Category Archives: news

UK export control updates impacting photonics

On 12 March 2024 the UK Export Control Unit announced amendments to the export controls and association regulation coming into force from 1 April 2024 The amendments expand export control requirements around:- Companies and researchers are recommended to consult the changes in detail to understand how they may impact their operations and to put in…

UK Photonics Landscape 2023 update

The 2023 update of the UK Photonics Landscape is now available on the PLG’s YouTube channel. As presented to the Princess Royal during her visit to SPIE’s Photonex in October 2023. Further details are available in PLG’s UK Photonics 2023: the Hidden Economy report.

UK photonics output £15.2bn per year

UK photonics has grown into a £15.2 billion industry, with like-for-like revenue growth from 2020 to 2022 of over 7%.  Profit growth has been even higher at 9% over two years, whilst employment in the industry has grown at 3.2% in the same period. 79,100 people are now employed in photonics in the UK.  Strong…

UK Semiconductor Strategy Launched: key infrastructure needs survey open

The Photonics Leadership Group welcomes the publication of the Government’s National semiconductor strategy. UK strength in photonics and compound semiconductors and the importance of integrated photonics are all emphasised in the strategy. The strategy secures initial funding for the UK Semiconductor Infrastructure Initiative. Inputs are currently sort into a major user group survey to gather…

Wesminster

Spring Budget 2023- Photonics impact

The key elements in the UK Spring Budget 2023 announced 15 March impacting photonics include:- The PLG welcomes the launch of the UK’s Quantum strategy and long term investment for this emerging technology area, so much of which is enabled through photonics.