Onwards and upwards for UWSP tenant

Coventry: Friday, 30th July 2010 It is rare to celebrate the loss of a tenant, but that is exactly what is happening at the University of Warwick Science Park's Warwick Innovation Centre. The UK operation for green energy firm Eneco has decided to leave its base at the Gallows Hill site just two years after taking up residence. But far from jumping ship, the move has come about as a result of the Dutch company's outstanding success, which was assisted by the support of the University of Warwick Science Park's team at the Warwick Innovation Centre. The company, which specialises in building wind farms, has moved to a new home less than two miles away at Tachbrook Park. Since setting up in 2008, the company has built a wind farm with 17 turbines at Tullo, in Aberdeenshire and are in the process of creating another near Inverness, in Scotland. But the company's biggest achievement came when it beat several large rivals to secure the contract to create a wind farm with 200 turbines off the coast of the Isle of White – success which ultimately led to the firm outgrowing its former base. Guy Madgwick, of Eneco, said: 'We set up at the Innovation Centre two years ago, after looking at about six different sites, with the aim of building wind farms in the UK. Since that time we have recruited around 12 members of staff to help us deliver all of our projects and outgrew our space which meant, regretfully, we had to look for self-contained offices elsewhere. Our time at the Innovation Centre was very good, we enjoyed being there very much, and we had a great relationship with the centre's staff. It did exactly what it was supposed to do, they offered us all the support we needed when we were first starting up, and that is one of the reasons we moved there in the first place.' The company is now looking to gradually increase its workforce by adding high-level graduates to its experienced team. It will maintain local links with nearby universities, particularly the University of Warwick, following the recent addition of a placement student under the Step Classic programme, managed in the region by the science park, with the aim of using these relationships to bring new recruits to the company in the future. John Barnes, centre manager for the University of Warwick Science Park's Warwick Innovation Centre, said: 'Eneco's move and the success story behind it is a glowing endorsement of the services provided by the University of Warwick Science Park. It shows that the Warwick Innovation Centre is achieving exactly what it was set up to do – nurturing young and start-up businesses into organisations which can compete on a national and international level. We are extremely proud of Eneco's achievements and we are sure they will continue to thrive at their new home.' Pictured (L-R): John Barnes, centre manager for the University of Warwick Science Park's Warwick Innovation Centre, with Guy Madgwick, of Eneco.

Birmingham Science Park Aston client scoops business award

Birmingham: Friday, 23rd July 2010 Scout7’s international growth and development based at Birmingham’s leading science park was recognised at the recent West Midlands Chartered Accountant of the Year awards, where the company collected the prestigious Business of the Year Award. The award was collected by Scout7 Chairman Mark Ansell, who is a long-time member of the Society of Chartered Accountants, and Managing Director Lee Jamison. The award follows a year of major expansion by the company based at Birmingham Science Park Aston, not only in the evolution of services delivered to professional clubs, but also in its internal infrastructure. These changes have culminated in Bradford Griffiths being appointed to the company's Board as Operations Director, with the responsibility of overseeing a team of dedicated application managers and system developers, which has tripled in size during the past 18 months. As a direct result of these initiatives, Scout7 has made steps to ensure it continues to offer clubs around the world the most advanced portfolio of player recruitment and squad management applications. Over 120 clubs worldwide currently have Scout7 technology implemented within their internal infrastructure, including clubs in South America and the Middle East following new agreements struck this spring. After receiving the award on behalf of the company, Ansell paid tribute to the people who have played their part in establishing Scout7's position at the top end of professional football. 'This prize is recognition of the many years hard work by our team in establishing Scout7 as one of the key solution providers to the football industry,' he said. 'I would like to think that through the dynamic technology we have delivered during this time, we have played a part in this evolution for the wider good of the game, and long may that continue.' Pictured: Lee Jamison, MD of Scout7.

