The UK’s aerospace sector is entering a period of unprecedented opportunity, with new data from ADS Group showing the industry contributed £42.2 billion to the UK economy in 2024 – a 64% increase over the past decade. But while the growth trajectory is clear, aerospace leaders are warning that the UK must not allow external uncertainties, including sluggish eurozone business confidence, to slow momentum.
Shaun Rowley, managing director of Atherstone-based precision engineering specialist ANT Industries, said the data underlines the resilience and international competitiveness of UK aerospace – and the importance of continuing to invest for the future.
“The numbers tell a clear story – productivity up 70% over the past ten years, exports accounting for almost half of turnover, and a sector that is one of Britain’s most dynamic growth engines,” Rowley said. “The opportunity is there. The challenge now is making sure UK industry rises to meet it, even when confidence in other parts of Europe is subdued.”
ANT Industries, which manufactures high-precision components for aerospace and gas turbine engines, has secured more than £30 million in orders for the next three years. The company exports 72% of its products, supplying leading global aerospace firms including Rolls-Royce, Eaton Aerospace and ITP.
Rowley argued that continued investment in advanced technology and workforce development is key to ensuring UK suppliers keep pace with demand.
“At ANT Industries, we’ve invested heavily in new five-axis machining centres and grinding capability because we see the scale of the opportunity ahead,” he explained. “Yes, there are headwinds – whether that’s geopolitical uncertainty, supply chain disruption, or weaker confidence in parts of the eurozone – but aerospace remains a growth industry. If the UK doesn’t commit to meeting that demand, others will.”
The ADS data shows the UK aerospace sector alone contributed £13.6 billion to the economy last year, with output per worker 71% higher than a decade ago. Rowley believes that this productivity surge should embolden both government and industry to double down on their commitments.
“The risk right now is hesitation,” he said. “Our international customers expect resilience, investment and innovation. That’s why at ANT Industries we’re not holding back. We’re building the capacity, skills and technology to make sure UK manufacturing stays at the front of the pack.”
Rowley added that sustaining growth also means bringing through the next generation of talent. ANT Industries has expanded its team in recent years, with a focus on apprenticeships, diversity, and long-term workforce development.
“The UK aerospace industry is creating high-value careers right across the regions,” he said. “For us in Warwickshire, that means investing in people as much as in machines. We’ve been successful in attracting young engineers and encouraging more women into advanced manufacturing – and that’s something we’ll keep driving.”
As the government prepares to publish its new Industrial Strategy, the message from Rowley is clear: the UK aerospace sector is primed for expansion.
“We’ve shown what’s possible when companies and government back aerospace,” he said. “The worst mistake now would be to let short-term uncertainty in Europe or elsewhere hold us back. This is our moment to lead, and ANT Industries intends to be part of it.”