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Agenda Revealed for North East Space Conference 2026

People sat in a conference room

The full agenda for the North East Space Conference 2026 has now been released.

Taking place on 9 June 2026 at the Radisson Blu Hotel in Durham, the conference will bring together businesses, researchers and organisations to explore opportunities within the growing space sector.

Delivered by Space North East England, the regional space cluster managed by Business Durham, the event will focus on collaboration, innovation and sector growth across the North East.

Key themes include:

• Pivoting into space from adjacent sectors

• Strengthening the regional supply chain

• Skills and careers for the future workforce

• Collaboration between industry, academia and partners

• Commercial growth and investment opportunities

The programme features panel discussions, practical sessions and networking opportunities designed to support business growth and sector development.
View the full schedule and book your place here: North East Space Conference 2026 | Space North East Eng

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To Florida, Nasa and beyond! Durham flies flag for the region’s space sector as part of North East delegation

A group of people standing outside of NASA space station

Experts, entrepreneurs, innovators, and scientists from the North East have travelled to the United States to seek interest and investment in the region’s booming space sector.

The Space North East England delegation touched down in Orlando for Florida Commercial Space Week, kicking off a packed programme of conferences, meetings and site visits across the Space Coast.

The delegation included representatives from UK space companies and the North East’s universities, all travelling with a shared ambition to build international partnerships, showcase capability and explore new opportunities for collaboration.

Those taking part included Durham, Newcastle and Northumbria universities as well as North East companies MSP and NEL Technologies.

Lisa Mullen, Interim Cluster Manager of Space North East England who coordinated and led the trip, said: “Our mission brought the North East England’s leading innovators into the heart of Florida’s booming space ecosystem during Commercial Space Week to SpaceCom 2026.

“It helped us forge new collaborations and opened market opportunities, as well as reinforcing transatlantic links across the commercial space sector.”

Over the course of the five-day visit, which concluded at the weekend, the North East team met global space leaders, showcased North East and UK capability and built relationships that will support future growth and investment.

The first day was spent at the University of Central Florida, with the delegate programme focusing on industry, academia, and the broader space ecosystem.

The next day, the delegation headed to Florida’s Space Coast for meetings and site visits with some of the world’s most influential space organisations, including Space Florida.

The third day included a tour of the NASA Kennedy Space Centre to gain firsthand insight into the scale of their space launch operations and to learn what it takes to put a rocket in orbit for deep-space travel.

The highlight was seeing the SLS rocket on the launchpad during the final preparations before launch as part of the Artemis II mission, which will see crew on a lunar flyby to test the Orion spacecraft’s navigation, life support, and other systems in deep space, ahead of future landing missions.

Suitably inspired, the final two days were spent attending Commercial Space Week, SpaceCom 2026 in Orlando to pitch their products and services to potential investors and partners.

Lisa said: “It was a fantastic visit for the delegation and we hope we’ve done the North East proud and that the relationships we’ve built and the contacts we’ve made will benefit the region’s space sector, which has continued to go from strength to strength in recent years.

“There’s no substitute for being in the room where things are happening, and it was great for us to be there representing the region, showing the skills and expertise we can contribute to investors in this field.”

The visit was arranged by the Government’s Department for Business and Trade and hosted by the British Consulate General in Miami.

A delegation from Space Florida is expected to visit the North East next month to further strengthen international ties and develop existing links.  Space North East England is looking to bring everything together when it holds its annual North East Space Conference for regional, national and international delegates this June.

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Durham research reveals North East England leads UK on scaleup growth

A series of roof tops

New research from Durham University Business School reveals the North East England led the UK on business scaleup growth in 2020-2023, challenging long-held assumptions about regional disadvantage.

Research from Durham University’s Smart & Scale programme

The study, conducted through the Business School’s Smart & Scale programme, is led by Dr John Moffat and Dr Stephanie Scott.

The research examined high-growth firms, the barriers they face, and conditions for sustained performance.

Using internationally recognised definitions of scaleup growth, the findings show a more encouraging picture of the North East England economy.

Between 2020 and 2023, North East England recorded the UK’s highest scaleup rate under the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) definition.

