On the 26th May over 120 delegates attended the formal launch of the North West Space Cluster at the Square Kilometre Array Observatory (SKAO) headquarters at Jodrell Bank. Attendees included local companies, organisations and academic institutions as well as the Science Minister George Freeman MP and Paul Bate the head of the UK Space Agency.
George Freeman explained how the North West Space Cluster is a strategic part of the government’s National Space Strategy, to:
level up the UK
double the UK’s share of the global space market by 2030
strengthen the UK status as a leading international space power
The UK space industry has trebled in size since 2010 and is now worth £16.5 billion per annum. According to the size and health report (2019 to 2020) the turn over of space related activities in the north west increased by approximately 275% in one single year. Much of this growth was in advanced manufacturing and engineering and digital technologies and applications. All are areas where the region’s skills and expertise are internationally recognised.
Dr Paul Bate, Chief Executive at the UK Space Agency:
“The UK Space Agency is committed to levelling up the UK space sector by catalysing investment, leveraging local strengths and attracting new talent to this exciting industry.
Through the local growth cluster fund, we are accelerating the growth of space activities across the country, and I’m delighted to see the official launch of the North West of England’s Space Cluster.
By capitalising on local expertise and improving connections across the UK space landscape with clusters, we can stimulate the investment, innovation and partnerships needed to cement the UK’s role as a science superpower and spacefaring nation.”
STFC, through its Daresbury Laboratory, at Sci-Tech Daresbury has worked with the cluster partners to develop the North West Space Cluster Strategy that will:
drive collaboration and competition, enabling the promotion of the region’s capabilities
export the north-west’s business and space strengths nationally and internationally
evolve the regional space economy to drive productivity and increased investment
embed the opportunities presented by space within local communities.
Dr Barbara Ghinelli, Director of Cluster Development at STFC, said:
“The space industry is playing an increasingly valuable role in supporting UK regional innovation which brings economic benefits, such as high value jobs and skills development opportunities.
Our cluster strategy highlights an exceptional opportunity for the north-west region, using space as an attractor that leverages local strengths, such as digital, advanced materials and defence. This will enhance their economic impact across the UK and competitiveness at a global scale.
STFC’s support for the North West Space Cluster builds on a heritage of developing successful industrial innovation clusters, which have generated an average growth of 20% per annum in terms of jobs. These clusters include the HealthTech and Digital Clusters at Daresbury, and the Space, Energytec and Healthtec Clusters at Harwell.”
Paul Vernon, Head of STFC’s Daresbury Laboratory, added:
“As a key player in the space industry in the UK, STFC has taken leadership in the development of space clusters. The formal launch of the North West Space Cluster marks a catalyst for growth for the region, exploiting the unique and broad mix of facilities and talent across both STFC’s Daresbury Laboratory and its nationwide partners and networks.
The Cluster’s strategy connects our business communities with the world class science facilities we have here on our doorstep, and this will drive innovation, bringing multiple, tangible benefits to society.
I look forward to working with our collaborators in our efforts to support the government mission to establish the UK as a leading space superpower, whilst enabling our regional businesses to take advantage of the opportunities this will bring.”
Professor Philip Diamond, SKAO Director-General: “I am delighted that the North West Space Cluster is being launched at SKAO HQ, alongside our long-time partners STFC.
Science is based on collaboration, and this new cluster will create links between business and academic institutions, developing a broader space community in which we can share expertise and learn from one another in support of our respective missions.
As the major international hub for space science through radio astronomy with its headquarters in the North West of England, the SKAO exemplifies how this region can be a magnet for highly skilled professionals. They bring with them knowledge and experience across a range of specialisms that enrich our organisations and the wider region. We are proud to be part of this exciting new endeavour.”
Bob Morris, Chairman, Northern Space Consortium, said:
“We are excited to see the formal launch of the North West Space Cluster. The Cluster will enable the space industry in our region to expand much more rapidly.
Not only will this benefit the north-west but, with all our skills and expertise, it will also help the UK to achieve its goal of realising 10% of the world space business.
We look forward to continuing to work with all the other stakeholders and STFC’s Daresbury Laboratory in supporting the Cluster.
Also, we encourage all our members and anyone else in our region, whether already involved in the space industry or interested to learn more about the exciting opportunities in this rapidly expanding industry, to register their interest on the Cluster website.”