The UK’s aerospace industry has taken another step to uniting its various trade associations – which the Society of British Aerospace Companies (SBAC) says is essential if the sector is to stay competitive and speak with “one voice”.
The SBAC – which represents companies nationally – has established a partnership with the North West Aerospace Alliance (NWAA), the biggest of several regional bodies. It follows tie-ups earlier this year with the southern England-based Farnborough Aerospace Consortium (FAC) and Northern Defence Industries, which represents mainly defence suppliers in England’s north east. Other regional organisations in the Midlands and west of England, are expected to sign similar agreements shortly.
The “partnerships of equals” give members of the local associations access to SBAC services and a national profile, says SBAC president Kevin Smith, adding there is an “absolute need to get UK industry joined up if it is to be successful” and “to speak with one powerful voice to government at both national and regional level”. The NWAA represents 800 companies and organisations. FAC has 700 members.
- Boeing has named former ambassador Sir Roger Bone as its UK president. Bone will take over on 1 September from retired diplomat Sir Michael Jenkins, who held the post since 2003.
MURDO MORRISON/LONDON
Source: Flight International
