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 >
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.
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.
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.
Photo credit Vertical 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
Photo credit: Airbus
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
Photo credit: Rolls Royce
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
Photo credit: University of Bristol
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.
Photo credit: GKN
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.
The West of England has the strongest composites R&D capability in the UK.
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.
The West of England is home to a diverse space sector, with multi-national and SME companies active in the space ecosystem.