Bristol-based aerospace project planners Plexus Planning has set up potentially lucrative deals for its groundbreaking technology in Brazil – one of the world’s fastest-developing economies.
The rapidly-expanding firm, which helps leading aerospace firms plan and develop better products with more competitive supply chains, took part in a trade delegation with five other South West firms to South America’s largest country with UK Trade & Investment (UKTI), the Government’s export boosting body. It also received funding from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF). 
While it had existing relationships with all of the main global aerospace businesses such as Boeing, GE and Rolls-Royce, it had no links with Brazilian aircraft maker Embraer, one of the country’s biggest companies and a major player in the sub 100-seat market.
Managing director Alasdair Pettigrew said: “Our target from the trip to Brazil was to engage with either Embraer direct or through an existing supply chain company. UKTI identified such companies and prepared meetings for us.
“The results exceeded our expectations and we have now a range of distributor partners to choose from together with direct contract opportunities.
“We are now absolutely confident that the sales to be secured in Brazil will contribute strongly to our company growth from £2m to £18m within the next five years.”
Plexus, based in Bristol’s Engine Shed innovation hub, was founded by Professor Jim Scanlan of Southampton University, Rob Smith of University College London and Ian Poccachard of Rolls-Royce in 2003.
They identified fundamental weaknesses in the way major firms handle large and complex projects, often leading to serious cost overruns. The firm already has a distributor in Shanghai for the high-growth Chinese aerospace market.
UKTI international trade adviser Graham White, who organised the tour, said: “Our delegation from the South West has received an enthusiastic response from potential customers in Brazil and provided a solid basis for growing a lucrative export market for our firms.”
The ERDF’s High Impact Growth Economies programme gives companies intensive and focused support for market entry into Brazil. In the past two years the programme has led to sales of £90m and helped create more than 300 jobs for companies across the South West.
