Somerset Engineering and Manufacturing Forum - December 2025

Somerset Chamber is delighted to be launching this new industry forum for the region, designed for senior level leaders in engineering and manufacturing businesses. Join this exciting launch event to network with industry professionals, celebrate industry in Somerset, and hear updates from speakers Leonardo Helicopters and Yeovil College. 

This event, delivered by Somerset Chamber of Commerce, aims to connect senior engineering and manufacturing leaders to share good practice, build partnerships and highlight the capability of Somerset's manufacturing sector.

Our guest speaker will be Stuart McCabe, Head of Industrial Operations UK at Leonardo Helicopters. 

Helicopters have been designed, built and tested at Leonardo’s site in Yeovil, for over 80 years and Helicopters have been designed, built and tested at Leonardo’s site in Yeovil, for over 80 years and Leonardo’s facility is now the UK’s only end-to-end rotary wing manufacturer. During this time, more than 3,300 helicopters have been built and many of these have been exported worldwide.

More than 50% of the UK Armed Forces’ frontline fleet started life in Yeovil. Leonardo continues to work alongside the Royal Navy and British Army to provide Integrated Operational Support for the Merlin AW101 and Wildcat AW159. The company is also collaborating with the UK Ministry of Defence to define the future of Rotary Wing Uncrewed Air Systems and Air-Launched Effects.

With a diverse workforce of 3,000+ aviation experts on-site and a UK-wide helicopters supply chain, Leonardo stands ready to deliver a UK-made AW149 for the country’s New Medium Helicopter requirement.

This event is kindly sponsored by Yeovil College who will provide updates and announcements regarding how the College is investing in skills training to support individuals and businesses in South Somerset. 

Book using the booking link or alternatively email events@somerset-chamber.co.uk or call 01823 444924 (option 2). Please view the attendee eligibility criteria below prior to booking. Contact events@somerset-chamber.co.uk with any queries. 

Please note: Due to limited places available, bookings are limited to two representative per organisation.

Attendance criteria:

•  Attendees must be an owner or director, such as a MD, CEO, or nominated senior level representative (or non-executive director), of a Somerset engineering and/or manufacturing business
• Attendees must employ at least 2-5 members of staff in Somerset
• Suppliers of goods to engineering and manufacturing businesses (parts, maintenance and technical expertise) are able to attend (maximum 1 attendee per business)
• Suppliers of services (specialist recruitment or training services) should contact events@somerset-chamber.co.uk to be added to a waiting list managed by the Chamber with notification provided prior to the event if spaces are available.
• Criteria for attendance eligibility rests with the Somerset Chamber of Commerce, whose decision is final
• Somerset Chamber reserves the right to cancel and refund your booking should you not meet the criteria for this event

These are in addition to the Somerset Chamber of Commerce event terms and conditions. For further details please click here

Refreshments will be provided. Please inform us when booking if you have any dietary requirements or allergies. 

Bookings for this event will close 4pm on Monday, November 24. Please note refunds cannot be made in the event of cancellation after bookings have closed.

Somerset Chamber of Commerce is operating a cancellation policy in line with our terms and conditions which can be found here: https://www.somerset-chamber.co.uk/terms-conditions/