2 minute read with link to Aerospace Report
ADS says the Government must refresh Brexit strategy
ADS, the trade association for the aerospace, defence, security and space sectors, has reaffirmed that the Government must refresh its Brexit strategy and reach out to a wider community to build consensus for its negotiating priorities.
They highlight that it is important all the potential options for a successful Brexit remain on the table. These would include access to the single market, membership of the customs union, remaining within European regulatory regimes and examining the controls on freedom of movement.
ADS today launched it’s UK Aerospace Outlook 2017 Report, showing the industry recorded strong growth of eight per cent last year, with annual turnover reaching £31.8bn.
Annual turnover of the UK aerospace sector has reached £31.8bn / Picture: Getty/iStock
ADS Chief Executive Paul Everitt said: “The political context in the UK and elsewhere in Europe has changed. We now have a vital opportunity to refresh our approach, with a greater focus on building consensus and a more constructive tone towards goals we share with our European partners.
“Last week, the country signalled it wanted a more collaborative approach. The Government needs to build a strong consensus on the priorities and options for a successful Brexit.
“No deal is the worst outcome for the UK and Europe. Finding the best agreement will require compromise and pragmatic decisions by the UK and its European partners.”
ADS Chief Executive Paul Everitt / Picture: ADS
The call for a refresh of the Government’s Brexit strategy from ADS came ahead of the opening of the Paris Air Show on Monday 19 June.
Key figures of the report include:
• UK aerospace sector turnover grew £2.4bn to £31.8bn, taking growth over five years to 39 per cent.
• Aerospace productivity has grown by 19 per cent since 2010, compared to just 3 per cent achieved across the rest of the UK economy.
• Six out of 10 companies in the sector expect growth of more than 10 per cent this year.
• The sector employs 120,000 people in the UK, including 3,800 apprentices.
Paul Everitt added: “Aerospace is one of the foundation stones of the UK economy and it continues to grow, delivering high value jobs and billions of pounds of vital manufacturing exports. But like any other sector it faces challenges and cannot afford to be complacent.
“The UK’s long-term prosperity depends on healthy high value manufacturing sectors and the Government must put further political and financial commitment behind its industrial strategy for aerospace, or risk the UK losing out to overseas competitors.”
You can view the full report by clicking the link below:
