WNC Cabinet explores innovation & growth opportunities at Silverstone Park and Circuit

Members of West Northamptonshire Council’s new Cabinet – including Leader Cllr Mark Arnull and Deputy Leader Cllr James Petter – have undertaken an insightful visit to Silverstone Park and the neighbouring Silverstone Grand Prix Circuit, gaining a first-hand look at the area’s innovation, investment and employment potential.

During the visit, the Cabinet toured the newly established Cadillac Formula 1 Team premises and the advanced radio frequency testing facilities at Applus+, which include state-of-the-art anechoic chambers.

They also met with Tobias Knichel, Managing Director of Dumarey Green Power, who shared insights into his company’s pioneering work in energy storage technologies.

Chantal-Lawren Welch, Marketing Manager for Silverstone Park, provided an overview of current and future development plans for the high-tech business community.

The visit concluded with a tour of the Silverstone Museum, home to some of motorsport’s most iconic racing cars and motorcycles, and a presentation by Silverstone Circuit Managing Director Stuart Pringle on the venue’s role in regional growth and international recognition.

Reflecting on the visit, Cllr Mark Arnull said:
“This was our first opportunity since forming the new Cabinet to come together at Silverstone and see first-hand the infrastructure, innovation and investment taking place here. It’s been a really positive experience.

“We’ve heard how around 60% of the workforce comes from the local area – highlighting the opportunities to grow, develop and attract talent to West Northamptonshire. Silverstone truly flies the flag for our region.

“Having worked at the Grand Prix as a 16-year-old in 1999, it’s incredible to see how much the site has grown and evolved. There’s a golden opportunity for the Council to work with Silverstone Park and the Circuit to support and enable that continued growth.”

Cllr James Petter added:
“The future plans for Silverstone Park and the Circuit are very exciting. There’s a real drive to bring skilled people into the area, from battery development and acoustics to the pinnacle of Formula 1 competition.

“Silverstone is renowned for technology and innovation, but what’s particularly impressive is the breadth of opportunity here – from engineering and manufacturing to hospitality and operations. It’s a thriving ecosystem of talent.

“In many ways, Silverstone is becoming a ‘mini Silicon Valley’ for advanced engineering and high-performance technology, and we’re proud that so much of that expertise is being developed right here in West Northamptonshire.”

Chantal-Lawren Welch commented:
“It was a privilege to welcome members of the Cabinet to Silverstone Park and showcase some of the incredible businesses that call this place home.

“From the growing F1 team at Cadillac to one of the UK’s most prestigious EMC testing facilities in Applus 3C, and Dumarey Green Power with their groundbreaking technology — and everything in between — Silverstone Park is the beating heart of advanced engineering and technology.

“Together, we’re building a campus that drives future innovation.”

Images
Above: WNC Cabinet members with Silverstone Park’s Chantal-Lawren Welch and Silverstone Circuit’s Stuart Pringle.
Below left: Tobias Knichel, MD of Silverstone Park occupier Dumarey Green Power, discusses his business’s energy storage innovations with the WNC Cabinet.
Below centre: WNC Leader Cllr Mark Arnull with Shaun Shaun Butler, MD of Applus+ inside one of the business’s electro-magnetic compatibility testing chambers at Silverstone Park.
Below right: Cllr Mark Arnull at the wheel of an F1 safety car inside the Silverstone Museum.