in partnership with:
North West Aerospace Alliance, Lancashire County Council & Engineering Leaders Unite to Launch Watchtower Lancashire, Building on the Success of the £1 Million Initiative
Building on the Success of Watchtower 1, the North West Aerospace Alliance Launches an Advanced Programme to Drive Innovation, Cybersecurity, and Sustainability in 2024/25. Lancashire’s AEM Sector Set to Soar with New Business Support Programme, funded by Lancashire County Council
Following the resounding success of the Lancashire Advanced Engineering and Manufacturing (AEM) Watchtower programme, which was funded by Lancashire County Council (LCC), the North West Aerospace Alliance (NWAA) is thrilled to announce the official launch of Watchtower Lancashire. This ambitious follow-up programme, also funded by LCC, aims to further propel Lancashire’s AEM sector into the future. With cutting-edge technologies, cybersecurity, and sustainability at its core, Watchtower 2 is designed to ensure that Lancashire’s aerospace and advanced manufacturing businesses remain at the forefront of global innovation.
Watchtower Lancashire: Continuing a Legacy of Success
The original Watchtower programme, a £1 million initiative funded by LCC, provided invaluable support to Lancashire’s aerospace and advanced engineering industry, offering diagnostics, talent retention, innovation support, and growth opportunities. With an additional investment of £300k, Watchtower Lancashire builds upon this foundation, ensuring that Lancashire’s AEM businesses are equipped to thrive in an era of rapid technological change and increasing sustainability demands.
Cllr Aidy Riggott, Lancashire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Economic Development and Growth, commented – “Lancashire County Council is proud to support the continuation of the Watchtower programme, which has already delivered significant benefits to our local aerospace and advanced engineering sectors. Watchtower Lancashire will be crucial in helping businesses meet the challenges of tomorrow—whether through embracing new technologies, enhancing cybersecurity, or driving sustainability. This programme is an investment in the future of Lancashire’s economy, and we look forward to seeing our AEM sector continue to flourish.”
Prof Andrew Schofield, Chair of Northwest Aerospace Alliance said “This is a fantastic opportunity to build on the foundations from the initial two years of the Watchtower programme. SMEs will have the opportunity to develop their capability and contribute to making Lancashire the most attractive location in the UK by generating high value employment and delivering sustainable growth”.
Paula Gill, CEO of North West Aerospace Alliance said “We are immensely proud of our advanced engineering and manufacturing capabilities in Lancashire. The aerospace and defence industry thrives thanks to the support of local businesses. With the continued funding of the Watchtower programme, we can build on our initial successes. We are excited to integrate the new pillars of Digital Transformation, Sustainability, Diversification, and Innovation, which will further enhance collaboration and cross-sector opportunities.”
David Bailey, CEO of Aerospace Consulting, added “I am delighted that Lancashire County Council has backed the continuation of the hugely successful Watchtower Programme.
Watchtower was developed to look out for the future of Lancashire’s Advanced Engineering and Manufacturing Sector and has been enhanced to drive a new era of ‘Collaboration and Growth’ through new services and support for industry.”
Paul Bell, Programme Manager at NWAA, said “The original programme provided businesses with clear roadmaps for growth and development. We are excited to build on that success with Watchtower 2, helping businesses thrive in the new era of technology and sustainability.”
New Pillars for Growth in 2024/25
Watchtower Lancashire introduces updated pillars tailored to address the evolving landscape of the AEM sector. The programme will focus on creating future-ready capabilities, ensuring cybersecurity resilience, and achieving sustainability goals. These core areas will drive the region’s SMEs, primary businesses, sector clusters, universities, and research institutions to new heights, positioning Lancashire as a leader in the UK’s AEM industry.
The new pillars include:
- Diversification/Innovation (Innoversification)
An enhanced version of the highly successful Diversification programme, this pillar will encourage businesses to explore new products, services, and market opportunities, fostering long-term growth through innovation. - Digital and Sustainability Pathfinder
This component will focus on helping businesses adopt digital technologies and sustainable practices, ensuring they remain competitive in the global marketplace while meeting the growing demands for environmentally responsible operations. - Growth Accelerator
Designed to fast-track the growth of AEM businesses, this pillar will provide the tools, support, and guidance needed to scale operations and capitalize on emerging market opportunities, both nationally and internationally.
A Future-Proof Programme for Lancashire’s AEM Sector
Watchtower Lancashire aims to ensure that the region’s AEM sector remains future proof by equipping businesses with the skills and knowledge necessary to embrace new technologies and sustainable practices. The programme will also help companies build a cyber-secure infrastructure, a critical requirement in today’s increasingly digitized and interconnected industries.
“Lancashire is a hotbed for aerospace and advanced manufacturing, and Watchtower Lancashire will ensure our businesses are ready for the challenges and opportunities of tomorrow,” said Paul Bell. “Thanks to the continued support from Lancashire County Council, we are proud to deliver a programme that will shape the future of our region’s AEM sector.”
Collaboration at the Heart of Watchtower Lancashire
Collaboration remains a cornerstone of the Watchtower initiative. The programme will bring together SMEs, major AEM players, sector clusters, catapults, and universities to foster collective innovation. Through cross-sector partnerships, Lancashire’s AEM community will continue to develop new capabilities and grow its influence on both a national and global scale.
Driving Innovation and Sustainability
By integrating future technologies and sustainability goals, Watchtower Lancashire will help Lancashire’s businesses stay competitive and agile in a rapidly changing industrial landscape. The programme aims to create market-ready businesses capable of responding to the demands of the global AEM market, while also addressing the challenges posed by the green transition.
“As we move forward, it’s not just about surviving in the industry, but thriving with sustainability and innovation at the core of our businesses,” Paul Bell added. “Watchtower Lancashire is perfectly positioned to guide our companies into this future.”
About the North West Aerospace Alliance (NWAA)
The NWAA is a leading industry body representing the aerospace and advanced engineering sectors in the North West of England. With a mission to support growth, innovation, and competitiveness within the sector, the NWAA works closely with businesses, educational institutions, and government agencies to ensure that the region remains a key player in the global aerospace market.
Join the Watchtower Lancashire Programme
Businesses in Lancashire’s AEM sector are encouraged to participate in Watchtower Lancashire, a 12-month programme designed to equip them with the tools, insights, and networks needed for sustained growth and success. By embracing innovation, digitalization, and sustainability, participants will be well-positioned to lead in the future of UK manufacturing.
