A multi-million-pound satellite and information firm committed to solving problems on Earth has joined Space Park Leicester. With more than 12 satellites delivered and even more in its backlog, Open Cosmos is deploying a constellation of sensors to monitor the Earth, taking advantage of the latest technologies. The firm has launched two Earth Observation satellites this year: Hammer, in March, and Phisat-2, in August. Hammer, through a combination of Artificial Intelligence and Inter-satellite links, is able to retrieve near-real time information for coastal and high sea areas and other applications such as natural disasters. Phisat-2 is an ESA-Led 6U CubeSat designed to showcase the latest in-orbit AI that could further be used for Earth observation applications. Last year, Open Cosmos secured a $50m round to accelerate the development of DataCosmos, a collaborative data platform to task satellites, store, process and derive insights from satellite imagery. One of its unique features is its collaborative interface allowing scientists and analysts to develop their own algorithms using satellite imagery and other sources. At the end of last year, Open Cosmos was also awarded a £5m project from the Government’s Space Clusters Infrastructure Fund (SCIF) to expand its manufacturing and research and development capability for microsatellite and constellation markets, while extending data exploitation reach and expertise with organisations such as Space Park Leicester. As part of its efforts to strengthen links with the scientific community and collaborative approach for data exploitation, Open Cosmos has now joined the Space Park Leicester – the University of Leicester’s £100 million science and innovation park. Open Cosmos will be supporting the University with the development of the Elfen project as well as the exploration of new algorithms to exploit satellite imagery. Together with fellow Space Park Leicester resident business Meridian Space Command, Open Cosmos will be supporting the University with the development of the Elfen mission. The Elfen mission aims to measure the composition of the solar wind and plasma sheet in near Earth space. Open Cosmos is helping to quickly accelerate the mission design process, aiding Space Park Leicester scientists and engineers in building a testable CubeSat model. Adrian Martindale, Head of Space Projects and Instrumentation at Space Park Leicester, said: “It speaks volumes about Open Cosmos that it was awarded the SCIF funding last year – it is one of only a few businesses in the world that delivers end-to-end telecommunications, Earth Observation, navigation and scientific missions. “Satellite data from Open Cosmos is enabling organisations across the globe to address a range of challenges such as monitoring agriculture and logistics and tracking deforestation and biodiversity. “They design, build, launch and operate advanced satellites; enable organisations to access and share data and offer AI-powered data analysis from a growing range of satellite sources and analytic partners via its data platform DataCosmos. “We’re very proud that they have joined us at Space Park Leicester and we’re looking forward to working with Open Cosmos as they play their part in helping to make the UK’s satellite market more accessible and further establishing the UK as a global space leader.” Rafel Jorda Siquier, CEO and founder at Open Cosmos, added: “Our commitment to solving Earth’s challenges through advanced satellite technology aligns perfectly with the innovative spirit of Leicester’s space community. “By complementing our capabilities in Earth Observation mission and data analysis, we aim to support additional scientific missions and insights derived from satellite data. We’re excited to collaborate with Space Park Leicester to advance the UK’s position in the global space industry.”

With the East Midlands Bricks Awards 2024 set to take place next week (Thursday 3rd October), there’s not long left to secure your seat at the prestigious event. The awards recognise and celebrate those behind the changing landscape of our region – the very best companies, teams, individuals and projects – showcasing the exceptional work carried out across the East Midlands over the past 12 months. They also present a prime opportunity to network with property and construction professionals from across the East Midlands over nibbles and complementary drinks. Attend the glittering awards ceremony at Trent Bridge Cricket Ground to see who takes home the title of Contractor of the Year, Developer of the Year, Commercial Development of the Year, Residential Development of the Year, Sustainable Development of the Year, Deal of the Year, Most Active Agents of the Year, Architects of the Year, Excellence in Design, Responsible Business and of course Overall Winner.

Tickets can be booked here.

The event, which will begin at 4:30pm and continue until 7:30pm, will also feature Paul Southby as keynote speaker. Paul is a partner at Geldards LLP, chair of the Advisory Board to Nottingham Business School, chair of Broadway independent cinema in Nottingham’s Lace Market, and a longstanding trustee of environmental charity Clean Rivers Trust. He is chair of Nottingham Partners, a group of businesses that supports the work of the local inward investment agency, Invest in Nottingham, and a board member and past chair of Marketing Nottingham and Nottinghamshire Limited. Paul is also a former High Sheriff of Nottinghamshire (2022/23).  

