We're proud to announce that Elizabeth Williams, Partner and Head of our Aviation, Aerospace & Defence sector, has been appointed to the inaugural Advisory Board of the West Midlands Regional Defence and Security Cluster (WM RDSC).
The new Advisory Board brings together leaders from defence, industry, academia and innovation to provide strategic guidance and help drive the continued growth of the West Midlands' defence and security ecosystem.
Established as part of the Ministry of Defence-backed Regional Defence and Security Clusters programme, WM RDSC aims to strengthen collaboration across industry, accelerate innovation, increase SME participation in defence supply chains and raise the profile of the region's world-class capabilities in defence, advanced manufacturing, engineering and cyber security globally.
The cluster also has an important role to play in connecting regional expertise with national priorities and international opportunities, helping organisations engage more effectively in an increasingly interconnected defence and international security landscape.
Elizabeth joins a distinguished group of industry and academic leaders who will help shape the cluster's strategic direction and strengthen links between industry, government and academia. Together, the Advisory Board will help showcase the West Midlands as a centre of excellence for innovation and capability development, supporting engagement with partners, investors and organisations in the UK and internationally.
Commenting on her appointment, Elizabeth Williams said:
"The West Midlands is home to a vibrant and innovative defence and security community, with strengths spanning advanced manufacturing, engineering, technology and research.
As defence and security organisations increasingly operate within international supply chains and collaborative innovation networks, the region has a significant role to play in supporting both UK priorities and global partnerships.
I'm honoured to join the Advisory Board at such an exciting stage in the cluster's development and look forward to working alongside fellow board members to support collaboration, innovation and growth across the region."
As a longstanding adviser to organisations operating across the aerospace, defence and security sectors, Elizabeth brings extensive experience supporting businesses navigating complex commercial, regulatory and strategic challenges. Her appointment further reflects Gowling WLG's commitment to supporting the continued development of the UK's defence and security ecosystem while helping clients navigate the opportunities and challenges arising from international collaboration, investment and innovation across the sector.
The inaugural meeting of the Advisory Board will take place in September 2026.