The Westcott Venture Park, a renowned business center situated in Aylesbury Vale, recently played host to a groundbreaking space industry conference. This event provided attendees with invaluable insights into the future of the space sector, drawing participation from over 100 companies keen on exploring the frontiers of space travel and technology. Under the overarching theme of ‘driving space innovation,’ discussions spanned diverse topics such as drones, rocket propulsion, and sustainability in the cosmic realm.
One of the remarkable aspects of this event was the opportunity it afforded businesses based at the site to connect with industry experts, academics, and other thought leaders within the space community. Moreover, the unveiling of the Westcott Venture Park Master Plan took center stage, signaling a national commitment to bolstering the space sector’s growth. Equally emphasized were career pathways, with employees sharing their diverse journeys, encompassing apprenticeships, degrees, and transitions from other industries. These narratives served as a wellspring of inspiration for aspiring space professionals.
Delegates were also treated to site tours, gaining invaluable insights into the operations of space cluster businesses and avenues for involvement in their supply chains. Matt Peachey, head of enterprise zone development at Buckinghamshire LEP, underscored the event’s significance in showcasing pioneering companies in the space and technology sectors and spotlighting PATRIZIA’s ambitious plans for the park.
Funding for this enlightening event came from PATRIZIA, the owners of Westcott, in collaboration with the Buckinghamshire Local Enterprise Partnership, the Satellite Applications Catapult, URA Thrusters, and Buckinghamshire Business First.
Nigel MacKenzie, development manager at Westcott, highlighted the significant progress made within the Westcott Space Cluster, creating a collaborative ecosystem for forward-thinking companies to flourish. The unveiling of the Westcott master plan represents a pivotal step in evolving the park, promising more space for innovation, enhanced amenities, and public spaces, positioning it as a flexible and supportive hub for business growth.
Lucy Edge, acting CEO at the Satellite Applications Catapult, reaffirmed their commitment to nurturing the cluster’s growth, offering facilities and expertise for complex space-sector applications. The event served as a powerful convergence of businesses in this exciting and rapidly expanding sector.
Source: BucksHerald
