Slough’s Stake in the Space Economy.

The UK’s £16.7 billion GVA space economy is a vital driver of national innovation, growth, and global competitiveness, supporting thousands of high-skilled jobs. Positioned on Heathrow’s doorstep and at the heart of the M4 and M25 corridors at the heart of the M4 corridor, Slough is primed to play a pivotal role in this thriving sector. With its established aerospace and satellite presence, strong talent pipeline, and world-class infrastructure, the borough is well placed to attract inward investment.

Targeted Investment Opportunities

Slough benefits from a diverse ecosystem of venture capital firms, trade organisations, and government-backed programmes that are significant within the space economy. This thriving climate presents an opportunity for global leaders in the space sector to establish a presence in Slough and build on its strengths.

Seraphim Capital, the world’s first venture fund dedicated to SpaceTech, could find fertile ground here, providing funding, expertise, and international reach to accelerate groundbreaking ventures. Early-stage innovators supported by TypeOne VC would benefit from Slough’s strategic location and skilled talent pool, making it an attractive base for startups aiming to push the boundaries of space technology.

Similarly, public organisations such as the UK Space Agency and the Satellite Applications Catapult could extend their influence into Slough, fostering collaboration between local businesses, academia, and government to drive innovation. The ADS Group, representing aerospace, defence, security, and space industries, could also support Slough-based SMEs to achieve greater sustainability, digitalisation, and competitiveness.

Pat Hayes, Executive Director of Housing, Property, and Regeneration at Slough Borough Council says: “Slough is uniquely positioned to become a hub where capital, knowledge, and innovation converge. By attracting the right mix of investors, industry leaders, and research institutions, we can cement the town’s role as a leading location for the UK’s space sector. We want to create opportunities, generate high-value jobs, and shape a future where Slough contributes directly to the UK’s position on the global space stage.”

Prime Location with Global Connections

Slough Trading Estate offers a uniquely strategic location for aerospace and satellite businesses seeking to grow within the UK’s thriving space economy. As the largest privately owned business park in Europe, it combines scale with world-class infrastructure, providing flexible, modern facilities suitable for advanced manufacturing, research, and logistics operations. Its proximity to Heathrow Airport, the M4 corridor, and key rail links ensures rapid movement of high-value goods and easy access to global markets, while being just 30 minutes from central London facilitates collaboration with government agencies, investors, and academic partners.

The estate’s diverse mix of tenants creates a collaborative environment where aerospace, engineering, and technology firms can benefit from shared services, skilled labour, and a culture of innovation. This appeal has already attracted major players such as Oshkosh AeroTech, a leading manufacturer of airport ground support equipment and service provider to the aviation and defence industries, which recently moved operations to the estate. This combination of connectivity, capacity, and an innovation-led community makes Slough Trading Estate an ideal base for companies aiming to play a pivotal role in the UK’s aerospace and satellite sectors.

Progress in Practice

Slough is actively nurturing the next generation of scientists and engineers, particularly those from underrepresented backgrounds, with real-word experience. This includes welcoming A-level students taking part in work experience at biopharmaceutical company UCB in Slough as part of the annual Work in Science Week.

Students were able to hear talks, take part in practical experiments, and gain a first-hand understanding of how the industry operates. Initiatives like Work in Science Week are ensuring that talented young people in Slough have the opportunity to explore their potential and contribute to the UK’s growing science and space sectors.

Building a Talent Pipeline

Slough's educational institutions play a crucial role in feeding the talent pipeline essential for the space industry. There are opportunities for collaborations between local schools, universities, and industry leaders ensuring a steady stream of skilled professionals ready to innovate and drive the sector forward.

These initiatives begin early, inspiring the next generation of scientists and engineers from a young age. One standout example is Curious Investigators, a show designed for children aged three to seven at The Curve in Slough. Created in collaboration with engineering experts from Lancaster University, the production benefited from the guidance of over 60 scientists and mathematicians, who acted as advisors and activity leads, ensuring scientific accuracy and interactive engagement.

Curious Investigators was programmed by Norden Farm Centre for the Arts as part of a partnership with Slough Borough Council, supporting The Curve’s role as a central cultural and community hub in the town. Through initiatives like this, Slough is not only cultivating future talent for the space industry but also fostering a lifelong passion for STEM in its youngest residents.