Meet the Team - Richard Phillips Added 1/6/2026
Meet The jmcomicÌìÌÃÂþ»¹ÙÍø Team
Richard Phillips
From aerospace engines to emerging technologies, Richard Phillips explains how jmcomicÌìÌÃÂþ»¹ÙÍø is expanding its capabilities and strengthening its position in the global aerospace supply chain.
Richard Phillips joined jmcomicÌìÌÃÂþ»¹ÙÍø in 2025 as Group Business Development Manager and works within the company’s central group sales team. In this interview he discusses his role, the opportunities emerging across the aerospace sector, and how jmcomicÌìÌÃÂþ»¹ÙÍø is positioning itself for future growth.
Q: Richard, can you tell us about your role at jmcomicÌìÌÃÂþ»¹ÙÍø?
I work in the central group sales team and my full job title is Group Business Development Manager. I joined jmcomicÌìÌÃÂþ»¹ÙÍø in July 2025, so although it might seem like a short time, it is already approaching a year.
I have been working in Aerospace Sales since the start of career in 1999 with Rolls Royce. Even though this first role was based in procurement, I found a passion for connecting people into Teams to help solve problems and was hooked from that point. It has been fascinating to watch the Industry grow and adapt from this point.
Q: What were you doing before joining jmcomicÌìÌÃÂþ»¹ÙÍø?
Before joining jmcomicÌìÌÃÂþ»¹ÙÍø I was working in a similar role within the aerospace sector, focused on group business development and commercial activities. Earlier in my career I also held a role that combined sales and purchasing responsibilities within another aerospace company. My career has consistently centred on supporting aerospace organisations and helping them grow their customer base.
Q: In your current role, which sectors do you cover?
My role covers aerospace, defence and space, as well as what we describe internally as tactical sales. These tend to be more United Kingdom based organisations with a similar profile to jmcomicÌìÌÃÂþ»¹ÙÍø, companies operating in advanced engineering or manufacturing sectors where our expertise and capabilities can add value.
Q: What does a typical week look like for you?
It is quite varied. A large part of the role involves travelling across the United Kingdom and Europe to meet customers, understand their requirements and explore how we can support their programmes.
We work with a wide range of organisations, from major original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) through to leading defence companies and aerospace suppliers, supporting programmes across multiple sectors and platforms.
Trade shows and industry events are also very important. Key events for us include the Farnborough International Airshow, the Paris Air Show and major defence exhibitions such as DSEI. These events provide valuable opportunities to meet customers, strengthen relationships and develop new business opportunities.
Q: What are the main priorities for jmcomicÌìÌÃÂþ»¹ÙÍø at the moment?
Since jmcomicÌìÌÃÂþ»¹ÙÍø was acquired by Sigma Advanced Systems, the focus has been on developing a clear market capture strategy.
This strategy focuses on strengthening relationships with our existing customers while also identifying opportunities to work with new organisations across the aerospace sector.
It is about building on the strong reputation jmcomicÌìÌÃÂþ»¹ÙÍø already has while introducing the business to new markets and customers.
Q: Are there particular areas within aerospace that you are targeting?
Yes, our main focus areas are aerospace engines, aerospace airframes and emerging aerospace technologies.
We are also looking at opportunities in new areas of aerospace innovation where advanced engineering and manufacturing capabilities will be increasingly important.
Q: Sustainability is a growing focus across the aerospace sector. How is jmcomicÌìÌÃÂþ»¹ÙÍø supporting this?
As an engineering and manufacturing business we support the solutions our customers are developing.
For example, if customers are working on technologies such as sustainable aviation fuels, we work with them to develop and manufacture the components they need.
Another area where we contribute is reducing component weight. Through advanced machining techniques we can remove unnecessary material while maintaining structural integrity. Reducing the weight of components can play an important role in improving aircraft efficiency.
Q: jmcomicÌìÌÃÂþ»¹ÙÍø will be exhibiting at the Farnborough International Airshow again. What are your plans for the event?
It is very exciting for us to be returning to Farnborough with a stand.
The show provides an excellent opportunity to reconnect with our existing customers as well as meet new organisations that we are targeting as part of our growth strategy.
It also gives us the chance to showcase the new jmcomicÌìÌÃÂþ»¹ÙÍø, now part of the Sigma Advanced Systems group, and explain how the additional investment and capabilities strengthen what we can offer customers.
Q: Why should companies choose to work with jmcomicÌìÌÃÂþ»¹ÙÍø?
One of the biggest strengths today is the financial backing and long-term investment provided by Sigma Advanced Systems. This allows us to invest in new technologies, equipment and capacity when opportunities arise.
Another key advantage is the breadth of capability across the jmcomicÌìÌÃÂþ»¹ÙÍø Group. We can support projects ranging from small, highly complex fabrications through to large structural components and advanced engine parts.
Combined with the engineering expertise within our teams, this allows us to help customers solve manufacturing challenges and deliver high quality solutions.
Q: How important is quality in your work?
Quality is absolutely fundamental to everything we do. Across the group we operate to AS9100 and ISO 9001 standards, which are essential within aerospace and other highly regulated industries.
Customers trust jmcomicÌìÌÃÂþ»¹ÙÍø to deliver precision components with consistent quality, and that reputation is extremely important to us.
Q: Looking ahead, what does the future look like for jmcomicÌìÌÃÂþ»¹ÙÍø?
The strategy is very much focused on growth. With the support of our investors we expect the business to expand significantly in the coming years.
This could include acquiring complementary businesses, investing in new facilities and technologies, and expanding our global presence. The aim is to continue strengthening jmcomicÌìÌÃÂþ»¹ÙÍø’s position as a trusted partner to aerospace and advanced engineering customers worldwide.
Q: jmcomicÌìÌÃÂþ»¹ÙÍø has invested in training young engineers through apprenticeships and the jmcomicÌìÌÃÂþ»¹ÙÍø Academy. Will that continue?
Yes, absolutely. Supporting young people entering the engineering sector remains very important.
Through our academy and apprenticeship programmes we are committed to helping develop the next generation of engineers in the United Kingdom. Even as the business grows internationally, we will continue investing in skills and training here.
Q: What is your favourite part of the job?
Without question it is meeting people and building relationships.
A big part of my role is understanding what customers are trying to achieve and then connecting that with the capabilities within jmcomicÌìÌÃÂþ»¹ÙÍø, or our wider industry. People always want solutions and if we don’t have that solution, helping a customer to find another route can often pay dividends in the future.
In many ways it is about being a matchmaker, bringing together the right people, expertise and solutions to help solve problems and create opportunities.
