With the notable exception of Power Jets, which was formed by Sir Frank Whittle to develop his first jet engine, Britain's jet engine manufacturers were already established manufacturers of piston aero engines.

The 1940's and 1950's saw the heyday of British jet engine development with many companies producing their own designs. Some of the engines from that era never made it into the air but some of the designs are still in use today over fifty years since they were introduced. Gradually these companies merged together until there was just Bristol Siddeley and Rolls-Royce remaining. Eventually these two great companies were merged leaving Britain with just one jet aero engine company, Rolls-Royce.

Many may lament the loss of all these historic and pioneering British companies but it would have been impossible for them all to continue independently in the face of competition from the two large American manufacturers. Happily, Rolls-Royce is now one of the big three global engine makers and arguably produces the finest jet engines in the world.