EXHIBITING at the Farnborough Airshow proved a success for the Isle of Man Aerospace Cluster.
That was the verdict from today’s workshop of the cluster at the Mount Murray Hotel, Santon, where the 16 member companies were provided with feedback and details from those who attended the airshow.
The cluster was represented at the five day event by Target Aerospace, Tritec Ltd, Bladon Jets and the Isle of Man Government’s business development manager for manufacturing, Adrian Moore, who acts as cluster manager.
This year’s event represented the first time the cluster had exhibited and their stand was a feature of the high-profile presence of the North West Aerospace Alliance, to which the IoMAC is affiliated.
The objectives of the event were to drive further business opportunities for cluster members and to raise the profile of the Isle of Man as a centre of aerospace manufacturing excellence.
Adrian Moore said: "We went to Farnborough with a very clear proposition highlighting our world-class capabilities in design and manufactured solutions and as partners in excellence to our existing client base.
"There were several hundred visitors to the stand and the show exceeded our expectations in terms of qualified leads and offers of work generated.
"Although commercial sensitivities exist, some of the highest profile names in the global aerospace industry have expressed a desire to develop relationships and do business with the cluster."
In spite of the presence of nearly 1,500 other exhibitors, the Isle of Man Aerospace Cluster also gained excellent media coverage during the event.
It featured in two of the major daily publications produced during the week: Flight Global and Aviation News, courtesy of Bladon Jets, and Adrian Moore was also interviewed for FIA 2010 - a dedicated radio channel that is set up to broadcast during the event to the Farnborough area.
Political member with responsibility for manufacturing Clare Christian MLC said: "I am highly encouraged by the initial feedback from the aerospace cluster’s presence at Farnborough 2010.
"My department’s decision to support and participate in these key events in partnership with the private sector is vindicated when we receive such positive results.
"The continuing success of the cluster is driving the growth in the manufacturing sector which should help maintain its status as our second biggest industry sector in real terms."
