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Aerospace Companies in Bristol: 33 Active Firms (2026)
Aerospace manufacturers produce aircraft parts, structures and systems for regulated aviation supply chains in and around Bristol.
Buying decisions tend to sit with engineering, quality, procurement and programme teams rather than a single software-style budget holder. The Bristol cohort is therefore closer to an industrial supply base than a loose technology category: small specialist workshops and mid-sized engineering teams selling components, structures, sub-assemblies, systems work or maintenance-linked manufacturing into civil aerospace, defence-adjacent aviation and systems-integration customers. Engagements are usually high-value and low-volume, with supplier qualification, traceability, testing and documentation as important as the machining or fabrication itself. Sales cycles can be tied to aircraft programmes, retrofit schedules and production-quality approvals, so customer relationships tend to be sticky once qualified.
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Bristol has 33 actively trading aerospace manufacturers in this list, a compact local base rather than a broad regional universe. Reported employment totals 257 people, which fits the profile of specialist production shops and engineering teams rather than very large airframe plants. The count also includes 4 companies with turnover above £5M and 3 incorporated since 2022, suggesting a market with a small scale-up layer and limited recent formation. For researchers, the useful read is supply-chain depth: a modest number of firms, but with employment concentrated enough to matter for procurement, certification and local skills pipelines.
Regulated aviation manufacturing is not just an industrial category; it sits inside the CAA’s airworthiness and certification regime. Manufacturers whose products, parts or appliances enter controlled aviation use may need production-organisation approval, with quality systems and release documentation forming part of the commercial proposition. ADS, the UK trade association for aerospace, defence, security and space, also frames the market around international interoperability: Bristol suppliers selling into export-facing programmes have to watch alignment between the CAA, EASA and the US FAA. That matters because certification drift can turn a technically capable supplier into a difficult procurement choice.
Future development appears likely to favour firms that can carry more certification burden, not merely add machining capacity. Smaller manufacturers tend to be exposed to long qualification cycles, customer concentration and working-capital pressure, while programme customers still want traceability, repeatability and documented quality. Consolidation may therefore come through supply-chain ownership, succession planning and specialist capability gaps rather than headline startup formation. Bristol’s position looks more like a mature engineering cluster adapting to stricter approval expectations than a high-churn early-stage market.
33
Active firms
2026
4
Over £5M turnover
Bristol-area cohort
3
Incorporated since 2022
Bristol-area cohort
Key facts
About 12% of the trading cohort reports turnover above £5M (4 of 33 firms) — the rest sits below that revenue band.
9% of the cohort was incorporated since 2022 (3 firms), so a sizeable share is in its first few filing cycles.
CAA Part 21 Subpart G production-organisation approval covers Part 21 aircraft, products, parts and appliances.
ADS’ 2024 outlook puts UK aerospace business turnover at £30.5 billion and exports at £20 billion.
UK aerospace directly employs 104,000 people and supports 6,000 apprentices, according to ADS’ 2024 outlook.
Around 70% of domestic aerospace production was exported in 2023, reflecting an internationally traded supply chain.
UK aerospace manufacturing is centred on engines, helicopters, wings, structures and aircraft systems rather than large civil aircraft assembly.
Top Bristol aerospace companies
Avpe Systems
Manufactures build-to-print machined, treated and assembled components for the aerospace industry. Produces airframe, wing and landing gear parts, machining castings, forgings and 3D‑printed parts,…
Serves aerospace OEMs, tier suppliers and aftermarket spares distributors needing airframe, wing and landing gear part supply, including AOG support, across the UK, Europe and Asia.
