NEWS RELEASE
Issued: Thursday 21 January 2010 for immediate release
Our reference: A|D|S PR 2010 006
LORD MANDELSON & UK INDUSTRY TO PLAN TOGETHER FOR GLOBAL GROWTH
BIS and A|D|S agree on regular high-level dialogue to support export and R&D funding
A|D|S, the UK's AeroSpace, Defence and Security trade organisation today (Thursday) met with Lord Mandelson, Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills, to discuss the importance of supporting long-term, strategic planning between the government and UK industry to promote global competitiveness for the sector, and to ensure the continuity and effective spending of research & development (R&D) funding.
The UK aerospace industry is worth £20 billion per year to the economy and employs more than 100,000 people across the country. Over the next 20 years the global market is estimated to be worth $3.1 trillion and it is therefore vital that Britain works hard to maintain and grow this industry in order to bring further benefits to the country. This can only be done through the development of a common approach between industry and government to ensure sustained investment, and to enable industry to invest in future design capability.
In today's meeting Lord Mandelson said that he recognized the importance of the UK industry to the British economy and the need for companies to be able to compete in the global market. He also acknowledged that with pressure on R&D funding it is vital that long-term consideration ensures that every pound is well spent.
As a result of this meeting Lord Mandelson has agreed to co-chair regular high-level dialogue between the most senior levels of government and industry, specifically to focus on these key themes of global competitiveness and continuity of capability through efficient R&D funding.
Alex Dorrian CBE, President of A|D|S and CEO of Thales UK, said:
The aerospace industry is a jewel in the crown of the UK economy and a cooperative approach with Government is essential to preserve this. Our industry is fortunate to work with Lord Mandelson, who understands our industry and I am encouraged by his swift decision to set up a specific forum to focus on these important issues and to commit his own time to driving a coordinated action-plan.
A|D|S was represented at the meeting by:
* Alex Dorrian A|D|S President & Chief Executive, Thales UK
* Sir John Rose Chief Executive, Rolls-Royce
* Sir Kevin Smith Chief Executive, GKN
* Tom Williams Executive Vice President, Airbus
* Michael Ryan Vice President & General Manager, Bombardier Aerospace, Belfast
* Alberto de Benedictis Chief Executive, Finmeccanica UK
* Sarah Macken Director Public Affairs and Strategy, A|D|S
ENDS
For more information please see the press release and photograph of Alex Dorrian below.
 ADS PR 2010 006 Mandelson meeting.pdf
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 Alex_Dorrian print quality.jpg
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