AN initiative to help keep Lancashire's aerospace industry flying high has been hailed a major success.

The Consortium of Lancashire Aerospace organised a conference to bring together businesses, DTI officials and trade groups to share ideas and best practice techniques.

Speakers from companies including British Aerospace and Rolls-Royce talked about marketing techniques and how they build relationships with suppliers.

Firms were also given an insight into support available from bodies including the DTI and Training and Enterprise Councils.

"It provided a unique opportunity for our members and representatives from other areas of industry to share best practice techniques and efficiency initiatives," said Dennis Mendoros, chairman of the CLA.

"The aerospace industry is vital to Lancashire and the topics covered during the event were of great benefit to firms in this area and the North West as a whole." Ron Bertolini, chief executive of the CLA, said more similar events may be organised in the future.

The CLA, based at Clayton-le-Moors, now has more than 120 members across the region.

Staff at the Consortium are now busy preparing for the Farnborough airshow. At the industry showcase event two years ago the CLA helped local firms win £7 million of orders.

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