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News2024-03-27T12:55:31+00:00

Please keep a regular eye on this page for regular news and updates.

Westcott business joins the space race

Business is taking off for thriving heating and engineering company Optec Group after it joined a special networking platform. Optec is now signed up to the Space Cluster group which holds monthly meetings for firms based at Westcott Venture Park. While many of firms are focused on rocket engineering and space technology, Optec has found the group offers plenty of opportunities for its business which offers a range of services including air conditioning, heating and electrical work specialising in renewable and energy-efficient products. Managing Director Rob Armitage said: “We were introduced to the Westcott Space Cluster meetings by the [...]

28th February, 2024|

Statement on UK Space Agency funding at Westcott

“The UK Space Agencies announcement of a further £2m investment into the In-Orbit Servicing and Manufacturing facilities within the Westcott Space Cluster is excellent news and a clear endorsement of the vital role both Westcott and the UK are looking to play in improving sustainability in satellite usage and maintenance.” “The In-Orbit Servicing and Manufacturing facilities at Westcott, originally supported by investment by the Buckinghamshire Local Enterprise Partnership working in partnership with the Satellite Applications Catapult to deliver the Government’s Getting Building Fund, has proved to be a great success with a growing international client base utilising the unique [...]

9th February, 2024|

SPIN programme aims to bridge the skills gap

Satellite Applications Catapult (SAC) showcased the Space Placements in Industry (SPIN) programme at the Westcott Engage networking event, attended by Westcott Space Cluster businesses. The main aim of this initiative is to address the skills gap within the UK Space sector. The UK Space Agency (UKSA) has reported that more than half of the businesses in the industry are experiencing a shortage of skilled professionals, which is adversely affecting their performance and growth. Recognising the immense potential of the global space sector and the UK's position as a hub of technological engineering and innovation, urgent action is required to [...]

8th February, 2024|

European Astrotech soaring into the new year

European Astrotech (EAL), a company specialising in engineering, technical, and advisory support to the space propulsion industry, is poised for a remarkable year of business. The company concluded 2023 on a high note with the successful SARah 2 and 3 launch campaign. The spacecrafts underwent successful pressure testing and fuelling during the first week of December, leading to a momentous launch on December 24th from the SpaceX facility at the Vandenberg Space Force base in California. 2024 is set to be a record year of business for EAL for both propulsion launch campaigns and the growth of its Centre [...]

17th January, 2024|

Lunaz to double workforce at Silverstone Park

Lunaz has announced plans to double its workforce at its Silverstone Park HQ from 175 to 350 people by the middle of 2025. Founder David Lorenz made the announcement during a visit to the company’s industrial premises by Labour Leader Sir Keir Starmer. “Known as one of the UK’s fastest growing clean-tech companies, I can show that we (Lunaz) show no signs of slowing,” commented David. “Today, we can confirm our robust roadmap to double the number of skilled clean-tech jobs by the middle of 2025 (from 175 to 350 people), affirming our commitment to the UK and Silverstone Park [...]

11th January, 2024|

Illuminating the skies of drone innovation

Drone Navigation Software developers Flare Bright, based in the Westcott Space Cluster at Westcott Venture Park, has been making waves in the industry with its ground breaking innovations. The company's remarkable growth and success have caught the attention of the Government, which recently published an article highlighting Flare Bright's tremendous achievements. One of the key factors contributing to Flare Bright's success is its software-enhanced Inertial Navigation System (INS), which addresses the challenge of operating drones without GPS. With initial funding from the Defence And Security Accelerator (DASA), Flare Bright has secured contracts from leading aerospace companies in the UK. [...]

3rd January, 2024|

Soaring demand sees rocket specialist take off at new site

Rapid expansion at a long-established business specialising in spacecraft rocket engine and propulsion systems manufacturing and testing has prompted a move to state-of-the-art premises. Nammo has continued to be based at Westcott Venture Park but relocated to a new UK HQ at Building 6040 within the Buckinghamshire Local Enterprise Zone. The 18,200 sq ft manufacturing and production space is situated on the former solid rocket motor testing area of Westcott and was the first building to be developed within the allocated Enterprise Zone area of the Park. Nammo has undertaken an extensive fit-out of their new building to incorporate a clean room [...]

18th December, 2023|

Drone technology firm flying high thanks to contract wins

A company using drones to deliver cargo, food and medical supplies to remote locations has seen demand for its services take off. Skyports Drone Services, based in the Westcott Space Cluster, is going from strength to strength thanks to a clutch of contracts from across the world. They include: The launch of a new project in Yeosu, Korea, for the delivery of pharmaceuticals and foodstuffs by drone. Phase one will see regular flights between the Yeosu mainland and three islands, Gaedo, Geumodo and Songdo, bridging communities in hard-to-reach parts of the region. Successful participation in phase two of the Royal [...]

30th November, 2023|

Space Agency funding supercharges major development at Westcott

Space research, manufacturing and testing facilities at the Westcott Space Cluster will get a £5.9 million boost thanks to UK Space Agency funding, which was announced during the UK Space Conference held in Belfast yesterday. The investment is a result of a successful collaborative bid led by URA Thrusters and including Buckinghamshire Local Enterprise Partnership (Bucks LEP), Skyports Drone Services and Plastron UK. Together, they made a compelling submission for the Space Cluster Infrastructure Fund (SCIF) which was delivered by industry, for industry and supported by Government. With this substantial financial injection, the Westcott Space Cluster is poised to [...]

23rd November, 2023|
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