Cornwall Space Cluster Opens £15,000 Legal Support Programme to its Members
Cornwall Space Cluster has launched a new £15,000 programme in partnership with Stephens Scown, a leading South West law firm, to provide expert legal advice to businesses across Cornwall's space ecosystem.
Strong legal foundations are a necessity for space and deep tech companies which regularly utilise complex contracts, high-value intellectual property and investment. Yet, for smaller businesses without in-house legal resources, that expertise can feel out of reach, putting them at a competitive disadvantage.
The programme, administered by Cornwall Space Cluster and backed by Cornwall Council and the UK Space Agency, aims to strengthen Cornwall's innovation ecosystem and support the growth of one of the UK's leading space and aerospace clusters by providing member businesses with up to three hours of specialist legal support, many for the first time.
Stephens Scown brings genuine space-sector experience. The programme will draw on expertise from across the firm's Commercial, Corporate and Intellectual Property teams, led by John Catchpole, who advised Spaceport Cornwall leading up to the UK's first sovereign space launch and worked with AeroSpace Cornwall to advise and support the growth of more than 40 space and aerospace businesses.
Support can include intellectual property reviews, legal health checks and reviews of key documents such as terms and conditions, articles of association and shareholders' agreements, as well as guidance to help businesses prepare for future investment.
Nathan Coe, Cornwall Space Cluster Lead, said: “Cornwall is home to a vibrant and fast-growing community of space-related businesses, with many operating at the forefront of innovation. Access to specialist legal support can make a significant difference as these businesses seek to commercialise new technologies, attract investment and scale. We're delighted to be working with Stephens Scown to help businesses access this expertise.”
John Catchpole, Partner at Stephens Scown and Chair of the Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Data and Space Steering Group, said: “Cornwall has built an impressive reputation as a centre for space and aerospace innovation, with businesses attracting national and international attention. This programme will help those businesses access specialist support that can strengthen their foundations, protect their innovation and position them for future success.”