The Business Exchange Swindon & Wiltshire Edition 41: Feb/March 2019 | Page 5

BUSINESS NEWS Award finalists revealed OUT OF THIS WORLD CONTRACTS FOR SCISYS Chippenham-based SCISYS Group, the supplier of bespoke software systems, IT-based solutions and support services to the space, media and broadcast, government, defence and commerce sectors, has announced a series of contract wins for space programmes across Europe. The projects have been won by the German arm of the company and include impressive contracts funded by the European Union and European Space Agency (ESA). In January SCISYS Deutschland GmbH was awarded a €2.8m contract with ESA- ESOC (the European Space Operations Centre) for Monitoring and Control (M&C) system services for the ESA Tracking Network (ESTRACK) up to 2023. Operated by ESOC, ESTRACK and its network of ground stations supports various ESA spacecraft missions. The ESTRACK ground stations are all equipped with a central M&C system, which serves as the basis for providing the high level of automation necessary for a range of space programmes. SCISYS’ Space division in Germany will be responsible for maintaining the operational status of the automated M&C system supporting individual spacecraft missions. SCISYS will also continue to evolve and expand the M&C system for new devices deployed over the contract period. Klaus Heidrich, CEO of SCISYS, said, “I am pleased to announce this significant strategic win by SCISYS’ Space division in Germany. SCISYS is proud to have supported ESTRACK for more a decade and this latest contract is testament to our position as trusted partners and suppliers of ground- segment solutions.” In another recent contract win, SCISYS Deutschland GmbH has been appointed by GMV in Spain for the continuation and further enhancement of three elements in the Galileo Ground Control Segment (GCS). Galileo is Europe’s own global navigation satellite system, providing a highly accurate, guaranteed global positioning service under civilian control. GMV is the prime contractor for the Ground Control System (GCS) to the European Space Agency. SCISYS’ Space division in Germany will progress the evolution and maintenance of three key elements within the GCS: enhanced functions, improved security and cyber resilience capabilities in the next phase of the Galileo programme. GCS elements are fundamental in order to monitor and control the Galileo Satellite Constellation including the related ground functions. The total contract value is for €5m and was awarded under a programme funded by the European Union and the European Space Agency. In December 2018 the company won another two contracts for space programmes with Thales Alenia Space based in France. The company has appointed SCISYS to provide services, again supporting the Galileo project. Thales Alenia Space is the prime contractor to the European Space Agency and these significant orders, with a combined value of over €16m, underline SCISYS Space’s position as an expert for innovative ground segment solutions. Klaus Heidrich, CEO of SCISYS, added, “We are very pleased with this recent win by our Space division. It adds to our confidence that the future prospects for the Group continue to be encouraging. Well done to all the teams involved.” For more info: www.scisys.co.uk The finalists have been announced in two local business award schemes- The South West Business & Community Awards 2019 and the Chippenham Business Awards. To see the list of finalists in the South West Business & Community Awards go to: www.southwestbusinessawards.co.uk The Chippenham Buisness Award finalists are listed on their dedicated website: www.chippenhambusinessawards.co.uk Winners of the South West Business & Community Awards will be revealed at Swindon’s Doubletree Hilton Hotel on Thursday January 24. The awards scheme run by Great British Expos (organisers of the Swindon Expo) is unique with all proceeds from awards night ticket sales donated to charity. Alec Jones-hall, Director of the South West Business and Community Awards, said, “We are proud and excited to be celebrating outstanding achievement across the region and rewarding those who are making a huge impact. It is a time for the business community to come together, not only to celebrate the accomplishments of those shortlisted and the deserving winners of each category, but also to mark the fact that we all continue to play a vital role in the success of our region.” The Chippenham Business Awards take place on Thursday February 21, at the Neeld Community and Arts Centre in the town. Kathryn Crosswell, Manager at Chippenham BID, organiser of the awards said: “With a 24% increase in the number of entries this year, there were some very challenging decisions to be made with an exceptionally high standard of entry in every category. What we have already seen from this process is that Chippenham is a thriving location for business, with an extremely diverse and rich local economy, and we are looking forward to an evening to celebrate this on 21st February.” Tickets for the Chippenham Business Awards are still available. Contact Emma Samways at InEvents to find out more. T: 07949 665649 or email: [email protected] DARING TO BE DIFFERENT www.optps.co.uk THE BUSINESS EXCHANGE 2019 5