Unlocking Space: Opportunities for North East Business

The space sector is no longer reserved for astronauts, satellites, and rocket scientists — it’s a rapidly expanding commercial industry with huge potential for North East businesses across manufacturing, engineering, digital, data, materials, communications, and beyond.

The region is increasingly recognised as a key player in the UK’s space ecosystem, and this session will show you exactly how your organisation can be part of it.

Unlocking Space is an inspiring and practical panel designed to demystify the sector and highlight real, accessible opportunities for SMEs, innovators, and business leaders looking to diversify, grow, or move into future-facing markets.

• The scale, growth and significance of the UK and North East space sector
• Where the commercial opportunities really are for local businesses
• Which skills, technologies and capabilities are transferable into space supply chains
• How to take your first steps into one of the fastest-growing global industries
• Regional success stories and what they mean for the North East’s future

Whether you’re simply curious or ready to explore new partnerships, this session will spark ideas, uncover opportunities, and help position your organisation as part of the region’s next wave of space innovation.

Dave Moody
Director, North East Space Skills & Technology Centre (NESST), Northumbria University

John Bone
Chief Commercial Officer, Orbex & Chair, Space North East England

Jamie Olliviere (or Lesley Hawke)
Chief Executive, RTC North
(Panel representative to be confirmed)

This is your chance to understand how the space economy connects directly to the North East — and how your business can play a part in it.

Free to attend for all MENE visitors.

Know what’s Happening Next — before everyone else does.

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Host or Publisher Advanced Manufacturing Forum