The chairman and CEO of the Island’s space company, ManSat, has addressed delegates at the UK Space Conference in Surrey.

The Future of Britain in Space was the title with Chris Stott invited to speak live from Houston, via satellite, to leading players from around the UK and the world from both government and industry.

This year’s conference focused on the founding of the new UK Space Agency and the founding of the first European Space Agency (ESA) science centre in Britain.

Mr Stott spoke about the importance and success of Public Private Partnerships, citing the partnership between ManSat and the Isle of Man Government.

‘It was an honour to be asked to speak on the eve of the founding of the new UK Space Agency,’ he said. ‘Yet it was a true privilege to be able to speak to such an audience of the example of the Island and the successes we’re working hard to achieve here for the Manx people.’

The UK Space Conference is also the home to the prestigious Arthur Awards, the industry’s version of Oscars, named after Dr. Sir Arthur C. Clarke.

Stott was shortlisted for a possible award himself for his work with ManSat for Entrepreneur of the Year, along with Sir Richard Branson and David Williams.

The award was won by David Williams of Avanti, a leading UK Satellite firm, also an active player in the Manx Space Industry.

‘It was just an honour to be nominated, all most humbling’, added Chris.’