Green light for aerospace supply chain boost

A North East manufacturing supply chain is set to benefit from major investment in the UK’s green aerospace sector.

A new £250 million fund, announced by industry minister Sarah Jones at the Paris Air Show on June 17, is backing British companies to develop “cutting-edge” sustainable aviation technologies such as hydrogen-powered flight, advanced gas turbines and laser-based manufacturing techniques.

The joint Government and industry initiative has been welcomed as a “real show of faith” by North East businesses across the aerospace supply chain, including UMi, a Durham-based B Corp supporting British businesses to build domestic supply chains.

Since 2007, UMi has helped facilitate over £200 million in contract wins and supported more than 2000 businesses bring new innovative products to market. 

Nicki Clark OBE, chief executive at UMi, said: “This announcement will provide a major boost to the thousands of UK businesses across the aerospace supply chain.

“At the heart of business success lies the ability to innovate. 

“We’ve seen first-hand how investment into innovation can unlock a business’s full potential.

“By providing companies with the funding support to pioneer new, cutting-edge green technologies, it will reduce the risk of innovation, and when coupled with specialist supply chain support it can accelerate the potential to foster meaningful growth and job creation in every corner of the UK. 

“It is a real show of faith in the industry from the Government.”

Hartlepool-based JJ Hardy & Sons, which has been manufacturing precision components since 1856, has also hailed the funding.

Andy Pailor, managing director of the firm, says the fund could provide a crucial uplift for small and mid-sized manufacturers across the UK.

He added: “Having produced components that have built the great British railways, London Underground and many British-produced vehicles, we’ve witnessed first-hand the impact such investments can have on the wider supply chain.

“Rolls-Royce is a prime example. 

“The company will lead on several projects as part of the programme, but the company maintains a significant British supply chain, particularly across its aerospace and nuclear divisions, meaning each project could potentially provide opportunities for dozens of product and service suppliers across the UK, supporting jobs and driving growth.

“It is great news for the industry, not least the engineering and manufacturing SME’s who have faced their fair share of challenges in recent times.”

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