Harwell Innovation Centre company, Bunnyfoot Ltd, scoops Innovation Award

Oxford: Friday, 23rd July 2010 A company based at Harwell Innovation Centre on the Harwell Science and Innovation Campus is celebrating after scooping the Innovation Award at the prestigious Oxfordshire Business Awards event. The Oxfordshire Business Awards recognise the excellence of Oxfordshire-based companies and the Awards evening is a highlight of the local business calendar. Bunnyfoot are web and system usability specialists and were the first consultancy firm to offer professional accessibility services, and to offer eyetracking as standard. They now also offer specialist eyetracking services to ad agencies and for market research. Bunnyfoot are continually developing their offering using state-of-the-art technologies and pioneering innovations. It is this drive for applying innovative approaches to their services which made them stand out in a strong shortlist. The Innovation Award was presented by Professor Janet Beer, Vice Chancellor of Oxford Brookes University, Award sponsors. Bunnyfoot Director, Dr Jon Dodd, said: 'We are delighted to receive this Innovation award in recognition of advances we have made in usability and eyetracking testing.' This year also saw the creation of a Lifetime Achievement Award for individuals judged to have made an outstanding contribution of the county’s business scene. The first winners were Sir Martin and Lady Audrey Wood, co-founders of Oxford Instruments plc. Based on Sir Martin’s invention of the world’s first superconducting magnet, Oxford Instruments was developed into a global company. The Woods were also the founders of Oxford Innovation, which continues to pursue their aim of supporting the growth of innovative businesses. Sir Martin said: 'This is a great surprise – I have received awards before but nothing like this.' Lady Wood added: 'We have had tremendous opportunities and very good luck.' For more information, telephone Dean Worthington at Harwell Innovation Centre, 01235 838500 email d.worthington@oxin.co.uk. Pictured: Bunnyfoot founders, Rob Stevens and Jon Dodd, receive their award from Professor Janet Beer, Vice Chancellor of Oxford Brookes University, and award host Adrienne Lawler..

Shelfworks innovation fills a gap in the market

Sittingbourne: Friday, 23rd July 2010 A Kent Science Park-based company has come up with one of the most innovative pieces of retail design in years, and was honoured with a place in the Innovation Showcase at Kent's largest b2b exhibition as a result. Plantworks have produced a revolutionary end-cap hanging display unit to showcase their Mycorrhizal fungi ROOTGROW products. Designed by engineer John Hebditch at Kent Science Park and manufactured in nearby Margate, the Shelfworks unit fits snugly on the side of any gondola shelving system, a space that has previously been largely ignored in retail display. The design has already turned heads within the retail sector: The Garden Centre Group (TGCG) were so impressed by an early prototype that they immediately placed an order for 1,000 of the units, which can now be seen in TGCG stores nationwide. Brands such as Energizer, Hozelock and Bayer are already displaying their products instore using the Shelfworks system. The Shelfworks Unit is an entirely customisable display solution capable of showcasing products in any configuration alongside supplementary point of sale material. It is easily secured and once the unit is in place it is incredibly stable. The result is retailers have more space within their stores and brands have a new and eye catching platform on which to display their product. Early recognition of this unique design came in April when the product was featured in this year's Innovation Showcase at Kent 2020 Vision, the county's largest b2b exhibition. Simon Taylor, Plantworks' Sales and Marketing Manager, said: 'The success of the unit has taken us by complete surprise, it once again proves the old adage that the simplest designs are often the best. To reach the final stages of the innovation showcase offers brilliant exposure for the product and the support we've received from the organisers has been fantastic.' Pictured: John Hebditch (left) and Simon Taylor (right) from Plantworks meet The Apprentice's Nick Hewer (centre) at this year's Kent 2020 Vision exhibition.

Aquafuel named Renewable Energy Innovator 2010

Sittingbourne: Friday, 23rd July 2010 Aquafuel, the leading developer of renewable Combined Heat and Power (CHP) technology, has been named as Renewable Energy Innovator 2010 at the British Renewable Energy Awards. The company was acknowledged for its breakthrough glycerine CHP technology. Developed with Greenergy, Aquafuel's technology converts existing CHP equipment, which normally runs on fossil fuels, and enables it to run cleanly and reliably on glycerine, the by-product of biodiesel production. Organisations from supermarkets to hospitals have fossil-fuelled heat and power systems, and have targets to reduce their carbon footprint. Aquafuel's innovation provides for these needs with exceptionally clean and efficient renewable CHP. Developed and tested over several years, the first of these systems are already in commercial operation, with a growing number about to start. 'Glycerine makes renewable CHP practical, reliable and mainstream. The emissions are remarkably low, and the fuel is non-toxic, biodegradable and non-flammable – perfect for commercial premises,' said Aquafuel CEO Paul Day. 'We are delighted to have received this recognition from the Renewable Energy Association and are excited to see our technology enter the mass market over the next twelve months.' One barrel of glycerine is produced for with every nine barrels of biodiesel, so there is plenty of it available. Glycerine is also produced naturally by algae, and projections indicate that glycerine from large algae farms could one day replace fossil fuels for heat and power. Aquafuel's CHP technology is as flexible as it is innovative. As well as glycerine, Aquafuel's CHP technology enables easy switching between several renewable by-products that have clean fuel potential such as used cooking oil, and tallow. Aquafuel Research is based at Kent Science Park, which has a longstanding reputation for the development of environmental technologies. Aquafuel's success is further evidence of the groundbreaking science being undertaken in this part of the UK. Pictured: Aquafuel's CHP generator 'KSP1' is the first of its kind in the world.

