MIA Takes Motorsport into The Heart Of Parliament And Government

London, August 2, 2010: The MIA ( Motorsport Industry Association) took leading employers from the motorsport industry to meet key members of the British Parliament recently to highlight the value and importance of the industry to the new coalition Government.

The new Government has made it clear that they see high technology engineering, focussed on exports, as key to Britain's future. MIA members made sure the Government understood that motorsport is exactly in this target group and expressed their support. They highlighted the positive opportunities available within this world beating sector, which attracts so much inward investment, based on R&D, rapid prototyping, energy efficiency and fast delivery on time.

"This is the perfect time to increase Government understanding and awareness of the potential and existing value to the UK of our high-performance engineering cluster" said MIA CEO Chris Aylett.

"We are not seeking hand-outs, just strategic and tactical support to keep us in our world leading position. From the front of the grid, together with Government, we can help British engineering attract investment, new export business and also young technicians into education."

MIA members showcased their products and their diversity to both MPs and Peers in a unique "Gallery of Motorsport Excellence" within the Royal Court at the House of Lords. Over 60 MPs accepted an invitation to the MIA Summer Reception at the House of Lords, hosted by the former President of the MIA, Lord Astor of Hever.

Meetings took place with Lord Astor of Hever, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Defence; Mark Prisk MP, Minister of State for Business & Enterprise - BIS; Rt Hon Pat McFadden MP - Shadow Business Minister; Rt Hon Bob Ainsworth MP - Shadow Defence Minister; and Rt Hon Cheryl Gillan MP, Secretary of State for Wales, among others.