Advancing UK Aerospace, Defence, Security and Space Industries Globally

ADS is the premier trade organisation advancing the UK Aerospace, Defence, Security and Space industries. Farnborough International Limited (FIL), which runs the Farnborough International Airshow, is a wholly-owned subsidiary.

ADS has offices in England, Scotland, Northern Ireland, France and India with new offices planned in China and the Middle East. ADS was formed from the merger of the Association of Police and Public Security Suppliers (APPSS), the Defence Manufacturers Association (DMA) and the Society of British Aerospace Companies (SBAC) in October 2009. ADS also encompasses the British Aviation Group (BAG).

It is working with members and gaining this understanding that allows ADS to develop and deliver the services that provide real value to its members.

Innovative UK-based security companies provide the capability for UK Government departments to deliver for the whole British population as well as for their counterparts overseas to do the same for their countries. ADS Member companies achieved domestic security sector turnover of £1.8bn in 2010 of which the rapidly growing cyber security and information assurance market accounted for 14% (£249m).

Further to this, ADS works in close cooperation with industry partners comprising the UK Security and Resilience Industry Suppliers' Community (RISC) to support the Home Office, the Office for Security and Counter-Terrorism (OSCT) within it, the UK police service and other associated national security departments and agencies in support of national security objectives and to fulfil the growing economic potential the world-leading UK security industry.

ADS in partnership with the Home Office organises the Security & Policing Exhibition. With thousands of visitors coming to the exhibition from home and overseas, Security & Policing 2014 promises to be one of the must attend events in the international security calendar.

The ADS Security Export Focus Group (SEFG), now in its 12th year, was created to help ADS members export more widely across world markets. We should be very proud of the fact that the UK is regarded as a centre of excellence in the field of police, military and security products, as well as in consultancy and training, and a world leader in many of these areas. The SEFG provides those companies interested in exporting, with the opportunity to further enhance the UK's exporting capability to positive effect.

The SEFG, which has over 60 members, meets every 4 months, Stephen Read Int'l Sales Manager of Winkelmann UK Ltd is the current Chairman and has Sir Edward Crew (an ex-Chief Constable of West Midlands Police) as its Patron.