The Space Sector & The Built Environment Conference

Satellite Applications Catapult – Lucy Edge, Chief Operating Officer

As Chief Operating Officer of the Satellite Applications Catapult Lucy is responsible for supporting enterprises across the UK in understanding and exploiting the potential of space and satellites to create opportunities and transform businesses. With a background in Physics and Engineering, Lucy’s career to date has involved the launch of satellites from a few kilograms to a few tonnes, building a satellite operations centre in West Cornwall and setting up the Disruptive Innovation for Space Centre with the Catapult team. Many see the growing space industry as a potential source of economic growth; Lucy also sees it as a way of improving the future for everyone, and of building connections between people and communities that will transform the way we relate to each other.

Comhairle Nan Eilean Siar (Western Isles Council) – Joe MacPhee, Head of Economic Development & Planning

The Western Isles Council, alongside Highlands & Islands Enterprise, QinetiQ and private investors are behind plans for Spaceport 1, a proposed vertical launch rocket site on the island of North Uist. The site would be used to launch rockets to access sun synchronous and polar orbits, and would be the first facility of its kind anywhere in the UK. It has the potential to have a transformative impact on the local economy, providing much needed jobs and long term economic benefits. Joe will outline these plans and discuss how they are looking to work alongside partners to bring them to fruition.

Harwell Space Cluster – Dr Joanna Hart, Development Manager

The Harwell Space Cluster is Europe’s most concentrated group of space organisations, with a 10 year strategy which could see it dramatically increase in size to reach 200 organisations collectively employing more than 5,000 people by 2030.  A 32,000 sq ft addition to the development was recently announced, to meet the ever increasing demand and Joanna will discuss this project, as well as the wider Space Cluster vision.

Ukspace – Jaime Reed, Member, Trade & Export Committee

UKspace is the trade association of the British space industry, representing and promoting space to government and other key stakeholders nationally and internationally. Jaime will provide an overview of the UK’s space industry and discuss what it needs to enable it to continue expanding to provide the greatest benefit to our economy.

Spaceport Cornwall – Melissa Thorpe, Head of Spaceport Cornwall

Spaceport Cornwall is at an exciting point, with the first launch of the Virgin Orbit system set for 2022. Eight years after the start of the project horizontal launches of satellites will begin, and Cornwall will realise it’s ambition of being the UK’s first launch site. The project has the potential to deliver billions of pounds worth of economic growth to the South West, and we will hear an update on the scheme as it comes close to fruition.

Aerospace Wales Forum – John Whalley, Chief Executive

John has 50 years’ experience in the aerospace, space and defence industries. As part of his current portfolio he has been Chief Executive of the Aerospace Wales Forum (an Industry Wales company) since its foundation in 2002. The Forum represents 160 companies in Wales including branches of six of the world’s top ten aerospace, space and defence companies and provides advice on strategy and industry matters to the Welsh Government.

Satellite Finance Network – Professor Richard Brook, Director

The Satellite Finance Network (SFN) is a network of individuals and organisations from the finance, legal, insurance, government and space technology and applications communities, from start-ups and small companies to industry leaders, with a common interest in delivering satellite and space-enabled projects to domestic and export markets around the world.

Professor Brook will provide some thought leadership on the work they are doing to help organisations secure access to finance, and encourage growth in the sector by providing assistance in working around barriers to investment and growth.

Built Environment Networking – Amanda Griffiths, Director

Amanda is one of the Co-Founder’s of Built Environment Networking – formed almost 10 years ago.

She’ll be hosting throughout the day, running the days proceedings and managing the interaction between our delegates and the speakers.

Foot Anstey – John Catchpole, Partner

Foot Anstey is one of the UK’s fastest growing law firms. It is a significant regional and national player working with leading brands and individuals across a number of core sectors, including Development, Energy & Infrastructure, Islamic Finance, Private Equity. The firm has specialist expertise in delivering legal advice and solutions to businesses and organisations in the rapidly growing commercial space sector.

John Catchpole is a Legal Director and infrastructure lawyer with a passion for space, leading Foot Anstey’s team of space sector focussed lawyers to support businesses and organisations in the upstream and the downstream segments. John has extensive experience in delivering a broad range of complex development and infrastructure projects.