Sturgeon welcomes US satellite firm opening Glasgow HQ

Nicola Sturgeon has today welcomed plans for a US satellite data firm to open a European headquarters in Glasgow with the creation of more than 50 jobs.

Nicola Sturgeon. Picture: PA

About £1.9 million of public cash is being provided to support Spire’s plan to open at the city’s Skypark.

Ms Sturgeon, currently on a four-day trip to the US, welcomed the creation of the firm’s third global office, claiming it reinforces Scotland’s growing importance to the global space industry.

The base will focus on developing the next generation of weather satellites.

Ms Sturgeon said: “This announcement clearly demonstrates Scotland’s growing influence in the space technology industry. Our cost effective and supportive business environment, strong and highly skilled workforce, and world-class universities are not only enabling the development of Scottish companies but also attracting the world’s most innovative companies such as Spire to Scotland.”

The First Minister today addressed an audience of 40 senior business people to promote ongoing opportunities for US firms and take advantage of Scotland’s competitive business environment, world-class sectors and talent pool.

“The confidence placed in us from Scotland enables us to expand our global footprint to attract the skills and talent we need to deliver on the next generation of weather satellites,” said Spire’s CEO, Peter Platzer.

“We are not only looking for the top one percent of the world’s talent pool, but the one percent that demand constant challenge and improvement that has come to embody Spire’s culture. And just as we aim to hire and nurture the best and brightest, we will continue to offer them a unique, well-rounded and international life experience with plenty of excitement to spare.”