Celebrating our first year helping the region’s space sector reach new heights
It’s been one year since we officially became Space South Central, the UK’s largest space cluster – and what a busy year it’s been!
We’ve engaged with more than 70% of the 170 space-related organisations in the past 12 months, and the team’s work included:
- Helping organisations access more than £50 million of funding/investment opportunities
- Providing 415 hours of business support
- Supporting 34 collaborative R&D projects
- Building relationships with 15 countries
- Hosting 37 industry events
- Participating in 6 international delegations
- Referring 43 companies to space-related support programmes
Although the UK space industry has been one of few sectors that has seen continued growth over the past decade, high costs for equipment and facilities and/or a lack of industry contacts can be a barrier to entry for entrepreneurs and small businesses. By offering free and impartial services and advice – whether individual business support, access to funding opportunities or facilities, industry networking events, or introductions to UK or international contacts – we’re able to help organisations of all shapes and sizes.
Tom Love, Co-Founder of Southampton start-up Trinity Space Technologies, said:
“Space South Central truly understands the unique challenges and opportunities within the space sector and has provided invaluable support in propelling my business forward. Their dedication to helping businesses establish strong foundations and their ability to connect entrepreneurs with the right resources and expertise has been instrumental in my company's growth.”
Dr Louise Butt, Director of the Space South Central Enterprise Network, said: “We’re extremely proud to have supported so many organisations and projects that are pushing the boundaries of space exploration and technology.
“Our partner universities and businesses already play an integral role in the nation’s space sector – and the potential to bring further economic growth and jobs to the region is huge.
"Space data and technology also offer benefits for non-space sectors, from financial services to agriculture, marine and maritime to logistics, and we’re keen to show companies in these industries how space can help their business grow too.”
Jon Hulks, Space Ecosystem Development Manager at the UK Space Agency, said:
“Space South Central has had a remarkable year and firmly established themselves as one of the UK’s most mature space clusters. “By supporting organisations across the South Coast’s regional space sector to come together, they have driven local growth by building new partnerships – both nationally, and now increasingly, by breaking into exciting new international markets - and show no signs of slowing down. “Space South Central is a vital part of the UK’s thriving national space ecosystem.”
Looking forward, we’re keen to work with more space and non-space businesses, as well as those interested in pivoting their products or services to supply the sector. Business Development Manager, Dan Smith, said: “It’s a really exciting time for UK space, and we’re here to help Hampshire, Surrey and the Isle of Wight stay at the forefront of the growth and investment opportunities on offer.”
Want to find out more? Get in touch at info@spacesouthcentral.com.
