The photonics enabled products marketplace which is considered to be worth globally £pound;500 billion by 2015 is every bit as important to the Northwest Regional economy as it is to the UK as a whole ... so says the latest market evidence contained within the technology showcase brochure on Photonics produced by the team at Aston Science Park.

The Aston Science Park project Photonics Cluster (UK) is a principal partner within the Photonics Knowledge Transfer Network.

The Northwest Photonics technology showcase document is based on a comprehensive mapping study undertaken by Dr Geoff Archenhold, Dr Neil Haigh and Mr Glenn Barrowman of Birmingham Technology Limited on behalf of the Business Relations team within the Enterprise, Innovation and Skills directorate of the Northwest Regional Development Agency (NWDA).

The mapping study identified that Northwest photonics companies contribute annually more than £pound;659 million for the region and employ an estimated 6000 employees. Of the 260 scientific companies investigated the study identified188 within the photonics sector and 110 companies active within the Lighting and Energy Applications sector.

Dr Geoff Archenhold, Business Development Director of Aston Science Park who led the technical study team commented, "we were delighted to be chosen to undertake this essential research on behalf of the NWDA especially after winning it on a competitive basis against leading UK consultancies. We are confident that the research provided to the agency is the most comprehensive undertaken in this field anywhere in the UK. This gives the NWDA the most accurate information available on which to base their future key investment decisions."

Sarah Kemp, Director Of Business Relations advised, "I consider that this showcase document will be an essential reference guide to our regional companies, government departments, international inward investment agencies, academic, learning and skills institutions as well as our own Northwest Development Agency staff in highlighting how the technology of photonics can be exploited to the benefit of the Northwest Regional economy"

Editors Note:

What is Photonics?
Photonics is the generic term for the technology that includes light emission, transmission, deflection, amplification and detection by optical components, instruments, lasers, other light sources, fibre optics, electro-optical instrumentation and sophisticated nano-photonic systems. An easy way to consider what constitutes photonics is to look at the ability of photons to carry information in a similar way that electrons carry information within electronics. Excepting that this can be undertaken dramatically faster and in greater quantities resulting in smaller, cheaper, lighter and faster components and products, with greater functionality. Photonics application is prevalent to an increasing amount within telecommunications, automotive, aerospace, medical, environmental, high performance engineering, civil and structural engineering and other industry sectors.
Industry Participation:

The NWDA are hosting an event in December this year to launch the Technology Showcase in Photonics. This will permit the regional industry representatives the opportunity to interrogate the findings from the Photonics Mapping Study. The principals from the consultancy team will be in attendance to provide an insight into the study as well as key representatives within the NWDA.

Intimation that you wish to attend can be sent to Jodie Batchelor within the Aston Science Park team by email to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Reference Documents:

Please download your copy of the exciting showcase document on the enabling 21st century technology of photonics from http://www.nwda.co.uk/areas-of-work/business/science--innovation/exploitation-of-knowledge/photonics.aspx

UK Photonics Strategy - Painting a Bright Future dated July 2006 - can be downloaded from http://www.berr.gov.uk/files/file39193.pdf

For hard copy versions of the Northwest Development Agency Technology Showcase in Photonics please contact Jodie Batchelor on This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it