Business leader Andrew Barnett called for ‘bold action and clarity’ from new PM on the opening day of the Farnborough International Airshow.

He warned that indecision at the top of government was damaging businesses, stifling growth and risking national defence.

Andrew, who is managing director of Fareham-based Barnbrook Systems and chair of the South Central Regional Defence and Security Cluster (SCRDSC), spoke out after Mr Burnham became the first PM since 1945 to fail to attend the opening day of the air show.

He called for Mr Burnham to attend the show – one of the largest for defence, aerospace and aviation – later this week to signal his support for the defence sector and business.

Andrew said: “It is incredibly disappointing that Andy Burnham didn’t attend the opening day of the show.

“While I appreciate he had a busy first day, it would have been the perfect way to open his time in office with an appearance at a global event to demonstrate his support for business and the wider defence, aviation and aerospace sector.

“The recent  instability in government and lack of defence spending has left business in limbo and placing major investment decisions on hold.

“Business needs bold action, clarity and investment from the new PM and his government. A good start to demonstrate that he takes business and defence seriously is to attend the airshow at some stage this week.”

Global solutions provider Barnbrook, which serves defence, aviation and aerospace, is exhibiting at the airshow on July 20 to 24 for the 16thconsecutive time.

Organisers said that they are expecting record visitors numbers of more than 100,000 people with six halls instead of five, increased air and static displays and a strong showing from defence companies.

Mr Barnett, who is also on the board of the Farnborough Aerospace Consortium (FAC),  added: “This is the most important airshow in generations.

“Technology is rapidly changing the face of warfare in an increasingly unstable world. Defencing spending should be one of the items at the very top of Andy Burnham’s in-tray.”

Barnbrook Systems had a flying start to the show when it welcomed international visitors and delegations, hosted the media and made valuable business contacts.

It is showcasing  new and upgraded technology and services when it attends the airshow.

It is a global solutions provider of game-changing Intelligent Internet of Things (IIOT) technology but also specialises in Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) to breathe new life into older defence assets.

This includes supply solutions and services for components including engine controls and flight actuators for such active fighter aircraft across the world as the Tornado, Jaguar, Hawk and Sea Harrier. It also supplies such systems as temperature monitors and rotary variable differential transformers (RVDT).

The firm, which holds both Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) accreditations, recently won a seven-figure contract over 10 years to supply and provide MRO for relays on Rolls-Royce marine engines on a friendly foreign navy’s entire fleet of destroyers.

Barnbrook’s solutions also include its BlueCube © enabled IIOT refuelling switches for Leonardo helicopters which have transformed the safety and efficiency of inflight refuelling.

Together with fellow technology firm will also be showcasing its game-changing E:BAG fire suppression systems for lithium-ion battery fires in such portable electronic devices as phones, tablets, power-banks, laptops and vapes.

The firm, with nearly 50 staff and offices in the United States and Europe, punches above its weight as a prime contractor and subcontractor with multi-national firms, the UK MOD, and overseas governments.

It is attending the airshow with Farnborough Aerospace Consortium (FAC) in Hall1, UK Village, on Stand 1317.

SCRDSC brings together industry leaders across Hampshire, Surrey, the Isle of Wight and West Sussex to grow the sector in support of the UK’s evolving defence and security needs.

Visit https://www.barnbrook.co.uk/ and https://www.farnboroughairshow.com/ for more information.