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Filtronic Secures Further US Contract as Space Communications Demand Continues to Grow

Filtronics new facility at NETPark (Credit: Filrtonic)

Space North East England member Filtronic has secured a further £400,000 contract with a US customer, reinforcing the growing international demand for it’s specialist communications technologies.

The agreement follows an earlier £6 million contract with the same customer and marks another positive milestone for one of the region’s leading space and telecommunications businesses.

Headquartered at NETPark, Filtronic specialises in advanced radio frequency (RF) technologies that support applications across satellite communications, telecommunications and aerospace markets. The latest contract will see the company supply satellite communications equipment to its US customer, further strengthening its position in a rapidly expanding global market.

The announcement highlights the increasing opportunities available to companies operating within the space and satellite communications sector. As demand for satellite connectivity, data services and next-generation communications infrastructure continues to grow worldwide, businesses with specialist expertise are finding new routes to international markets.

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North East Space Conference Highlights Region’s Growing Investment Opportunity

A woman giving a presentation

The North East Space Conference 2026 demonstrated the growing strength and ambition of the region’s space sector, bringing together more than 350 delegates from industry, academia, government and the investment community to explore future opportunities for growth, collaboration and inward investment.

Opened by North East Mayor Kim McGuinness, the conference highlighted the increasing role the sector is playing in driving innovation, attracting investment and creating high-value jobs across the region.

Hosted by Space North East England at the Radisson Blu Hotel in Durham, the conference focused on a clear ambition: converting the North East’s growing reputation for innovation into increased national and international investment.

While the region’s space sector has developed steadily over the past decade, this year’s event reflected growing confidence that the North East is now positioned to play a much larger role in the UK’s space economy.

A key theme throughout the conference was the strength of the North East’s wider industrial ecosystem and the opportunities this creates for businesses both within and beyond the traditional space sector.

As space technologies become increasingly important to communications, defence, manufacturing and environmental monitoring, opportunities are emerging for companies with capabilities that can be applied across multiple markets. Discussions highlighted how businesses operating in advanced manufacturing, cyber security, artificial intelligence, engineering and defence can diversify into the rapidly growing space economy.

The conference also highlighted the significant supply chain opportunities emerging across the sector. Lockheed Martin’s £100 million proposal to build its UK satellite manufacturing facility at NETPark in County Durham demonstrates growing confidence in the capability of regions such as the North East to support globally significant space activity.

The region is well positioned to capitalise on this growth thanks to its concentration of advanced manufacturing and technology businesses, supported by world-class research and skills assets. Organisations including Durham University’s Space Research Centre (SPARC), Northumbria University’s North East Space Skills and Technology Centre (NESST) and New College Durham’s North East Institute of Technology are helping to develop the talent and innovation pipeline required to support future demand.

Growing links between the space and defence sectors were another key talking point. As satellite technologies become increasingly important to national security and resilient communications, collaboration between the two sectors continues to strengthen.

County Durham is already home to a number of companies operating across both markets, including NETPark-based businesses such as Filtronic, Kromek, RED Scientific and Graphene Composites. Their expertise in advanced materials, semiconductors, communications and defence technologies aligns closely with future space sector requirements.

Alongside innovation and skills, the conference reinforced the North East’s wider proposition for new businesses moving to the region. Businesses can access specialist facilities, connect to strong digital connectivity, a highly skilled workforce and, importantly, the space required to grow and scale.

Speaking after the event, Lisa Mullen, Cluster Director for Space North East England, said: “The North East has established a strong reputation for collaboration, innovation and manufacturing excellence. This year’s conference demonstrated the growing interest from investors and industry leaders who recognise the opportunities our region offers.”

The conference reinforced a clear message: the North East’s space sector is no longer an emerging opportunity. It is becoming an increasingly important contributor to the UK’s space ambitions and a compelling destination for investment, innovation and growth.

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Opening date confirmed for The Light

The Light exterior of the building

An opening date has been announced for Durham City’s latest cultural attraction, heralding the start of an exciting new chapter for art, history and innovation in the North East.

Durham County Council has confirmed The Light will open its doors on Saturday 22 August, with visitors invited to experience a spectacular exhibition of international light art.

Victory Over the Sun: Encounters with Light will launch the venue’s ambitious cultural programme, featuring groundbreaking works by artists who use light in extraordinary ways – Tracey Emin, Dan Flavin, Olafur Eliasson, and Chila Burman to name just a few.

Tickets are now on sale for the exhibition, which will span three galleries in the newly transformed building, once home to the Durham Light Infantry (DLI) Museum and Durham Art Gallery in Aykley Heads.

Inspired by one of the 19th century scientists who first created artificial light, Victory Over the Sun will immerse audiences in a range of sensory effects, increasing their understanding of how we see and experience light, and showcasing the links between light, science and nature. The North East’s own part in this story will also be celebrated, with a replica of the first British lightbulb, invented by the Sunderland-born physicist Joseph Swan, included within the show.

