Salisbury businesswoman named Best in Aerospace

The work of a Salisbury businesswoman has been recognised by industry peers. And she hopes her award will encourage more women into the aerospace industry.

Samantha Bunyan of Salisbury-based Cecence, was named The Best Woman in Aerospace at the Farnborough Aerospace Consortium’s inaugural awards ceremony in Hampshire.

Sam, who founded the composite innovators and manufacturers of aerospace interiors, 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.”

More than 100 delegates attended the black-tie function, which was organised by the consortium, which 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.

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.”

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

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

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