EGB Engineering Executive Director Delivers Policy Report On Brexit And The Impact On The UK Aerospace Industry
Britain’s multi-billion pound aerospace industry risks losing its world-leading role if the government fails to negotiate a Brexit deal which maintains the current strategic relationship with the European Union, according to a study, commissioned by the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE) and undertaken by EGB Engineering.
The study which is documented in a policy report from the IMechE, was presented on the 10th January 2019 at the British Embassy in Berlin by EGB Engineering Exec. Director, Dr Arnold Gad-Briggs. The event was co-hosted by the IMechE and the Embassy.
A panel discussion moderated by Captain Andy Ewen followed after the presentation. The panellists included Dr Arnold Gad-Briggs, Darren Ash, (Commercial Director Man&ES, NETMA – NATO, Eurofighter and Tornado Management Agency), Alistair McIntosh (Engineering Director, Rolls-Royce Deutschland), Dr Rachel King (Counsellor, EU & Economic, British Embassy) and Dr Colin Brown (Interim CEO, IMechE)
The UK aerospace industry – the second largest in the world – employs over 120,000 people, many in skilled engineering jobs, and its success is highly dependent on participation in European and global supply chains. The industry is worth £35 billion, with £30 billion generated from exports.
The report states that part of the industry’s success is due to its specialist nature and leaving the EU without a deal will lead to a reduction in investment in the UK by global companies, especially in the research and development of new technologies. In addition, the higher costs from supply chain operations and restrictions on movement of skilled personnel as a result of a ‘no-deal’ scenario would reduce the UK’s competitiveness.
The report concludes that it is crucial that the government negotiates a deal for the aerospace industry that maintains the status quo. The industry has a highly skilled workforce and excellent research-led universities, which make the UK well-placed to lead in the development of new aircraft technology
Dr Arnold Gad-Briggs stated that, “with a forecasted global market value of up to £5 trillion over the next two decades, there are opportunities for the UK to increase its market share of the global aerospace industry. This can be achieved through the development of next generation propulsion and battery technologies, digital automation and advanced manufacturing. A deal with the EU will maintain the UK’s global competitiveness and attract further investment to improve research activities and increase productivity.”
Please click this link to access a copy of the report (external link to the IMechE)
IMechE’s Interim CEO Colin Brown with Arnold Gad-Briggs
Credit: IMechE
Panellists (from left to right): Colin Brown, Rachel King, Arnold Gad-Briggs, Alistair McIntosh, Andy Ewen & Darren Ash
Credit: IMechE
Captain Andy Ewen and Arnold Gad-Briggs
