Barry Warburton
Board Member
Barry is a founding member of SWMAS. He is a hugely enthusiastic and active member of the manufacturing community in the South West. He has unrivalled knowledge and networks across the sector and is extremely well respected throughout the industry. Over the past years, his work has enabled and benefited thousands of SW companies to evolve, develop and succeed.
As Chief Executive of WEAF (West of England Aerospace Forum), one of the leading Trade Associations in the UK, representing some 30% of the UK’s Aerospace and Defence industry, Barry is working with his team to drive forward changes which strongly support the aerospace sector and its members in challenging times of global competition and recession. In addition he oversees the SC21 projects and the STEM intervention project.
Prior to this Barry held a central role at EEF – where he was been both Commercial Services Director and Head of External Affairs for the South West, playing a crucial role in drawing together manufacturing companies and lobbying for change and new initiatives to assist South West manufacturers develop their processes, networks and businesses.
Barry has been engaged with the manufacturing sector for more than 12 years through supporting Inward Investment Companies by Supply Chain development with Devon and Cornwall Development International. He ran a £4.2 million Advanced Engineering Skills project and worked closely with manufacturing companies through the Regional Manufacturing Network.
Prior to that, Barry spent many years in various management posts within the retail, communications and tourism sectors.
Barry has been a Board member of the Regional Skills Partnership and led on Leadership and Management. He was also a Board member of Marine South West.
Barry was the facilitator of the South West Manufacturing Network and is a member of the National Skills Academy for Manufacturing, where he sits on the regional advisory group.
Other previous roles have included Head of External Affairs for EEF Western; Head of the Regional Supply Office for the South West Regional Development Agency; the design and delivery of Objective 2/3, ESF, Konver and SRB funded projects, and Personal Development Lecturer at Bristol University.
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