Refuel aerospace

The Society of British Aerospace Companies (

) has called on the government to increase spending in aerospace and defence, ahead of the budget report on 22 April.

In a formal submission, the SBAC has requested an increase in the budget of the Technology Strategy Board to act as the main source of funding for early-stage research.

Ian Godden, SBAC chief executive, said: ‘Amid all the talk of bail-outs, successful sectors can be ignored.

'Aerospace and defence is an unsung success story for the UK that will play a major role in keeping the economy going until the recovery comes.

'However, the danger is that existing funding for our industry could be siphoned off to help struggling sectors elsewhere.’

The SBAC has said there needs to be an £100m increase in spending for aerospace collaborative research and development budgets to provide future low-carbon technology products.

In addition, the Society wants the government to target investment in science, technology, engineering and maths education to improve the adult population’s skills levels.