Fife businesses recently participated in the successful learning journey to Farnborough Airshow 2024.
Cerebral Ape, Eurospray, Quality Precision Electronics, and Flightplan Aviation seized the opportunity to establish significant industry connections and explore new market opportunities at the Farnborough Airshow, held from 22nd to 26th July 2024. Their attendance was made possible through the support of Fife Council's Economic Development Team via the Trade Development Programme and funding from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF).
The Farnborough Airshow, held annually at the Farnborough International Exhibition & Conference Centre, is a leading event for the aerospace, defence, and space industries. These sectors are vital to the UK economy, contributing £38.2 billion in value, an impressive 50% increase over the past decade. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, in his address to the airshow audience, remarked, “Britain is at the cutting edge of defence and aerospace manufacturing,” highlighting the significance of supply chain opportunities across the UK.
This year's show attracted over 75,000 visitors and 1,200 exhibitors from around the world, along with 250 civil, military, and space delegations, providing an unparalleled platform for networking and business development. The attending businesses from Fife capitalised on this opportunity by participating in the supported learning journey, allowing them to tap into this lucrative market.
After the airshow, the participating Fife businesses collectively received over 27 enquiries, marking the event as a great opportunity for potential collaborations and growth. The businesses will continue to monitor and evaluate the leads and contacts made during the exhibition to identify promising business prospects and partnerships.
Kate Watt from FlightPlan Aviation shared, " We found this exhibition hugely useful to our business. Firstly, thanks to Fife Council (Kieran and his team) for organising everything - all very professional and left us to concentrate on what we do best - promoting Fife Airport and Fife as a business destination.”
“We already have an ambitious plan for Fife Airport but this event helped us move forward much quicker by having immediate access to the companies we were hoping to engage with.” She continued.
Pamela Stevenson, Service Manager for the Council’s Economic Development Team, said, "Fife’s participation in the Farnborough Airshow has once again demonstrated our commitment to supporting local businesses in accessing global markets. The connections and insights gained by these companies are invaluable for their continued growth and innovation.”
For more information about Fife Council Economic Development's Trade Development Programme, please visit InvestFife or email [email protected].
The Farnborough Airshow supported learning journey has received £3,950 from the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.