A trailblazing £1 million initiative to support Lancashire's crucial aerospace and advanced engineering industry has received a £300,000 boost to continue its work.

The original two-year Watchtower project was launched in 2022 by the North West Aerospace Alliance (NWAA) to support strategically important aerospace suppliers following the Covid-19 pandemic.

Now Lancashire County Council has allocated a further £300,000 to support the county's Advanced Engineering and Manufacturing (AEM) sector which employs around 13,000 people.

Its ambitious follow-up programme, Watchtower 2, aims to further support firms.

The grant is designed to ensure that these businesses remain at the forefront of global innovation.

The original Watchtower programme, a £1 million initiative funded by LCC, provided invaluable support to Lancashire’s aerospace and advanced engineering industry, offering diagnostics, talent retention, innovation support, and growth opportunities.

With cutting-edge technologies, cybersecurity, and sustainability at its core, Watchtower 2 builds on this foundation, ensuring that Lancashire’s AEM businesses are equipped to thrive in an era of rapid technological change and increasing sustainability demands.

The project uses local knowledge to identify aerospace firms that need support and tailor their funding and advice to help the key sector thrive in the future.

Cllr Aidy Riggott, LCC's economic development boss, said: “Lancashire County Council is proud to support the continuation of the Watchtower programme, which has already delivered significant benefits to our local aerospace and advanced engineering sectors.

"Watchtower 2 will be crucial in helping businesses meet the challenges of tomorrow – whether through embracing new technologies, enhancing cybersecurity, or driving sustainability.

"This programme is an investment in the future of Lancashire’s economy, and we look forward to seeing our AEM sector continue to flourish.”

Paul Bell, programme manager at NWAA, said: “The original programme provided businesses with clear roadmaps for growth and development.

“We are excited to build on that success with Watchtower 2, helping businesses thrive in the new era of technology and sustainability.”

David Bailey, chief executive of Aerospace Consulting, added: “I am delighted that Lancashire County Council has backed the continuation of the hugely successful Watchtower Programme.

"Watchtower was developed to look out for the future of Lancashire’s Advanced Engineering and Manufacturing Sector and has been enhanced to drive a new era of 'Collaboration and Growth' through new services and support for industry."