New task force to take the lead in developing Jet Zero Cluster

A new task force has been formed to propel Hampshire and Surrey’s innovative Jet Zero Cluster of businesses to new heights.

Led by Chris Burchell, Head of Enterprise and Innovation, at Enterprise M3 Local Enterprise Partnership, representatives from aerospace businesses, a leading aerospace trade body, local authorities and universities adopted a new Jet Zero Cluster action plan during discussions at Farnborough Airport’s Nexus community facility, under the banner of the Hampshire and Surrey Jet Zero Task Force.

EM3 has been spearheading work in developing the cluster in-line with meeting the Government’s Jet Zero Strategy – a UK-wide plan for achieving net zero aviation by 2050. 

A key part of the action plan is to promote the strengths of local Jet Zero related activities at next year’s Farnborough International Airshow and to use the show and the airport to animate wider national and international interest in terms of the opportunities and challenges surrounding the net zero journey.

The action plan seeks businesses and universities to lead the task force, as EM3’s work transitions to Hampshire County Council and Surrey County Council.

During the meeting, the results of an Evidence Paper commissioned by EM3 through SQW were discussed which identified 138 businesses within the cluster area as being relevant to Jet Zero. It was noted that many of these businesses may not be aware that they are part of the Jet Zero Cluster due to the nature of the cross-sector applications that are in development.

Part of the work of the task force will be to promote the positive extent of the cluster in the local region, which has been crystalised into a proposition document by economic development consultants, SQW. The document highlights the opportunities that are available within the area and the positive work that is already being undertaken by organisations within the EM3 geography. The task force is keen to better understand the needs of these businesses and to record success from across the region which can be attributed to the Jet Zet cluster, and to focus on identifying and addressing current skills gaps.

It is also eager to continue the vital work of connecting and convening SMEs with leading aerospace businesses such as QinetiQ, Boeing and Safran, who have a significant presence in the region.

Chris Burchell, EM3 Head of Enterprise and Innovation, said: “I am delighted that following the completion of our mapping work with SQW on the emerging Jet Zero cluster in the EM3 region, we are now launching a task force to take some key steps to build an effective and active network and get the cluster on the map.”

To find out more about the Hampshire and Surrey Jet Zero Task Force and to get involved please email tom.bircham@enterprisem3.org.uk