16 November 2018 – The fifth Space Exports Forum was held yesterday, organised by the Space Growth Partnership, UKspace and techUK. This is the latest in a series of events supporting the UK’s Industrial Strategy, specifically helping any companies with an interest in space products and services to improve export performance.
The meeting focused on the current status of the Space Growth Partnership and proposed Sector Deal, exports recommendations in the sector deal & discussion around sector export strategy, a High Value Campaign update and candidates, and details of planned bi-laterals and cooperative missions.
Addressing attendees, UK Space Agency Lead for Export & Investment, Charlie Haire, said: “We as an Agency are looking at where our future lies and are trying to be proactive by looking at commercial and scientific opportunities for public good. The Size and Health survey will be published in December, which will show how we’re doing including where we are exporting.”
He also reiterated Space Minister, Sam Gyimah’s continued support to the UK space industry, selling it abroad and within government. “He is very supportive and knows what industry is doing.”
Space Sector Lead at the Department for International Trade, Julian Mann, was also optimistic about the industry’s performance. “We are in a much stronger position than a year ago and are scaling up to support the space sector through our Space Exports Group,” he added.
UKspace Chair and Consultancy Sales & Marketing Director at Avanti, Graham Peters, provided an update on the Space Growth Partnership, saying: “We will end up with a transformed and successful world-leading space sector with an empowered SGP between industry, research and Government. A meeting was held on the 23 October with the Sam Gyimah and he offered his continued support for a Space Sector Deal.”
CGI Director of Consulting Services, Space, Jaime Reed, added: “We have been successful at kicking off large High Value Campaigns, and are now aiming to focus on a small number of key countries with which to build relationships, projects and export. The World Expo 2020, with the UK pavilion focussing on space technology and AI, is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for the UK industry to showcase itself on a truly international stage in front of the top global decision makers.”
Following the meeting, UKspace Director, Lizzie Greenwood, said: “Holding these Space Exports Forums on a regular basis demonstrates the value they provide in engaging with space industry SMEs, as well as giving these businesses direction and information about the export opportunities and sector strategy that is evolving. We look forward to welcoming more SMEs to the next Forum.”