Following site risk assessments, new work health and safety measures have been put into place which will enable a partial re-opening of the ARA site, in line with UK Government guidelines for manufacturing and research facilities. Staff have been trained in the new safe working practices and issued with suitable PPE. We look forward to being able to resume supporting our customers in their ongoing projects and achieving a full operation in the coming weeks. Our priority remains the safety of our staff, customers and visitors and will constantly review our processes.
On 5 March 2020 the ARA team attended Bedford Academy’s National Careers Week event to discuss the world of aerodynamic research and testing with future young professionals.
In response to the latest UK Government advice and our own risk assessments we have decided to temporarily close the ARA site, effective Friday 27th March until further notice. The health and wellbeing of our people is our top priority. In line with the latest Government guidance, our employees are working from home wherever possible. We thank our employees, clients and partners for their understanding in these unprecedented times.
Paul Hutchings CEO – Aircraft Research Association Ltd
At the recent ARA Friends & Family Open Day there was a cake sale in support of The Woodland Trust. The money raised was used to dedicate 3 trees in Stoke Wood, to thank all ARA employees, past and present. Details of the wood can be found here: Stoke Wood
Every year ARA staff are asked to nominate colleagues who they feel would be worthy recipients of the Team and Employee of the Year awards. These nominations are then assessed by a small independent group to decide the winners of the awards. For 2018 the Team of the Year was awarded to the Systems Engineering Team for their leadership, dedication and technical proficiency on the recent TWT repair/upgrade project. This project was technically challenging and highly time pressured, requiring long hours and the management of a large multi-disciplinary team. The Systems Engineering Team led this project and successfully delivered it with the support of internal staff and external contractors.