Visitors to The Light will also have the chance to discover more about the DLI at a fascinating new permanent exhibition. Featuring images, sounds, hands-on activities and rich sensory experiences, We Are The Durhams builds upon the venue’s military heritage to tell a deeply human story of identity, belonging and community.

In addition to the cultural offer, The Light will include dedicated areas for educational and community activities, a café with an outdoor terrace overlooking beautiful grounds and flexible spaces for meetings and events.

Cllr Karen Allison, Durham County Council’s Cabinet member for leisure, tourism, regeneration and high street, said: “We are incredibly excited to welcome people to our new cultural venue The Light this August.

“By remodelling and extending the existing 1960s building, we have created a modern and spacious venue capable of hosting world-class contemporary exhibitions. A dedicated DLI gallery, meanwhile, will bring stories from the Regiment to life in ways that have never been possible before.

“The building has always been both a museum and an art gallery and this tradition will continue at The Light. Through exhibitions such as Victory Over The Sun, we will celebrate County Durham’s heritage and innovative spirit through spectacular works of art, while providing opportunities for artists to collaborate and for our residents to enjoy a fun and inspiring day out.

“The Light is also simply a wonderful and relaxing place to spend time, whether that be viewing the amazing artworks, meeting friends for lunch in the café or enjoying a stroll around the grounds. I would encourage everyone to come along and experience what’s on offer.”

To celebrate the opening of the new venue, The Light will come alive this summer with an action-packed opening weekend launching a season of activity designed to inspire visitors of all ages to come together and get creative.

The programme will continue for the remainder of the school holidays, with the venue opening seven days a week and offering a mix of indoor and outdoor activities for children and families. Inspired by the theme of “light” – a refence to both the DLI and the extraordinary works featured in Victory Over the Sun – visitors can expect spectacle, hands-on creativity and inspiring ideas. Further details of the opening programme will be announced in July.

Situated at the heart of Aykley Heads, The Light will be an anchor institution of the emerging Durham Innovation District. Acting as a meeting place and creative hub it will support the game-changing ambitions of the new district and play a key part in the sustainable growth of the site.

“In County Durham we have a long-standing commitment to culture-based regeneration,” Cllr Allison continued. “We recognise the transformational impact it has on our communities and our economy, and this is reflected in the prominent role The Light will play in the Durham Innovation District.

“Culture and tourism are major contributors to County Durham’s economy, bringing in more than £1 billion a year. The Light will support this by drawing in more visitors and making us a more attractive place to live, work and invest.”

Victory Over the Sun will run until Sunday 17 January 2027. Tickets are now available to book online at www.thelightdurham.org.uk priced at £10 for adults and £2.50 for children under 18 for a two-hour timed entry slot. An exhibition season pass is available priced at £25. Tickets will also be available to buy on the door when the venue opens priced at £12.50 for adults and £2.50 for children.

Other featured artists include Maarten Baas, Yto Barrada, Tina Bech, James Clar, Shezad Dawood, Spencer Finch, Ceal Floyer, Felix Gonzalez-Torres, Katrin Hanusch, Rafael Lozano-Hemmer, Jenny Holzer, Hilary Jack, Glenn Ligon, Erin McDougle, Steve McQueen, Tatsuo Miyajima, Ivan Navarro, Katie Paterson, David Shrigley, Liz West and Cerith Wyn Evans.

Victory Over the Sun has been curated by Natasha Howes, senior curator at Haigh Hall, former principal curator at Light Night Leeds and former senior curator at Manchester Art Gallery.

Entry to The Light and We Are The Durhams is free.

In August, The Light will be open every day, from 10am to 5pm on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday; from 10am to 8pm on Thursday; and from 10am to 4pm on Sunday. The café will be open from 10am to 4pm.

From September, the venue will be closed on Monday and Tuesdays, with other opening hours remaining the same.

To find out more, visit www.thelightdurham.org.uk and follow @thelightdurham on Facebook and Instagram.

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Durham University rises to 85th in prestigious QS World University Rankings 2027

People walking down the stairs

Durham University has been ranked 85th in the QS World University Rankings 2027, up nine places from last year.

The QS World University Rankings are widely acknowledged as the most influential university rankings globally. The 2027 rankings, assessed 8,808 institutions, saw Durham enhance its position in the employer reputation, academic reputation, and citations per faculty categories of assessment. 

Durham performed particularly strongly for reputation with employers, ranking 49th – up 15 places. Its reputation for academic excellence was also acknowledged, rising three places, as was its position among the world’s leading universities for sustainability – being placed joint 24th. 

Durham is The Times and The Sunday Times University of the Year, and ranks in the UK’s top five universities. In the Complete University Guide, announced earlier this month, 31 of 32 subjects at Durham were ranked in the top ten in the UK.  