Location
Fowler's of Bristol (Engineers) Limited
Trajectory
3y · 2023–NowFinancial sub-scores
Computed from 3 filingsProvides precision engineering and manufacturing services including CNC sheet metalwork, presswork, precision machining, welding, fabrication and CAD/CAM design, producing component parts and…
Serves OEMs and supply-chain buyers in defence, aerospace, nuclear and renewables, including aircraft systems manufacturers, armed forces suppliers and major infrastructure projects such as Hinkley…
Financial Health
HealthyHealthy · Hiring · 9% CAGR over 2y
Location
West Tool Limited
Trajectory
3y · 2023–NowFinancial sub-scores
Computed from 3 filingsProvides plastic component manufacturing including tooling, injection molding, CNC machining, 3D printing and finishing. Produces precision polymer parts and molds for aerospace, medical device and…
Serves OEMs and engineering teams in aerospace, aviation, medical, electronics and high-performance polymer sectors, including clients across Europe and North America.
Financial Health
WeakWeak · -23% CAGR over 2y
Location
Llewellins Machine Company Limited
Trajectory
4y · 2022–NowFinancial sub-scores
Computed from 4 filingsManufactures precision gears, gearboxes and transmission components. Provides gear cutting, broaching, grinding, spline cutting, slotting, turning and milling, reverse engineering, and refurbishment…
Sells to B2B and industrial customers in aerospace, military and defence, oil and gas, mining, nuclear, rail and renewable energy, including buyers needing precision gears, gearboxes, transmission…
Financial Health
HealthyHealthy · Growing · 2% CAGR over 3y
Location
Cameron Fabric Engineering Ltd
Trajectory
5y · 2021–NowFinancial sub-scores
Computed from 5 filingsDesigns and manufactures fabric-based inflatable structures and components, including hot-air balloon envelopes, altitude and gas balloons, and bespoke installations and special‑shape inflatables for…
Serves both businesses and consumers, including hot-air balloon pilots, owners and operators, plus organisations commissioning custom fabric structures, branded balloons, event installations and…
Financial Health
WeakWeak
Location
K.M. ENGINEERING LIMITED
Trajectory
3y · 2023–NowFinancial sub-scores
Computed from 3 filingsManufactures high‑volume precision turned components using CNC sliding head machining. Provides in‑house design, prototyping and electro‑mechanical sub‑assembly, producing parts and specialised…
Serves OEMs and manufacturers needing high-volume precision components and sub-assemblies across food packaging, labelling, firefighting, telecoms, electronics, automotive, aeronautical, marine,…
Financial Health
StrongStrong · Growing, Hiring · 8% CAGR over 2y
Location
STRESSEXPRESS LIMITED
Trajectory
4y · 2022–NowFinancial sub-scores
Computed from 4 filingsFinancial Health
DistressedDistressed
Location
Cameron Balloons Limited
Trajectory
5y · 2021–NowFinancial sub-scores
Computed from 5 filingsManufactures hot air balloons and related equipment, including envelopes, baskets, burners, fuel cylinders and base units. Also undertakes fabric engineering projects and produces specialised…
Serves hot-air balloon pilots, leisure and competition balloonists, passenger ride operators, dealers, brands seeking promotional balloons, and organisations commissioning lighter-than-air or…
Financial Health
StableStable · 2% CAGR over 4y
Location
DEEP MANUFACTURING LIMITED
Trajectory
1y · 2025–NowProvides large-format metal additive manufacturing using Wire Arc Additive Manufacturing (WAAM) systems. Produces large-scale metal components, rapid prototypes, and conducts materials testing for…
Serves B2B engineering and procurement teams in energy, maritime, aerospace, defence and subsea sectors needing large-scale, high-integrity metal component parts.
Financial Health
Insufficient historyInsufficient history
Location
Jet Hawker Limited
Trajectory
5y · 2022–NowFinancial sub-scores
Computed from 5 filingsFinancial Health
DistressedDistressed
Location
RM KELLY LIMITED
Trajectory
5y · 2021–NowFinancial sub-scores
Computed from 5 filingsManufactures leather interior trim components and upholstery for automotive, aerospace, rail and leisure sectors, supplying vehicle manufacturers with cut, stitched and finished leather parts using…
Serves B2B customers in automotive, aerospace, rail and leisure sectors, including luxury vehicle marques and organisations sourcing interior trim and leather components.
