Aerospace programme backs Midlands firms

More than £3.8m has been awarded to four Midlands companies as part of an aerospace innovation programme.

Designed to help smaller companies develop new technologies to make aviation greener, Aerospace Unlocking Potential (UP) is £20m programme, from the University of Nottingham and the Midlands Aerospace Alliance (MAA), supported by the European Regional Development Fund and Midlands Engine.

Skyfarer, Assemtron, KITAU Robotics and Holscot Fluoropolymers now join more than 200 other companies from across the region that have benefited from the scheme, which is due to run until summer 2023.

Professor Pat Wheeler, head of power electronics in the faculty of engineering at the University of Nottingham, said: “We are very excited to open the university up to businesses at this critical time where the industry has been affected by three waves of disruption – Brexit, Covid and climate change.

“With Aerospace UP, we have created a new and accessible way to offer innovation support to companies throughout the supply chain, who historically would not access the facilities and extensive range of expertise at the university.

“This is a pivotal time for the industry, and we hope that we can make a difference to the future prosperity of the sector, the region and the country through this initiative.”