Global Medical Systems wins national award

Sittingbourne: Friday, 23rd July 2010 Research and development work carried out by a business based at Kent Science Park has helped it take top spot in the inaugural and national Performance Awards. Global Medical Systems took the highest accolade in the Innovation category for its Micro Surgery System, often described as a 'hospital in a box'. The invention provides the ability to perform complex medical and surgical procedures using a built-in power supply charged through a solar panel. It supplies hygienic medical services to the highest standards including lighting, suction, heart monitoring and ultra sound. It is portable and mobile, giving it particular efficacy in emergency situations and for disaster relief, worldwide. The Awards' judging panel, chaired by Lord Coe, considered entries for the top performance in music, education, environment, food and drink, innovation and sport categories. The judges included Dame Sheila Wallis, award winning teacher and education campaigner; Sir John Whitmore, author and business coach; Kanya King MBE, the founder of the MOBO organisation and award winning chef Marcus Wareing. Collecting the award and praising his business partners, Alex Bushell of Global Medical Systems said: 'We are delighted to have been recognised for not only our innovation, but also the impact that the Micro Surgery System can have on communities that desperately need such technologies, especially during natural emergencies and subsequent relief efforts.' James Speck, Site Director of Kent Science Park, added: 'Alex's approach to innovation is breathtaking. He's successfully developed new applications and devices from existing technologies, such as solar power, as well as developing new ones. People like Alex, and many other tenants, constantly reinforce our reputation as a centre of excellence for innovation, science and technology.' The 2010 Performance Awards took place at the prestigious Churchill Hotel in London's Portman Square and were hosted by BBC TV's Kate Silverton. Pictured: Alex Bushell (2nd right, front row) with the other winners and judges of the Performance Awards.

Edinburgh Technopole update: Summer 2010

Edinburgh: Thursday, 22nd July 2010 World-leading science and business park Edinburgh Technopole continues to prove attractive to new occupiers, with new tenants H2Ology and KW Peter & Co moving to the Bush Estate, south Edinburgh, in recent months. H2Ology, specialists in the collection, distribution, treatment and recirculation of water has relocated from Selkirk, taking the ground and first floor suites at The Technopole Centre. Established in 2007, H2Ology has a number of divisions ranging from waste water discharge, recycling and water management to usage minimisation and the Advanced Treatment Station (ATS) family of products for which there are world-wide Patents in conjunction with their relationship with the University of Edinburgh. Intellectual property services firm KW Peter & Co has opened an office at Bush House. The firm specialises in advising clients in the electronics, electrical, mechanical and other physical sciences sectors. The firm’s principal, Ken Peter, said: 'The location of the new office in Bush House is ideal because it provides the firm with a presence in the heart of a cluster of business parks which are home to leading-edge companies and world-class research institutes.' Independent software and solution company Intrelate has also recently expanded at the park. For more information visit: www.edinburghtechnopole.co.uk or contact the joint agents DTZ (0131 222 4500) and Eric Young & Co (0131 226 2641). Pictured: Bush House at Edinburgh Technopole.

