KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FL (October 11, 2011) – Today, Space Florida President Frank DiBello and Rees Ward, A|D|S Group, Ltd., CEO signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to further enhance business development opportunities between Florida and the UK in the aerospace sector.
The MOU was signed today by a State of Florida-led delegation to the UK and includes the following guidelines:
1. Space Florida, Enterprise Florida and A|D|S will coordinate on mutually relevant issues and commercial activities, where all parties may provide consistent messaging to UK/US governments on the need for Export Control Reform that removes unnecessary obstacles from such ventures;
2. All parties will work to maximize attendance at each other’s industry events;
3. All parties will agree upon conditions for financing special cooperative activities;
4. Each party will leverage their relationships to maximize business development potential for the other in their own markets.
A|D|S Group Ltd. is the only UK-based trade organization recognized by the UK government as the association responsible for advancing the UK aerospace, defense and security industries. A|D|S encompasses the British Aviation Group (BAG) and also claims Farnborough International Unlimited (organizer of the Farnborough International Air Show) as a wholly owned subsidiary.
A|D|S represents 850 member companies and operates primarily out of London, Hindhead and Farnborough, England, but also has representation in Scotland, Northern Ireland, Toulouse, New Delhi and Bangalore. The organization offers conferences, inbound/outbound trade missions, exhibitions and networking events both in the UK and overseas.
Space Florida signed an MOU last year with UKTI (UK Trade & Investment Group) that resulted in the recent announcement of funding for UK-based Cella Energy to collocate hydrogen R&D facilities at KSC. Today’s MOU signing with A|D|S represents the next step in fostering additional, long-term partnerships with UK-based aerospace companies to serve as a catalyst for growth in both markets.
“UK aerospace and defense opportunities are growing at double digit rates,” noted Space Florida President Frank DiBello. “We look forward to working with UK-based organizations to maximize industry growth potential in both the Florida and UK markets.”
During the UK mission, the Florida team also participated in meetings with Alistair Burt, Parliamentary Undersecretary of State for the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, as well as other senior-level members of Parliament to discuss space policy and partnership opportunities. The team also visited the Royal Aeronautical Society and met with members of the UK Space Agency, Astrium, the Science and Technology Facilities Council, UKTI, and Cella Energy.
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About Space Florida: Space Florida was created to strengthen Florida’s position as the global leader in aerospace research, investment, exploration and commerce. As Florida’s aerospace development organization, we are committed to attracting and expanding the next generation of space industry businesses. With its highly trained workforce, proven infrastructure and unparalleled record of achievement, Florida is the ideal location for aerospace businesses to thrive – and Space Florida is the perfect partner to help them succeed. www.spaceflorida.gov.
