With best wishes, Ian Clappison, CEO – Experience UK
It is a pleasure to welcome you to the second edition of the Experience UK Theme Park Procurement Guide.
When we launched the first edition, our ambition was simple: to provide theme park operators, developers and procurement teams around the world with a direct route into the extraordinary breadth of expertise within the UK supply chain. The response to that first edition demonstrated just how valuable that connection can be. demonstrate growing confidence in the UK market and reinforce the opportunities ahead for the wider experience economy.
UK companies are already playing a significant role in projects across the globe. From masterplanning, architecture and experience design through to ride systems, immersive technology, AV, theming, fabrication, accessibility, operations and specialist consultancy, the UK has developed an
WELCOME
Since then, the global theme park and attractions landscape has continued to evolve at a remarkable pace. Across established and emerging markets, we are seeing significant investment in new destinations, ambitious expansions and increasingly sophisticated visitor experiences. Major developments such as Disney’ s planned theme park and resort on Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, alongside the wider transformation of Qiddiya City in Saudi Arabia, underline the scale of global ambition and opportunity. At the same time, guests’ expectations continue to rise, creating demand for experiences that combine worldclass storytelling with technology, operational excellence and memorable design.
Here in the UK, the sector is entering an equally exciting period. Universal United Kingdom Resort in Bedford will bring Universal’ s first branded theme park and resort destination to the UK and Europe, while Kynren- The Storied Lands in Bishop Auckland represents an ambitious new chapter for live-action storytelling and immersive historical entertainment. Together with Puy du Fou’ s proposed UK development and continued investment across the country’ s established parks and attractions, these projects international reputation for creativity, technical expertise and the ability to turn ambitious ideas into deliverable experiences.
That is what this guide is designed to showcase.
This second edition brings together an expanded selection of Experience UK members, providing developers and operators with a practical resource for identifying experienced UK partners across every stage of a theme park project’ s lifecycle.
For Experience UK, our role extends beyond simply showcasing capability. We want to create meaningful connections between our members and the people commissioning the world’ s next generation of attractions, opening doors to new markets and ensuring UK expertise remains firmly embedded within the global supply chain.
Whether you are developing an entirely new destination, expanding an existing park or looking for specialist expertise for your next project, I hope this guide provides both inspiration and, more importantly, the connections you need to bring those plans to life.
The opportunities ahead for our sector are substantial, and I am enormously proud of the UK businesses helping to shape what comes next. Thank you to all those who have contributed to this publication.
With best wishes, Ian Clappison, CEO – Experience UK
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