The 2025 UK Space Conference, held in Manchester, brought together leaders from across policy, academia and industry to explore one vital question: how do we move forward in space?

Under the theme Space for Growth, the two-day event highlighted the sector’s increasing role in the UK’s economy, security and scientific advancement. With space and satellite services now estimated to underpin £454 billion of wider industrial activity, 18% of the UK’s GDP, the message was clear: space is no longer a niche interest, it’s a national asset.

“The UK Space Conference in Manchester is a powerful reminder that space is not just about looking up,” said Dr Paul Bate, CEO of the UK Space Agency. “It’s about moving forward.”

And move forward it must. Speakers and panellists examined where the sector is headed in 2025 and beyond, discussing the opportunities, the challenges and the steps needed to ensure the UK remains at the forefront of the global space economy.

The UK is already well-positioned in several key areas. It has long been a global leader in telecommunications and downstream applications, and it continues to excel in sustainability, climate science, and other research-led domains. As the commercial space sector scales, the UK’s balance of industrial capability, academic research, and a vibrant private investment landscape gives it a strong competitive edge.

Indeed, private investment in space hit record highs in 2024, with European ventures raising over €1.5 billion, a 56% increase year-on-year. Globally, private investment grew by 20% to €7 billion, and Europe’s share of global private funding surged from 3% in 2019 to 22% in 2024. However, the event also sounded a note of caution: public investment in space is lagging. In 2024, Europe accounted for just 10% of global public space spending, down from 15% in 2019, raising concerns over the balance of funding needed to support long-term infrastructure, research and national capability.

The UK Government’s response includes a growing focus on strategic priorities. Satellite communications, in particular, have been identified as a national capability area, and on the conference’s opening day, the UK Space Agency announced £4.5 million in funding for four new projects aimed at advancing satellite-based 5G and 6G systems.

From new spaceport ambitions to sustainability in low Earth orbit, and a pressing drive to clean up space, the UK Space Conference reaffirmed the vital role of space in driving innovation, economic growth and national resilience. With over 30 years of experience in the sector, Barum & Dewar is proud to support the UK’s space ambitions as a trusted supply chain partner for specialist transit containers and handling solutions.

“This year’s conference showed just how far the UK space sector has come and how much potential there still is to unlock,” said David Frame, Managing Director at Barum & Dewar. “We’re proud to play a part in this journey, working alongside clients across commercial and scientific missions as a trusted partner to deliver the protection and performance their equipment demands.”

Last week, Regional Sales Manager Mark Speck represented Barum & Dewar at a WEAF (West of England Aerospace Forum) cluster event hosted by Airbus in Filton.

The event brought together aerospace manufacturers, suppliers and industry partners from across the South and South West of England. It provided an excellent opportunity to learn more about current developments within the sector and to connect with new contacts.

Mark commented, “This was a valuable opportunity to engage directly with key players in the aerospace supply chain and to highlight how Barum & Dewar’s engineered packaging solutions can support their operations.”

There was strong interest in B&D’s capabilities, particularly around WIP (Work in Progress) storage, kitting, and transit container solutions. Several follow-up discussions are now underway to explore how Barum & Dewar can support manufacturers with practical, protective and efficient packaging solutions.

Barum & Dewar would like to thank WEAF and Airbus for hosting an engaging and well-organised event.

We are pleased to welcome Julie Checkley to the Barum & Dewar team as our new Business Development Manager.

Julie brings over a decade of B2B sales experience in UK and European manufacturing and packaging sectors, with a strong track record of working across plastics, industrial manufacturing, aerospace, and food & drink. She joins B&D at an exciting time as we continue to grow our specialist packaging solutions across space, defence, and other technical industries.

Julie’s approach is rooted in collaboration, curiosity, and customer care; qualities that align perfectly with our ethos. She is passionate about understanding the challenges our clients face and finding smart, effective ways to solve them. Her experience in project management, coupled with her ability to interpret complex technical data, will be a valuable asset as she works with new and existing clients to support their packaging requirements.

