Ian Blackman

Experience

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  BAE Systems, Inc.

  Sept 1977 - Apr 2005

  Procurement Manager|Component Engineering Manager| Obsolescence Strategy

  From 1977-1980 I studied Business Studies sponsored by BAE with industrial traineeship included placements in financial accounts, management accounts, contract management, procurement, production services and project administration. I passed my BEC Higher National (HNC) IN Business Studies in 1981.For 28 years I worked in the Defence sector, mainly at the Rochester Avionics site and including two secondments at the Basildon Communications and Electro-Optics business. From 1979-1996 I worked in Procurement and rose to the level of Procurement Executive reporting to the Operations or Procurement Director and leading the development of the function and training, overseeing high value spending and tenders and approval of new accounts. I also undertook technical training for buyers. The Rochester site was a major operational site, my budget in 1987 was £35m. In 1990 the company budget was over £130m.In 1996 I was reassigned to the Engineering Directorate as Component Engineering Manager to attend design reviews and work with new projects to improve component selection and supplier engagement. In 1999 I was appointed Obsolescence Strategy Manager for the UK Based Avionics business units. I also had a wider role to embed Obsolescence Management in the Marine, Space and Air platforms business throughout the UK.Skills I learnt over this long period include Negotiation, Project Management, Risk Management, Team leadership, Mentoring. Delivering Technical training, Public Speaking and presentations, bid process and estimating, Value Engineering, Appraisals and reviews. Show less

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  Electronic Component Supply Network

  Jan 2009 - now

  Executive Leadership Group and EOL/ReuSE Leader

  I am part of the leadership group of this powerful and influential representative body for UK based electronic component manufacturers and distributors The electronic components supply network is now in its 42nd year as a “member managed, not-for-profit” trade association linking near market research, manufacturers, channel partners, systems integrators and re-use / end of life of electronic components.

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  ESCO Electronic Component Supply Network

  Jan 2009 - Nov 2016

  Director

  ESCO (formerly known as UKEA United Kingdom Electronics Alliance) pulled together the diverse group of trade associations within the electronics sector, presenting a unique opportunity for the electronics sector to speak with a coordinated voice to Government. It provided a resource for government departments and agencies to enable them to have greater confidence when forming policy and support programmes for the sector. These activities required focused co-ordination with each association “sharing” tasks or activities. Initially I was a Director before becoming Vice Chairman from 2010-2014. Show less

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  Component Obsolescence Group International Limited

  Jan 2009 - Oct 2015

  UK Secretariat

  From 1997 I had been part of the industry team that formed COG (Component Obsolescence Group) and was its second Chairman and longest serving board member. From 1997-2009 I was a member of COG and a Steering Group member for most of that time. I was elected Chairman twice and involved in the establishment of the website content, the writing and publication of the guidance booklets, establishing the Solution Providers content, and representing COG in standardisation efforts.In 2008 I joined the Secretariat team that managed membership payments, services and events. My role included public speaking on behalf of COG, representing COG in other Trade Association and industry meetings, introducing new members to the organisation, maintenance of the website, and helping the marketing team promote the events and brand name of COG. For the biennial conference and workshops I sourced speakers and set up interesting and educational meetings for members. I supported the elected Chairman in delivering his or her ambitions for the group and liaised with the COG Directors to ensure we met our legal obligations. Show less

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  Cognition Association Management

  Jan 2009 - Dec 2014

  General Manager

  In 2008 I joined the management company that ran COG as director of the trade association management company. The business was being sold and rebranded and I was brought in to manage this trade association membership business and organise events on their customers behalf. Cognition ran around 25 events a year and had four main customers. My role was to promote and develop the organisation nationally and internationally. Cognition specialised in supporting the Electronics and Metals industries. During my time with the group turnover grew more than 300% and staff numbers were increased by 25%. Show less

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  EPSRC Through-Life Engineering Services Initiative

  Jan 2014 - Jun 2016

  Knowledge Hub Member and Member of Centre Advisory Board (CAB)

  I represented IIOM in this industry wide effort to improve the UK's competitiveness in the growing field of long term support opportunities. The UK had leadership positions in sectors such as Defence, Aerospace, Railways, Marine infrastructure. The growth of servitisation and its recognition among big businesses is an important factor in the future profitability of businesses where the value of support far outweighs new developments.

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  Elan Business Support

  Oct 2015 - now

  Managing Director

  In 2015 I set up my own business to contract with IIOM and to establish my own support offering for Engineering and Procurement projects. I also exchange referrals with my business network, some examples are shown on my website. IIOM is my major contract however I acquired the Anticounterfeiting forum in 2016. This organisation offers expert networking and training events. Other projects I have recently undertaken independently include obsolescence expertise for overseas military customers, a marketing plan for a European environmental storage company, a chapter in an asset management book and various speaking engagements in the UK and Northern Europe. No longer a limited company but still open for business! Show less

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  International Institute of Obsolescence Management (IIOM)

  Nov 2015 - Nov 2021

  Chief Technical Officer & Non Executive Board Member (formerly Technical Manager)

  I am a contractor working for IIOM through my own Elan Business Support. My responsibilities within the CTO contract with IIOM includes governance documents, financial and activity reporting, new member and chapter development, marketing and support to the International board and overseas chapters, member mentoring and event content, public speaking and networking on IIOM's behalf, attending events and exhibitions, writing press releases and articles, managing social media, & website content.

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  Anticounterfeiting Forum

  Dec 2016 - now

  Owner/Partner

  The Anti-Counterfeiting Forum is wholly owned and managed by Elan Business Support Ltd.The Forum helps to exchange, develop and disseminate best practice and intelligence to mitigate against the threat of counterfeits in the electronic and electrical supply chains by:working closely with a number of Government and industry bodies and attending a number of relevant Government / industry forums providing an Anti-Counterfeiting Forum website, organising annual counterfeit awareness seminars and providing presentations and talks at relevant industry events. The business is run by myself and my colleague Roger Rogowski - a well known Electronics sector veteran with experience in Component Distribution, Market Intelligence tools and Business Development Show less

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  Solid State Disks Ltd

  Nov 2020 - Dec 2023

  Consultant

  I was supporting SSD with business development and marketing activities in multiple sectors and obsolescence awareness.

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  Raf Manston History Museum

  Apr 2023 - now

  Volunteer Staff

  Volunteer - supporting events and promotional opporunities