Technology and infrastructure firm Connectus has welcomed Reform UK’s support for the reopening of Doncaster Sheffield Airport, with Deputy Leader Richard Tice throwing his weight behind the campaign.
The company believes the move strengthens confidence in the project as efforts continue to restore the airport as a major regional transport hub.
The party’s support for the airport was outlined this week amid growing political momentum to bring the site back into operation and unlock wider economic growth across Doncaster and South Yorkshire.
Connectus, which has supported the airport for 17 years, said the backing further strengthens confidence in the long-term future of the site and the wider Gateway East development.
And they described it as another major vote of confidence in one of the region’s most important regeneration projects.
Roy Shelton, CEO of Connectus, said: “We are absolutely delighted to see growing political support for the reopening of Doncaster Sheffield Airport.
“This is a hugely important project not just for Doncaster, but for the wider region and its future economic growth. The airport has enormous potential to drive investment, create jobs and support businesses across South Yorkshire and beyond.
“At Connectus, we have believed in the long-term future of the airport for many years. Even following its closure, we remained committed to the site, its tenants and its future potential.
“For a company of our size, investing almost £2 million into infrastructure at the airport over the last six years represents a major commitment and a strong statement of confidence in the project.
“The support now being shown from across the political landscape sends a very positive signal to investors, businesses and the wider aviation sector.”
Richard Tice, deputy leader of Reform UK, who has led on this issue for the party said: “We at Reform are big supporters of more regional aviation to drive jobs growth and prosperity. We have been working hard to ensure Doncaster Airport reopening soonest whilst ensuring taxpayers get the best possible deal together with appropriate scrutiny “
Daniel Fell, CEO of the Doncaster Chamber of Commerce, said: “Connectus is a great example of why a reopened airport will be catalytic for South Yorkshire’s economy. By continuing to invest into the infrastructure on the airport estate, Connectus have got ahead of events and are now well placed to be a key part of DSA’s supply chain and are set to benefit from the uptick in interest and investment in the site.
“As well as being a shining example of how DSA will benefit the region’s indigenous SMEs, I’d also like to commend Connectus’s leadership team for being part of the vanguard of businesses that put their head above the parapet to engage directly with political leaders to make the case for backing the airport and its funding package. Their role in facilitating a cross-party consensus should be commended and hasn’t gone unnoticed.”
Connectus says the airport project represents one of the most significant regeneration opportunities in the North of England and believes strong collaboration between local government, infrastructure providers and political stakeholders will be critical to its long-term success.
