Bid to boost Scotland's aerospace and defence sectors

Industry leaders across Scotland's aerospace, defence, marine and security (ADMS) sectors are to work together in an effort to grow sales by £500 million a year.

Fergus Ewing welcomed the new strategy. Picture: Robert Perry

The five-year strategy, launched by Scottish Enterprise, also seeks to deliver up to 3,000 new or replacement jobs by 2020 and reduce carbon emissions through “disruptive” new technologies.

Scottish Enterprise said there was “huge potential” among manufacturers and large companies to retain revenues within the country through focused activity and investment, and its industry leadership group has set out six “calls to action” for the industry.

The steps include raising awareness among small firms of the opportunities available to supply large ADMS companies operating in Scotland, developing a more competitive supply base, and encouraging more young people to choose careers in the fields of science, technology, engineering and maths.

The initiative also aims to sustain growth in Scotland’s target export markets, reduce the time to market for technology in the ADMS supply chain, and increase the awareness of funding and support amongst SMEs.

Mick O’Connor, chair of the ADMS industry leadership group, said: “Scotland’s aerospace, defence, marine and security sectors are in good health, but we know that there are opportunities for further growth.

“By bringing together senior leaders from across these industries, we have produced a strategy which sets out a series of practical solutions that we believe can make a difference to our industry both in Scotland and internationally.”

The most recent figures show there are 825 companies operating in Scotland’s ADMS sector, employing more than 38,000 highly skilled people and generating revenues of more than £5.5 billion a year.

Business minister Fergus Ewing said: “Developed by industry leaders, this strategy sets out a clear, pragmatic growth plan that recognises the long-term value of attracting and retaining large companies in Scotland and the beneficial effect of this on the supply chain.

“Continued success requires strong leadership, substantial long-term investment and a skilled workforce and this strategy provides a shared vision on how to achieve this further growth.”