Advanced Engineering & Aerospace

Engineering the Future in Cornwall

The ingenuity of Cornish mining and railway engineers helped drive Britain's first industrial revolution. These days, the county's advanced engineering sector is making major contributions to many of the new technologies that are shaping our future in the 21st century.

Engineering and manufacturing businesses employ nearly 20% of Cornwall's workforce. They include some of the most technically advanced companies in the UK, with particular strengths in areas including precision metal-working, medical equipment, marine engineering, aerospace and renewable energy.

Cornwall has a host of attractions for companies in these fields:

Camborne School of Mines is a world-class centre of scientific and engineering excellence that actively fosters entrepreneurship, innovation and research.

· A first-rate education system ensures a skilled workforce, while the county's enviable lifestyle means that there's no problem in recruiting talented personnel from elsewhere.

· The county's many successful marine engineering firms have amassed a wealth of expertise that is proving applicable to other fields.

· Cornwall already has an international reputation in alternative and renewable energy technology, an area that is set for rapid growth as sustainability becomes an increasingly urgent priority.

But for many engineering companies considering an investment in Cornwall, the deciding factor will be the proven success of so many other businesses in this thriving sector.

Many Cornwall-based engineering businesses number aerospace companies among their clients. Aircraft components need to meet the most stringent requirements for performance and reliability, and in this respect Cornish companies have a reputation that's second to none.

Aerospace Cluster

Cornwall has developed from its historic and world renowned engineering background to become home to a significant cluster of aerospace businesses. These businesses are taking advantage of the opportunities presented through the recent commercialisation of Newquay Cornwall Airport and presence of the Royal Naval Air Station (RNAS) at Culdrose, Helston.

Most recently global helicopter giant AgustaWestland based its new helicopter training programme at Newquay Cornwall Airport. The £1 million initiative sees AgustaWestland Training Organisation (which is part of Westland Helicopters Ltd) running its helicopter flight training programme from Newquay, covering specific helicopter skills such as search and rescue and policing. It will initially employ approximately 30 highly skilled staff including 13 aircrew instructors and 12 aircraft technicians.

Other businesses in the county include global industry players such as Lockheed Martin, Serco and Babcock Defence, whose local operations support the capabilities of RNAS Culdrose and have attracted further engineering and service businesses into the county.

Civil aviation is becoming far more critical for Cornwall through the development and expansion of Newquay Cornwall Airport. The airport offers investors a range of potential opportunity:

· Over 325 hectares of land available for development

· European Convergence funding is available to support business investment , development opportunities and skills development

· Newquay airport boasts one of the longest runways in the UK(2745m), able to support aircraft of any size (including Boeing 747 and Airbus A340) operating in uncongested airspace with a comprehensive suite of Air Traffic Control Systems

· Newquay is committed to becoming the UK's first low carbon airport through the use of renewable energy.

Networks

No-one understands the need for efficient integration of component parts better than engineers. Firms in the South West can draw on the support of:

The South West Manufacturing Advisory Service (SWMAS) whose network of specialists offers a full package of hands-on support to the region's manufacturers. As well as expert advice and information, SWMAS provides access to regional funding, training resources, and guidance on workforce development.

The aerospace sector also benefits from a regional association championing its interests:

The West of England Aerospace Forum (WEAF) works in partnership with industry, the public sector and academia to boost the competitiveness of the region's aerospace industry. WEAF organises project briefings by prime manufacturers and meet-the-buyer events involving buyers from across Europe. It also provides member companies with a low-cost but highly effective presence at air shows and international trade missions and runs sessions on new technologies, personnel development, competitiveness and best management practice.