A NEW identity for a group which represents firms employing thousands of East Lancashire aerospace workers has been unveiled.

The Consortium of Lancashire Aerospace has grown into the the UK's largest association of its kind since it was launched six years.

It now represents more than 140 members including more than 50 in East Lancashire but also some as far afield as Wales and Scotland.

Now the Nelson-based CLA has been renamed the North West Aerospace Alliance to reflect its growing influence.

"With the approach of the Millennium, the time is right for us right to properly reflect the growth in size and influence both nationally and internationally of the North West aerospace industry," said Dennis Mendoros, chairman and head of his own aerospace firm Euravia of Kelbrook.

"The CLA has built a reputation for being dynamic, innovative and progressive and has attracted members far beyond the boundaries of Lancashire. We have made a decision to more accurately reflect this and to enable us to work in the best interests of the industry throughout the North West region."

Since its launch the CLA has helped its members win business worth tens of millions of pounds. It has also forged links with similar organisations across the world to help local firms as the industry becomes more global.

"We need to make sure that the voice of the North West aerospace industry is heard whenever crucial issues emerge," said Mike Clifford, chief executive. The North West has the largest concentration of the UK's aerospace industry and supports more than 40,000 jobs.

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