10 minute read
BUSINESS HOUR
I spent about 10 years,” she explains.
In Australia Julia worked primarily on the development of unmanned aircraft systems and was involved in flight testing in an array of places across the country. This included working at the largest testrange in the western world, Woomera Test Range in the remote South Australian desert.
Chief Technologist for BAE Systems Julia Sutcliffe talks about her career journey and how the company is embracing its commitment to net zero, writes Gail Bailey
In 2021 BAE Systems, like many others, joined the United Nations ‘Race to Zero’ campaign, committing to achieve netzero greenhouse gas emissions across its operations by 2030 and across the wider supply chain by 2050.
Julia Sutcliffe, who holds a degree in physics and a PhD in Quantum Mechanics joined BAE Systems originally at their Bristol office as part of the Advanced Technology Group and has been involved in the company on a global scale: “I was researching AI and robotics before moving to the Australian arm of the business where
On returning to the UK, Julia became part of the strategic team and initially joined the unmanned aircraft division in Warton where the Taranis unmanned combat aircraft was developed. Here she was working with the MOD and some of the UK’s leading scientists, aerodynamicists and engineers.
Becoming Head of Engineering, which included the development of simulators and the next generation of training facilities, and now Chief Technologist for the Air Sector, Julia is excited about what the fourth Industrial Revolution (digital technology) now means for the sector especially with the confluence of the Green Revolution: “There has been an acceleration in technology over the years and I have seen how quantum sensing, AI, robotics and advanced manufacturing have matured over time. Technologies being developed in Warton are helping to drive increased use of synthetics and simulation with our customers, helping to save carbon emissions.”
One example is making greater use of high-fidelity synthetics and VR to train pilots, and this has had a significant impact on the carbon footprint today. In 2020 BAE delivered over 9,000 training events at RAF bases, which represented nearly 13,000 flying hours conducted virtually. This saved around 75 million litres of aviation fuel – equivalent to 184,000 tonnes of CO2.
“We are taking a whole industry approach to make fundamental changes,” Julia explains. “We have already invested in a solar farm in Samlesbury, the size of eight football pitches, which has reduced in the region of 5000 tonnes of carbon emissions to date. At Warton we are creating the ‘factory of the future’ using technology, augmented reality and working closely with blue chip companies and university partners to help achieve this.”
A further example Julia provides is the progress being made in 3D printing, or additive layer manufacturing: “This technique enables us to be very precise in terms of the design that can be generated – leading to much less raw material being used. Making a large engine mount for a Typhoon aircraft that used to take 100 weeks can now be completed in just 60 days!”
Investing in the design of leaner, lighter products with a low carbon footprint is high on the agenda and a big part of Julia’s role. The creation of innovative products that use alternative fuels, propulsion, battery sources, electrification and hydrogen fuel cells is central to this. The new PHASA-35®, a high-altitude long endurance solar powered vehicle, which can operate within the stratosphere for 12 months without landing or refuelling, is a further example of current innovation. A persistent, low carbon asset that weighs just 150kg.
As Julia says: “Ultimately, we will create solutions that align with net-zero, but meet our customers operational performance demands. It isn’t just about what we’re doing, it’s about how we are doing it – we have to be faster and be prepared to look at things differently. Community and working collaboratively is key.
“Everyone is inspired by the net-zero agenda as we know it’s the right thing to do. We launched the ‘Big Switch’ campaign last year which encouraged employees to make a lifestyle change and have also launched a new Masters-level sustainability apprenticeship with Cranfield University – this will play a key role in building a network of sustainability champions across the company who will help to progress the race to zero campaign.”
Julia says it is difficult to pinpoint a single event that drew her into a career in engineering: “I have always been inspired by the opportunity to create and innovate and do something that will make a difference. Twenty years ago, I was working on things that seemed so far advanced, which have now become mainstream. Our government is aiming for the UK to become a science and technology superpower which is an inspiring baseline and a fantastic opportunity for young people to become involved.
“Achieving net zero is about teamwork and partnerships – we need to take everyone with us,” Julia says. “It is the biggest change that we have ever seen and affects every facet of our lives – we are part of a moment in history and there has never been a more exciting time to be an engineer.” n
MATTERS BUSINESS
The entrepreneurial spirit is alive and well in the thriving Ribble Valley, where business always matters
If you have any Business Matters news items contact: jan.woolley@live-magazines.co.uk
NEW STORE
Prestige Beds has opened a new store in Hyndburn Retail Park. Whilst the Whitebirk store is temporarily closed due to refurbishment, customers can now shop with Prestige at their new location next door to SCS – less than five minutes away. The team at Prestige Beds look forward to meeting you!
