London, 15 July 2024 – ADS Group, the UK trade association for the aerospace, defence, security and space sectors, and Farnborough International are launching the UK Government Hub at Farnborough International Airshow 2024. The Hub provides a dedicated platform for 10 government departments and agencies to collaborate directly with UK businesses.

The Government Hub provides political, industry and international stakeholders a unique platform to elevate an incoming government’s backing for UK aerospace, defence and space, reflecting the combined convening power of ADS and Farnborough International.

The Government Hub will operate cohesively with Farnborough International Airshow’s world-renowned international delegations programme. With more than 250 official government and civil delegations in attendance at the 2022 event, Farnborough International Airshow is on track to increase national and international government attendance at the 2024 event in July.

In addition, the Government Hub will highlight the public sector support available to UK businesses and entrepreneurs. It will provide access to the support businesses need to startup, scale-up and create skilled workforces to the hundreds of British organisations in attendance.

10 different government departments and agencies will have a presence in the Hub, to ensure businesses will have access to the expertise and information they need. The Government departments and agencies with a presence in the UK Government Hub are:

• Department for Business and Trade
• Defence Equipment & Support
• Department for Science, Innovation and Technology
• Department for Transport
• Freeports & Investment Zones
• Invest Northern Ireland
• Ministry of Defence
• UK Defence & Security Exports
• UK Space Command
• Welsh Government

Kevin Craven, Chief Executive Officer of ADS Group, said: “ADS is proud to collaborate with group colleagues in Farnborough International to introduce the first official UK Government Hub at Farnborough international Airshow, providing an unrivalled opportunity for connection between government, official and industry stakeholders. As proud convenors of the conversations that matter, the ADS Group is looking forward to the biggest and best milestone in the 75-year history of this world-renowned event.”

Gareth Rogers, Chief Executive Officer of Farnborough International, added: “Since the first airshow was established in 1948, UK politicians and business leaders have assembled in Farnborough to set the agenda for future innovation for British aviation. To magnify the opportunity the airshow provides the growing UK market, we are working with our parent company ADS, UK Government and devolved administrations to design a focused platform and high-level accessibility to our exhibitors to overcome challenges and maximise business opportunities for the long-term sustainable growth for businesses across the United Kingdom.”

The apex of aviation, Farnborough International Airshow is the world’s leading and most international aerospace and defence event. Taking place 22-26 July, the 2024 trailblazing event will see global aerospace and defence leaders and government return to Hampshire, United Kingdom, for unrivalled opportunities to discover the latest pioneering technology and engineering, announce historic partnerships, and collaboratively work towards the cumulative sustainable aerospace vision.