THE man in charge of high-profile Furness aviation technology firm Oxley Group has made it clear that a Brexit deal needs to happen quickly.

Martin Blackstad, the company's chief executive, said this was essential for his firm to continue being picked for international projects.

His comments came after the ADS – a trade body for companies in the British aerospace, defence, security and space sectors – said the future success of these industries depended on the Brexit deal.

Oxley, which is based in Ulverston, is a member of the ADS, as is Barrow shipyard owner BAE Systems.

Paul Kahn, its president, said: "In aerospace, defence, space and security we have global supply chains which are reliant on global trade.

"This was why, as an industry, we supported remaining in the EU. However, we have Brexit and it’s now all of our job to help the government and our colleagues around Europe find a successful outcome for both Britain and industry."

Mr Blakstad said in response: "At Oxley we export 76 per cent of our products, this includes numerous contracts with 17 countries in the EU, it’s very important for us that a Brexit deal is negotiated quickly to ensure we retain access to these markets without unnecessary bureaucracy.

"Long term stability is very important for Oxley to ensure we continue to be selected on major programmes around the globe. Defence and aerospace exports are crucial to the UK economy and the government can better support SMEs in this sector through improved export finance and support for innovation."

Oxley is based at Priory Park, near Ulverston, and specialises in LED lighting, night vision products, EMC filters (which reduce the transfer of electromagnetic noise), interconnect components and data capture products.

The company was set up in 1940 producing capacitors for the military. It moved to Ulverston two years later and has been based at Priory Park since the 1950s.

Mr Blakstad added that he supported an ADS campaign to make changes to defence purchasing. This would involve "a broader definition and understanding of value for money in procurement decisions" and "reflect the vital role the UK defence industry plays not only in ensuring our national security but also our national prosperity".

He said: "This would enable industry to take advantage of new innovation, for example, harnessing new technology in LED lighting could deliver improved performance and reliability whilst also substantially reducing through life cost on major programmes."

BAE declined to comment when contacted by the Evening Mail.