The Farnborough Aerospace Consortium (FAC) has added members during the lockdown as businesses join together to help get the sector flying again.
FAC represents companies in aviation and aerospace and the associated supply chain and has been lobbying hard for government assistance and a relaxing of restrictions.
The consortium feared its membership would decrease as businesses suffered from a lack of activity during the lockdown, but in fact more firms have signed up.
It now represents around a hundred and fifty companies, mainly centred in the south and south east, but also from across the UK and abroad.
Its chief executive David Barnes said: “As a sector, the pandemic has been our biggest ever challenge.
“Aviation and aerospace was one of the earliest and hardest hit – and that impacted on all within the supply chain.
“Our staff have therefore been working tirelessly for the members since the Covid restrictions began, trying to get whatever support we can and put pressure wherever we are able.
“The remarkable thing has been the resilience of the businesses, many of which have had to diversify significantly to maintain activity levels and preserve their cash flow figures.
“This change from established business routines has also encouraged members to appreciate the value of the consortium because they know that by speaking together our voice is louder and our views will be listened to.
“As a result more have joined us and we have become stronger especially with the increased SME membership
“To have added members this year is a testimony to our work, but also to the members – new and old – who realise the value of being part of an umbrella organisation.
“It is crucial now, as the furlough scheme winds down, to boost activity within the sector and for the government to remove the chocks hindering our progress.
“Many businesses and livelihoods depend on our activities and I’d urge businesses to join us and help make the case for a recovery in the aviation and aerospace sectors.”
