An analysis carried out on behalf ADS Group by KPMG has demonstrated that the UK's membership of the EU delivers key benefits for the UK's aerospace, defence, security and space sectors.
The analysis, supported by interviews with industry, analyses the benefits to these sectors' global competitiveness in terms of access to EU markets and supply chains; to skilled workers, and to EU funding for investment in the UK.
These findings are supported by a GfK NOP survey of ADS's 900 members on their views of how the UK's membership of the EU impacts their business. The survey showed that 86% of respondents believe it would be better for their business for the UK to remain part of the EU. Just 2% indicated that leaving the EU would be better for their business.
Paul Everitt (pictured), chief executive of ADS Group, said: "This ADS/KPMG economic assessment demonstrates the significant benefits the aerospace, defence, space and security industries get from UK membership of the European Union. Our industries are clear that the UK's continued membership of the EU is good for companies, their employees and the future prosperity of the country.
"Our sectors value the UK Government's ability to influence the rules of the EU single market, its role in helping to shape important international regulation and market access, as well as the investment in European science, technology and innovation."
He added: "This assessment has clearly shown that our sectors want to see change within the European Union with more focus on promoting growth, investment in skills, innovation and competitiveness. They also want to see UK Government raising its game to maximise UK influence and companies benefit from the support and funding that is available."
Nearly 60% of those who participated in the survey cited free trade within the EU as delivering core benefits to their business, followed by the simplification of regulations and overall economic growth. Three-quarters of respondents described EU membership as having a positive impact on their business with only one per cent describing it as being negative.
