People power helps Stirling Dynamics fly high

Having secured a heavyweight, high profile strategic partnership with Airbus which involves managing contractor teams and delivering a wide range of projects for the leading aircraft manufacturer, Clifton-based firm Stirling Dynamics has seen an exciting five-year period of growth despite the recession.

The company, which provides innovative products, and modelling and simulation for electronic, mechanical and hydraulic systems for the aerospace and marine industries, has evolved 'lean' internal processes. It has placed an emphasis on the automation of anything which is not highly skilled modelling or analysis to ensure that projects are run by key team members with a very high technical skill level. In addition to working with Airbus, new projects for Stirling Dynamics include modelling for the Ministry of Defence, and some non-defence work in other sectors including the oil and gas industry.

Staff at Stirling Dynamics are encouraged to invest in their own learning and skills growth, to suggest new ideas for the business, and take on increasing responsibility. The aim is that all engineers are involved in projects which interest and challenge them, and that they make decisions to invest a significant effort in automating the more standard tasks. This process and evolution has meant the firm has developed a new layer of middle management to progress ideas and take on responsibility for this strategy.

Stirling Dynamics has been recognised for its emphasis on company culture, strategic implemenation, best practice and change management with the Beacon South West accolade. Beacon companies are some of the region's top performing businesses which have been awarded Beacon status in recognition of their innovation and significant achievements.

Sue Baker, project director of Beacon South West, said: "Stirling Dynamics has shown progressive thinking and a high level of entrepreneurship having recognised that their critical strength is their knowledge, their ability to play to this and enhance it to reap the rewards from their staff, and ultimately their business. This culture has played a major part in securing the Airbus partnership, and has enabled them to develop further partnerships in other key sectors.

"Stirling Dynamics simply hasn't stood still, developing internal systems in-line with the demands of their growing relationship with Airbus and their staff growth. As a result, it has put measures in place which improve performance and effectiveness while maintaining flexibility of delivery. Bristol, and indeed the South West as a whole, has a fantastic number of aspiring entrepreneurs, and we are looking forward to Stirling Dynamics sharing their experience of best practice with them at our Boardroom sessions."

Bob Stirling, President of Stirling Dynamics, said: "We are proud to be celebrating our impressive period of growth with this award of Beacon status, and also for creating a great place for people to work. This award reflects our achievements both as a team, and as a business, especially in these times of recession. We will be in good company amongst the region's high growth businesses and hope to share our ideas with them, and also take from their experience to push on to the next phase of growth for Stirling Dynamics."

Beacon South West is a key business initiative of the South West of England Regional Development Agency (RDA).