Coventry chosen for £40m aerospace programme

The National Aerospace Technology Programme (NATEP) is a £40 million programme to help develop technologies for new products or manufacturing processes. It is designed to create or retain 1,200 jobs in the aerospace supply chain. More than 30 small and medium sized suppliers have already applied for a share of the NATEP funding to help develop future technologies. The programme will make a series of funding calls between now and 2015. Five industry experts based at the University of Warwick Science Park's Business Innovation Centre in Binley will work with a team in each of the UK's regional aerospace alliances in programme managing NATEP and engaging with UK aerospace supply chain players in delivering 100 new technologies in the sector. Programme's director Dave Dawson has encouraged companies that might qualify to get in touch. He said: "The aim of the programme is to aid innovation in UK aerospace sector in order to allow us to produce new technologies at a greater rate than our competitors. "The regional version of this programme had initially taken place here in Binley with help from the Midlands Aerospace Alliance so it seemed like a great place to work from, to build on the success of that scheme. "The technologies can be anything from ceramics in aircraft brakes to design methods for tyres and heat exchanges systems. "Our team of experts can offer support in the form of technical and business advice as well as mentoring and guidance." Rolls Royce, Airbus, Bombardier, Spirit Aerosystems, GKN and AgustaWestland, are sponsoring the programme. NATEP will be managed by aerospace trade organisation ADS.