Building collaboration in aerospace composites between the UK and France
Key players in the French and UK aerospace composites communities began the JEC World week in the beautiful surroundings of the British Embassy in Paris at a networking reception coordinated by Composites UK and the UK Department for Business and Trade (DBT).
Jo Hawley, the Deputy Trade Commissioner for Europe and Country Director for France, gave a short address in which she referred to the UK government's Advanced Manufacturing Sector Plan, part of their Industrial Strategy, which has a strong focus on composites and advanced materials. She spoke of the opportunities for collaboration and increasing trade between the UK and France.
The reception was preceded by strategic engagement with the leading aerospace company Safran and a delegation of UK organisations. Representatives from the Advanced Manufacturing Innovation Centre in Northern Ireland, the Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre near Sheffield, the Aerospace Technology Institute, Composites UK, NCC and the Henry Royce Institute discussed the potential to work together and strengthen existing capability.
![Cover photo: Representatives from the British Embassy Paris, Composites UK, Safran and other composites industry organisations. Photo courtesy of the British Embassy Paris](https://www.jeccomposites.com/wp-json/wp/v2/"https://www.jeccomposites.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/British-Embassy-JEC-World-event-1024x577.jpeg")
Malcolm Forsyth, Composites UK said: "Safran presented a really positive vision for the future, with lots of growth opportunities and genuine supply chain opportunities, as a result of very strong growth in both the civilian aerospace and defence industries." Sue Halliwell, Composites UK, added that the event emphasised the desire for closer working between the UK and France.
The annual UK Pavilion Networking Reception will take place on Wednesday 11th March at JEC World from 4pm to 6pm (Hall 6, booths S62 and T62), to which all are welcome. Jo Hawley will open the reception and there will be the opportunity to meet and establish partnerships with UK companies taking part. Leading industry representatives will be on hand to offer practical advice on doing business with the UK's vibrant composite materials market.
Stella Job
Cover photo: Representatives from the British Embassy Paris, Composites UK, Safran and other composites industry organisations. Photo courtesy of the British Embassy Paris