A Coventry City Council research project in to the aerospace industry, an important wealth creator in Coventry, has shown that things are on the up.

In an industry that employs over 3,800 people locally and which provides highly skilled jobs – this important piece of research set out to assess the likely directions that the local aerospace industry will take in to the next century. And more specifically, to identify the ways in which the City Council can support the industry in the future.

The research involved 35 local aerospace companies and revealed that the majority of firms surveyed reported an increase in turnover - with two companies showing spectacular 75% and 100% rises in turnover. And as further confirmation of a bright future, two thirds of the firms in the survey reported that they have recruited additional staff over the last year with most anticipating that they will take on more staff during ’99.

The research also highlighted the ways in which the City Council and its partners can assist the aerospace industry - with training, financial assistance and marketing and grant support coming top of the employer’s list as the kind of help they need most.

Councillor Jack Harrison, who sits on the Economic Regeneration Policy Team and is also an executive member of the Aerospace Industry Regional and Local Authority Network (AIRLINE) said:

"Coventry has a long tradition in the aerospace industry, with several companies established over 50 years ago. Many aerospace companies have put down deep roots in the local economy so I am pleased that this research shows that there is a bright future ahead.

"But there are also some very valuable lessons to be learned, not least of all that we, as a council, need to work with local companies and training providers to ensure that Coventry people have the skills they need to enable them to access the jobs on offer."