The UK Space Agency has launched the Accelerating Investment Export Pathway (AIEP), a new pilot programme designed to help early-stage space businesses prepare for international growth and become export-ready.
The UK’s space sector is thriving, generating £18.9 billion and supporting over 55,000 jobs. But for many early-stage businesses, breaking into international markets can be challenging. The Accelerating Investment Export Pathway aims to change that by helping high-potential UK space SMEs overcome barriers to international expansion and make the most of global opportunities.
Antonia Yendell, Head of the Space Ecosystem team at the UK Space Agency, said:
“Through the Accelerating Investment Export Pathway, developed by UK Space Agency and supported by KPMG, we are providing early-stage space companies with the skills and confidence to enter global markets, accelerating export growth and opening new international opportunities. This support ensures UK businesses are ready to compete and thrive overseas, driving the long-term growth, resilience and global competitiveness of the UK space sector.”
Joshua Broom, Head of Space for the Department for Business and Trade, added:
"The AIEP is a great example of HMG stepping up to deliver our commitments to the space sector in the Industrial Strategy, by helping more UK-based space companies to be export ready. By focusing more UK-based space companies on the international market, this will help strengthen our industrial base, attract investment, and secure advantages in space services and technologies critical to economic growth and defence and national security. Export ready companies will be better placed to achieve economies of scale and industrialised capabilities."
Helping UK space innovators go global
Funded by the UK Space Agency as part of the wider Space Ecosystem Development strategy, this pilot initiative is designed to help high-potential, early-stage space companies become export-ready. KPMG is pleased to be supporting the delivery of the UK Space Agency Accelerating Investment Export Pathway programme, which is a practical response to the challenges SMEs face when navigating the complexities of global trade. For many businesses, engagement with government export opportunities is the natural next step in their scale up journey but often they find that they aren’t quite ready - sometimes lacking the skills, knowledge, or confidence to take the leap.
The programme will offer targeted support and training to upskill up to ten ambitious businesses, ensuring they are prepared to access the wealth of opportunities available through the Department for Business and Trade (DBT).
Through a combination of in-person and online workshops, delivered by technical experts and international market specialists, participants will gain targeted training on export readiness and global market engagement.
What the programme offers
The core curriculum focuses on two main areas:
Market selection and entry strategy development
- Understanding the global space landscape
- Identifying and evaluating opportunities
- International engagement
- DBT trade missions
Participants will also learn to navigate overseas government procurement processes, common commercial challenges, and typical trade barriers. They will gain insights into DBT missions, including application processes, preparation, selection criteria, and readiness for participation.
Foundational export readiness and capability building
- Navigating UK export rules, risk management, and aligning tax, legal, and regulatory frameworks
- Guidance on UK customs declarations, tariff classifications, commodity codes, origin rules, temporary export/re-import, customs authorisations, valuations, and managing compliance in collaborative projects
- Export controls and legal requirements
- Review of UK VAT rules for exporters, reliefs, VAT treatment of satellite and space activities, cross-border VAT implications, registration and reporting, optimising cash flow, and managing audits and enquiries
Participants will also receive comprehensive course materials, including recordings and a tailored ‘Export Guide’ to support their next steps. A partially funded trade mission may be offered as part of the programme to help put learning into practice.
Overall, applicants can expect a comprehensive and practical training experience, designed to help them successfully enter and compete in international space markets.
Opening new doors for UK space businesses
Supporting the international growth of our space sector is not just about numbers on a balance sheet - it’s about championing British innovation, creating new jobs, and driving sustainable economic growth. By helping SMEs break into global markets, the Accelerating Investment Export Pathway is not just opening doors - it’s presenting a universe of possibilities.
How to apply
If you are an early-stage UK space business looking to scale internationally, applications for the Accelerating Investment Export Pathway are now open.
Spaces are limited, so we encourage interested businesses to apply as soon as possible.
The sky is no longer the limit - it’s the launchpad.
Leave a comment