GOLF CLUB IN FINALS
Clitheroe Golf Club has been named as a finalist in the annual England Golf Awards. Clitheroe’s submission in the Club of the Year category faced an expert panel of 46 judges before being selected as a one of only four clubs to go forward to the final selection process that will take place on 20th April. Commenting on the achievement, Clitheroe Golf Club Captain, Nigel Clowes, said: “This is indeed a proud moment for the golf club and is a reward for the hard work and commitment put in by the club’s Executive Committee and a small army of willing volunteers.” The final will take place at a virtual on-line ceremony hosted by broadcaster, journalist and avid golfer Naga Munchetty and presenter, broadcaster and new golfer Fleur East.
TOURISM AWARDS
Marketing Lancashire hosted 400 tourism and hospitality partners and colleagues, at the new Orangeraie at Stanley House Hotel & Spa, along with guest presenter Tez Ilyas. There was a new Resilience and Innovation Award, which was presented to Inch Perfect Trials. Among the Ribble Valley winners were Browsholme Hall for Wedding Venue of the Year, Crow Wood Hotel and Spa for best Hotel Wedding Venue and the Coach and Horses at Bolton-by-Bowland for Lancashire’s Perfect Stay.
WINNING TEAM
Bowker BMW has won the National Marketing Award at this year’s BMW UK Retailer of the Year Awards. Together, the marketing team members who support the Bowker BMW Centres in Blackburn and Preston were acknowledged as the best in the UK out of more than 130 other centres. The family-owned car retailer’s 2021 marketing strategy included a mission to showcase the very best of the Lancashire countryside. Bowker BMW’s spectacular videos and images of cars in iconic locations around Pendle, Bowland and beyond were viewed, shared and commented on thousands of times. In 2021, the team’s work included four virtual model launches, a range of sponsorship, advertising, social media, competitions, PR and point of sale solutions blended with innovative digital sales tools and appointments via video. The winning four-strong marketing team include marketing executives Jess O’Neill and Jennifer Sage, CRM controller Lauren Grigg and the team’s graphic designer Ben Bassett. LIMITED EDITION SHOE
Stonyhurst has collaborated with Ribble Valley-based shoe brand and OS (Old Stonyhurst) business owner Marco Vaghetti from LANX, to create a limited-edition shoe steeped in Stonyhurst history and heritage. The link with Stonyhurst and LANX was born through the joint love for Lancashire heritage and strong British roots. Being a local OS many of Marco’s existing designs are named after places in the Ribble Valley or influential people with strong links to Stonyhurst. The limited-edition shoes feature the Ribble Aster Tweed from Stonyhurst’s blazers on the exterior panels, the iconic Borrodale tartan from the girls’ skirts subtly lining the interior of the shoe and the Stonyhurst logo neatly embossed on the sole. This limited-edition range is available to purchase on the LANX website: lanx.com
Weed out underperformers
Many people own shares they bought years ago on a friend’s recommendation, or they liked a product that a company once sold. If it’s something you’ve found hard to keep track of or lost interest in doing your research and its performance is lagging behind other investments, it could be a good idea to rethink investing in it. It takes a lot of time to follow an individual company, its progress and the different risks it faces.
Harvest your winners
It’s likely you chose your investments based on the amount of risk you were willing to take. When you review your portfolio, make sure you still have the right amount in each area, and if not, rebalance. You could consider selling a portion of your top performers and top up areas that haven’t done so well, as long as you’re still happy with your choices. It might sound counterproductive but having investments that move in different directions is why you diversify in the first place.
TAKE A FRESH LOOK AT YOUR FINANCES THIS SPRING...
The experts at Raymond James take a look at practical ways to potentially add some bloom back into your investment portfolio and take stock of your accumulated assets
Just like cleaning your home, you should take some time to spruce up your finances before the weather gets too nice and your schedule takes on a life of its own!
Dust off your financial goals
As with your wardrobe, the first thing you might do is assess what you own and why you own it. What role do your investments play in your portfolio and are they helping you achieve your goals? Every investment should serve a purpose. You might invest to help your portfolio grow or to save for retirement. Or perhaps to give you a bit of extra income.
Spread your roots
Diversification isn’t just about the number of investments, but rather how each one complements the others. You could expand your holdings across different types of
investments that usually perform differently from each other like shares, bonds and cash. Or spread your shareholdings between different sectors, like tech or healthcare. Need an extra pair of hands?
Reviewing your investment portfolio and keeping your money working as hard as it can makes logical sense to just about everyone. But with the demands of our work-lives and personal interests, finding the time to keep things in sync with our current best thinking isn’t always easy. If you’re not sure about how your portfolio is doing or want someone to help you with a spring clean, we have an experienced team of advisers ready to muck in! n
Risk Warning: With investing, your capital is at risk. Opinions constitute our judgement as of this date and are subject to change without warning. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future performance. This article is intended for informational purposes only and no action should be taken or refrained from being taken as a consequence without consulting a suitably qualified and regulated person.
Raymond James Ribble Valley 8 Berry Lane, Longridge, Preston PR3 3JA 01772 7803007 ribblevalley.raymondjames.uk.com
