The UK’s space sector is a world leader in small satellites and at the forefront of a rapidly expanding global space economy. The ADS space sector team is committed to supporting the sector by understanding our members’ objectives and challenges, in turn generating relevant new business development opportunities and developing a comprehensive programme of in-person and online events. To help support our members we have been expanding our space sector team, starting off with our new Deputy Director for Space, Alun Williams.

How long have you been in post?

Just under two months – I joined on 1 July 2024, right before the dual excitement of a General Election and Farnborough International Airshow (FIA) 2024. Day one in the job was as you’d expect – “take your time, learn how the organisation works, meet the team…” Day two was “will you be around on the Friday at Farnborough to host a group of ESA astronauts?”, and (thankfully) it’s been that sort of role ever since – something new every day.

Have you enjoyed the change from your previous role?

I joined ADS from the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology’s space directorate, where I worked on strategic engagement within the sector. In many of the best respects it’s working with the same great people, the same overarching goal and the same sector challenges just from the other side of the table (literally and figuratively). I’m very proud to work for ADS as we scale up the space sector offering for our members. FIA 2024 was the perfect opportunity to “muck in” early with new colleagues and its not until you are within the organisation that you can really appreciate the scale of the work and the value ADS adds.

What is your main focus for the role?

It’s trite, but it’s true – the main focus is on providing the best possible space offering for our members. Right now we’re working on the programme design, but over the next few months we’ll be driving forward trade activity opportunities, advocacy, and B2B events.

The ADS Space Sector Priorities Paper provides many of the anchoring points for this role. It maps out an overview of the key issues facing the UK space sector and the work required in partnership between Government and industry. This  to foster economic growth and leverage the sector’s full contribution to the UK’s prosperity in the face of growing global competition and the rapid pace of technological development. I will work to advance these priorities on behalf of our members in collaboration with industry partners and the Government.

We’re also expanding our space team, I’m delighted that Stefan Garcia has joined us as our Engagement Manager for Space. He’s really thrown himself into the role already – please do reach out to him for an introductory chat: stefan.garcia@adsgroup.org.uk.

What is the importance of the space sector?

You can’t leave home without it! Space is reassuringly ubiquitous. Every moment of the day, you’ll be interacting with some form of space infrastructure. Our sector employs 49,000 people across the UK and of course, it has a critical role in our domestic and global security.

However it’s also a hugely inspiring and aspirational sector to work in. There’s nothing quite like disappearing down the conversational rabbit hole with space sector enthusiasts, no matter how long they’ve been in the industry. People love what they do, and love telling others about it.

What engagement are you looking forward to doing over the next few months?

Any and all! In terms of big events, we’ll be at Advanced Engineering in October (please do reach out if you’re interested in aerospace or space B2B opportunities) and of course Farnborough International Space Show on 19-20 March 2025 – which will also include the 40th International Symposium on Remote Sensing of Environment (ISRSE-40). It’ll be a fantastic event, showcasing UK global leadership on space.

We are currently seeking expressions of interest for Bahrain International Airshow, focusing on aviation, defence, and space, which will connect members with key players from the GCC and beyond.

We’re also looking to setup regular networking events for space, bringing together our members, officials, and the ADS space team. More information to follow on those soon.

Make the most of your membership:

Contact Alun Williams by email alun.williams@adsgroup.org.uk to discuss how we can help you.