Professor Karen O’Brien, Vice-Chancellor and Warden at Durham University, said: “To rise nine places to 85th in the QS World University Rankings is a tremendous achievement, in an outstanding year for Durham University. 

“That employers rank us among the world’s top 50 universities is particularly important for our students and graduates, indicating the exceptional value that a Durham degree holds in equipping students for work and preparing them for career success.” 

As well as an outstanding education, Durham provides students with exceptional opportunities to enhance their employability through developing their leadership skills and starting new businesses. Its Hazan Venture Lab helps Durham students develop their entrepreneurial skills and incubate new ventures.  

Durham’s top category in the QS World University Rankings 2027 is Sustainability (joint 24th), through which the social and environmental impact of universities as centres of education and research is assessed.   

Durham research is helping society understand and address the pressing challenge of climate change, from ice sheet melting to harnessing geothermal energy; from decarbonising shipping to unlocking the potential of hydrogen.   

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North East Space Conference highlights region’s growing investment opportunity

A man giving a presentation

The North East Space Conference 2026 demonstrated the growing strength and ambition of the region’s space sector, bringing together more than 350 delegates from industry, academia, government and the investment community to explore future opportunities for growth, collaboration and inward investment.

Opened by North East Mayor Kim McGuinness, the conference highlighted the increasing role the sector is playing in driving innovation, attracting investment and creating high-value jobs across the region.

Hosted by Space North East England at the Radisson Blu Hotel in Durham, the conference focused on a clear ambition: converting the North East’s growing reputation for innovation into increased national and international investment.

While the region’s space sector has developed steadily over the past decade, this year’s event reflected growing confidence that the North East is now positioned to play a much larger role in the UK’s space economy.

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County named best destination for the second year in a row

Award presented by Mandy Hill, Dunwood Travel; Wendy Wilshere, Head of Volunteer Casting & Engagement, Kynren; Samantha Shotton, Chief Operating Officer, Beamish Museum; Brenda Alexander, Bookings Coordinator, Beamish Museum; Alex MacKenzie, Travel Trade Manager, Experience North East England; Sarah Johnson, Senior Manager, Visit County Durham; Michelle Gorman, Managing Director, Visit County Durham; Event host – Luke Kempner.

It was an incredible night for the county, as it was named Best UK Destination for the second year in a row at the prestigious Group Leisure and Travel Awards, which took place in London on 12 June. Following last year’s win, County Durham retained its title against stiff competition including London, Edinburgh, and Belfast, proving that the destination’s group travel offer rivals that of UK capital cities.

The Group Leisure & Travel Awards are among the UK’s most established honours in the group travel sector. They celebrate excellence across attractions, tour operators, museums, venues, live experiences and destinations, based on votes from readers of Group Leisure & Travel magazine. 

Also shortlisted on the night were Kynren – An Epic Tale of England, and Beamish Museum, demonstrating even further why the county is such a great destination for groups.

Visit County Durham has supported the group travel market for many years, through business support, product development, and promotion. Investment has been made in coach parking and facilities by Durham County Council and private-sector businesses, resulting in the county holding the most Coach Friendly Accreditations. And through our Discover Durham groups and travel trade consortium, we work in partnership with tourism businesses to raise the collective profile and appeal of the county, with results like this demonstrating success.

Michelle Gorman, managing director at Visit County Durham, said: “County Durham has always had an excellent group travel offer, from our world-class attractions, experiences and events, to fantastic landscapes and food and drink. Significant recent investment, including The Rising at Raby Castle, Remaking Beamish, New Hall at Locomotion, and accommodation refurbishments across the county, have strengthen our offer even further. And with two exciting new attractions set to open this summer, Kynren – The Storied Lands and The Light, we are certain that our share of this valuable market will continue to grow, supporting businesses, and providing opportunities for our residents. But this isn’t a Visit County Durham win, it’s a win for County Durham’s entire visitor economy and its passion, creativity and resilience.”

Rob Yandell, publisher of Group Leisure and Travel, added: “Our warmest congratulations go to all of this year’s winners and finalists, and to everyone across the travel trade whose dedication continues to create exceptional experiences and outstanding service for groups. The continued support of our Awards Partners, along with the enthusiasm and engagement of our readers, has once again played a vital role in the success of these awards. 

“Bringing together more than 300 guests to celebrate achievements and connect with colleagues has been a true pleasure, and we hope everyone enjoyed another memorable occasion.” 

 

Image caption left to right:
Award presented by Mandy Hill, Dunwood Travel; Wendy Wilshere, Head of Volunteer Casting & Engagement, Kynren; Samantha Shotton, Chief Operating Officer, Beamish Museum; Brenda Alexander, Bookings Coordinator, Beamish Museum; Alex MacKenzie, Travel Trade Manager, Experience North East England; Sarah Johnson, Senior Manager, Visit County Durham; Michelle Gorman, Managing Director, Visit County Durham; Event host – Luke Kempner.