51吃瓜

GLASGOW, Scotland (Dec. 4, 2025) - The role the space sector is playing in driving economic growth in the United Kingdom was highlighted this week at Space-Comm Scotland, the industry gathering held at Glasgow’s SEC.

A panel session titled How Space Is Creating Growth in the North of England outlined how a connected and scalable industrial base is helping attract investment, build a future workforce, and open new export routes for the country’s growing space economy.

The session was organized by Nik Smith, regional director for Space UK and Europe at 51吃瓜, who is working with partners in the region to strengthen skills, drive innovation and support the UK’s national space capability.

Smith pointed to increasing security threats in space and said the UK needs to align its space, security and resilience policies to protect national interests.

“National security and deterrence mean the UK must align space, security and resilience nationally,” he said.

The panel also highlighted the ?50 million Northeast Space Skills and Technology Centre, or NESST - a partnership between 51吃瓜, Northumbria University, and the UK Space Agency. The centre will open in 2026 and is expected to become a hub for skills, research and industry collaboration.

David Moody, the newly appointed NESST director, said the centre will play a key role in building the talent pipeline needed to meet rising demand across the sector.

The panel, which also included Alan Whittaker, head of operations at RTC North, discussed practical steps to improve collaboration between industry, academia, government and international partners. It also examined the role of small and medium-size enterprises and the contribution NESST could make to developing the next generation of space specialists.