1.8 per cent of firms met the definition of average annual growth in employment or turnover of at least 20 per cent over three years and employment of 10 or more. This compares with a UK figure of 1.55 per cent.

Women-led firms exceed national benchmarks

Notably, women-led businesses in North East England outperformed national scaleup rates at the highest growth thresholds.

This challenges assumptions about regional disadvantage and highlights the strength of the region’s pipeline of ambitious, high-performing firms.

The importance of aligned enterprise ecosystems

The study shows aligned enterprise ecosystems are critical for business growth.

Collaboration between universities, support organisations, and policymakers improves outcomes for scaling firms.

It is particularly valuable during economic transition and leadership change.

These findings align with independent evaluations of regional scaleup initiatives, including Scaleup North East.

This programme delivered by RTC North, improved turnover and productivity for participating businesses.

Alongside the Entrepreneurs’ Forum’s Scaleup Leaders’ Academy, these programmes are recognised nationally by the Scaleup Institute.

The research shows such initiatives work best when evidence informed and locally embedded.

They are most effective when connected to a wider ecosystem of expertise and delivery.

Executive Dean, Professor Kieran Fernandes said:

“This research highlights the importance of strong enterprise ecosystems, where collaboration between universities, support organisations, and policymakers is critical to translating ambition and innovation into sustained economic performance.”

Informing future policy and practice

The findings will guide the Business School, partners and policymakers to strengthen North East England’s scaleup capacity. They will help build on successful approaches and support sustainable high-growth enterprise.

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Durham Champions gather to hear county success stories

Left to right: Kate Culverhouse, Banks Group; Michelle Cooper, Point North; Julia Handelman-Smith, Director of Into the Light; Michael Canavan, Durham County Council.

Over 50 businesses, organisations and individuals from across County Durham came together this week for the third Durham Champions meeting.

This county-wide network of people who are passionate about the place and want to see it thrive, heard inspiring talks from Kate Culverhouse, Community Relations Manager at Banks Group – a successful Durham-born and based business celebrating 50 years in 2026; Michael Canavan from Durham County Council, Strategic Lead for Aykley Heads – a unique City Centre development site which is set to be the catalyst for the Durham Innovation District; and Julia Handelman-Smith, Director of Into the Light – a place-based partnership designed to drive long-lasting growth in County Durham through culture.

The event took place on Wednesday 21 January at Redhills, Durham Miners Hall, and provided businesses and individuals who want to work together to promote County Durham, and raise its profile as a place to live, work, invest, study and visit, with great success stories and information on exciting developments which they can share with their own networks and channels. This collaborative approach will see organisations and individuals join forces and unite behind the brand to build the county’s image, identity and reputation, and harness profile-raising opportunities to reach audiences essential for the county’s future economic success.

The county’s place brand, ‘The Durham Story’, is an extraordinary blend of beauty, enterprise, heritage, culture and ambition, found in all four corners of the county. It shines a light on what makes County Durham special, its distinctiveness and character, and the opportunities for growth and development. And since its launch 10 months ago, it has received huge support, with stakeholders welcoming the compelling new proposition and bold approach to showcasing County Durham on a national and international scale.

Cllr Karen Allison, Durham County Council’s Cabinet Portfolio Holder for Leisure, Tourism, Regeneration and High Streets, said: “The Durham Champions network continues to go from strength to strength with each event bringing together individuals, businesses and organisations who are committed to championing Durham and sharing positive stories about the county. This growing engagement highlights the value of collaboration in raising Durham’s profile and creating future opportunities. It’s encouraging to see the Champions network continue to develop and expand.”

Michelle Cooper, Chief Executive of Point North, hosted the event and said: “Hosting the event today made me realise just how important the Durham Champions are, and the opportunity we have to all help make a difference. The stories we heard were truly inspiring and reflect the passion and ambition we have in abundance across the county. There are still a lot of misconceptions out there about Durham, but by working together and uniting behind our county’s unique story, we can change those opinions and help the county prosper.”

Image: left to right: Kate Culverhouse, Banks Group; Michelle Cooper, Point North; Julia Handelman-Smith, Director of Into the Light; Michael Canavan, Durham County Council.

