Silverstone Park chief highlights centre’s...

DECISION-MAKERS have been given an insight into the potential for Silverstone Park to become a world-class destination for innovation in technology and business growth. Commercial director Chris Kimber-Nickelson has shared the park’s vision with three influential audiences. He talked with business leaders and MP James Sunderland, who chairs the Armed Forces Select Committee, at a Thames Valley Chamber of Commerce event at Microsoft’s UK headquarters in Reading before a meeting with 30 delegates representing high-tech organisations from 11 countries across three continents as part of a visit with the Department for Business & Trade. Silverstone Park also hosted a visit organised by Buckinghamshire Local Enterprise Partnership by businesses based at Westcott Venture Park near Aylesbury - a hub for the UK’s space sector companies. Mr Kimber-Nickelson pictured above said: “It was extremely interesting to participate in important dialogue with James Sunderland MP and other business leaders. Our region has immense potential and collaboration between the public and private sectors is vital to harnessing this potential and driving economic growth. “Our on-going relationship with the Department for Business and Trade gives us the opportunity to reach a truly global audience in one presentation which is of great value. “And we were also thrilled to welcome our colleagues from Westcott Venture Park. Our shared commitment to innovation and technology presents an exciting opportunity for us to join forces and drive new advancements in industries critical to the future of the UK and beyond.” During the DBT visit, delegates also toured occupier SAIETTA’s 22,400 sq ft electric drivetrain development facility before being welcomed by Delta Cosworth which, with four premises at the park, is innovating in high-powered battery systems. There were further presentations from the Silverstone Technology Cluster - Steve Henson of founding STC member Barclays explained how many businesses in the region have successfully diversified away from motorsport into other high-tech sectors - plus two of the organisation’s business members, The Structural Battery Company and RML.  “We need to keep spreading the message far and wide that we are open for business,” Mr Kimber-Nickelson said. “These are opportunities to establish Silverstone Park as being at the heart of Oxford-Cambridge Arc. There is such good news coming out of the park with more to come, with MEPC having further consented land opening the way for us to construct more industrial property and continue to expand.”

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