out of this world?
As our scaled-up ADS space business unit enters its first full calendar year in 2025, our primary focus is the inaugural Farnborough International Space Show (FISS) on 19 – 20 March.
FISS will be the premier event for the UK space industry, building on the strong legacy of the world-renowned Farnborough International Airshow to pioneer the commercial space age and further advance the UK’s global leadership position in space. In parallel with FISS, the UK will also host the 40th International Symposium on Remote Sensing of Environment (ISRSE-40), a global summit for world-renowned experts to share crucial emerging knowledge in pursuit of protecting the planet and its people from harm.
We’ll also be running our expanded programme of networking and B2B events, including ADS Space Engage NI on 22 January, a space sector professional services event in February, and a Department for Business & Trade and ADS-facilitated trade mission to the Cape Canaveral region of Florida, 10 – 13 February.
Services: AeroExcellence™ launch, digital pathway & SMEs…
With the ongoing partnership of our OEM Industry Signatories and the Ministry of Defence, we are committed to fostering growth and providing support in the UK aerospace, defence, security and space sectors. Our goal is to elevate the supply chain capabilities of SMEs, ensuring they are equipped with the necessary tools and resources. Our approach will help cement the UK’s position as a global leader within these sectors.
In 2025, we will continue our partnership with GIFAS and BDLI, particularly for the roll-out of the Aero Excellence™ initiative in the UK. Aero Excellence™ will complement our existing SC21 programme, enhancing competitiveness improvement across the aerospace and defence supply chains.
We are set to introduce our digital pathway and initiate several Environment, Social and Governance (ESG) workshops to reinforce the integration of our ESG pathway and assessment tool into our supply chains, along with our Green House Gas (GHG) Guidelines that provide detailed guidance on the measurement and documentation of GHG emissions. This comprehensive guide offers practical understanding, detailed procedures and a functional example for both mandatory and optional GHG reporting.


International Business Development: Exciting opportunities for members…
The geopolitical landscape remains complex, with rising regional tensions, increasing demand for advanced defence capabilities, and a heightened focus on national security across the globe. This environment presents significant opportunities, as countries seek innovative solutions to strengthen their security and defence infrastructure. The need for advanced technologies, sustainable practices and interoperable systems creates a favourable landscape for companies in aerospace, defence, security and space to expand globally.
By collaborating with Governments and strategic partners, we will continue to provide our membership with opportunities to position themselves to meet evolving demands. In 2025, the International Business Development team will support our members through an expanded programme of campaigns and long-term engagement strategies, in alignment with UK Government’s strategic interests.
Exciting opportunities for our members in 2025 include the debut of the UK Pavilion at DSEI Japan, our return to IDEX in Abu Dhabi, and a series of Public Security Exhibitions and Trade Missions. We look forward to a highly productive, successful, and rewarding 2025 with our members as we explore these new and impactful international ventures!
External Affairs: Partnership with Government…
In 2025, the primary objective of the External Affairs Department will be to fortify our partnership with the Government. Our focus will be to ensure that our sectors’ priorities are appropriately represented in critical policy and funding decisions. These include the Industrial Strategy, Strategic Defence Review, and the skills system reforms in England.
Our unwavering commitment to supporting our members will continue through engagements across our annual events calendar. Key events include Security & Policing, Paris Airshow, and the inaugural Farnborough International Space Show.
In the previous year, 66% of our members identified skills shortages as a primary obstacle to sector growth. We pledge our continued support in addressing this crucial issue. Our efforts will be focussed on advocating for industry-friendly skills systems across the UK, and eliminating the barriers hindering essential employment growth.


