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Aerospace Defence Companies in Sheffield: 25 Active Firms (2026)
Aerospace defence companies design, manufacture and support aircraft, components and mission systems in and around Sheffield.
Purchasing usually sits with engineering, programme, procurement and quality teams rather than a single software-style buyer. The closer matches are lower-mid-market suppliers with design, machining, testing, maintenance or specialist supply-chain capability, selling into civil aviation primes, defence procurement routes and export-oriented aerospace programmes. Engagements tend to be qualification-heavy: drawings, material traceability, inspection evidence and certification expectations matter as much as price. Sales cycles are therefore shaped by approved-supplier status, production readiness and the buyer’s tolerance for dependence on a specialist Sheffield-area supplier.
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Sheffield has 25 actively trading aerospace defence companies in this list, so the local picture is a concentrated supply-chain niche rather than a broad aerospace cluster. Reported employment totals 551 people, which points to a base of engineering-led SMEs with some production capacity but limited depth in larger employers. The most relevant commercial filter is not only whether a firm works in aerospace or defence, but whether it can sustain audited quality processes, controlled-goods handling and programme delivery expectations while still operating at Sheffield-area supplier scale.
Civil aviation work sits within CAA safety and certification expectations, and ADS notes that the CAA’s greater rulemaking and certification role makes alignment with EASA and closer FAA cooperation relevant for market access. Defence and dual-use exports add a separate compliance layer. GOV.UK expects exporters to check the consolidated list and apply to the Export Control Joint Unit where goods are controlled, where end-use concerns arise or where sanctions apply. Exporting controlled items without the correct licence is a criminal offence, so smaller suppliers often need export-control discipline before they look like credible programme partners.
Local suppliers appear likely to remain tied to qualification-heavy work rather than volume manufacturing alone. Scale-up capacity looks relatively scarce, which may favour firms able to combine specialist engineering with repeatable production, documentation and export-control processes. Civil and defence buyers also tend to prefer continuity once a supplier is qualified, but that can make entry slow for younger firms. Consolidation pressure may come less from headline market expansion than from primes and larger suppliers seeking dependable capacity, audit-ready quality systems and fewer weak links in controlled supply chains.
25
Active firms
2026
5
Above £5M
Revenue-generating firms
4
New since 2022
Recent incorporations
Key facts
About 20% of the trading cohort reports turnover above £5M (5 of 25 firms) — the rest sits below that revenue band.
16% of the cohort was incorporated since 2022 (4 firms), so a sizeable share is in its first few filing cycles.
Civil aerospace work is overseen by the CAA, with rulemaking, certification alignment with EASA and FAA cooperation all relevant to market access.
Defence and dual-use exports require checks against the consolidated list, with licence applications handled by the Export Control Joint Unit where items are controlled, end-use concerns arise or sanctions apply.
The Export Control Act 2002 and Export Control Order 2008 set the legal basis for controlled exports; exporting without the correct licence is a criminal offence.
UK aerospace directly employs 104,000 people, supports 6,000 apprentices, records £30.5 billion of turnover and exports £20 billion.
The UK won defence orders worth £13.2 billion in 2024, up from £11.9 billion in 2023, and aerospace products accounted for 53% of UK defence export orders over 2020–2024.
Top Sheffield Aerospace Defence companies
Arnold Wragg Limited
Trajectory
4y · 2023–NowFinancial sub-scores
Computed from 4 filingsManufactures safety‑critical fasteners and locking nuts for aerospace, rail, nuclear, oil and gas sectors. Produces engineered components to AS9100 standards and provides inspection, subcontract…
Sells to B2B buyers in aerospace, defence, rail, nuclear, oil and gas, and general engineering, including procurement, materials and supply chain teams needing safety-critical, traceable fasteners.
Financial Health
WeakWeak · 0% CAGR over 3y
Location
STAINLESS PLATING LIMITED
Trajectory
5y · 2020–NowFinancial sub-scores
Computed from 5 filingsProvides precision surface engineering and metal finishing services including anodising, electroplating, chromate conversion, passivation, painting and non‑destructive testing, with processes such as…
Sells to B2B customers in the aerospace, defence, electronics, and oil and gas sectors, including aerospace OEMs and other organisations needing precision surface engineering, plating, anodising,…
Financial Health
HealthyHealthy · -2% CAGR over 4y
Location
NPRIME Limited
Trajectory
5y · 2021–NowFinancial sub-scores
Computed from 5 filingsProvides engineering test and measurement systems including data acquisition equipment, telemetry and RF technologies, and GNSS solutions, supporting defence and aerospace testing applications, with…
Serves engineering teams and organisations in defence, aerospace and related test environments, including buyers of data acquisition, telemetry, RF and GNSS measurement systems.
