Showcase event turns the spotlight on the space sector in Bucks
An exciting event designed to provide an insight into the future of the space industry and highlight the success of space-related industries at Westcott, has been hailed a major success.
The Westcott Showcase attracted over 200 delegates and representatives from over 100 companies and organisations who discussed the next exciting developments in rocket propulsion, sustainability in space and the fast growing drone sector, under the theme of ‘accelerating space innovation’.
The Showcase, held on 19 September at Westcott Venture Park, also highlighted the achievements of companies operating on-site alongside their pioneering products and services and their bold vision for the future.
This year’s event, organised by Buckinghamshire Enterprise Zone, Buckinghamshire Council and partners of the Westcott Space Cluster, offered attendees a unique opportunity to listen to informative talks from industry thought leaders, explore cutting-edge on-site capabilities, network with key players in the field, and delve into topics such as UK Space Sector trends, drones and regulation, space sustainability, university collaborations, and inspiring success stories from professionals in the space industry.
It also saw the official launch of the Westcott Space Hub development, funded by the UK Space Agency, Westcott Venture Park and Buckinghamshire Enterprise Zone, which will significantly enhance the capabilities and make substantial contributions to the advancement of space research, manufacturing, and testing at Westcott.
Martin Tett, Buckinghamshire Council’s Leader and Chair of Buckinghamshire’s Growth Board, said: “We were delighted to support the Westcott Showcase event, which showcased pioneering and cutting-edge companies that are rapidly growing across the space and technology sectors, based within the Westcott Enterprise Zone.
“Westcott is one of the most exciting innovation assets here in Buckinghamshire. Over the past five years we have helped to further develop the huge potential of the space sector and believe that future collaborations across sectors will continue to build a secure platform for UK innovation and growth.”
Nigel MacKenzie, Development Manager at Westcott Venture Park, said: “A huge amount of development has been completed within the Westcott Space Cluster in the last few years. This has taken the cluster capabilities to the next level by creating a collaborative eco-system for like-minded companies to develop their ideas and grow sustainably.”
Attendees had the chance to interact with companies from the Westcott Space Cluster, as well as academia, and the vibrant space community. Additionally, guided tours of the Westcott Space Cluster businesses within the Westcott Enterprise Zone ran throughout the day.
Tim Pinchin, Head of Communications at the Satellite Applications Catapult, said: “The Showcase is a wonderful opportunity for space businesses at Westcott to demonstrate their strengths and new innovations. This is the fourth showcase event, and the best one yet, demonstrating the strong growth and potential for space sector companies in Buckinghamshire.”
This event was run in partnership with Buckinghamshire Council/ Buckinghamshire Enterprise Zone, PATRIZIA, Satellite Applications Catapult, Buckinghamshire Business First, URA Thrusters, Westcott Space Cluster and Westcott Venture Park.