Space South Central to host new UKSA Ecosystem Champion as cluster strengthens national role
Space South Central has been selected to host one of the UK Space Agency’s new Space Ecosystem Champions, a role designed to offer companies clearer access to national funding and growth pathways.
Dan Smith, who has spent the past two and a half years as Space South Central’s Business Development Manager, takes up the national post as one of only two champions appointed across the UK. He will work directly with organisations to navigate UKSA, ESA, UKRI, Horizon Europe and DASA opportunities, while helping shape a national funding landscape guide intended to standardise support across clusters.
His remit includes delivering targeted business interventions, identifying growth routes for companies that are not yet programme-ready, and improving visibility of the UK’s funding network.
UKSA’s Space Ecosystem Champion programme runs initially to the end of March, with the agency expecting its impact to inform future support models across the UK.
With Dan moving into the national role, Victoria May-Chamberlain moves into the Business Engagement Officer role and becomes Space South Central’s primary point of contact for regional businesses. Already well known within the cluster after seven years coordinating operations and events, she will lead direct engagement with companies, expanding the organisation’s reach. Victoria will also coordinate Space South Central’s Orbit networking event programme, broadening speaker contributions and using the series to identify new companies and opportunities.
Her first major activity in post will see her represent the cluster at SpaceCom in Scotland, part of a more proactive outreach strategy designed to ensure South Central businesses can access early support before entering national-level initiatives.
Daniel Smith, new Space Ecosystem Champion
Dan Smith said: “Becoming a Space Ecosystem Champion is a chance to give companies the clarity and support they’ve been asking for. Navigating UK funding routes can be complex, and my focus will be on helping organisations identify the right opportunities at the right moment so they can grow with confidence. Hosting this role at Space South Central reflects the strength of the cluster and the calibre of businesses we work with every day. I’m looking forward to supporting companies across the UK while continuing to bring that insight back into the region.”
Victoria May-Chamberlain, Business Engagement Officer
Victoria May-Chamberlain said: “I’m excited to step into this role and build even stronger relationships with the companies that make our cluster so successful. Having worked behind the scenes for several years, I’m now looking forward to being out in the community, understanding what businesses need and connecting them with the right support. Space South Central has a reputation for being approachable and proactive, and I’m committed to carrying that forward as we help even more organisations progress on their growth journey.”
Dr Louise Butt, Director of Space South Central, added: “ I am very excited about these wonderful opportunities for Dan and Victoria. These two appointments expand Space South Central’s ability to guide companies at every stage of their development, from first introductions through to structured intervention and national programme engagement. They also reflect our position as one of the UK’s most active clusters, with the capacity to both host a national function and maintain deep regional support.”