Financial Health
StableStable · -12% CAGR over 4y
Location
INDEPENDENT FORGINGS & ALLOYS LIMITED
Trajectory
5y · 2021–NowFinancial sub-scores
Computed from 5 filingsManufactures high‑integrity forged metal components using open‑die and closed‑die forging, ring rolling and extrusion processes. Provides heat treatment, machining, testing and inspection for alloys…
Serves B2B engineering and manufacturing customers in aerospace, oil and gas, power generation, civil nuclear, off-highway, industrial processing and motorsport sectors requiring quality-assured…
Financial Health
HealthyHealthy · -65% CAGR over 4y
Location
Oldham Engineering Limited
Trajectory
3y · 2022–NowFinancial sub-scores
Computed from 3 filingsProvides engineering manufacturing services including CNC machining, coded fabrication, and complex assembly. Produces bespoke and batch fabricated and machined components and equipment, and delivers…
Serves B2B industrial organisations and prime contractors in nuclear, defence, oil and gas/subsea, aerospace, rail, power generation, construction, marine, mining, chemical and pharmaceutical sectors.
Financial Health
StrongStrong · Profitable, Growing, Hiring · 39% CAGR over 2y
Location
Texmo Blank Limited
Trajectory
2y · 2024–NowFinancial sub-scores
Computed from 2 filingsManufactures precision metal components using investment casting processes. Produces steel, aluminium, cobalt and nickel alloy castings and provides design engineering, prototyping, tooling,…
Sells to B2B procurement and engineering teams at aerospace, automotive, industrial and medical manufacturers, including OEMs with complex, quality-controlled component requirements and global supply…
Financial Health
WeakWeak · Hiring · 50% CAGR over 1y
Location
ABBEY ENGINEERED PRODUCTS LIMITED
Trajectory
2y · 2023–NowFinancial sub-scores
Computed from 2 filingsManufactures bespoke forged metal components for oil and gas, defence, nuclear, aerospace and engineering sectors. Provides forging, heat treatment, machining, cutting and non‑destructive testing,…
Serves B2B customers in oil and gas, defence, nuclear, aerospace and general engineering, including industrial manufacturers and project teams needing bespoke forged components worldwide.
Financial Health
DistressedDistressed · 0% CAGR over 1y
Location
Beamshape Limited
Trajectory
3y · 2023–NowFinancial sub-scores
Computed from 3 filingsDevelops electron beam melting (EBM) 3D printers that use high‑power electron beams to manufacture metal parts from powder. Also designs custom electron beam systems and electron‑optical software for…
Sells B2B to aerospace, medical, energy and defence organisations needing advanced metal additive manufacturing, plus semiconductor and life sciences partners seeking custom electron beam systems.
Financial Health
StrongStrong · Growing · 2% CAGR over 2y
Location
Sandiacre Precision Engineering Limited
Trajectory
5y · 2021–NowFinancial sub-scores
Computed from 5 filingsProvides metal finishing services for precision components, including polishing, deburring, blasting, vibro and centrifugal barrel polishing, and CMM inspection. Specialises in finishing titanium and…
Sells to businesses in the aerospace, nuclear and power generation sectors, particularly manufacturers and suppliers needing precision finishing for high-volume metal components such as titanium…
Financial Health
WeakWeak · 0% CAGR over 4y
Location
MAGNOMATICS LIMITED
Trajectory
5y · 2020–NowFinancial sub-scores
Computed from 5 filingsDesigns and manufactures electric motors, generators and magnetic gear‑based drivetrains, including traction motors, marine thrusters and hybrid transmissions. Provides engineering design and…
Serves B2B engineering and manufacturing customers in hybrid vehicles, marine propulsion, aerospace, rail, wind and ocean energy, and industrial motor applications, including organisations needing…
Financial Health
HealthyHealthy · Hiring · 8% CAGR over 5y
Location
ELECTRO ENTERPRISES LIMITED
Trajectory
5y · 2021–NowFinancial sub-scores
Computed from 5 filingsSupplies electronic components and hardware for aerospace and defence applications, including interconnect systems, wire and cable, harness management products, and electromechanical parts, and…
Financial Health
WeakWeak · -70% CAGR over 4y
Location
Lomas Engineering Limited
Trajectory
3y · 2023–NowFinancial sub-scores
Computed from 3 filingsManufactures precision cutting tools for aerospace and engineering applications, including special cutting tools, aircraft tooling, drills, reamers, countersinks, and spotface and counterbore tools…
Serves B2B customers in the aerospace industry, particularly aircraft and composite manufacturers and engineering teams needing precision cutting tool suppliers.
