The achievements of eight innovative projects that are pivoting Midlands manufacturers into the high-growth space industry as part of a £1 million R&D programme were recognised at Farnborough Airshow.

The Pivot into Space programme, which is being led by the Midlands Aerospace Alliance with funding from the UK Space Agency – matched by industry – has already created a launchpad into the space industry for nine small supply chain companies of a size that would normally face significant barriers to entering this demanding sector. The programme has not only provided grant funding worth £18,000 - £50,000 to each company, but also valuable technical and commercial guidance, access to industry contacts, exclusive events, and networking opportunities. 

The fast-track programme means that, following a rigorous assessment process by technology experts, the companies selected for the programme will have transformed their existing capabilities and technologies into potential solutions for space industry challenges within 12-18 months. These solutions will then have a wide range of applications in the UK’s growing space markets including use on spacecraft, launchers and ground support equipment. Even though the projects are only part-way through, so great is the potential that several have already attracted customer interest, with some customers already actively guiding and supporting them. 

Three of the Pivot into Space companies took to the stage at a dedicated technology conference at Farnborough Airshow to share their initial results. Burcas, PAK Engineering, and SHD Composites each presented cases studies showing how they have been transforming their specialist knowledge and skills to provide solutions to technology challenges faced by the space sector. 

Antonia Yendell, head of Space Ecosystem at the UK Space Agency, said: “Pivot Into Space is one of a number of initiatives that support the UK’s regional Space Clusters to build further on their strengths – in this case, the Midlands Space Cluster’s rich heritage in engineering and innovation. By backing innovative companies across the Midlands to unlock new opportunities and access growing markets, we want to kickstart economic growth, enhance our space capabilities and strengthen our national space ecosystem.”

Andrew Mair, chief executive, Midlands Aerospace Alliance added: “We’ve been really excited by how many small Midlands manufacturers have come forward with novel ideas to help the space industry solve a range of technical problems. The Midlands is a rich pool of engineering talent keen to diversify into the high-growth markets of the future. With great support from the UK Space Agency, Pivot into Space is fast becoming a trailblazing programme that is helping our companies build on what they’re good at to create new business opportunities in new markets.”

www.midlandsaerospace.org.uk