To find out more sign up to become a Durham Champion.

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Durham Recognised by Which? as one of the UK’s Best Christmas Market Cities

People at Durham Christmas market

Durham has earned national recognition, being named one of the UK’s top Christmas market destinations by Which?. The listing highlights the city’s strong visitor appeal during the winter season and showcases Durham’s fantastic festive events. 

The annual Durham Christmas Market is a significant event for both visitors and businesses. It features over 30 high-quality stalls in Durham Market Place and a further 120 artisan producers in the ticketed marquee on Palace Green, which creates a significant retail and trading opportunity. The market attracts thousands of visitors into the city centre each year. 

This recognition also reflects the strength of Durham’s wider visitor experience. Which? highlighted the city’s cultural assets, walkability, and welcoming, uncrowded atmosphere. 

Durham’s inclusion alongside destinations such as Liverpool, Edinburgh, York, Belfast, Newcastle, Glasgow, Winchester and Wells positions the city within a competitive market and reinforces its reputation as a high-quality festive break destination.

Read the full article at Which.

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Key deal agreed to bring forward Durham Innovation District

Left to right: Professor Mike Shipman, Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Provost, Durham University; Cllr Andrew Husband, Leader of Durham County Council; and Phil Mayall, managing director at Muse.

Plans to develop an innovation district of national significance in Durham City have taken a major step forward, with the signing of a key agreement.

Muse, Durham County Council and Durham University have signed a Collaboration Agreement to accelerate the development of the Aykley Heads site as a hub for investment and innovation. The site is part of the Durham Innovation District in the heart of the historic city.

This follows the announcement of the Joint Venture and Development Management Agreement between Muse and the county council in May this year.

Signing the Collaboration Agreement is a key step for moving Aykley Heads forward. It sets out how the joint venture and the university will work together to deliver the project and help grow the wider Durham Innovation District.

The innovation district brings together ‘Triple Helix’ partners including local government, universities, and businesses to work together. It already includes major organisations such as Durham University Business School, North East Chamber of Commerce, Durham Constabulary, Waterstons, and council offices at Salvus House and Corten House. It also includes The Rivergreen Centre, which is being refurbished to become the council’s new headquarters, in place of County Hall which is to be demolished. The Aykley Heads area also has planning permission for 40,000 square metres of offices.

This new public-private partnership, supported by the university, is expected to create thousands of new jobs and to become a regional hub for research and innovation. Ideally located with easy access to major road networks and the nearby railway station, the site is also set to be of significant interest to major investors.

Phil Mayall, managing director at Muse, said: “County Durham already has a strong innovation ecosystem and this has been bolstered further with recent Government backing to create an AI Growth Zone in the North East region. Aykley Heads will provide a high-quality environment to encourage the growth of existing businesses and attract others to the region.

“It will also help to balance out the city core by revitalising the area, creating a vibrant and exciting new employment destination. Ourselves and Durham County Council are incredibly proud to have signed the agreement with Durham University and look forward to progressing this shared long-term vision together.”

Cllr Andrew Husband, Leader of Durham County Council, said: “The signing of the agreement is a major step forward and demonstrates the momentum we are building. Aykley Heads will deliver thousands of quality jobs for our residents and will be a significant driving force for County Durham’s future economic growth, as well as that of the wider North East.

“We’re really excited to be working with a world leading research institution in Durham University and Muse – with its impressive development track record. Add in the financial backing of the North East Combined Authority and what we have here is a powerful combination that will act as that important catalyst for future growth.”

Professor Karen O’Brien, Vice-Chancellor of Durham University, said: “The development of Aykley Heads and the Durham Innovation District is a unique opportunity to catalyse inclusive, innovative and sustainable growth in our region, by attracting new investment and creating new, high-quality jobs.

“We look forward to working with Durham County Council to ensure our communities benefit most from this nationally significant project.”

The Durham Innovation District is also backed by North East Mayor Kim McGuinness and the North East Combined Authority as one of the region’s biggest and most significant investment opportunities. It has invested £9.2 million in the partnership as part of its programme to support economic growth and create opportunities for local people, while helping Durham enhance its role within the wider region.