Scotland’s growing cluster of space firms are to be supported in their growth ambitions through a new group of business advisers.
The Scottish Space Network has appointed a series of ‘founding partners’ to help scale up some of the startups working in the high-growth sector.
Lawyers, accountants and consultants are among the group of specialist advisers joining the network, which was set up in 2023 by Dr. Andy Campbell.
Burness Paull, Eureka!Europe, Johnston Carmichael and Marks & Clerk are officially the first founding partners to join the group.
The partners will provide legal, financial, technical and IP support for nascent Scottish space companies looking to expand.
Dr Campbell said: “We are delighted to welcome Burness Paull, Eureka!Europe, Johnston Carmichael and Marks & Clerk as Founding Partners of the Scottish Space Network.
“Collectively, their expertise and commitment will be invaluable as we work together to support and elevate Scotland’s space sector on the global stage. This collaboration marks a significant step towards achieving our mission of fostering innovation, attracting investment and nurturing talent within the space industry.
“We look forward to rolling out our activity, announcing more partners in the coming weeks and continuing to build a strong, supportive ecosystem with all space and sectoral support companies in Scotland.”
The development came during the Farnborough International Air Show in Hampshire – a crucial trade show for global aviation and space sector businesses.
It also follows news that Scotland’s space sector is set to receive a £10.9 million boost from the UK Government, announced on Monday by Scottish Secretary Ian Murray.
This funding is part of a larger £33 million pledge under the UK Space Agency’s national space innovation programme. Key Scottish projects include a sub-orbital rocket test by HyImpulse at the SaxaVord Spaceport UK and Spire’s development of advanced weather forecasting technology. Additionally, three smaller projects will receive £2.4 million for early-stage development, including lunar exploration feasibility studies.
Murray said: “The burgeoning industry plays a vital role in our economy and employs thousands of people across the country.”
Established in 2023, The Scottish Space Network is dedicated to supporting the sector by promoting the achievements of Scottish SpaceTech companies, attracting investment, nurturing talent pipelines and developing commercial opportunities.
In June 2024, the Scottish Space Network announced its partnership with New York-based Sustainable Alpha. This partnership will open up investment opportunities for the Scottish, UK and international space sectors, focusing on developing a comprehensive investment strategy and securing funding for early-stage and scaling space tech businesses.
The new strategic collaboration aims to strengthen Scotland’s position in the global space market, driving forward the national ambition to become a leading location for the full ‘end to end’ of space technology and services. A programme of support activity and resources is to be developed and rolled out over the next 12 months.
