Sir, The state of engineering in the UK may be in decline in some sectors but it is not as bad as perceived by some of your readers (“ ‘Creativity’ mantra will not fix demise of UK engineering”, letters, Jan 13). The UK is No 1 in Europe — second only to the US globally — in aerospace and defence, with a 17 per cent share of the defence export market and a further 17 per cent global market share in civil aerospace.
Though it is true that we do not build entire aircraft any more in the UK — with the global nature of the industry no country can truly claim this — we are world leaders in engines, wing technology and composite materials, where some of the most high-tech, innovative and exciting technologies are being demonstrated. When powered by Rolls-Royce engines, the UK is responsible for about half of the Airbus A380 and a quarter of the Boeing 787.
In the space sector, the UK boasts growth of 9 per cent per year with huge growth potential on which to build. The UK space sector already enjoys 7 per cent of the market and is growing to seize more of a global market forecast to be worth an estimated £543 billion by 2020.
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UK engineering is not suffering “a demise” across the board but there is a risk facing these hidden economic jewels if the skilled young people and targeted investment from the Government were to dry up. As we seek a way out of recession and a more balanced economy our industries can offer a great deal to the country, its young people and its future if they are provided with a more supportive climate in which to do so.
Ian Godden
Chairman, ADS