Meet the Team

William Wells

Chief Executive Officer

Will Wells is an experienced commercial and innovation leader.

Working at the juncture between business, universities and government, Will’s career has spanned senior roles in Global Corporates (Anglo-American and Cummins), the Civil Service and high growth SMEs. He is a non-executive director on the board of the University’s Spin Outs.

Locally he led the commercial development of Space Park Leicester, which has transformed the County’s high tech business sector. He led on the government project with Toyota to secure the UK’s first Hybrid Vehicle production line. Nationally he has been the architect of major innovation programmes – Space Research Innovation Network & Technology (SPRINT), he is Director of the European Space Agency Business Incubator in Leicester.

Professor Nigel Bannister

Deputy Director

Nigel is an experienced space professional with a demonstrated track record of university teaching and research. Skilled in physics & astronomy, space systems, mission analysis, optics, data analysis and experimental physics, public speaking and outreach. Nigel obtained a PhD in UV Stellar Astrophysics and Flight Instrumentation Development at the University of Leicester.

Nigel leads the Wolfson Deep Space Centre at  Space Park Leicester and is the lead academic in the Space Engineering Apprenticeship Trailblazer group, developing standards for the UK Space Sector. Appointed Deputy Director of Space Park Leicester in 2024, Nigel also holds responsibility for Skills & Education at Space Park Leicester.

Vinay Patel

Head of Commercial & Innovation

Vinay Patel is a dynamic leader specialising in driving commercial growth and innovation within the high-tech engineering and space sectors. With a bachelor’s degree in Forensic Engineering and over 15 years of industry experience, he has successfully delivered commercial solutions across a range of technical and industrial fields. Vinay’s expertise has supported more than 300 high-impact projects, unlocking substantial revenue growth and operational savings for numerous partners.

As a Chartered Scientist and Engineer, Vinay is also an Associate Fellow of the Higher Education Academy and a member of the Institute of Materials, Minerals and Mining. At Space Park Leicester, he plays a pivotal role in connecting industry with world-leading research capabilities, facilitating strategic partnerships, and securing external funding to advance commercial opportunities.

Vinay’s extensive experience includes product innovation, technology transfer, and collaborative R&D, making him a key player in the space and aerospace industries. His proven ability to translate technical expertise into commercial success has established him as a trusted partner for businesses looking to leverage cutting-edge technology for competitive advantage.

Alex Wheldon

Head of Strategic Communications and Marketing

Alex is an experienced and creative marketer and communicator with a background spanning the engineering, third, and higher education sectors. Passionate about strategy development and planning, he thrives on building and nurturing successful teams to deliver impactful results.

He was proud to plan the launch of Space Park Leicester in March 2022, a milestone event showcasing the facility’s cutting-edge capabilities and future impact.

Currently focused on the UK space sector, Alex is excited to share the story of Space Park’s transformative impact on everyday lives as the sector continues to grow in the years ahead.

Outside of work, Alex coaches a junior football team and enjoys playing tennis.

Dr Francesca Faedi

Academic Liaison for Commercial and Innovation

An accomplished academic and an expert on the Space Economy. With over 15 years of academic research experience (astrophysics) and recent strides as an Innovation Manager in the Space Sector, Francesca brings a unique blend of skills and a passion for interdisciplinary research. Her strengths are people skills and the ability to link academic research with industry needs to create high-impact projects and commercialise research. Francesca has supported and delivered collaborative technology and commercial development projects with government, academia, and industry stakeholders, securing approximately £1 million in funding with a 34% success rate.

Francesca lectures on the Space Economy at the University of Leicester School of Business and has strong ties with the UK space sector, nationally and internationally.

Monika Lenart

Partner Support Manager

Monika Lenart is an experienced professional in facility and accommodation management, specialising in front-of-house operations. Passionate about her work, she thrives on collaboration with both staff and guests, ensuring exceptional service and a welcoming environment. With a background in Pedagogy and a deep appreciation for people’s uniqueness, Monika brings both expertise and warmth to every interaction. In her free time, she enjoys cooking, camping, and kayaking, always embracing quality time with family.

Josh Barker

Education and Outreach Officer

Josh is experienced science communicator having spent a decade writing, developing and delivering informal science education. Over his career he has worked across a wide range of ages and abilities with a focus on Family audiences and Primary and Secondary age students. He is passionate about getting people excited and engaged with a range of STEM subjects while increasing their science capital. His role sees him developing and delivering outreach opportunities here at Space Park and for our Space City neighbours the National Space Centre.

When he’s not championing and celebrating space science, he can be found enjoying music, badly playing the piano and playing boardgames with his friends.

Fiona Flanagan

Partner Support Provider

Fiona joined the University of Leicester in 2013 following a number of years working in retail customer services. Having completed an apprenticeship in Business and Administration, Fiona furthered her education through ILM Management and Customer Service Practitioner programmes.

Fiona enjoys baking, creating fake-away recipes (replicating take away & brand favourites at home) and trying to grow sunflowers.