In his speech, Mr Southwell (above) recognised the important contribution that the aerospace sector makes to the UK economy, generating more than £24 billion of UK revenue in 2011 alone, three quarters of which was exported. The South West is a region of global excellence in the aerospace sector, home to some of the largest aerospace and defence companies in the UK as well as a huge number of SME supplier businesses. WEAF supports more than 600 SMEs operating in the aerospace sector and is committed to helping identify new strategic opportunities and strengthening the overall supply chain.

 
Speaking at the event, Mr Southwell said: “The UK aerospace industry supply chain supports both the UK and the global aerospace market. However, this supply chain is diminishing as work share is shored off to other countries. The last few years have seen the launch and continuing success of the a series of major initiatives – including the Aerospace Growth Partnership - which are helping position the UK industry for the future and offer real, tangible benefits to the supply chain.
 
“The sector has benefited from significant Government funding, including most recently a joint Government and business fund for 500 Masters level degree places in aerospace engineering over the next three years, delivering critical higher level skills to our industry. However, it rests with individual businesses within industry to ensure they take advantage of support, securing funding to meet production forecasts and investing in Research and Technology to influence design and stay ahead of global competition.”
 
The Aerospace sector is forecast to grow at 4.8%, with much of this growth expected to take place in Asia Pacific where experts predict 33% of world air traffic will be by 2030. To meet this growth forecast, Mr Southwell stressed that businesses need to leverage UK strengths, identified in the Aerospace Growth Partnership strategy launched in July 2012 as being advanced aero-structures, propulsion systems and advanced aircraft systems.
 
Also speaking at the WEAF annual conference was Marcus Bryson, ceo of GKN Aerospace and Land Systems, and ADS’s vp of Civil Aerospace. Mr Bryson is also co-chair of the Aerospace Growth Partnership representing industry.