YEOVIL-BASED helicopter production company Leonardo hosted over 25 companies from the UK’s aerospace industry to try and help boost local communities.

The meeting took place at the new iAero aerospace collaboration centre, where the companies discussed initiatives to benefit communities that are still struggling due to impacts of the pandemic.

Sam Tomely, Deputy Director of CBI South West, attended the event and expressed the importance of social value.

“The dark days of the pandemic showcased the private sector as a force for good,” said Sam.

“But businesses cannot rest on their laurels so, working alongside public sector partners, firms can help address the needs of their local communities and the big challenges of our time: levelling-up and net zero.”

Companies attending were encouraged to open their minds to the idea of potential collaboration with UK businesses.

Leonardo then shared details of its experiences in this area, citing its provision of PPE for hospitals and care homes during the height of the pandemic.

The company has also focused on ‘upskilling’ its staff to pass on its expertise to the next generation of apprentices and graduates.

In addition to this, Leonardo spoke on their environmental focus, particularly its goal of net-zero carbon emissions by 2030.

Leonardo’s Head of Sustainability, Jane Cumisky, said: “It was fantastic to gather so many different representatives from manufacturing companies across the country.

“Our focus on social value will allow us to magnify our contribution to industry and we are excited about what we could deliver in the future not just in terms of the local economy and jobs, but also the natural environment and society as a whole.”

Written by Jamie Grover (@JamieGrover9)