FAC's inaugural awards event was a huge success

(l-r) David Barnes, CEO of FAC, Virginia Barrett, Principal of Farnborough College of Technology, John Lamberton from Weslake, Sir Donald Spiers, chairman of FAC, Samantha Bunyan of Cecence and David Tricker of Materion.

The Farnborough Aerospace Consortium’s (FAC) inaugural awards ceremony celebrated the best of the industry – with businesses optimistic about the future.

More than 100 delegates attended the black tie function at the Old Thorns Hotel in Liphook, Hants, where the winners were announced.

The consortium is one of the longest established aerospace and defence trade associations in the UK.

It has more than 200 members – including some from abroad – and serves its membership in the south and south east of England, the heart of UK aerospace.

David Barnes, the FAC CEO, and its Chairman Sir Donald Spiers, presented the trophies.

Sir Donald Spiers

David Barnes

David said: “We have been championing our aerospace sector for many years and it seemed overdue to celebrate it with awards.

“Our inaugural ceremony proved a success with the membership and by the number of nominations received we can say the awards were hotly contested.

“We convened an expert panel of judges to make decisions in four categories. And before the event we held a golf tournament, which was equally competitive.

“Obviously we congratulate all those nominated and those who won and we are already planning a bigger and better event next year.

“We’d love to hear from all those businesses in aerospace or its supply chain because the more of us there are, the more powerful our voice.”

Categories included the Best Young Person in Aerospace, which was won by Thomas Lowery from Farnborough College of Technology.

The award was presented to college Principal, Virginia Barrett.

David Barnes presents the Best Young Person in Aerospace award. It was won by Thomas Lowery from Farnborough College of Technology and the award was presented to college Principal, Virginia Barrett.

The award for Technological Innovation in Aerospace was won by David Tricker of Materion, who is based in Farnborough.

Sir Donald Spiers presents the award for Technological Innovation in Aerospace to David Tricker of Materion

The company produces new materials including those that have led to lighter and more durable pistons, which are used in the aerospace and automobile industries.

Another award was the Best Woman in Aerospace, which was won by Sam Bunyan from Cecence, based in Salisbury, Wilts.

Sir Donald Spiers (left) chairman of the FAC and Stuart Murray of award sponsors Barnbrook Systems, present the Best Woman in Aerospace Award to Samantha Bunyan of Cecence.

The company are composite innovators and manufacturers of aerospace interiors – including in the defence and rail industries.

Samantha, who is Head of Industry Engagement, said: “This is our sixth year from start-up and we have developed the first ever fully composite seat-back.

“I’m hugely flattered to receive the award and would like to thank all those who nominated me.

“I hope this will encourage more women into the industry.”

And the winner of the Best Small or Medium Sized Business was John Lamberton of Weslake, based in Hastings, East Sussex.

Sir Donald Spiers presents John Lamberton with his award at the FAC South East Aerospace annual awards evening at the Old Thorns Manor Hotel in Liphook, Hants.

The company, formed around a century ago, still has as its chairman Michael Daniel, founder Harry Weslake’s step-son.

John said: “It is a really good feeling to be recognised and to win the award.

“Being a member of the FAC – South East Aerospace – really helps a lot, through the networking and meeting others in the aerospace sector and its supply chain.

“We have plans to expand our small team and the future is about electrification – but firstly hybrid power – and we hope to be at the forefront of that.”