Financial Health
StableStable · -62% CAGR over 4y
Location
CONSOLITE TECHNOLOGY LIMITED
Trajectory
5y · 2021–NowFinancial sub-scores
Computed from 5 filingsDesigns and manufactures night‑vision‑goggle (NVG) compatible lighting, filters and LED systems for military aircraft, naval vessels and vehicles. Provides lighting upgrades, testing and consultancy,…
Serves defence and aerospace customers, including armed forces, naval platform operators, shipbuilders, aircraft and military vehicle integrators, and defence contractors requiring NVG-compatible…
Financial Health
StableStable · -65% CAGR over 4y
Location
McBraida Plc
Trajectory
3y · 2023–NowFinancial sub-scores
Computed from 3 filingsManufactures precision‑machined components for high‑technology industries using CNC turning, milling, EDM and grinding. Provides design for manufacturing support and rapid production of complex parts…
Serves B2B customers in high-technology, quality-critical industries, including aerospace supply chains and other manufacturers requiring AS/EN 9100 and NADCAP-approved suppliers.
Financial Health
HealthyHealthy · Hiring · 12% CAGR over 2y
Location
Wickham Engineering (2012) Limited
Trajectory
5y · 2021–NowFinancial sub-scores
Computed from 5 filingsProvides precision CNC machining, toolmaking and assembly services. Machines components from titanium, Inconel, stainless steel, aluminium and plastics using CNC machining centres and lathes, with…
Serves B2B customers, particularly worldwide aerospace companies, ground support organisations and packaging industry businesses needing precision machined parts and assemblies.
Financial Health
WeakWeak · -4% CAGR over 4y
Location
Cross Manufacturing (1938)
Manufactures metallic sealing components and precision-engineered parts, including brush seals, retaining rings, circlips, locking rings, spring washers and machined components. Supplies sealing…
Serves B2B engineering and manufacturing customers in aerospace, automotive, marine, medical, motorsport, power generation, renewables, hydrogen transport, turbomachinery and industrial sectors.
Location
McBraida Holdings Limited
Trajectory
4y · 2022–NowFinancial sub-scores
Computed from 4 filingsProvides precision engineering and CNC machining services, manufacturing complex components using turning, milling, EDM and grinding. Also offers design for manufacturing support and rapid production…
Serves B2B customers in high-technology industries, including manufacturers and engineering teams requiring precision-machined components to stringent quality standards.
Financial Health
StrongStrong · 12% CAGR over 2y
Location
South West Industrial Finishers Company Limited
Trajectory
5y · 2021–NowFinancial sub-scores
Computed from 5 filingsProvides industrial surface treatment and metal finishing services, including anodising, electroplating, cadmium and nickel plating, passivation, phosphating, dry film lubrication, blasting,…
Serves B2B manufacturers, OEMs and engineering supply chains in aerospace and defence, automotive, medical, marine, oil and gas, and power generation/nuclear sectors.
