Local MP Marcus Fysh has been lobbying the Government to secure the funds to ensure the iAero project goes ahead, providing around 130 skilled jobs to the area. In addition to £2million of Council funding, Marcus has been working to secure £7 million between LEP and additional Department of Communities and Local Government sponsored funding.
‘I had a very positive meeting with LEP Minister Andrew Percy about getting more funds into the Heart of the South West Local Enterprise Partnership which would help secure the iAero project and am working on further funds through his Department. iAero will be really good news for Somerset – the sort of advanced skills hub we need to become a centre for projects including the unmanned aircraft ideas I have been helping with.’
Marcus used Defence Questions yesterday to ask for the Ministry of Defence’s support in obtaining the funding and has also been seeking further cooperation with the Department for International Development on humanitarian aid drones, all of which could build on and cement Yeovil’s reputation for aeronautical excellence.