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Economic Investment- Business Celebration Award Winners
15/12/2011
Everyone knows how important Economic Investment is to a town like Gosport which has suffered a loss of many defence and manufacturing related jobs in recent years. The Economic Investment Award recognises businesses that are rooted in Gosport’s economic history and associated with its skills base, manufacturing and maritime heritage. Successful businesses in this category will have: an established brand, products and services; been operating in Gosport for over 25 years; and exploited opportunities to trade in national and international markets.
There were two outstanding nominations in this category. The STS Defence Ltd links with Gosport go back over 200 years. The company has an established international reputation for consistent excellence in the provision of specialist engineering and manufacturing services for the defence, security, aviation and marine markets. With a commitment to continuous improvement, the firm was the first to achieve a number of specialist aerospace quality accreditations in the UK and Europe. The achievements of the business on an international stage are underpinned by local investments in staff, supply chains and the community. Over half the current workforce lives in Gosport and the firm's introduction of apprenticeship and trainee development programmes is providing new opportunities for young people every year.
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Last, but by no means least was Vector Aerospace, a business which has evolved over the last 70 years to become the largest maintenance, repair and overhaul site for military helicopters outside North America. The work force of 900, maintain the entire UK MoD fleet of Chinook, Sea King and Lynx helicopters, and have recently expanded operations on the site, re-establishing engine overhaul and repair services, supporting some of the world's leading aero engine companies. As well as 90% of the company’s workforce living locally, Vector also has a commitment to use local business services where possible and is developing relationships with Gosport engineering firms, with a view to strengthening the local supply chain. As part of its commitment to continuous training and development, Vector is currently training 45 apprentice aircraft maintenance technicians, and has an average intake of 10 apprentices in any one year.
