Institution launches Brexit and UK aerospace study at Berlin Embassy

The Institution launched its new report “UK Aerospace: the Impact of Brexit” at an event co-hosted by the British Embassy in Berlin which was attended by leaders of Germany’s engineering community as well as senior Embassy officials.

The event on 10 January 2019 was organised by the Germany Group as part of its drive to raise the profile of the Institution in Germany. The Group aims to form more partnerships with local engineering companies and build on the long-standing ties it has with Rolls-Royce Deutschland.

Dr Andy Storer, Chair of the Germany group, organised the event which was co-sponsored by Brigadier Rob Rider, Defence Attaché at the Embassy.

Introducing the report, CEO Dr Colin Brown said it highlighted the risk to the UK’s world-leading aerospace industry if Britain leaves the European Union without a deal that maintains the current strategic partnership with the EU.

These risks include losing investment and supply chain problems which will create logistical difficulties and raise the cost of manufacturing in the UK.

“This event showcases the Institution’s role as a voice for engineering in Europe. It is important that we lead the discussion on the impact of Brexit on our industrial sector which has such close ties with customers and suppliers in the European Union,” Dr Brown told the audience.

Following the presentation of the report, there was a panel discussion moderated by Captain Andy Ewen, Naval Attaché to Embassy

The panellists included Darren Ash, Commercial Director, NETMA (NATO Eurofighter 2000 and Tornado Management Agency), Alastair McIntosh who is Engineering Director, Rolls-Royce Deutschland and Dr Rachel King, Counsellor, EU & Economic at the British Embassy.

Alastair McIntosh said Rolls-Royce was looking to mitigate the impact of a no-deal Brexit by stockpiling parts and moving some regulatory approvals processes to Germany.

“We are eager for zero disruption for business and customers,” McIntosh told the audience. "The best thing any company can do is to plan for all eventualities. If there is no deal …. it is all down to mitigation.”

Rachel King said the UK Government was very aware of the pan-European supply chains on which the UK aerospace industry depends.

However, “we recognise that whatever type of Brexit occurs, there will be greater market barriers,” she said.

The report was written by Dr Arnold Gad-Briggs, a member of the Institution and founder and Executive Director of EGB Engineering.