News

Space Course

Business consultant Robert Frize of Carrick, solicitor Jason Kelly of Stuart Smalley, solicitor Stephen Mann of Gough and advocate Marina Warwick of Simcocks have completed the Executive Space Course held at the International Space University in Strasbourg.

The course is conducted by an international group of space experts and visiting lecturers from industry, space, academic and research organisations. The Isle of Man delegation took part in seminars that included, in particular, space economics and future trends in space markets, the principals of space telecommunications and the legal framework for space activities. The course participants receive a recognised qualification which enables them to join the Isle of Man Space Industry Group and develop their services to the space business community.

Robert Frize said: “The ISU’s course was an intense and exciting learning experience. It’s given me the foundation to expand my insurance consulting business into this sector, building on the fantastic work and foresight of the Isle of Man Government in developing the island’s space industry. The ISU is the number one choice for space industry professionals and I plan to further my study there in 2011, having been accepted onto their MBA Programme.”

Tim Craine, Director of the Isle of Man Government’s Space Commerce said: “The International Space University is a very highly regarded institution in the international space and satellite industry, the alumni from which have a global reach. Those who attend the ISU tend to be in early to mid-career development, rather than being students and since 2006 some 19 people from the Isle of Man have been on the course and have been able to network with those at the forefront of current developments.”

Alex Downie, Member of the Department of Economic Development with responsibility for the space industry said: “I am delighted that so many in the private sector are seeing the opportunities developing in the space sector on the Island and are investing both the time and the money to acquire the necessary skills for their staff.”

Pictured are:
Back row – Robert Frize, Tim Craine – Director of Space Commerce, Department of Economic Development & Stephen Mann – Gough Advocates

Front row – Jason Kelly – Stuart Smalley, Marina Warwick – Simcocks, Alex Downie MLC, Member of the Department of Economic Development with responsibility for Space Commerce