Manchester Professionals trebles membership

Manchester: Thursday, 22nd July 2010 Online professional services search portal and business community, www.ManchesterProfessionals.co.uk, has trebled its number of members in under a year to over 1,700, with web traffic quickly rising to 300,000 hits per month. The online portal provides a search facility that allows visitors to find professional services in and around Manchester, as well as enabling professionals to build suitable contacts with potential referral partners. Subscribers benefit from an interactive community presence that allows them to post blogs and content to the forums, encouraging direct service enquiries from other members and website visitors. The site has seen the number of paying members treble over the last 12 months, with numbers doubling in the last six months alone. Director of ManchesterProfessionals.co.uk, James Garner, commented on the recent rise in members: 'Finding the right professional service for one’s personal or business needs can be daunting and time consuming, especially if you are unfamiliar with that particular sector. Manchester Professionals was established as a means of taking the time and frustration out of finding the most suitable professional service provider. We act as both an information resource and community for our members, as they can view a company or an individual’s profile or they can ask our forum users for advice, as well as using the site as a marketing channel for their own services. 'In a recession, people are looking for expert advisors to help them save money or grow, or to oursouce business operations for the same reasons. Being able to find detailed information and contact details for advisors local to you in one place taked a lot of the hassle and frustration out of the process. Should you still be unable to find the service you need, you can put an enquiry out to our entire community, or ask us and we will make every effort to match you up with a suitable company. We attribute thiscomsbination of ‘interactive search and networking’ approach, combined with a flat annual subscription fee to the success of the site. It’s clear that there is real demand for online business communities that focus solely on one location and we are looking to expand the model in other areas later in the year.' Pictured: Manchester Professionals.co.uk Director James Garner.

Green light for Porton Down Science Park tenant

Porton Down: WednTuesday, 21st July 2010 In June, GW Pharmaceuticals, one of the foundation tenants of the Tetricus Science Park at Porton Down near Salisbury in Wiltshire, announced the UK launch of Sativex, its oromucosal spray for the treatment of spasticity due to Multiple Sclerosis (MS). Sativex is the world's first prescription cannabis medicine and the UK is the first country in the world to grant a full regulatory authorization for the product. Sativex contains two cannabinoids or active ingredients – THC (delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol) and CBD (cannabidiol). The first cannabinoid medicine derived from whole plant extracts from the cannabis sativa plant, Sativex is available as a prescription-only medicine and was developed by GW in specific response to calls from people with MS for a prescription cannabis-based medicine. The launch of this product means that MS patients suffering the spasms and cramping associated with spasticity have access to a new treatment option which has been shown to improve their symptoms where current treatments have failed. Sativex is manufactured by GW under Home Office licence at an undisclosed location in the UK. The medicine is being marketed in the UK by GW’s UK licensee, Bayer Schering Pharma. Speaking at the time of the product launch in June, Dr Geoffrey Guy, Chairman of GW Pharmaceuticals, said: 'The approval and launch of Sativex in the UK is the world's first full approval of a cannabis-derived prescription medicine and the product of eleven year's research by GW into the cannabinoid system. GW was founded with the primary goal of developing a medicine to address the unmet needs of people with MS and today's launch of Sativex represents a welcome advance in MS symptom treatment. This is also an historic moment for GW and marks the beginning of the company's transition from late stage development company to a commercial pharmaceutical business. Today's news validates our cannabinoid technology platform and enables us to progress the development of our pipeline across a range of therapeutic areas with increased confidence.' Under the terms of the agreement with Bayer, GW will receive a £10m milestone payment in respect of the UK approval of Sativex®. Outside the UK, Sativex is expected to be approved in Spain shortly. Further submissions will be made in additional European countries during the second half of 2010 under the mutual recognition procedure. Almirall S.A. will market Sativex in Europe (ex-UK).