Financial Health
StableStable · 0% CAGR over 4y
Location
Megit Group Limited
Trajectory
4y · 2022–NowFinancial sub-scores
Computed from 4 filingsDesigns and manufactures aerospace, defence and energy system components, including braking systems, sensors, avionics displays, fire protection, fuel systems, thermal management equipment and engine…
Serves B2B customers in aerospace, defence and energy, including civil and business aircraft manufacturers/operators, military aviation and ground vehicle programmes, naval users, and power…
Financial Health
StrongStrong · Hiring · 26% CAGR over 3y
Location
TEKLAGRAF LIMITED
Trajectory
5y · 2020–NowFinancial sub-scores
Computed from 5 filingsManufactures polycarbonate, vinyl and metal labels, placards and decals for aerospace, marine, defence and medical applications. Produces items such as aircraft placards, anodised aluminium labels…
Serves B2B customers in aerospace, marine, defence and medical sectors, including major aerospace companies and organisations with specification-driven, compliance-focused labelling and…
Financial Health
HealthyHealthy · 0% CAGR over 5y
Location
AUTOMATIC INDUSTRIAL MACHINES LIMITED
Trajectory
5y · 2021–NowFinancial sub-scores
Computed from 5 filingsProvides precision CNC machining and turning services, including multi‑axis machining, automated machining cells, 3D laser scanning for reverse engineering, and CMM inspection. Produces prototype and…
Sells to B2B manufacturers and engineering firms needing precision machined parts, especially in aerospace, automotive and motorsport, electronics, food processing and packaging, fluid control,…
Financial Health
HealthyHealthy · -2% CAGR over 4y
Location
NM Aero Consultants Limited
Trajectory
2y · 2023–NowFinancial sub-scores
Computed from 2 filingsSupplies materials and related equipment for aerospace and composite manufacturing, including structural and film adhesives, surface treatment systems, release agents, lightning strike protection…
Serves B2B manufacturers of composite components, primarily in aerospace engineering, defence, aerospace electronics, aircraft maintenance, metal processing, and high-temperature or honeycomb…
Financial Health
DistressedDistressed
Location
Element Digital Engineering
Provides fluid systems engineering services including design of fuel, air, hydraulic and engine systems, fluid modelling, equipment design, surge and electrostatic analysis, and development of test…
Serves business customers in aerospace, renewable energy, oil and gas, water, and nuclear industries worldwide, particularly organisations needing fluid systems engineering expertise for fuel, air,…
Financial Health
Insufficient historyInsufficient history
Location
WILSON & SONS (ENGINEERING) LIMITED
Trajectory
4y · 2023–NowFinancial sub-scores
Computed from 4 filingsProvides subcontract precision engineering and CNC machining services, producing machined components to tight tolerances. Offers CNC milling, CNC turning and 5‑axis machining using various metals and…
Serves B2B customers in rail, aerospace, defence, nuclear, electronics, hydraulics, pneumatics, computing, mining, automotive and mechanical handling, including UK-wide companies and export customers.
Financial Health
StableStable · -76% CAGR over 3y
Location
Armadillo Engineering (UK) Limited
Trajectory
3y · 2023–NowFinancial sub-scores
Computed from 3 filingsProvides subcontract precision engineering services including CNC machining, metal fabrication and cutting of industrial components and structures. Supplies parts and technical support for oil,…
Serves B2B customers in the oil, aerospace, architectural and other industrial sectors, including organisations needing subcontract precision engineering support for both high- and low-volume…
Financial Health
StableStable · Hiring · 9% CAGR over 2y
Location
SJB Engineering Limited
Trajectory
3y · 2023–NowFinancial sub-scores
Computed from 3 filingsProvides subcontract CNC machining services including CNC turning and milling to produce precision metal components in small to medium batches. Works with aluminium, steels and aerospace alloys and…
Serves B2B engineering and manufacturing customers needing subcontract precision components, including buyers with small to medium batch, prototype, and specialist material requirements across…
Financial Health
WeakWeak
Location
SA Ceramics Ltd
Trajectory
5y · 2022–NowFinancial sub-scores
Computed from 5 filingsDesigns and manufactures advanced technical ceramic components and assemblies, including alumina, zirconia and silicon nitride parts, ceramic‑to‑metal assemblies, coatings and machinable glass…
Serves B2B engineering and manufacturing customers in aerospace, analytical instruments, automotive, medical, petrochemical, power generation, security and defence, semiconductor processing,…
Financial Health
DistressedDistressed · 0% CAGR over 4y
Location
Phoenix Recording Systems Limited
Trajectory
5y · 2021–NowFinancial sub-scores
Computed from 5 filingsDevelops and manufactures voice and data recording systems for air traffic control and other traffic management environments. Its Veristore platform captures, stores and synchronously replays…
Sells to B2B and public-sector traffic control operators, including air traffic control organisations, port authorities, and military environments. Serves both large and small clients needing…
Financial Health
HealthyHealthy · Hiring · 4% CAGR over 4y
Location
Spindrac Limited
Trajectory
5y · 2021–NowFinancial sub-scores
Computed from 5 filingsFinancial Health
DistressedDistressed
Location
SPACEMECH LIMITED
Trajectory
3y · 2023–NowFinancial sub-scores
Computed from 3 filingsFinancial Health
StrongStrong
Location
Cairns Associates Limited
Trajectory
5y · 2021–NowFinancial sub-scores
Computed from 5 filingsFinancial Health
StableStable · 0% CAGR over 4y
Location
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How Bristol aerospace companies work and how to sell to them
What they do
Bristol aerospace manufacturers typically earn revenue through build-to-print parts, engineered components, sub-assemblies, tooling, test work and maintenance-linked production. Pricing is usually quotation-led, shaped by drawings, materials, tolerances, inspection requirements and batch volume rather than a public rate card. Some firms add non-recurring engineering, design-for-manufacture support or documentation services around the physical item. Repeat revenue tends to come from qualified supplier status, spares demand, framework agreements and programme-linked call-offs, not subscription models. Margins depend on process control, yield, material purchasing, specialist labour and the ability to pass audits without slowing production.