Financial Health
WeakWeak · 3% CAGR over 2y
Location
Phlux
Trajectory
5y · 2022–NowFinancial sub-scores
Computed from 5 filingsDevelops and manufactures indium gallium arsenide (InGaAs) avalanche photodiode infrared sensors operating at 1550 nm. Supplies components and packaged devices for LiDAR systems, laser rangefinders,…
Serves OEMs and engineering teams building infrared sensing systems, including LiDAR, laser rangefinder, optical fibre test (OTDR) and fibre sensing equipment manufacturers.
Financial Health
StableStable · Hiring · 51% CAGR over 4y
Location
ALBERT MARSH AND BESTELITE HARDFACING CO LTD
Trajectory
5y · 2021–NowFinancial sub-scores
Computed from 5 filingsManufactures high‑precision engineered components with optional hardfacing using welding and machining processes. Produces hard‑faced composite parts and provides precision machining for sectors…
Serves B2B engineering and procurement teams in oil and gas, defence, nuclear, marine, power generation, agriculture, rail, aerospace and general engineering sectors requiring critical-use components.
Financial Health
StableStable · -8% CAGR over 4y
Location
C. W. FLETCHER & SONS LIMITED
Trajectory
5y · 2021–NowFinancial sub-scores
Computed from 5 filingsProvides precision engineering and manufacturing services, producing complex machined fabrications and components for the aerospace, nuclear power, and space sectors. Uses advanced machining and…
Serves B2B customers and supply-chain buyers in aerospace, nuclear power and space exploration, including engineering and procurement teams on complex, safety-critical projects.
Financial Health
StableStable · Profitable · -6% CAGR over 4y
Location
ADVANCED MANUFACTURING (SHEFFIELD) LIMITED
Trajectory
3y · 2023–NowFinancial sub-scores
Computed from 3 filingsProvides bespoke precision machining and advanced manufacturing services, producing hard‑metal components and prototypes. Works from product development through to production supply, delivering…
Serves blue-chip OEMs and engineering teams in aerospace, energy, defence and nuclear sectors, from R&D and prototype programmes through to production build-line needs.
Financial Health
HealthyHealthy · -84% CAGR over 3y
Location
S B Manufacturing Services Limited
Trajectory
5y · 2021–NowFinancial sub-scores
Computed from 5 filingsFinancial Health
DistressedDistressed · 0% CAGR over 4y
Location
N.W.Maintenance Ltd
Trajectory
5y · 2021–NowFinancial sub-scores
Computed from 5 filingsFinancial Health
StableStable · 0% CAGR over 4y
Location
R G Hughes Ltd
Trajectory
5y · 2020–NowFinancial sub-scores
Computed from 5 filingsDesigns and integrates satellite, RF and IP‑based communication systems. Supplies satellite terminals, modems and airtime, and provides managed connectivity, network monitoring and secure deployable…
Serves defence and government agencies, emergency response organisations, commercial businesses, and oil, gas and mineral exploration companies with remote or operational communication needs.
Financial Health
WeakWeak · 0% CAGR over 4y
Location
KINCH AVIATION SUPPORT LTD
Trajectory
5y · 2021–NowFinancial sub-scores
Computed from 5 filingsFinancial Health
DistressedDistressed
Location
Dynamic Die and Steel (Sheffield) Limited
Trajectory
4y · 2022–NowFinancial sub-scores
Computed from 4 filingsProvides precision engineering and subcontract CNC machining services, including CNC milling, CNC turning, CMM inspection and first-stage machining. Manufactures drop forging dies and large machined…
Serves UK B2B engineering and manufacturing customers in aerospace, defence, automotive, medical, oil and gas, mining, transportation, commercial vehicles, and forging/forming sectors requiring…
Financial Health
StableStable · Hiring · 14% CAGR over 3y
Location
RUN FLAT SYSTEMS LIMITED
Trajectory
5y · 2021–NowFinancial sub-scores
Computed from 5 filingsDesigns and supplies combined beadlock and runflat support systems for vehicle wheels. Produces runflat inserts, military wheel systems, and wheel‑tyre assemblies that enable vehicles to continue…
Serves B2B and defence/public-sector buyers, including military vehicle programmes, armoured vehicle manufacturers, specialist wheel/tyre assemblers and security fleet operators.