Another Riverside letting for Granta Park

Cambridge: Wednesday, 21st July 2010 Fast growing IT optimisation company Intergence Systems has taken 5,060 sq ft of office and lab space at the new Riverside development at Granta Park. The company, which has grown by 40% each year since it was set up in 2003, has moved from Quern Mill at Great Shelford to the ground floor of 3 Riverside as part of an expansion. CEO Peter Job said: 'Moving to Granta Park gives us the opportunity to continue to grow into additional space as we need it as well as offering the right facilities and environment for us as we move more towards developing our own software products and services. The location is also ideal for the many international clients we have flying in.' The company is currently fitting out the building to meet its specific needs: 'Like us, Granta Park’s operators MEPC are committed to green energy so we are making maximum use of existing facilities as well as enhancing them for our specific requirement. In addition to our own products we are collaborating with another Cambridge company, Green Energy Options to ensure our building is as green as possible,' added Peter Job. Intergence will have 35 to 40 staff on site. The company also has regional operations in the Middle East and New York. Roz Bird, Marketing & Asset Manager at Granta Park, said: 'We are delighted to be welcoming Intergence to Granta Park and will be working with them to make sure they maximise all the benefits of the location including the gym, café and nursery, involvement in networking opportunities, and the Green Travel Plan which makes the commute to work as easy and as environmentally friendly as possible. Intergence Systems have already made a contribution to the Granta Park Facilities Managers’ group by providing a presentation about their energy saving initiatives to be installed within their new suite which is great to see.' Will Mooney of Granta Park’s letting agents Jeffersons Commercial said: 'Although things are undoubtedly tough out there – not helped in the last couple of months by companies waiting to see was the Government was going to do – there still is a demand for well located, new, Grade A accommodation.' Granta Park’s Riverside development offers smaller R&D and office units from 2,640 to 60,000 sq ft, specifically developed to allow smaller companies to work within a thriving science community. Managed and operated by MEPC, Granta Park is located south of Cambridge in the heart of the Cambridge Science Cluster. Companies on the business estate include MedImmune, Pifzer, PPD and TWI. To find out more about opportunities at the Riverside contact Will Mooney on 01223 315716 wkm@j-commercial.co.uk or Ben Cullen at Cushman and Wakefield on 0207 935 5000. Pictured: 3 Riverside at Granta Park.

Gold-i wins again

Guildford: Tuesday, 20th July 2010 Guildford-based trading technology company Gold-i has won third prize and €5,000 in the prestigious 2010 Global Entrepreneurship Competition. The fast growing organisation, based at the Surrey Research Park, beat off stiff competition from early-stage businesses from 19 countries, representing the world’s top Entrepreneurship Centres. Gold-i was the only UK company to be selected as one of the 23 finalists. A judging panel consisting of senior executives of multinational companies and private equity fund representatives assessed the entries and analysed business plans from 125 companies in order to select the winners. The were looking for ambitious and skilled teams, technology with a sustainable competitive advantage and growth potential across a global market. According to Tom Higgins, CEO of Gold-i, 'As we had been selected as a finalist, I went to HiT Barcelona as it was a great opportunity to network with business leaders, innovators and entrepreneurs from across the globe. I did not expect to win as the competition was so fierce. I am thrilled that Gold-i impressed the judges and that our business has been recognised at a global level for our achievements to date and our future potential.' Dr Malcolm Parry, Director at the Surrey Research Park, who initially nominated Gold-i for the competition, commented, 'I'm delighted for Gold-i. Just to be shortlisted for such a major international entrepreneurship competition is impressive, but to come third amongst some fantastic competition from all corners of the globe is truly remarkable. Gold-i has an excellent offering and I'm glad that we've been able to help them get to where they are today. Attending this event in Barcelona was a superb opportunity for Tom and his team to showcase the company and network amongst influential decision makers and some of the world's leading venture capitalists.' Gold-i is the UK’s leading systems integrator to the global FX & CFD market place. The company, which was named Toast of Surrey’s Young Business of the Year 2010, provides a competitive edge to traders. Within less than 18 months of trading, Gold-i has built up an impressive client list, consisting of over 20% of FX & CFD retail brokers in the UK and ten clients overseas. Its vision is to remain at the forefront of trading technology, extending its global reach. For further information, visit www.gold-i.com. Pictured (L-R): Tom Higgins, CEO of Gold-i with Dr Malcolm Parry, Managing Director of Surrey Research Park.

Sat Nav tech companies graced with new incubator space at UNIP

Nottingham: Thursday, 15th July 2010 GRACE, based on the University of Nottingham Innovation Park (UNIP) has opened up incubator space specifically for businesses in the GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite Systems) sector. Located within the Geospatial Building, GRACE will now provide a unique environment for organisations operating in GNSS related domains to incubate new ventures and transform innovative ideas into business opportunities. Speaking about the new incubator space, Gerrard Wilcoxson, marketing and communications coordinator at GRACE said: 'This is a superb facility with access to state-of-the-art simulation, testing and training facilities. The incubator space provides a considerable competitive advantage to companies keen to leverage the enormous opportunities that working alongside academics and established businesses within the sector will offer. In order to qualify, organisations must operate in the GNSS, Geospatial, Location Based or PNT (Position, Navigation and Timing) domains and have high growth potential or be working on national or international projects ideally connecting industry with academia.' The mission of GRACE is to secure international leadership in research, training and industrial applications development of Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) within the East Midlands. GRACE combines the research and technological expertise of the Institute of Engineering Surveying and Space Geodesy (IESSG) and the Centre for Geospatial Science (CGS) with state-of-the-art simulation, testing and training facilities, touch-down space and office accommodation, which now includes the incubation space.

