MEPC’s development of Silverstone Park has further enhanced the image of the neighbouring Silverstone Grand Prix circuit and, in doing so, helped to support motorsport in the UK, believes Motorsport Industry Association CEO Chris Aylett.
Nearly 40 companies operating within motorsport – including race teams and others serving its multi-million pound supply chain – are now located at Silverstone Park.
That’s a significant increase in the number based at the estate when MEPC first took over development of the 130-acre site – on land next to the Silverstone Grand Prix circuit – in September 2013.
Some have been attracted by new industrial units built by MEPC (these range from 5,000 sq ft to 30,000 sq ft in size), others by significant reconditioning of existing premises.
Another attraction has been access to the UK’s only dedicated sub-contract inspection metrology facility – funded and opened on site by MEPC in collaboration with Hexagon Manufacturing Intelligence (the world leader in the science of metrology).
Mercedes F1, DS Virgin Racing, Manor WEC and Hitech GP have been among the notable names to recently join Silverstone Park’s tenant roster.
The Silverstone University Technology College and National College for Motorsport – which trains and offers apprenticeships for aspiring motor sport mechanics and engineers – are also thriving at the estate with student numbers at both increasing with each passing academic year.
Furthermore, Silverstone Park sits at the heart of a surrounding high-profile, high-tech industry cluster – the Silverstone Technology Cluster – which is encouraging motorsport-themed companies to use their engineering capabilities to successfully diversify into other sectors such as automotive, aerospace, defence, electronics, marine, medical supplies, space and transport. The cluster, identified by research commissioned by MEPC and Barclays in 2015/16, is on the Government’s radar as having ‘latent potential’ and could play a significant role in boosting the UK economy.
Chris Aylett commented: “Silverstone Park, sitting at the centre of Motorsport Valley®, has become an integral part of the continuing global success of this industry.
“The growing motorsport community there, to which more motorsport companies are regularly added, is delivering increasing employment and wealth to the area.
“In doing so, Silverstone Park is playing its part in strengthening the international brand of Silverstone at a time when this historic circuit has exciting development plans of its own.
“MEPC’s investment in the UK motorsport community is highly valued by all at the MIA.”
His comments echoed his sentiments at last month’s EEMS Conference during Autosport International Show week at NEC Birmingham when he said: “The success of Silverstone Park helps maintain Silverstone Circuit and helps that place be the centre of the British Grand Prix. I am therefore particularly pleased at the success that Silverstone Park is enjoying at the moment and, if you haven’t been to see it, please do so.”
MEPC’s Roz Bird, Commercial Director at Silverstone Park, said: “Chris’s recognition of the value that MEPC is adding to Silverstone Circuit through its investment in Silverstone Park is great to hear. We have been members of the MIA for more than four years and value their team’s support and the chance to meet with other MIA members at the many motorsport networking events during the year.
“We will continue to invest in the development of Silverstone Park – maintaining the high-quality environment and looking after the companies that now call Silverstone their home. And, with 2.1m sq ft of planning consent, we will look to create new accommodation over time, to meet the changing needs of growing companies in the Silverstone Technology Cluster.”