Who they sell to
Most sell into aerospace primes, systems integrators, maintenance organisations and defence-adjacent aviation supply chains, with occasional work for adjacent precision-engineering markets when capacity allows. Buyers are usually engineering managers, quality leads, supply-chain directors, procurement teams and programme managers; finance may enter late to test payment terms and working-capital exposure. Contracting is commonly direct, relationship-led and document-heavy, with supplier onboarding, sample approvals, quality audits and technical reviews before repeat orders arrive. Sales cycles can run from a short tactical RFQ for a known process to a much longer qualification path where the supplier must prove repeatability and release discipline.
What they buy
Aerospace manufacturers tend to spend on systems and services that protect quality, traceability, delivery performance and margin on small-batch work. Relevant categories include quality-management software, inspection and calibration tools, ERP or MRP systems, production scheduling, document control, supplier-risk monitoring, cyber security, finance systems and engineering workflow tools. Many also buy specialist recruitment, apprenticeships support, technical training, certification advice, export-control guidance, insurance, accounting, R&D tax advice and energy or facilities services. For sellers, the practical test is whether the offer reduces audit effort, shortens quote-to-delivery time, improves utilisation or helps scarce engineering and inspection staff handle more work without adding avoidable compliance risk.
Why and how to sell to them
Aerospace buyers tend to evaluate vendors when a customer audit is approaching, a new programme or retrofit package changes documentation demands, a quality non-conformance exposes process weakness, or a production bottleneck starts affecting delivery dates. Leadership change, succession planning, new premises, equipment investment and movement into regulated aviation work can also create intent. Outbound messages usually work better when tied to operational pain rather than broad growth language: fewer escaped defects, clearer release packs, faster RFQs, better material traceability, lower rework and easier evidence for CAA-facing quality expectations. Proof should be specific to regulated manufacturing workflows, not generic industrial productivity.
How this list is built
Data sources
This list is built from UK Companies House filings, XBRL accounts data, and semantic analysis of each company's public website. Revenue and headcount figures come from the most recent filed accounts; where the company has not filed, values are estimated using a model trained on filed history and peer benchmarks and are labelled as estimates.
Classification
Rather than relying solely on SIC codes, Firmbase classifies each company semantically: the company's website is crawled, an AI model reads what the company actually sells, and the company is placed into the relevant industry and subsectors. SIC codes are used as one signal but not the only one. This means a company that registered under a generic SIC code but pivoted into (for example) fintech is correctly identified as fintech, not as its original SIC category.
Freshness
The underlying company data is refreshed from Companies House continuously; filings appear in the list within days of submission. The curated list ordering is regenerated when the underlying data moves meaningfully (company count changes by more than 5%, a new company enters the top-ranked segment, or the filed-revenue numbers for the top firms change). You can see the last-updated timestamp near the top of the page.
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