The NWAA traditionally has the largest regional UK presence and this year will be no different. Some 35 companies will join us on a world-class stand covering 450m². We try, and believe, we achieve a significant rise in display standard at each successive show and aim to offer the highest standards of service to those companies on our stand, which as usual will be in Hall 1.
As companies have developed their presence at the show through the NWAA, many have grown the knowledge to become independent and we see this as a highly successful outcome.
Farnborough is the world's most important aerospace showcase and it's essential to represent the importance to the Northwest region of its aerospace industry. For companies who come with us and our member companies, the event represents the global industry on one site. Companies can assess their competition, see developments in the industry, and arrange meetings with suppliers and customers as well as getting an insight into the emerging technologies of the industry. It's an extremely efficient way to access the industry in one go.
Farnborough is the national aerospace showcase. The UK is number two in the world in aerospace from a business point of view; something that is probably not appreciated outside the industry. To maintain this position is vital for our advanced manufacturing economy and national wealth. It showcases the level of our technology and industry.
The design of the stand is the key. We have always believed that the stand has to be open, to invite visitors in and to provide a range of meeting space to suit our members, from formal, private facilities to informal spaces. Having sufficient staff to support the members is also a fundamental requirement.
We are fortunate to have UK Trade & Investment embedded in the NWAA and this is vital in arranging the international connections for our members. The international dimension is an increasingly important part of our thinking. Centres of high quality manufacture are being created in countries such as China, Mexico and India, some on a ‘copy and paste' basis from OEMs to minimise risk. Understanding how the North West cluster integrates with these new centres is part of our planning process and Farnborough offers unparalleled access to international organisations.
What will success look like for the NWAA? This is down to the reaction from our members. Have they achieved the level of interest and connections they wanted, has the stand provided the best possible chance of achieving their objectives, has the stand design raised the profile and credibility of the NWAA and the Northwest region, do our members feel we have provided the best level of service and value for both themselves and their visitors? These are some of the issues reviewed by us after the event.
For the public days, the NWAA changes its offering from one purely aimed at supporting its members by modifying the stand to promote the industry to young people. The NWAA has invested heavily in equipment to help young people experience science and at the 2008 event, over 1,000 young people visited the stand. Sadly we were only a handful of the hundreds of organisations exhibiting who made this commitment, but it's something we believe in and are extremely proud of.
This year we hope Farnborough will show that the UK industry has survived the downturn in the economy and is emerging stronger to face the considerable challenges that lie ahead.
www.aerospace.co.uk
