The space sector in the North-East now generates more than £ 113m in sales , with more than 50 companies employing almost 1,400 people .
DURHAM WELCOMES ANNUAL NORTH- EAST SPACE CONFERENCE
The North-East Satellite Applications Centre of Excellence ( NESACoE ) is inviting businesses to learn more about the growing space industry in the North- East at its upcoming conference in March .
This year ’ s North-East Space Conference is being held on March 22 , at Radisson Blu in Durham , and will explore the current priorities for the space sector in a series of presentations and informative discussions .
With satellites being used in many parts of our everyday lives there are increasing opportunities for companies to move into and grow in the sector .
The conference will explore how satellites are used in 5G communications , to create smart cities and used for remote sensing and monitoring .
Speakers from industry , public sector and academia will discuss a wide range of topics from how companies are developing solutions to deal with space debris to ways to generate solar energy in space , amongst other things .
A number of early-stage businesses , which have raised $ 40m in total , will be sharing their experiences of raising investment , these are four of the up and coming European space companies recently listed in Sifted ’ s Spacetech report .
Leading global space technology investors Seraphim Capital , will be speaking about the work they do to support space entrepreneurship from inception to exit
NESACoE , delivered by Business Durham – the business support service for Durham County Council – has received funding from the Satellite Applications Catapult and the UK
Space Agency over the last nine years to grow the sector in the region .
The sector now includes over 50 companies in the North-East with a workforce of almost 1,400 people and income generated of more than £ 113m and it is continuing to grow .
Cllr Amanda Hopgood , leader of Durham County Council , said : “ We are delighted to welcome businesses and industry representatives from the space sector to Durham for The North East Space Conference .
“ The conference will be a great opportunity for businesses already in the space sector and those that are keen to get more involved to hear first-hand about the very latest developments and opportunities from experts in the sector .
“ The North East Satellite Applications Centre of Excellence has played an important role in the growth of the region ’ s space sector .
“ Based at the region ’ s premier science and technology park – North-East Technology Park ( NETPark ) in Sedgefield – the centre is led by the council ’ s business support service , Business Durham and strives to champion opportunities in the region and connect businesses to provide new expertise into the industry .”
Speakers at last year ’ s North-East Space Conference .
Lockheed Martin , which is sponsoring this year ’ s event , announced last year that it is exploring options for a new facility in the North-East .
Nik Smith , regional director for UK and Europe at Lockheed Martin Space , said : “ We are committed to making the UK one of the most prosperous and capable space sectors in the world and we recognise the rich talent that sits within the North-East .
“ With more than 500 existing suppliers across the UK , 75 percent of them being SMEs , we ’ re thrilled to sponsor the annual North-East Space Conference as we progress our investment options and look for new partners .”
Other sponsors include Durham University , Northumbria University and Invest North- East England .
To find out more about the North East Space Conference 2023 and to register attendance , visit www . businessdurham . co . uk / spaceconf2023 .
The magazine for Aycliffe Business Park | 29