International Relations: Developing our strategy…
As ADS’ first International Relations Director my vision focuses on enabling our members to succeed in today’s challenging international environment. My plan is to deliver a comprehensive and ambitious international strategy mapping the five key areas of opportunity for the world-leading UK aerospace and defence industrial sectors.
The ADS international strategy will articulate how our members can lead innovation in the space sector, and pursue opportunities through partnerships in the emerging UK-EU defence and security relationship, and through the unique links with Ukraine, International Institutions such as NATO, national trade associations and the party members of the AUKUS and GCAP minilateral agreements.
Space is a strategic sector and these four key sets of international relations will help in redefining UK competitiveness and industrial entrepreneurship in a contested world. ADS international strategy will offer a guide to our members on how the UK can achieve greater supply chains resilience, advocate for a business-friendly regulatory environment, and foster greater access to global markets.
HR: Learning, leadership & innovation…
As we welcome 2025, ADS is focused on delivering greater value for members through continuous learning, excellent leadership, and innovation in technology. In my new role as HR Director, my priorities are to foster an engaged and motivated workforce, equipping our team with future-ready skills to meet evolving needs. I will also be looking at leadership development and succession planning to ensure long-term strength and stability.
We’re a people-first organisation. Our exceptional team deliver on behalf of our 1400 members each and every day. Our sectors are world leading and we are committed to supporting members as they continue to excel on the global stage. By enhancing employee engagement, supporting work-life balance, and driving a culture of accountability, we ensure our team thrives, so they can deliver exceptional outcomes for our members.
At ADS, we hold ourselves to the highest standards, reflecting the professionalism and innovation our members expect. Together, we look forward to a year of growth and shared success across the sectors we proudly serve.


ADS Toulouse: Expanding expertise, space sector presence and decarbonisation & sustainability…
In 2025, ADS Toulouse will continue to support our members’ success in France, with a primary focus on expanding our expertise and scope to encompass broader European contacts and business opportunities. Alongside we are looking to continue to grow within the space sector as result of 2024 space focused events and activities. Key initiatives include facilitating decarbonisation and sustainability engagement among our members, ramping up supply chain resilience and monitoring the latest trends, innovations and strategic shifts to ensure our work directly benefits members’ businesses.
We will maintain a presence at key events such as the Paris Airshow and the inaugural Farnborough International Space Show (FISS), and we are especially looking forward to our highly anticipated Annual Event Reception in October, which brings together key French and UK stakeholders in the aerospace industry and remains a cornerstone of our annual agenda.
ADS Scotland: A voice for our sectors…
Scotland’s history of manufacturing excellence is world-renowned, but we want our present and our future to be similarly celebrated. ADS’ world leading industries are critical to social, economic and national security in the region and ADS Scotland are proud to work with colleagues across Westminster, Holyrood, the unions and industry to secure UK advantage.
Ensuring the importance of our sectors is widely understood has never been more vital. With an oncoming Scottish Parliamentary election which will come to dominate the discourse in Scotland, we will ensure our sectors voice is heard. As always, understanding, supporting, communicating with and benefitting our members is at the heart of ADS Scotland and this year we’ll offer more opportunity than ever. In 2025 we want all our members to benefit from their partnership with us – but like that New Year new gym membership, you have to use it to get the return.
We will work throughout 2025 for a proud, respected and supported aerospace, defence, security and space sector in Scotland, and we want you to be an active part of ADS.
So for 2025 – join us and join in, so you and your organisation can make our future worthy of our past.


ADS Northern Ireland: Promote & grow and attract & develop…
Northern Ireland (NI) has vibrant aerospace, defence, security and space industries. The goal of ADS NI is to support members, grow the sectors and secure UK advantage.
This year we have a strong programme of inward and outward trade missions, exhibitions and events to help member companies engage and win business. Success comes from working together, we will partner with Invest NI and DBT to help promote and grow the industry. We will also encourage support for the sector from the recently formed ADS All Party Group at Stormont.
Another priority is to help attract and develop world class talent and skills to enable growth of the sector. We will continue to promote the UK Youth Rocketry Challenge in NI, and the Schools Build-a-Plane Challenge, to enthuse the next generation of engineers and apprentices, building momentum on the ADS Industry of Choice initiative.
Northern Ireland is a leading region for supply chain excellence and innovation. It is a priority to build capability, productivity and competitiveness of companies through digital transformation. We will continue provide companies with the full range of ADS Supply Chain Solutions services including the SC21 programme and the new Aero Excellence programme.