With a 500-strong network of companies turning over an estimated £2.5 billion in regional aerospace business, the West of England Aerospace Forum is confident it can woo more potential investors at Le Bourget.
The forum, formed 18 months ago as a means of bringing together the region's wealth of aerospace expertise under one umbrella, is aiming to generate new business for its member companies, 95% of which are classed as small to medium-size enterprises.
Eight companies are sharing the forum's stand (Hall2/L13) this week, the first time that the group has had a Paris Show presence.
Project manager Phil Williams says it is the diversity of the businesses which makes the area an important contributor to the aerospace sector: "We have a concentration of aerospace capability to rival any place in Europe. The strengths of the region cover the entire aerospace spectrum from whole aircraft, through landing gear and avionics to final processing and tooling."
The forum is currently studying the aerospace agenda of the US in a bid to extend its international appeal and is investing in new skills and training programmes.
Source: Flight Daily News
