Island of innovation

Aerospace Manufacturing hears how the Isle of Man Aerospace Cluster continues to ensure that aerospace manufacturing remains at the heart of the Island’s economic vision.

The Isle of Man, located in the middle of the Irish Sea, is a Crown dependency often best associated with motorbikes and financial services. What you may not know, is that with a population of just 85,000, the Island punches well above its weight in the manufacturing industry and is innovation and cluster rich. Over 200 companies are based on the Island operating in specialities ranging from seafood processing and packaging to aerospace engineering, including space.

The Island is home to the manufacturers of the world’s finest hand-made English style watches, the laser optics used on the Mars Curiosity Rover and kettle controls present in nearly every home.

The Isle of Man also boasts a rich food and drink industry, with specialities such as Loaghtan Lamb and Manx Queenies (a type of miniature scallop) that can only be sourced and distributed from the Island.

Without a doubt the Isle of Man’s best known engineering and manufacturing sector lies within aerospace. Isle of Man aerospace firms are an integral part of the UK supply chain and work on major projects for Airbus, Boeing and NASA among others. Isle of Man companies supply components for the latest aerospace programmes including the Airbus A380 and A350, the Boeing 787 Dreamliner, the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter and the A400M Military Transporter.

The promised land

In fact, the area has been at the forefront of aerospace design and manufacturing for over 70 years.

The Isle of Man has a mutually supportive environment for aerospace manufacture and operates its own cluster. The Isle of Man Aerospace Cluster (IOMAC) is a partnership of 23 island-based businesses. IOMAC guides and develops the industry, working with both public and private sector organisations to ensure the Island is at the forefront of development.

The Cluster is also a partner of the North West Aerospace Alliance, one of the most influential aerospace clusters in Europe. Its members have been regularly recognised for their excellence. Between 2008 and 2015 companies in the group grew on average by 25%.

For companies looking to invest or expand operations, the Isle of Man is an ideal location. Companies choosing to relocate all or part of their operations may be eligible to take advantage of the Isle of Man Government’s new Enterprise Development Scheme (EDS). EDS is a three-tiered scheme aimed at micro and small businesses, medium-sized expanding businesses considering relocating to the Isle of Man. Funding opportunities range from grants, loans and equity investment of up to £1 million.

In addition to EDS the Isle of Man’s Financial Assistance Scheme has been successful in helping to grow businesses for 35 years. The scheme has proved ideal for aerospace engineering companies needing to make large capital purchases of equipment.

The Isle of Man is committed to growing its aerospace manufacturing sector. Not only is financial assistance available to businesses for equipment, the Island now operates a technically advanced apprenticeship course through the Isle of Man College of Further and Higher Education. The course, developed in partnership with industry, the Isle of Man Government and the Isle of Man College, ensures the Island’s aerospace industry is supplied with high calibre staff proficient in modern design and engineering techniques.

The Isle of Man has the heritage, expertise, infrastructure and staff to support further aerospace manufacturing activity. Businesses based on the Island also benefit from corporate tax zero-rated, world-class telecoms and power infrastructures and safe location for intellectual property sensitive products.

The Isle of Man has a proven track record of hosting aerospace companies and its business environment offers significant benefits for companies looking to establish a presence on the Island.

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