Space Park Leicester to play central part in shaping regional prosperity

Space Park Leicester is set to play a central part in shaping regional prosperity following the appointment of CEO William Wells on the Leicester, Leicestershire & Rutland Innovation Advisory Group.

In a move that will strengthen the region’s voice in shaping innovation policy and industrial strategy, William Wells Chief Executive Officer at Space Park Leicester, the University of Leicester’s £100m space research and innovation centre, will contribute alongside other regional innovation leaders, universities, local authorities and businesses to guide the area's response to the UK Government’s Innovation and Modern Industrial Strategies.

Chaired by Professor Katie Normington, Vice Chancellor of De Montfort University, the Innovation Advisory Group (IAG) is a sub-group of the Leicester and Leicestershire Business Board. It will provide strategic insight and guidance on how to drive inclusive and sustainable economic growth through innovation.

The group brings together representatives from critical components of the county’s innovation infrastructure including Space Park Leicester, LUSEP, MIRA and Charnwood Life Science Campus as well as local councils, universities and business groups. It has an initial focus on developing an evidence base to support the development of an innovation strategy which will shape regional priorities and align with UK Industrial Strategy. 

Space Park Leicester’s involvement comes at a critical time as the UK space sector targets significant growth in a £400M global market. With 23 organisations and 400 university and industry staff, it is the second-largest space innovation community in the UK. 

William Wells said: “Space is a key enabling sector in the UK’s Advanced Manufacturing and Digital Strategies. By joining the Innovation Advisory Group, we can ensure the space sector’s transformative potential, from climate resilience to communications and defence, is firmly embedded in the region’s innovation and growth plans.”

The Midlands is home to over 370 space companies, with Leicester leading the region thanks to its strong research base and innovation infrastructure. Space Park Leicester’s co-located partners include global corporates like Airbus, CGI, Rolls-Royce, government agencies such as the UK Space Agency and Innovate UK, and dynamic high-growth start-ups including EarthSense and Perpetual Atomics.

As part of the IAG, Space Park Leicester will support the development of regional innovation strategies that convert research and emerging technologies into real-world solutions, high-value employment, and long-term economic resilience.

William added: “Space Park Leicester is proud to represent one of the UK’s most vibrant space clusters on the Innovation Advisory Group. This role is about ensuring innovation plays a central part in shaping regional prosperity. We’re looking forward to working with partners across sectors to develop strategies that turn cutting-edge research into real-world impact, high-value jobs, and global competitiveness.”