News from the UK by Martin Farmer
EMPLOYERS FEDERATION PREDICTS UK AEROSPACE GROWTH IN 2016
The UK Manufacturers Group, the Engineering Employers Federation (EEF) said its latest snapshot of manufacturers’ mood shows some bright spots for 2016 particularly in the car, aerospace and pharmaceutical sub-sectors. They will be the main drivers behind overall manufacturing growth of 0.8% in 2016, following an expected 0.1% contraction in 2015. Those sub-sectors will also buck the wider manufacturing trend of job cuts with an employment increase in 2016, EEF predicts.
Source: EEF and The Guardian
HEATHROW OR GATWICK? GOVERNMENT DELAYS DECISION UNTIL JULY 2016
The UK Government asked the “Davies Commission” to provide recommendations for airport expansion in the South East of England.
The Davies Commission came down in favour of expansion at Heathrow. However, due to mounting environmental pressures (and a “small” issue of the London Mayoral elections in May!) the Government has delayed the final decision until next July. Many business leaders are openly critical of the Government and the further delay.
The BBC provides a good report of what is likely to be a lose-lose decision for the Government: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-35062739.
…MEANWHILE AT MANCHESTER AIRPORT
Aircadis has been appointed as the sole Managed Service Provider to lead a 10 year, £1bn programme of work for Manchester Airports Group (MAG).
Arcadis will be responsible for the Program Management of the entire transformation, encompassing Program and Project Controls, Commercial, Risk, Value Management and Design Guardianship as well as supporting M.A.G. in the wider Stakeholder Management as the airport seeks to realize its significant capacity for growth.
BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES
A small Bristol Company – Levon Aviation (www.levonaviation.com) – is seeking a Benelux based distributor for its range of aircraft ground power units.
UK MoD is seeking Expressions of Interest for:
- 2nd line support of Chinook Auxiliary Power Units. The MoD intends to enter into a three year contract with the successful bidder. Response due to the MoD by 17th January.
- Resurfacing and upgrading of runways at RAF Cranwell Response due to the MoD by 25th January.
- Repair and maintenance of Chipmunk aircraft. Response due to the MoD by 4th February.
For more information, contact Martin Farmer via: