To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills, what the process is for deciding the location of the new Energy Systems Catapult.

The decision on the location of each new Catapult is made by the Catapult Chairman, working with Innovate UK, who run an independent process using experts in the field to assemble evidence and consult with stakeholders and communities to establish the role, shape and, ultimately, location of a Catapult. The choice of location will pay due consideration to a number of factors, including the accessibility and proximity to relevant businesses, academia and other existing facilities.

Innovate UK has now appointed Nick Winser as Chairman of the Energy Systems Catapult and he will make a decision on the Catapult’s location in due course.