Yorkshire Businesses Prepare to Blast Off into Space Industry
THE OPPORTUNITIES for businesses across Yorkshire and beyond to become involved in the UK’s fast-growing space industry have been highlighted at a special event.
More than 80 people attended the invitation-only Space Readiness at Leeds’ Royal Armouries Museum, organised by Lockheed Martin and RTC North, which helps companies find ways to grow into new markets.
Lockheed Martin is at the forefront of developing space initiatives in the UK, working closely with the UK Space Agency and the wider Government, as well as investing in projects to upskill the next generation.
And at the event companies were able to find out how they could play an active role in space and the huge scope of options available to SMEs.
Ben Shaw Head of Operations and Capture at Lockheed Martin UK, who was the keynote speaker, said the day had been a huge success and had shown to attendees how they could be part of the industry.
Among the speakers on the day were Mandy Ridyard, Business Advisor to Mayor Tracy Brabin and Chair of Space Hub Yorkshire, who said the event had been of huge benefit to local businesses.
“It was fantastic to host this event in West Yorkshire as part of our mission to provide more opportunities for the brilliant businesses in our region,” she said.
“This spotlight on our world class supply chain highlights the expertise and talent found in our region, and the dynamic network of businesses that make up our collaborative space cluster.”
Those who took part were able to hear from a diverse range of speakers including Helen Meston, Head of Supply Chain with Lockheed Martin UK and from Lockheed Martin’s Head of Product Assurance, Rupinder Dale.
Prof Atanu Chaudhuri, Technology and Operations Management, Durham University Business School gave a report on the space research being carried out at the university, with additional presentations made by a team from Hellios about their JOSCAR supply chain data management system.
A panel discussion with all the speakers allowed attendees to ask questions of the experts, with the hope of them now being inspired to look at working in the sector.
Among the people who attended was Stephen Kelly, Operations Director of HycAero which is a multi-tier supplier to the aerospace industry based in Burnley.
“It was interesting to hear from Lockheed Martin about their processes for supplier approval and we will be registering our interest on their supplier portal,” he said.
“I look forward to meeting with them one to one to see if there are any opportunities that match our capabilities.”
Alan Whittaker, RTC North Head of Operations, said the event had been a huge success, evident by the positive feedback and comments from those who had attended.
“It was great to work with Lockheed Martin once again in delivering a highly informative event for SME’s involved in supply chains,” he said.
“The excellent line up of speakers and subject areas helped the delegates to understand more about accessing supply chain opportunities in the defence and space sectors.”