“For us it’s massive – we start planning straight after the previous event.”
For David Howell the event taking place in London next week is one of the highlights of his year and one that’s crucial to the Cumbrian engineering company he’s part of.
As Oxley Development’s head of sales, he knows the importance of attending the Defence & Security Equipment International Show to showcase the company’s latest products but also keep in touch with existing suppliers.
“Relationships are built on personal, face to face, interactions and, I don’t feel you can get that personal relationship through a Teams or Zoom,” David told Business Crack at the company’s headquarters just outside Ulverston.
Established in 1942, Oxley is a specialist in LED lighting, night vision and electro magnetic interference filters. Their products are made in the UK and a sister company in the USA.
Active in 34 countries with partners worldwide, the company has an enviable track record in being at the forefront of innovation.
Products are in use in armoured vehicles, aircraft carriers, submarines as well as aircraft but their aim is to contribute to a complete project, not to just supply parts off the shelf.
“An example is the KF21 Korean fighter aircraft which we began an involvement with in 2016 to provide lighting for air to air refueling, landing and internal lights,” David said. “Eight years on, the programme has gone from an initial six ship batch to one that is now around 40 and could be up to 120 aircraft.”
In the UK BAE Systems are a key customer and it’s hoped the AUKUS programme will lead to more work. Oxley also have an interest in the development of Tempest, the next generation fighter aircraft that is being designed by the UK, Italy and Japan and due to enter service from 2035.
“There’s always something different or new that’s coming through in regards to our innovation and it’s really getting the point across about what we’re looking at, new product development and how that aligns with our key customers’ pipeline and aspirations,” David said.
This long term involvement in projects is crucial to keeping the company in the mind of defence manufacturers around the world.
Oxley employ 160 staff and the company has embarked on a programme of ‘growing their own’ when it comes to recruiting engineers and support staff of the future. This week three new apprentices have joined an existing cohort of 21 who have already embarked on a training programme developing engineering and business skills.
“We’re always looking for new opportunities in business but DSEI is also about keeping that engagement with existing customers,” David said.
With up to 100 meetings already scheduled at DSEI, the 10 representatives from Oxley will doubtless be kept busy during the three-day event next week to maintain the kind of workload that continues to keep innovation and high tech jobs at home in Cumbria.
Meanwhile Ulverston tech-neighbours Marl International will also be represented at DSEI.
The company, which makes large-scale custom lighting systems for the defence and rail industries as producing speciality lighting for creative applications, will be exhibiting.
In 1995 the company were commissioned by Pink Floyd to produce pulsing LED lights which appeared on the group’s album, Pulse.
“We are excited to be exhibiting at DSEI this year,” Sam Fletcher, Marl’s defence sales manager, told Business Crack. “We look forward to demonstrating our range of marine lighting capabilities as well as enhancing existing customer relationships and meeting new customers.”
