Buckingham MP Greg Smith has said it is “essential” the innovative work of technology businesses at Silverstone Park and in the Silverstone Technology Cluster (STC) continues to thrive following a tour of the estate.

Greg visited businesses which are pushing the boundaries in engineering, manufacturing, electronics and software development across sectors such as aerospace, automotive, defence, energy, marine, motorsport (including F1) and even space.

They included the Digital Manufacturing Centre, EDM Precision Technologies, Lunaz, Hexagon, KWSP, Saietta Electric Drive and Punch Flybrid.

All are members of the STC. Greg’s visit to Silverstone Park – a founding STC member – was at the invitation of the cluster organisation’s CEO Pim van Baarsen.

Greg commented: “Silverstone Park is home to such a huge array of high tech, innovative talent, growing our local economy not just now but for everyone’s future. I’m proud to have them all here at Silverstone Park.

“During my recent visit it was good to chat to representatives from businesses to hear what messages they want me to relay back to government, including around taxation and regulation.

“It is essential the good work at Silverstone Park and the Silverstone Technology Cluster continues at pace.”

Pim added: “This was a good opportunity to bring Greg up close with businesses at Silverstone Park who are typical of businesses in the cluster, to increase his understanding of their work and needs.

“It’s always much better to put people together in the same room and, in this instance, to see the productivity first-hand. We thank Greg for his time – he was clearly fascinated by much of what he heard and saw.”

EDM MD Paul Waldron said: “We were privileged to be part of the tour. Greg was genuinely interested in the sort of parts we make and the machines needed by firms such as EDM Precision to be able to produce the high-precision components required by our customers.

“I was pleased to explain how, like manufacturers and other similar engineering firms, the rise in electricity costs, nearly quadrupling, has turned this consumable into a very significant part of our production cost and that we have been forced to pass this on to our customers.”

DMC MD Keiron Salter continued: “It was great to welcome Greg back after he attended our opening in 2021, to see how we have progressed, how the facilities have grown and how the staff have developed.

“He was also able to learn more about what the DMC is doing to develop young people in engineering including Joel Cain, who started working with us through a student work placement as part of his course at Silverstone University Technical College (UTC) and is now furthering his education as an apprentice with us.”

During his tour, Greg also received a presentation from MEPC’s Chris Kimber-Nickelson, Commercial Director at Silverstone Park on latest development at the estate which is now home to more than 90 businesses.

“Greg’s visit was of real value,” enthused Chris. “He took time to listen to our occupiers which they clearly appreciated.

“He was also given fresh insight into the development undertaken by MEPC at Silverstone Park during the past decade which has helped create many jobs and enabled young people to learn new skills and begin exciting careers.”

Pim van Baarsen added: “This was a good opportunity to bring Greg up close with businesses at Silverstone Park who are typical of businesses in the cluster, to increase his understanding of their work and needs.

“It’s always much better to put people together in the same room and, in this instance, to see the productivity first-hand. We thank Greg for his time – he was clearly fascinated by much of what he heard and saw.”

By Carl McKellar