6 April 2016

News from the UK by Martin Farmer

The UK Government – and in particular, Prime Minister Cameron – is currently under pressure from a number of different angles including; the split in the Conservative party over the EU referendum, Cameron’s father having business interests in Panama, the Government taking a “hands-off” approach over the future of the Steel Industry.  It is likely that the Conservative Government will survive, but many political watchers believe that there will be a change in leadership following the EU referendum on the 23rd June.

TATA STEEL

In the UK, TATA (the Indian owned conglomerate) are involved in everything from Jaguar cars to Tetley tea bags.  In recent years, the company has been developing its aerospace interests both in the UK and India

TATA’s name hasn’t been out of the newspapers just recently since it decided to dispose of its UK steel interests – formally known as Corus Steel.  The Government has been criticised for taking a hands-off approach and blocking attempts within the EU to impose tariffs on imported steel – something which it denies.  The latest news about TATA Steel from the BBC.

HEATHROW UPS THE STAKES

The decision to build a new runway either at Heathrow or Gatwick will be made in June.  In a move seen to put pressure on the Government, the owners of Heathrow have appointed a team to help it deliver the third runway. Read more.

…..MEANWHILE 400KM AWAY AT NEWQUAY AIRPORT

It has been announced that the Delft based company Adecs Airinfra has won a contract with Newquay Airport.  Adecs Airinfra will provide an Operational Database Management system for the airport.

BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES WITH THE UK MINISTRY OF DEFENCE

The MoD is looking for a supplier to provide maintenance and engineering activities on its Royal Air Force BAe 146 aircraft.

The MoD is also looking for a supplier to carry out major maintenance on its Spitfire and Hurricane aircraft.