Westcott showcase turns spotlight on Bucks space sector

An event designed to provide an insight into the future of the space industry and highlight the success of space-related industries in Buckinghamshire has been hailed a major success.

The Westcott Showcase attracted more than 200 delegates and representatives from over 100 companies and organisations who discussed the next exciting developments in rocket propulsion, sustainability in space and the fast growing drone sector, under the theme of ‘accelerating space innovation’.

Held on 19 September at Westcott Venture Park, the showcase also highlighted the achievements of companies operating on site alongside their pioneering products and services and their vision for the future.

This year’s event, organised by Buckinghamshire Enterprise Zone, Buckinghamshire Council and partners of the Westcott Space Cluster, featured talks from industry leaders and opportunities for networking.

Guests heard about the imminent construction of Westcott Space Hub – funded by the UK Space Agency, Westcott Venture Park and Buckinghamshire Enterprise Zone – which is set to make “substantial contributions” to the advancement of space research, manufacturing and testing at Westcott.

Martin Tett, leader and chair of the growth board at Buckinghamshire Council, said: “We were delighted to support the Westcott Showcase event, which showcased pioneering and cutting-edge companies that are rapidly growing across the space and technology sectors, based within the Westcott Enterprise Zone.

“Westcott is one of the most exciting innovation assets here in Buckinghamshire.

“Over the past five years we’ve helped to further develop the huge potential of the space sector and believe that future collaborations across sectors will continue to build a secure platform for UK innovation and growth.”

Nigel MacKenzie, development manager at Westcott Venture Park, added: “A huge amount of development has been completed within the Westcott Space Cluster in the last few years.

“This has taken the cluster capabilities to the next level by creating a collaborative eco-system for like-minded companies to develop their ideas and grow sustainably.”