Member Article

Satellite centre chair appointed

Industry expert John Bone has been appointed to a key role with the North East Satellite Applications Centre of Excellence at NETPark in County Durham.

The Satellite Operations Director of CGI, a leading global IT and business services provider, is industrial chairman of the Centre’s advisory board.

The Centre is based at NETPark, the innovative science park managed by Business Durham, the economic development company for County Durham. It is one of only three Centres in the UK working with businesses wanting help and advice to break into the satellite applications industry or needing more support for current work.

John Bone will help North East companies access a rapidly developing sector which has an estimated value over £11bn to the UK economy.

He said: “I am delighted to have been appointed chairman. The development of new and innovative satellite applications will have an impact across all business sectors and the North East will benefit from being at the leading edge of this growing industry.”

Satellite applications, data and technology have seen the market growing by an average of 7 percent each year since 2008. Latest developments include satellite systems using earth observation tools to monitor and track building control and satellite based radar to track ground and building movements in areas prone to landslides or subsidence.

John Hildreth, North East Satellite Applications Catapult Centre of Excellence Manager, commented: “This is a hugely exciting milestone for the Centre of Excellence. Mr Bone’s experience within this sector is a big asset for the region and one I am certain will provide opportunities from companies in the North East to gain a competitive advantage”.

The appointment comes hot on the heels of the announcement of the Centre’s Opportunities in Space conference which will take place on 19th November at the Xcel Centre in County Durham. For more information about this event please contact Amanda Armstrong on 0191 426 6333 or e-mail amanda.armstrong@be-group.co.uk

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Business Durham .