Oxfordshire Local Enterprise Partnership welcomes government minister to Harwell

The government minister, responsible for overseeing UK exports dropped into one of the world’s leading science parks based in Oxfordshire.

Mike Freer MP, the Department for International Trade’s Minister for Exports, travelled to Harwell Campus to visit Oxford Space Systems and meet with representatives from OxLEP, the Satellite Applications Catapult, Harwell space sector companies Lockheed Martin and Open Cosmos, Abingdon based Zircotec, as well as key figures from the Campus itself.

During the visit, Mr Freer discussed global exporting opportunities and investment into the UK’s space sector – an area which Harwell Campus has particular expertise, as it is home of the largest space cluster in Western Europe.

He also experienced at first-hand one of the Campus’ recent innovative additions, a fully-autonomous passenger shuttle service currently being trialled on the site.

Minister for Exports Mike Freer said: “The UK is a global science superpower thanks to businesses like those in and around the OxLEP partnership. It’s great to see their dynamism and innovation that helps the region to grow and thrive.

“Exporting their technology around the world, and securing valuable investment, shows how trade can level up every part of the UK and I look forward to seeing further success come out of the region in the years to come.”

Nigel Tipple added: “The visit provided an excellent opportunity to build even stronger ties with Government and demonstrate how OxLEP has a long-term commitment to highlighting and supporting investment opportunities for Oxfordshire – particularly important following the recent publication of the Levelling Up White Paper.”