Millions of pounds of investment, hundreds of highly skilled jobs and major international supply chain opportunities could flow into Shipley, Saltaire, Bradford, the wider Yorkshire region and across the North of England after Shipley College hosted one of the most significant space and advanced manufacturing events held in West Yorkshire this year.
The Space Hub Yorkshire N-ACT event on Wednesday (15 July) brought together global aerospace giant Lockheed Martin, West Yorkshire Mayor Tracy Brabin, Shipley MP Anna Dixon, universities, FE colleges, technology businesses and industry leaders to position Yorkshire at the forefront of the UK’s rapidly expanding Space and Advanced Connectivity Technology sector. This was the latest in a series of Northern Advanced Connectivity Technology (N-ACT) events that showcases the internationally recognised radio frequency (RF) and microwave technology cluster centred around Shipley and Saltaire, with delegates hearing how the region is already home to world-leading expertise capable of attracting global investment and creating the next generation of high-value engineering and technology jobs.
Lockheed Martin UK Space delivered the keynote presentation, outlining plans for a major expansion of Britain’s sovereign space capability, including a proposed satellite manufacturing facility in the North-East that could create thousands of jobs and generate extensive opportunities for companies throughout Yorkshire’s and the North of England’s supply chain.
Lockheed Martin already employs around 1,650 people across the UK, spends approximately £1.9 billion annually with British suppliers, works with more than 817 UK businesses and supports over 24,000 supply chain jobs. It is also proposing more than £100 million of investment in the North-East as part of its UK space ambitions, including a new manufacturing facility expected to create around 2,000 highly skilled jobs nationally and unlock billions of pounds in long-term economic value. This is investment includes£15m committed to the North-East Space Skills & Technology Centre (NESST), a £50m investment with UK Space Agency and Northumbria University in Newcastle.
Ben Shaw, Head of Capture at Lockheed Martin UK Space, when asked about why they are investing in the North of England said:
“When we started to scratch beneath the surface of what was here, it was really impressive. The people, the welcome and the enthusiasm have been exceptional, but what also gave us confidence was the teaching infrastructure. It’s not just the universities. It’s the colleges and the further education sector that gives us confidence we can develop the workforce we will need.”
Mr Shaw said Yorkshire companies had already demonstrated world-class capabilities during earlier engagement with Lockheed Martin.
“We invited around 50 space companies from across the UK to Leeds to present their technologies and we have immediately followed up with 12 of these companies because they had capabilities we need. We should have a high degree of confidence that the technology we create in this country is world class.”
The conference highlighted the growing importance of Yorkshire’s Advanced Connectivity Technologies sector, with global markets for RF and microwave technologies estimated to be worth around 40 billion US dollars.
Tracy Brabin, Mayor of West Yorkshire said:
“West Yorkshire is leading the way with our world-class space industry, with a globally recognised radio frequency and microwave cluster, and position as a leader in Advanced Connectivity Technologies.
Through education and our partners, we are investing in a talent pipeline and will continue to champion our space sector at home and on the international stage, driving investment, unlocking new opportunities and creating high-quality jobs – helping us to create a stronger, better off region for businesses and communities across our region.”
Shipley MP Anna Dixon said:
“I am incredibly proud to represent a constituency that is home to so many innovative local businesses. Creating and promoting high-skilled jobs in our local area is one of my highest priorities as an MP, so it was an honour to attend and speak at today’s Space Hub Yorkshire event, which has been brilliantly hosted by Shipley College.”
“This Labour Government is committed to supporting the development of advanced technologies, such as radio frequency technologies, and aims to make the UK a world leader in this area. I will continue to work closely with ministers and local businesses to ensure that Shipley is at the heart of driving these efforts in the coming years.”
The conference also explored how Yorkshire businesses could secure work within future global supply chains as investment in advanced connectivity, satellite manufacturing, defence and space technologies continues to grow.
A spokesperson for Shipley College said:
“Shipley College was proud to host an event that brought together global industry leaders, government, universities and innovative businesses from across Yorkshire and beyond.”
“The discussions demonstrated the enormous potential that exists within our region. Colleges have a vital role in developing the skilled workforce these industries need, and we are delighted to help showcase Yorkshire as a place where international businesses can invest, innovate and grow.”
The event formed part of wider efforts to establish Yorkshire as one of the UK’s leading destinations for advanced manufacturing, defence, aerospace and space technologies, helping to create future investment opportunities, strengthen local supply chains and open new career pathways for the next generation of engineers, technicians and scientists.