New support will give SMEs vital advantage as aerospace sector recovers from pandemic
New support packages have been announced for aerospace SMEs, or companies wishing to enter the sector, as part of the £20m Aerospace UP programme. Following two years of unprecedented challenges for the industry, the aerospace market is beginning to take off again and companies are again able to get expert help to take advantage of the opportunities created by the rapid regrowth anticipated.
The new support packages will help companies across the Midlands gain competitive advantage through innovation, enhanced productivity, diversification and growth. The areas covered are vital for advanced manufacturing and engineering companies right now such as environmental sustainability, digitisation, additive manufacturing, precision manufacturing, technology road mapping, standards and certification, and IP management. Grants are also still available for SMEs across the Midlands.
Over 100 companies have been benefitting from the £3.25m in funding and support allocated by the Aerospace UP programme so far, which also includes innovation grants, networking events, access to aerospace experts, research centres and student placements. This is being delivered by academic and industry experts at the University of Nottingham and the Midlands Aerospace Alliance, supported by the European Regional Development Fund.
Andrew Mair, MAA Chief Executive, said: “SMEs have been some of the hardest hit by the challenges the aerospace industry has experienced in recent years.
“The expert support and grant funding provided by the Aerospace UP programme will help give these companies a vital boost as the industry begins to take off again.”