David Frame, Managing Director at Barum & Dewar, commented, “Julie brings a strong blend of commercial acumen, technical understanding and customer focus, exactly what we need as we continue to grow our business in specialised sectors. Her experience and energy will be a real asset to the team, and I am delighted to welcome her to B&D.”

Reflecting on her first impressions, Julie said, “There’s real talent and passion at B&D. Everyone here takes pride in delivering the best possible results and that is exactly the kind of team I want to be part of.”

Julie’s initial focus will be on deepening relationships with our existing customers, listening to their feedback, and exploring how we can further improve service and efficiency across every stage of delivery.

Welcome to the team, Julie, we are delighted to have you on board.

Following our visit to the 2025 International Paris Air Show, Barum & Dewar is reflecting on the key trends and conversations shaping the future of aerospace and defence and how these align with our focus as a long-standing specialist in engineered packaging solutions.

The show brought together over 300,000 attendees from across the globe, with a strong emphasis this year on sustainability, digital innovation, and European collaboration in defence. These themes are closely aligned with Barum & Dewar’s approach: combining technical expertise with agility to meet evolving client requirements across satellite, aerospace, and defence programmes.

Key Takeaways from Paris 2025

Defence and Security in Focus: Defence featured prominently throughout the show, with a significant number of exhibitors and discussions centred on strengthening European security, advancing sovereign capabilities, and increasing investment in military aviation and autonomous systems.

Sustainability and Green Innovation: Sustainable aviation was a core theme, with several governments and manufacturers announcing new initiatives to accelerate decarbonisation. Innovations in alternative fuels, electrification, and lightweight materials featured across both civil and defence programmes.

Digitalisation and Emerging Technology: Digital twins, AI integration, and advanced manufacturing techniques such as additive manufacturing were widely showcased. These technologies are set to play a major role in boosting efficiency, reducing development timelines, and improving system performance across aerospace platforms.

Supply Chain Resilience: The importance of robust, agile supply chains was emphasised in light of recent global disruptions. Collaboration, localisation and transparency were key topics across many discussions, as the industry looks to future-proof its operations.

European Collaboration and Investment: Cross-border partnerships and multi-national programmes were a strong feature at this year’s show, particularly in defence. A shared commitment to innovation, security and economic growth continues to drive new joint ventures across the continent.

Managing Director David Frame attended the show on 17th and 18th June, meeting with clients, partners, and new connections from across Europe. These conversations reaffirmed the importance of close collaboration, particularly as clients prepare for next-generation space and defence missions.

Barum & Dewar remains committed to supporting our clients with technically advanced, trusted solutions and the insights gained from Paris 2025 will continue to inform how we innovate and evolve to meet industry needs.

If you’d like to find out more about our aerospace and defence capabilities, get in touch with the team.

Barum & Dewar is looking forward to attending the 55th International Paris Air Show next week, one of the most important events in the global aerospace and space calendar. Held at Le Bourget from 17-23 June, the show brings together thousands of industry professionals, manufacturers, suppliers, and government representatives to showcase the latest innovations and forge future partnerships.

Our Managing Director, David Frame, will be attending on Monday 17th and Tuesday 18th June, meeting with both existing clients and new connections. These meetings are part of our continued focus on strengthening relationships across the European aerospace and space supply chain and exploring new opportunities for collaboration.

Barum & Dewar has been designing and manufacturing specialist packaging solutions for over 25 years for the sector. As demand continues to grow, particularly from clients across Europe, events like the Paris Air Show are vital to staying connected, informed, and ahead of our clients’ evolving needs.

David Frame commented, “The Paris Air Show is always a key date in the calendar. It allows us to meet face-to-face with many of our clients and partners, understand what’s on the horizon, and ensure Barum & Dewar remains a responsive and trusted supplier to this fast-moving industry.”

If you are attending and would like to arrange a meeting during the show, please get in touch, we would be delighted to connect.