According to the Photonics Leadership Group (PLG), UK photonics industry grew to a £14.5bn in 2020, employing 76,700 people - twice the number of people employed in UK pharmaceutical production and is larger than fintech or space industries. With a total gross value added to the economy of £6.5 billion and £85,000 per employee, photonics is now the 5th most productive manufacturing sector in the UK. PLG forecasts UK photonics industry will grow to over a £16bn by 2022, fuelled by continuing adaptation and increasing demand across applications from food, health, communications, and manufacturing sectors. DIT will host an exclusive UK-themed roadshow during CIOE 2021 (The 23rd China International Optoelectronic Exposition), which aims to build a platform for UK photonics sector companies to interact with potential Chinese customers, distributors or partners, and discuss how photonics innovation enables a sustainable future.