I HAVE just returned from a fascinating visit to Airbus in Filton, Bristol, where I saw the test bed for the new A350 landing gear and the manufacturing division of the wings for the A400M airlifter‚ aircraft.

Both of these aircraft are at the cutting edge of technology and are earning huge exports orders.

Recently, Airbus has scored a great success in Indonesia.

More than 180 people from my constituency are directly employed by Airbus with countless more being employed by local firms supplying and supporting Airbus.

Airbus is, therefore, an important firm in terms of our economy and employment.

It was an opportune moment for me to visit Airbus because the Festival for Manufacturing and Engineering‚ in the Stroud Valleys and Vale is to be launched on Monday 23 April and will last for a full week.

For details, please look at the Festival website, kindly hosted by SGS (Stroud College), on www.stroud.ac.uk/festival.

Two parts of the Festival are especially relevant to Airbus.

Firstly, the importance of supply chains and the opportunities for small businesses they present.

Supply chains are increasingly complex, demanding high standards and reliability.

This is why we are holding a networking reception, sponsored by local employer, Delphi, to enable links to be developed in procurement between businesses.

As Airbus Head of Programmes, Tom Williams, noted, "Securing Airbus' supply chain is critical, even more so as we prepare to increase production.

"Day in, day out we work closely with our suppliers to improve delivery performance for series production and the A350 XWB."

The second part of the Festival of acute importance to firms like Airbus is the need to promote the career opportunities in manufacturing and engineering.

Schools and Stroud College are participating by hosting events, visiting factories and supporting events.

The Festival is all about celebrating success, and putting the Valleys and Vale on the right track for economic growth. If you would like to discuss the issues raised above, please contact me on 01453 751572 or visit my website www.neilcarmichael.co.uk.