Space Sector Growth in the UK Under Spotlight at Major Industry Event
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 Lockheed Martin, 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 Lockheed Martin, Northumbria University, and the UK Space Agency. The centre will open early 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.