An award-winning company from Hampshire had the perfect lift-off at Farnborough International Airshow with backing from Prime Minister David Cameron.
Barnbrook Systems managing director Anthony Barnett told the PM about the Fareham-based company’s recent successes on the opening day of the aerial extravaganza.
They talked when Mr Cameron toured the exhibition halls after pledging £1.1bn to bolster Britain’s defences against cyber criminals in a keynote speech.
Barnbrook Systems, which employs 35 staff at its base in Fareham Park Road, is attending its 10th consecutive airshow with its biggest delegation of staff so far.
Mr Barnett said: “Mr Cameron was interested in how we do business, especially exporting abroad.
“I told him about our company, our recent successes and how important it is to attend the Farnborough International Airshow.
“He congratulated us and was also was interested in our future plans. He was very engaging.”
He added: “It was a great start to the week as we anticipate another very successful airshow in a landmark year for us.”
Barnbrook, which celebrates its 35th anniversary this year, recently won the National Passenger Safety title at the UK Rail Industry Awards for a brake controller.
The company unveiled an innovative fuel switch at Farnborough, which makes refuelling of aircraft safer, and showcased other cutting-edge technology.
They included remote monitoring and data capture systems designed, manufactured and distributed at Barnbrook as well as 3D printing, engine control units and the company’s core products, such as fire actuators.
A seven-strong delegation – Barnbrook’s highest ever – is at Farnborough all week as part of the Farnborough Aerospace Consortium (FAC) presence in exhibition hall one.
They include Anthony Barnett, chief technology officer Andrew Barnett and head of engineering Keith Smith as well as apprentices and staff from different departments.
MP Michael Fallon, recently announced as Defence Minister in a cabinet reshuffle, visited the Barnbrook stand on the opening day.
Chief technology officer Andrew Barnett told him about the value of the National Aerospace Technology Exploitation Programme (NATEP) which at aims at helping SMEs gain grant funding and support for innovation .
Andrew Barnett said that this year’s Farnborough came at the perfect time for Barnbrook.
“This is the first Farnborough at which we are demonstrating full system capabilities rather than just our product range.
“There are more opportunities coming our way and we have had a great deal of interest at the show.”
Domestic and international visitors stopped at the Barnbrook stand, including the official Chinese delegation and representatives from companies in India, Canada, America and Japan.
Farnborough International Airshow is held once every two years as one of the world’s most renowned events of its kind.
It is expected to attract more than 200,000 trade and public visitors from July 14 to 20.
Last held in 2012, the event attracted 1,500 exhibiting companies, 107,000 trade visitors and more than 100,000 public spectators.
