A number of Fife-based businesses have begun to explore new commercial opportunities within the global space sector following their participation in the Routes to Market – Space Programme, delivered by Fife Council’s Economic Development team and Strategem (Scotland) Limited.
The initiative has been supported from the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, helping local companies to build an understanding of the growing commercial space market, explore supply chain opportunities, and connect directly with international customers and partners.
Structured over three key stages - awareness raising, international market engagement, and tailored follow-up, the programme has supported Fife businesses in evaluating their potential to supply into this emerging sector, both within the UK and globally.
The programme began with a sector-specific workshop delivered in partnership with Scottish Development International (SDI). The session provided insights into the Scottish and European space industry landscape, market entry pathways, and guidance on working with international partners. Attendees, including Eurospray, Fifab, Fife College, and Cerebral Ape, reported strong satisfaction with the quality and relevance of the information shared.
This was followed by a learning journey to Space Tech Expo Europe 2024, held in Bremen, Germany, the continent’s largest B2B space industry event. The Expo welcomed over 700 exhibitors and presented a valuable opportunity for participating Fife businesses to engage directly with global supply chain decision makers. As part of the programme, Fifab and Eurospray took part in SDI’s UK pitching session, presenting their capabilities to international delegates. Over the course of the visit, the Fife delegation generated more than 40 direct business enquiries.
These new connections have already begun to translate into commercial opportunities. Fifab has since received a request for quotation from a defence sector customer they engaged with during the Expo. Eurospray, meanwhile, established a strong link with a French aerospace coatings manufacturer, which resulted in their paint shop supervisor undertaking technical training and certification in Toulouse. Eurospray is now considered as the manufacturer’s preferred UK applicator.
“The Expo helped us identify a real commercial opportunity in the space industry, which has since led to a technical partnership with an international supplier,” said Jim Fairnie, Eurospray.
“We would not have achieved this without the support from InvestFife and the visibility offered through this programme.”
Following the Expo, participating businesses received one-to-one consultancy support to help develop tailored international action plans. This follow-up stage is ensuring that commercial leads are being acted upon and that companies are supported in their next steps. A site visit by Andrew Dickson, SDI’s International Trade Specialist for Space, to Fifab and Eurospray helped explore opportunities for long-term SDI account management and export development support.
The programme has also informed workforce development activity. Fife College, which joined the learning journey, has recently launched its Geospatial Foundation Skills Programme (February 2025), designed to support the growing demand for technical and data-related roles in the space and geospatial sectors.
Pamela Stevenson, Service Manager for Economic Development at Fife Council, said:
“This programme shows how targeted public sector support, in partnership with industry experts, can help local businesses diversify into new and fast-developing markets. The early outcomes are promising, and we are committed to working with businesses and partners to build on this success and continue supporting Fife’s place in the space economy.”
The Routes to Market – Space Programme has delivered strong initial results across business development, international trade engagement, and workforce planning. InvestFife will continue working with partners, including SDI, to explore future opportunities, such as participation in Space Tech Expo 2025 and ensure Fife businesses are well positioned to benefit from the continued growth of the global space sector.
The Routes to Market – Space Programme has received £10,700 from the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.
