Prime Minister’s vision for growth shared by high-tech industry

A|D|S, the UK’s AeroSpace, Defence and Security trade organisation today commented on the Prime Minister’s speech to the CBI.

Ian Godden, Chairman of A|D|S, said:

“The UK’s aerospace, defence, security and space industries share the Prime Minister’s vision for growth for the UK economy and will be central to achieving the aims of the Government as Mr Cameron set out in his speech to the CBI today. These areas of high-tech, advanced manufacturing and services are a source of real strength for the UK and we welcome Mr Cameron’s aim to back industries where Britain enjoys competitive advantages.

“The UK is number one in Europe in aerospace and defence, second only to the US globally, and in the areas of space and security the UK has numerous exciting possibilities to increase market share, boosting jobs and the economy. These sectors employ over half a million people across the whole country, delivering over £60 billion per year to the UK economy. The Prime Minister’s desire to drive commerce and international trade can build on this solid foundation as the country recovers from recession.

“We welcome the continuation of investment in science, the expansion of apprenticeships and the skills base as highlighted in the speech as well as boosting investment in infrastructure. We would hope that the decision to prevent major airport expansion in the South East of England will be revisited by the Government in due course to tie in to the desire to boost international trade, which would otherwise be more difficult to achieve. With a published CO2 Roadmap the UK aviation industry has set out how it will meet any environmental concerns that would otherwise have stood in the way of this expansion.”