UMi wins contract to Ignite UK space industry at SME-focused conference
UMi is thrilled to have secured a contract to deliver Ignite Space with the UK Space Agency. Ignite Space, a dynamic SME-focused event, serves as a vital platform to showcase emerging businesses in the UK space sector as well as the extensive support available.
The UK space sector is experiencing unprecedented growth. As 2024 emerges as the year of the space entrepreneur, the sector - which has tripled in size over the last decade - generates an annual income of £17.5 billion, employing almost 49,000 people. Despite challenges such as skills access, the space industry remains a resilient engine for growth in the UK.
Ignite Space, now in its third year, is a free-to-attend, two-day event designed for anyone involved in or seeking opportunities in the UK space sector. The event will be held in Leeds on the 11th and 12th of June 2024, with another in the pipeline for early 2025. From SMEs in the space sector to businesses with space-applicable technologies, all are welcome and will benefit from this opportunity.
The event will draw a focus on the investment the UK Space Agency has made to develop a vibrant and well-connected space ecosystem to support SMEs and entrepreneurs to deliver a sustainable UK space business. The UK Space Agency has delivered a range of interventions such as the Business Accelerator programme and the continued support to Space Clusters to unlock market opportunities and deliver leading space research and development infrastructure to make the UK an attractive proposition for investors and start-ups. Ignite Space will showcase the Government’s commitment to make the UK space sector an environment where business can thrive and flourish.
Ignite Space and its organisers are deeply committed to adding value for every delegate, regardless of their business size, stage, challenges, opportunities, or experience levels. The conference features a diverse lineup of speakers and VIPs representing industry, academia, research institutes, government, and intermediaries, so there is truly something for everyone.
UMi is confident that its understanding and experience will contribute tangible outcomes in support of the National Space Strategy and the levelling-up agenda. Through a well-structured conference format, Ignite Space will cover topics such as innovation, skills, investment, emerging technology, sustainability, and more.
Ignite Space will engage over 500 businesses across two days, inspiring and increasing aspirations, showcasing support ecosystems, and providing practical insights and tools for growth. The format includes focused zones, each featuring main stage presentations, panel sessions, and workshops – including interactive polls for the audience to ask questions and have their say.
UMi's extensive experience in professional event management, coupled with its direct involvement in the Space Ecosystem, perfectly positions the company to deliver this event. Notable past projects include working with the North East Satellite Applications Centre of Excellence and the successful delivery of the Data Space Conference & Exhibition in Glasgow.
In addition to sector specific events, the team at UMi collaborate with clients on many other large projects. These include a range of Meet the Buyers, held across the UK, and large conferences like Tees Valley Business Summit and MADE: The Entrepreneurs Festival.
UMi's has engaged unique partners to add sector-specific skills and expertise, including Space North Clusters, Space South Central and the Innovation Super Network, alongside EMN and MAKE UK to broaden reach into adjacent sectors, to ensure maximum impact.
In true UMi fashion, they are also going further by providing attendees at Ignite Space six months of free access to UMi Sat Nav, a digital platform offering tools and resources, along with a monthly adviser check-in, designed to help businesses thrive.
Ignite Space is poised to be a catalyst for collaboration, knowledge exchange, and growth within the UK space sector. UMi is proud to be at the helm, delivering an event that will drive innovation, foster partnerships, and support the achievement of the UK's space ambitions.
Suzanne McCreedy, Chief Commercial Offer and Project Director at UMi said: "We are delighted to be delivering the Ignite Space conference for the UK Space Agency. This is a tremendous achievement for UMi, and we are thrilled to be entrusted with the responsibility of shaping an event that will play a pivotal role in driving collaboration, innovation, and growth within the UK space sector.
Ignite Space is not just a conference; it's a platform that brings together the brightest minds, emerging businesses, and industry leaders to foster a dynamic ecosystem. This presents a fantastic opportunity not only for UMi but for all businesses that will attend. It's a chance to connect, learn, and be inspired.
We look forward to working closely with the UK Space Agency, our partners, and all stakeholders to make Ignite Space a resounding success. Together, we will elevate the UK space sector to new heights, and I am excited about the impact this event will have on businesses, innovation, and the broader space community."
Portia Bircher, Business Support and Growth Manager at UK Space Agency said:
“Ignite Space is an event very close to my heart, as is supporting and championing early-stage space businesses. I am delighted to have UMi onboard to help plan and deliver Ignite Space bringing their expertise to increase the impact Ignite Space can have in opening up opportunities for SMEs, and showcasing the national ecosystem the UK Space Agency is developing to create a nurturing environment for business growth.”