Rugby MP Mark Pawsey joined other members of the Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy Select Committee to visit aerospace manufacturing companies during the Farnborough Air Show last week.
The visit formed part of the committee’s ongoing investigations into small businesses and productivity, with the aerospace sector being an important part of the UK’s industrial sector. Alongside the considerable direct employment in manufacturing and research by international aerospace companies based in the UK, it also supports thousands of smaller businesses throughout the supply chain.
During their time at the Farnborough Air Show, members of the Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy Select Committee met with representatives of a number of major players in the aerospace sector, including BAE Systems, Rolls Royce and Bombardier.
Speaking after the Farnborough Air Show, Mark commented:
“The aerospace sector in the UK is world-leading and it is right that we continue to encourage innovation, investment and development to continue in the coming years. Rugby in particular has a proud heritage in the aerospace sector, as the town was home to Frank Whittle’s first tests of the jet engine. Earlier this month I was delighted to join staff from Meggitt, who manufacturing components for aircraft throughout the world and who are continuing this legacy with their decision to locate their global HQ and manufacturing centre to Ansty Park near Rugby.”
Mark continued:
“In recent years the aerospace sector has continued to grow in the UK and I was very interested to speak to those in the sector about the opportunities, and challenges, for the coming years. In 2016 the sector contributed nearly £9 billion to the UK economy, supporting around 95,000 jobs in highly skilled areas of the economy including engineering, manufacturing and research & development.”
Mark concluded:
“I welcome the government’s support for this crucial sector of the economy through the Industrial Strategy and the recent announcement of the aerospace sector deal, worth £343 million to industry. This will continue to put the UK at the forefront of advanced aerospace manufacturing and deliver on our ambition for a truly Global Britain.”