MARK Prisk, the minister responsible for small business in the new UK coalition government, has praised the work of the MAA and its impact on aerospace. He was speaking during a visit to MAA member Indestructible Paint of Birmingham in June – his first to a UK aerospace company – that was organised by the MAA.
MAA director Neil Rawlinson of Aero Engine Controls, who welcomed the minister, said: “It was pleasing to be able to explain in detail how the MAA’s Aerospace Technology Exploitation Programme (ATEP) is helping companies like Indestructible invest in new technologies.”
Mr Prisk, whose portfolio comes under the Business, Innovation and Skills department, discussed at length how regulation affects SMEs and the vital role of the MAA. He said the visit was “rewarding”. “The MAA plays a key role in supporting aerospace across the Midlands and today I saw first-hand how they are helping small businesses develop new technology through their successful Aerospace Technology Exploitation Programme (ATEP).
“I was impressed to see the innovation taking place at Indestructible and how it enables the company to expand and enhance its wide range of advanced engineering coatings - such as those capable of protecting large jet aero-engine components operating at extremely high temperatures.
“With more than a quarter of its workforce involved in research and development, Indestructible is clearly a highly skilled, advanced manufacturer. And with around half of its output being exported, this successful and dynamic small business is generating wealth not only for the Midlands, but also to the benefit of the wider UK."
