International aerospace delegation visits Lancashire

An international delegation of aerospace and advanced manufacturing specialists have visited Lancashire.

The visit was part of an information-gathering trip to Europe by representatives from the UK Trade & Investment (UKTI) overseas network.

UKTI work across the world to promote the UK as a business location. UKTI investment officers encourage the expansion of existing foreign-owned companies in the UK and promote opportunities, such as the Lancashire Enterprise Zone, as locations for new companies seeking to enter the UK and European market and its supply chains.

The overseas delegation included people from Los Angeles, Milan, Munich, New York, Paris, Tokyo, Toronto, Chongqing in ! China and the Indian city of Bangalore.

Andy Walker, Lancashire County Council's head of business growth & innovation, said: "By promoting Lancashire in the international marketplace, we can attract new investment into the county, help businesses based here to strengthen their trade links and realise new export opportunities in new and emerging markets.

"This visit is an important part of our aim to raise awareness and we’re pleased to be able to showcase some of Lancashire's world-leading aerospace and advanced manufacturing companies."

The presentation of Lancashire's strengths began at the Paris Air Show, when the delegation met with BAE and other Lancashire representatives for a presentation on Lancashire's Enterprise Zone.

The delegation then visited Euravia, the Colne-based engine repair and replacement specialists, where they were welcomed by Euravia's managing director, Dennis Mendoros.

At Burnley College, the delegation heard about skills, infrastructure, financial and business support programmes, including work being done by Burnley Borough Council and Lancashire County Council.

The visitors also heard about foreign-owned companies within the Lancashire Advanced Manufacturing Cluster.

The delegates stayed in Burnley to visit the Aircelle (Safran) and the Michelin site, before moving on to Unison, one of the world's leading engine component suppliers.

Finally, the delegation visited the site of Burnley Bridge Business Park, a 70-acre employment site immediately adjacent to Junction 9 of! the M65. As part of their wider trip, the delegation is also visiting Scotland and the South West LEP in Devon and Somerset.