Fourteen UK and Ireland SMEs in the SC21 (Supply Chains for the 21st Century) programme have been recognised for their operational excellence.

The SC21 programme is designed to raise the performance of participating companies supplying to major customers such as Airbus, Bombardier, Thales and Rolls-Royce, thereby increasing the overall competitiveness of the UK and Ireland’s aerospace and defence industries.

Ireland-based Dawnlough Ltd was selected (from 37 submissions) as an exemplar award winner. At the SC21 Task Force conference in Bristol, Dawnlough was commended for the pace at which it has adopted the SC21 principles.

The SC21 programme is co-ordinated by ADS Group, which is the UK trade association for the aerospace, defence, security and space sectors.

ADS Group chief executive Paul Everitt said: “The UK and Ireland supply chain delivers components and systems for some of the most technologically advanced products in our industries.

“Demand from customers across the world is continuing at high levels, and a top-class supply chain is paramount in order to retain the two countries’ global competitiveness. Congratulations to all of the award winners — and Dawnlough in particular.”

Nichola Robinson, procurement director at Bombardier, said: “As a long-standing supporter of SC21, we see a tremendous improvement in those suppliers who are on the programme.

“SC21 is strengthening the supply chain, improving performance, and accelerating delivery. I would like to commend Dawnlough on its award, and for its commitment to improving its competitiveness and developing its capabilities.”