During the last 15 years, Lockheed Martin UK has become a major supplier to the UK Ministry of Defence and, in the same timeframe, has grown its footprint with several other UK Government departments. This could not have been done without working in close partnership with the UK supply chain.

Doing business with UK based suppliers adds fuel to the engine of the national economy.  Within the supply chain small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) are particularly agile and responsive in progressing innovative thinking and new technologies.

As Lockheed Martin’s strategy to expand its UK business develops further, SMEs figure prominently in its plans - working to develop mutually beneficial relationships which utilise their agility and innovation.

In today’s tough business environment SMEs are facing greater competition than ever to break into new supply chains, or retain their incumbency. Recognising the threat this presents, Lockheed Martin has become one of the first global partners of NDI, a north east England based organisation committed to the development of supply chain excellence.

Through an innovative partnership, the two organisations are developing a programme of workshops focusing on key business areas which contribute towards improving a company’s overall performance and attractiveness to a customer.  This covers master planning and schedule management, programme management, risk management and requirements management.

The programme which will be launched in 2013 will be delivered by industry experts with extensive business experience across a range of industrial sectors.