46 AEROSPACEMANUFACTURING | MARCh 2010
final approach i
Value added benefits
As Northwest Aerospace Alliance
(NWAA) CEO Martin Wright explains, the
aerospace industry is part of a significant
advanced engineering capability in the
region, adding significant value to the
regional economy.
Martin Wright: NWAA CEO
T
he aerospace sector is a crucial industry for the From a regional perspective there is talk of scrapping
Northwest region, with the added value created by its regional development agencies. Scrapping seems to be
advanced engineering capabilities available being up to somewhat radical and raises the issue of industry operating
five times higher than the regional average, which leverages its around a vacuum if there is a change of Government whilst
importance to the economy. The same is true for the aerospace some other mechanism is put in place. If there are issues
and advanced engineering sector throughout the UK. High around these regional organisations, surely it is better to decide
level manufacturing has to be a key element of the economy what bits work and what don’t in order to improve.
and a priority for the future. That’s how industry operates. It rarely throws the baby out
In aerospace and defence the UK market is second only to with the bathwater. A business focus on regional economic
the USA, boasting 17% of the global civil aerospace market, development is essential for economic growth and each region
so we can make things in Britain. The potential workload in has its own characteristics and priorities. To ensure this can
civil aerospace and defence is increasing and whilst emerging happen, any regional restructuring needs to take into account
economies are keen to establish aerospace as a key strategic the need for stability, consistency and continuity of support.
industry, the UK has the capacity to use its position to become
more knowledge focused to further increase its value.
As an industry, what do we need from Government? We
“Aerospace is a long term
are entering an election period and a potential change in the
country’s leadership and the rhetoric has already started.
industry. It needs a long term
The industry’s needs are the same whatever party ends up
in Government and the needs are the same in each region.
view from Government and
Aerospace is a long term industry. It needs a long term view
from Government and cannot adapt to short term policies.
cannot adapt to short term
We need to plan for a sustainable aviation platform given the
reliance on air travel in the world economy and this will entail
policies.”
long term investment in research and development. We need
to recognise the importance of defence in the UK economy,
a significant contributor to UK exports, and a source of high Manufacturing is now said to be part of a ‘balanced
value employment. economy’, something that those of us steeped in advanced
Skills planning and development is fundamental to the high manufacture welcome and feel is long overdue, but the status
technology industrial base. The UK has a history of technology of our industry needs to be enhanced in the wider population
based innovation. Failure to attract our young people to the of the country if we are to sustain our potential in the world.
STEM subjects will be highly detrimental to our economy. We need the recognition that it is a vital, long term industry
Companies need to understand the need to maintain pressure providing real wealth and real knowledge to a sustainable
on improving capability, efficiency and market awareness to economy as well as providing a future for our emerging
maintain our global competitive position. We also need to workforce. ❙
focus on priority markets such as India and China. www.aerospace.co.uk
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