Advanced Engineering & Aerospace

Aeropsace
For pioneering aerospace businesses, in both military and civil aviation, Cornwall is an ideal location.

With global leaders including Lockheed Martin, Babcock Defence, AgustaWestland and Serco all operating within Cornwall, the area has become home to an internationally renowned aerospace cluster.

These businesses are taking advantage of the opportunities presented through the commercialisation of Newquay Cornwall Airport and the presence of the Royal Naval Air Station (RNAS) at Culdrose, Helston.

Newquay Cornwall Airport
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 opportunities:

• 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
• A commitment to becoming the UK's first low carbon airport through the use of renewable energy.
• £1m AugustaWestland helicopter training programme

Royal Navy Air Station (RNAS) Culdrose
With a workforce of more than 3000 people, RNAS Culdrose is not only the largest single site employer in Cornwall but also:

• One of the busiest helicopter bases in Europe
• Equipped with state-of-the-art simulators
• Extensive engineering and training support structure
• Home to multi-million pound Merlin helicopter from AgustaWestland
• Ex-naval helicopter maintenance engineers entering civilian workforce

Engineering
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, mining engineering, 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.

Networks
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.