The Silverstone Technology Cluster has hosted a tour of Swiss high-tech companies to the region which included meetings with six of its business members.

Cosworth, Delta Cosworth, Digital Manufacturing Centre, Lunaz, RML and Silverstone Composites each welcomed the delegation.

The visit was arranged through the Department for Business and Trade (DBT)’s Swiss Business Hub UK + Ireland and Switzerland Global Enterprise, to generate business opportunities and foster R&D collaborations for Swiss high-tech companies in the UK.

Natalie Thomas, Head of Swiss Business Hub UK + Ireland, said: “It was interesting to see how the STC has developed, and also how it has developed a strong membership of innovators, early-stage disruptors venturing into industry and larger organisations who spearhead and drive innovation.

“There are definitely synergies with Switzerland where clusters are the bread and butter of an ecosystem which is strong in joining academia with innovation, entrepreneurship, accelerator programmes, university spin-outs and multi-national companies.

“It was a fascinating visit and thank you to the STC and its business members for welcoming our delegation.”

This was the second visit by a DBT delegation in the autumn/winter months to visit the STC and business members located at the network’s founding member Silverstone Park.

In September, a multi-national delegation visited Delta Cosworth and SAIETTA there. Delegates represented China, Germany, India, Japan, Mexico, UK, USA, Poland, Taiwan, Thailand and Turkey.

Amongst the delegation was Rachel Paulk, Senior Director, International Strategy & Accounts of USA-based Our Next Energy (ONE) who enthused: “Visiting the Silverstone Technology Cluster (STC) region really showcased the UK’s research & development capability.

“It’s clear that Silverstone Park and the wider STC region host a strong and supportive ecosystem that is driving innovation in the electric movement.

“The electric vehicle revolution creates so many opportunities for new products and solutions, and it was great to see local companies able to accelerate their offerings in the cluster.”

STC CEO Pim van Baarsen commented: “It’s hugely positive that we’re attracting international attention from these groups through our strong relationship with the Department for Business & Trade.

“Every one of these visits is an opportunity for the STC to unlock potential new working collaborations for our members.

“We will be looking to do more of this in 2024 as this is very much part of our on-going work for our membership to develop these opportunities.”

By Carl McKellar