Financial Health
HealthyHealthy · Hiring · 9% CAGR over 4y
Location
HARTHILL DEVELOPMENTS LIMITED
Trajectory
4y · 2022–NowFinancial sub-scores
Computed from 4 filingsProvides precision engineering and CNC machining services including turning, milling, grinding and toolmaking. Manufactures subcontract machined components, supplies cutting tools and machine shop…
Serves B2B customers in aerospace, defence, automotive, oil and gas, food processing, printing and machine tool manufacturing, including firms needing precision subcontract machined parts and…
Financial Health
StableStable · -6% CAGR over 3y
Location
Willis Contracting Ltd
Trajectory
3y · 2023–NowFinancial sub-scores
Computed from 3 filingsFinancial Health
StableStable · -90% CAGR over 2y
Location
VOOV SURGICAL LTD
Trajectory
3y · 2023–NowFinancial sub-scores
Computed from 3 filingsDevelops flexible, printable graphene-based pressure and impact sensor systems and related intellectual property. Operates and supports IoT businesses that use these sensors to collect and analyse…
Serves B2B and public-sector organisations in wearables, industrial, defence, utilities and aerospace markets, including teams responsible for pressure or impact data collection.
Financial Health
DistressedDistressed · -90% CAGR over 2y
Location
COTRA LTD
Trajectory
5y · 2021–NowFinancial sub-scores
Computed from 5 filingsFinancial Health
DistressedDistressed · 0% CAGR over 4y
Location
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How Sheffield Aerospace Defence companies work and how to sell to them
What they do
Sheffield-area aerospace and defence suppliers usually monetise engineering capability rather than packaged IP. Revenue commonly comes from contract design, build-to-print machining, fabrication, assembly, testing, maintenance support, spares and specialist problem-solving for programme teams. Pricing tends to mix non-recurring engineering fees, time-and-materials work, fixed-price work packages and unit pricing once a part or process moves into repeat production. Margins are shaped by material traceability, inspection burden and rework risk, so commercially mature suppliers will care as much about change control and liability as they do about headline order value.
Who they sell to
Most sell to larger aerospace manufacturers, defence contractors, systems integrators, maintenance organisations and public-sector procurement routes, rather than to broad commercial buyers. The practical buying group usually includes engineering managers, programme leads, procurement, quality and operations, with commercial or export-control input where controlled goods are involved. Sales cycles tend to run through RFQs, approved-supplier onboarding, technical reviews and audit gates, so a warm engineering relationship may still take months to become a purchase order. Direct sales and relationship-led referrals matter, but formal procurement processes often decide whether the supplier can be used at all.
What they buy
Aerospace and defence firms tend to spend on systems and services that reduce delivery risk, audit effort and engineering rework. Relevant categories include ERP and MRP software, quality management, document control, CAD/CAM licence management, production scheduling, inspection workflow, calibration services, cyber-security, secure file exchange and supplier management. Many also buy specialist legal, insurance, accounting, export-control advisory, certification support, technical recruitment and contract manufacturing capacity. For sellers, the useful distinction is between office systems that help manage compliance and shop-floor or engineering tools that affect production readiness, traceability and delivery performance.
Why and how to sell to them
Buying intent often appears when a supplier wins a new programme, prepares for a customer audit, moves from prototype work into repeat production, applies for controlled-goods permissions or tries to qualify with a larger customer. The five Sheffield-area firms above £5M revenue are more likely to have budget for systems that replace spreadsheet-led purchasing, quality or capacity planning; the four incorporated since 2022 may be more responsive to lighter support around documentation, compliance and sales process. Outbound messaging should tie the offer to audit evidence, shorter RFQ response times, lower rework exposure or fewer blockers in approved-supplier onboarding.
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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