The West of England’s aerospace and advanced engineering sector is worth over £2.7 billion.

Over 10 world-leading aerospace companies are based here. The area is Europe’s aerospace powerhouse, with specialist expertise in areas like composites, robotics, and additive-layer manufacturing.

In addition to the 51,000 aerospace, manufacturing and advanced engineering jobs in the West of England, the region is home to four world-class universities attended by over 39,000 Science, Technology, Engineering, and Maths (STEM) students. Download maps >

Scientists at the National Composites Centre Image credit: National Composites Centre

Thinking of investing in the region?

The Invest Bristol & Bath team offer extensive tailored support to companies interested in relocating and growing here.

Get in touch with our experts by emailing invest@bristolandbath.co.uk, and we'll call you back. Please include your business name, sector, the address of your registered offices requesting support and telephone/email contact details.

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A world leader in aerospace

Major international businesses operate in the region, such as Airbus, GKN Aerospace, BAE Systems, Rolls-Royce, Leonardo Group, and Boeing. Their supply chains lead in aerospace research, development, and design. These businesses feed the manufacture of aircraft, helicopters, military transport, satellites, and communication systems across the country and globally.

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Image credit: Vertical Aerospace
Sustainable aviation

Airbus, Rolls-Royce, and GKN Aerospace are pioneering sustainable aviation and zero emissions initiatives at regional sites, aligning with their global goals. Hydrogen aviation is emerging as a priority, with Airbus' ZEROe concept aircraft and GKN Aerospace's £54.4 million H2GEAR project leading the way. Bristol is also home to Vertical Aerospace, one of the UK's leading Urban Air Mobility companies.

 

Image credit: Airbus
Aerospace

The South West of England is the ideal location for aerospace and advanced engineering businesses that want to set up or expand in the UK.

With over 20 centres of excellence including 8 renowned universities and colleges, the South West of England is the centre of world-leading expertise across sectors. Learn more

Image credit: Rolls Royce
Composites

The West of England has the strongest composites R&D capability in the UK.

Home to the globally renowned National Composites Centre (NCC) and Centre for Modelling & Simulation (CFMS), our region brings together world class composites research and application to drive innovation. Learn more

Image credit: University of Bristol
Space

The West of England is also home to a growing space sector, with key players such as Thales Alenia Space based in Bristol. The region has been announced as one of the UK Space Agency’s new ‘Space Hubs’, with more than 50 space organisations located in the West of England. Learn more

Image credit: GKN
Defence

Businesses in the region are developing innovative defence equipment and services. These companies include BMT Defence Services, Horstman Defence Systems, and Babcock International. The sector also benefits from the presence of the MOD's Defence Equipment and Support site at Abbey Wood, Bristol. The site supports over 30,000 jobs with a £14 billion budget.

Bristol and Bath are accelerating innovation at a significant rate

  • The region’s aerospace firms are supported by new ‘disruptive technology’ facilities. This includes the University of Bath’s new IAAPS, which supports joint research and 300 new engineering jobs.
  • Additional developments include the Airbus Wing Integration Centre, and the National Composites Centre’s announcement of a further £36.7 million investment in its current facility.
  • The West of England Aerospace Forum, a large aerospace and defence association which connects members to major industry and government decision makers, is based in the region.
  • Productivity in the sector has grown by 50% since 2009, at 20 times the UK average.
Engineers at Rolls Royce Image credit: Rolls Royce

We've got the connections, to help you get started

We can tell you more about the world-leading aerospace and engineering sectors making a home in the region, and offer you unique guidance, connections, and support if you're considering getting set up here.

We're here to unlock your business potential in Bristol & Bath.

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View cluster maps of centres of excellence in the region

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Horstman
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Composites

The West of England has the strongest composites R&D capability in the UK.

South West Aerospace

The South West of England is the ideal location for aerospace and advanced engineering businesses that want to set up or expand in the UK.

Space

The West of England is home to a diverse space sector, with multi-national and SME companies active in the space ecosystem.