DExEU Minister visits Welsh companies to discuss Brexit
David Jones, Minister for Exiting the European Union, has met with businesses in Cardiff and Mid Glamorgan to discuss how Brexit will present new opportunities for creative industries and the aerospace sector.
Minister David Jones at AMSS in Bridgend
The Minister visited AMSS in Bridgend, which produces ground support equipment for the aerospace sector, and Boom Cymru, a production company based in the Glowork facility in Cardiff Bay.
He heard from both companies about the possible opportunities and implications of the UK leaving the European Union for their sectors.
As a priority Britain is now pursuing a bold and ambitious Free Trade Agreement with the European Union, which should allow for the freest possible trade in goods and services between Britain and the EU’s member states.
During his visit to the Welsh capital, Minister David Jones also addressed the Welsh Assembly’s external affairs committee, where he updated them on the progress of the Department for Exiting the European Union.
Minister David Jones said:
The creative industries and aerospace sector are both hugely important for the Welsh and UK economies, and I was pleased to meet AMSS and Boom to discuss both the implications and opportunities of Brexit.
As we negotiate our exit from the EU, we will get the best possible deal for the whole of the UK — one that will allow Welsh businesses to continue access skilled labour, and trade abroad.
The Minister’s visit was the latest in a series of meeting with business leaders from more than 50 sectors, to hear their priorities and concerns before the Prime Minister triggers Article 50 and starts negotiations to leave the EU.
The UK is a world leader in the civil aerospace sector, second only to the US globally, and the industry has an annual turnover of £30bn.
The creative industries sector, meanwhile has expanded by 34% since 2010, accounting for almost 2 million jobs in the UK.
Scott Barber, Managing Director of AMSS, said:
We are proud of our 38 years in this industry and welcomed the opportunity to share our vision for the company as the UK prepares to leave the European Union.
In the aviation sector we have a proven track record in creating bespoke solutions for a range of ground support requirements not just here in Wales, but on a global scale with countries across Europe, Asia and as far afield as New Zealand.
In the coming years we want to build on our success and support Wales in becoming a centre of engineering excellence that attracts new talent motivated to develop innovative solutions for what is a highly competitive industry.