Shortlist for the East Midlands Bricks Awards 2024

Architects of the Year – sponsored by Mather Jamie IMA Architects Design Haus Architecture Matthew Montague Architects   Commercial Development of the Year – sponsored by Global HSE Group Brackley Property Developments – The Dock Extension, Leicester Pick Everard – Nottingham Central Library G F Tomlinson – The Air and Space Institute, Newark   Contractor of the Year – sponsored by EMEC Ecology Cawarden Clegg Construction Winvic   Deal of the Year – sponsored by Tutum Consulting heb Surveyors – The Oaks, Mansfield FI Real Estate Management – The Quad, Chesterfield Freeths – Former Boots factory site, Beeston   Developer of the Year – sponsored by IMA Architects Vistry Group East Midlands Indurent Wavensmere Homes   Excellence in Design – sponsored by Cawarden G F Tomlinson – The Air and Space Institute, Newark Design Haus – Musters Road Distinctive Developments – Woodwell and Meadow Barn   Most Active Agent – sponsored by Roy Geddes Bricks Rigby & Co FHP Property Consultants Salloway Property Consultants   Residential Development of the Year – sponsored by Devello Distinctive Developments – Woodwell and Meadow Barn Phoenix Brickwork UK LTD – IQ Nelson Court Chevin Homes – Chevin Close   Responsible Business – sponsored by Press for Attention PR Stepnell Ltd Cawarden Cora   Sustainable Development of the Year – sponsored by Viridis Building Services Ltd CPMG – Sir Peter Rubin Centre for Veterinary Education Henry Brothers Construction Ltd – Alfreton Park School Keepmoat – Gedling Green   The Overall Winner, sponsored by Blueprint Interiors, will also be announced at the ceremony, who will be awarded a year of marketing/publicity with Business Link worth £20,000.     East Midlands Bricks Awards 2024 When: Thursday 3rd October 2024, 4:30pm – 7:30pm Where: The Derek Randall Suite, Trent Bridge Cricket Ground Keynote speaker: Paul Southby, chair of Nottingham Partners, board member of Marketing Nottingham and Nottinghamshire, partner at Geldards LLP, chair of the Advisory Board to Nottingham Business School, chair of Broadway independent cinema, trustee of Clean Rivers Trust, and former High Sheriff of Nottinghamshire Dress code: Standard business attire Tickets: Available at https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/east-midlands-bricks-awards-2024-tickets-902294566337?aff=oddtdtcreator Thanks to our sponsors:      

       

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Visitor spend across Blaby District has smashed the target set by the Council in its bid to make the area one of Leicestershire’s leading, most welcoming and sustainable tourism destinations. In Blaby District Council’s current Tourism Growth Plan one aim was to increase the value of tourism by £50 million on 2016’s baseline level of £159 million. Latest figures for 2023 show this target has easily been surpassed with visitor spend at an impressive £217 million. The growth in tourism spend is proving to be a springboard for wider economic prosperity across the District. Spend on accommodation, recreation and food and drink have seen the biggest rises. There has also been a significant increase in employment numbers despite difficulties faced by the sector. The other two main aims in the Tourism Growth Plan are to, by 2025, increase the number of visitors by 1.3 million – to 4.6 million and increase the number of tourism jobs by 40% to 2,770. As of the end of 2023 visitor figures were at 3.04 million and there were 2,508 jobs. As the existing Growth Plan ends the Council has started planning for 2025-2030. This includes a review of progress to date and consultation within the Council, the Tourism Partnership and key stakeholders, ready to launch in the new plan next year. Councillor Cheryl Cashmore, Blaby District Council Portfolio Holder for Health, Leisure, Climate and Economic Development, said: “We are delighted with the progress being made, especially since the latest data shows a strong recovery post-Covid in all areas. In particular it’s fantastic to see the growth in the value of tourism, surpassing our ambitious target already. “Our Tourism Growth Plan plays a vital role in moving forward the over-riding Blaby District Plan 2024-2028. It helps achieve our vision for Blaby District to be a great place to visit. It is also key to our priorities for ‘growing and supporting our economy’ and ‘keeping you safe and healthy’, by increasing visitor numbers, spend and employment in the District. “It will also play a pivotal role in the Active Travel Strategy, Community, Health and Well-being Plan and the Economic Development Framework, making Blaby District a welcoming and sustainable tourism destination for residents and visitors.”

The man leading the Greater Lincolnshire LEP has announced his support for the devolution deal for Greater Lincolnshire. Professor Neal Juster said: “The deal will move decision making and funding from Westminster to Greater Lincolnshire, which can only be a good thing for our economy. “In the long term it will bring around £4bn of extra funding to Greater Lincolnshire and, just as importantly, it will give our area a stronger voice and better access to the levers that drive our economy such as transport, jobs, housing and skills. This should lead to improved outcomes and greater prosperity for us all. “It will bring about new investments in infrastructure and skills to turbocharge business growth, tackle low productivity, protect our environment and unlock high-quality housing. “The extensive consultation carried out showed that most businesses support devolution, recognising that it has the potential to bring more power, more money and more say over public sector funding. It is essential that we retain a strong Lincolnshire business voice at the heart of the devolution deal. “We look forward to working with the government and closely with partners to put the new arrangements in place.”