High Sheriffs take high-level look at East Midlands Airport
The High Sheriffs of Derbyshire and Leicestershire visited East Midlands Airport for a behind-the-scenes look at what keeps it running as the region’s holiday gateway and major cargo hub.
The High Sheriff of Leicestershire, Stephen Bryan JP, (pictured left) and High Sheriff of Derbyshire, Sir Richard FitzHerbert Bt, (right) were welcomed by the airport’s Head of Corporate Affairs, Ioan Reed-Aspley (centre).
They were treated to views across the airfield and beyond from the airport’s 51-metre high Air Traffic Control tower. Parts of all three counties surrounding the airport can be seen from the tower, along with the airport operations which contribute £1.5bn to the national economy. On the ground they also saw airfield operations and the airport’s fire and rescue team providing crucial support to keep flights running smoothly and safely.
Both have an interest in the airport as a major local employer and a key regional driver of tourism and business. Stephen Bryan is a long-time resident of Leicestershire, living in a small village a short drive from the airport, having previously worked to support the automotive and aerospace sectors which benefit from the airport’s cargo operation. Meanwhile Sir Richard FitzHerbert lives at Tissington Hall, his ancestral home, and is Chair of the Peak District & Derbyshire Local Visitor Economic partnership. He and his wife do their bit for local tourism by hosting weddings, holiday lets and reopening the village tea rooms.
Their tour of the airport completes a hattrick of visits from the region’s High Sheriffs, with the High Sheriff of Nottinghamshire Ed Attenborough having visited last year to see for himself how his own medical supplies company benefits from the airport’s unrivalled cargo operation.
Ioan Reed-Aspley said: “It was a real pleasure to welcome the High Sheriffs of Derbyshire and Leicestershire to the airport. Our conversation ranged widely, from growth and inward investment to jobs, skills and the critical infrastructure that keeps the operation moving, including fire engines and snow ploughs.
“It was a valuable opportunity to reflect on the airport’s role in supporting communities across the region and to thank them both for their service during a year that has seen continued momentum for the East Midlands region.”