Harwell: UKTI helps space sector take off in South East
The South East is set to cement its position as a leader in the space industry after Harwell-based Satellite Applications Catapult signed an agreement with government export body UK Trade & Investment (UKTI) South East.
The two organisations plan to combine forces to contribute to the UK’s space strategy, helping local firms increase their share of the world’s space economy, leading to a UK sector worth 10% of the global market, with £40 billion a year of space-enabled turnover by 2030, and the creation of 100,000 new jobs.
The Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) sets out how the two organisations will increase their work together to identify space sector companies in need of help to develop overseas business, as well as to work together on events and trade missions.
Rory Pereira, deputy regional director for UKTI, said: “This agreement is a small step for the space industry but a huge step for the South East. It will help us to boost the vast potential for the UK’s space sector.
“The South East has a significant role to play in helping to meet the UK’s space industry targets, and UKTI’s export help is a vital part of this. The importance of developing companies’ export capability cannot be underestimated, so it seems natural for UKTI and the Satellite Applications Catapult to work together to reach these targets.
“This company has already worked closely and successfully with our international trade adviser and space specialist Steve Polkinghorne, however by formally linking our knowledge and connections we can help meet the challenging targets for space sector growth.”
Stuart Martin, CEO of the Satellite Applications Catapult, said: “Accelerating exports will be vital if we are to grow the UK share of the global space sector to 10% over the next two decades. We are already working with partners in the US, Europe, Chile, and other countries around the world, and working with UKTI will help to strengthen these activities and generate new opportunities. This MOU will help both organisations to take the next steps forward in increasing the UK’s export potential for space-related products.”
