Earlier this month, the Silverstone Technology Cluster were delighted to welcome an international delegation of automotive companies from around the world to Silverstone Park, to meet STC Members and also enjoy a tour of businesses at the site for a behind-the-scenes look at some of the exciting innovations happening within the UK.  

The visit was arranged through the Department for Business and Trade (DBT) who had brought the 40+ delegation over to CENEX Expo at UTAC Millbrook, to explore opportunities to collaborate with UK companies and organisations, for the purpose of creating new partnerships and securing new supply chain relationships in zero emission propulsion, vehicle lightweighting or in connected and automated mobility. 

Delegates represented Japan, Taiwan, South Korea, Thailand, India, Canada, Brazil, Turkey, Germany and the UK. 

For the first part of the visit, the delegates were invited to the stunning new Escapade facility situated on the edge of the Silverstone Circuit and overlooking a stretch of Silverstone’s most notable set of corners: Copse, Maggots, Becketts and Chapel. 

The audience was welcomed by STC Director, Mark Clement, who led the proceedings with an overview of the STC and its development over the last 7 years. Chris Kimber-Nickelson, Commercial Director at Silverstone Park, followed with a brief presentation on the exciting plans for the business park dubbed ‘a campus for future innovation’. Chris said of the visit: 

“The delegation visit from the Department for Business and Trade to Silverstone Park, presented a great opportunity for us to showcase the innovative work that’s happening here across the campus. The high-profile visitors had a unique ‘behind the scenes’ look at businesses leading the way in innovation – including tours and demonstrations from DMC and Lunaz, it really helped to bring to life what Silverstone Park is all about – being a campus for future innovation”. 

Concluding the session was David Pates, MD of hofer Powertrain UK, one of STC’s recently appointed members. He was joined by his Head of Business Development, Robert Reid, who commented: 

“Membership in the Silverstone Cluster unlocks unparalleled opportunities for collaboration and growth, as evidenced by the recent DBT delegation event. The diverse range of contacts and heightened visibility have already sparked valuable conversations, particularly around cutting-edge cell testing and methodologies, demonstrating the true power of being part of this dynamic network.” 

After a visit to the Escapade roof terrace for a photo opportunity, the delegation headed off for a tour of two Silverstone Park businesses –  

• DMC – one of the world’s most advanced additive manufacturing facilities 
• Lunaz – a company that specialises in upcycling and electrify beautifully designed classic cars – future proofing them for the next generation. 

Kieron Salter, CEO of the DMC said, 

“It was a real pleasure to host the Department of Business and Trade at our DMC Silverstone Park facility. We are very proud of what we do here at DMC, applying innovative engineering solutions to the additive manufacturing process in order to solve complex problems and deliver truly pioneering solutions for businesses operating at the forefront of their industry.   

It was also a fantastic opportunity to showcase the incredible infrastructure we have here at Silverstone Park and in the enterprise zone, demonstrating how the government has supported local technology and SMEs to our international visitors.” 

The feedback from the delegates has been really positive, with many suggesting that the visit to Silverstone Park was the perfect finale to their week-long visit to the UK.  

STC Director, Mark Clement, commented,

“It’s incredibly encouraging to see international interest from these groups, thanks to our strong partnership with the Department for Business and Trade. 

Each visit presents a valuable chance for the STC to create potential new collaborations for our members.” 

We aim to build on this success and continue expanding these opportunities for our membership, with more of these visits planned for 2025. If you would like to invite future delegations on a tour of your facility, please get in touch with pim@silverstonetechnologycluster.com.