Co-location enables collaborations that deliver new digital services

Liverpool: Thursday, 15th July 2010 Liverpool Innovation Park (LIP) tenants sdesign1 and AIMES Grid Services are turning advantageous co-location into a collaboration set to deliver industry-beating new digital services. Web design experts sdesign1 are using their usability and accessibility expertise to create a novel wireframe and 'skin' for a complex web application being developed and hosted by AIMES. AIMES specialises in the cost-effective delivery of a portfolio of bespoke software-as-a-service applications that help customers to improve the way they work. These include the new service developed in partnership with sdesign1 which will provide a range of online tenant engagement services for Registered Social Landlords. AIMES' commitment to excellence is also in evidence at their ISO27001 certified data centre at Liverpool Innovation Park, from which server hosting, data-backup and disaster recovery services are delivered. Both companies are located in LIP's Baird House, set in the landscaped former Marconi HQ site in Liverpool. Close physical proximity is a critical aspect of this venture because it enables greater flexibility over meetings and face to face discussions. This is one example of a growing internal market of expertise and services developing at the Innovation Park on Edge Lane. 'Locating on the same site allows for the flexibility of convenient impromptu meetings that don't cut into our day and speed up the whole process of doing business,' said Director sdesign1 Ltd, Phil Smears. 'Increasingly, digital services are created by bringing together a specific group of providers who are needed to meet the project brief – typically design expertise, programming capability, hosting infrastructure and good project management are needed to deliver a successful software-as-a-service project,' added Professor Dennis Kehoe, Chief Executive of AIMES. 'This is just one example of how co-location at LIP is helping knowledge-intensive businesses to collaborate to compete in a highly competitive environment,' commented LIP Innovation Manager, Mark Tock. For more information regarding sdesign1 visit www.sdesign1.com, about AIMES visit www.aimes.net and for further information about Liverpool Innovation Park call 01512614665 or email mark.tock@ashtenne.co.uk.

Embed chips away at market in USA

Coventry: Tuesday, 13th July 2010 A Coventry embedded systems company is hoping to chip away at the American market after a string of recent domestic successes. Embed Ltd specialises in creating the 'brains' embedded within the electronic devices found in ever increasing numbers within modern vehicles. The company was recognised by the Federation of Small Businesses earlier this year, winning awards for its 'Innovation' along with a commendation for its use of technology. On the back of their success, the firm, which is based at the University of Warwick Science Park, has expanded its workforce to 12 people and has now formed a partnership with American company, New Eagle. New Eagle creates ready-to-use controller systems for the automotive industry – to be used in prototype and production vehicles. The two companies hope that by forming a partnership and sharing their products, services and consultancy, opportunities will become available in new markets. Ivan Wilson, director of Embed Ltd, said: 'It's been a good 2010 for us so far, particularly with the awards. We've expanded our staff and also had other signs of recognition, including the chance to speak at the major MathWorks conference – which is one of the biggest developers of technical software for engineers and scientists worldwide. We are working on a few electric vehicle projects and this has become an area of expertise for us now, one we can boast about to new customers. Our partnership with New Eagle is also very exciting. Our firms complement each other and it means we can both make ground in new markets along with improving our services in our existing ones. We had been looking to diversify with the type of software we offered and this is the start of that. In general, since the turn of the year, we've picked up several mid-size contracts and that trend seems to be continuing as the automotive industry sees a steady upturn. Overall, we're now very optimistic about the next six months and beyond.' Embed Ltd set-up at the University of Warwick Science Park in 2005, and expanded their offices in 2007. Angela Childs, marketing executive at the University of Warwick Science Park, said: 'Embed Ltd was formed by former MG Rover staff shortly after its collapse and the company has gone from strength to strength. The intention was to establish themselves in niche markets using their high quality and rapid system development techniques – and not only has the company achieved that, the future looks very bright for them in the UK and overseas.' Pictured: Angela Childs, University of Warwick Science Park, Derek Hoyle and Ivan Wilson, Embed.

Begbroke Science Park tenant wins RSC Young Industrialist of the Year Award

Oxford: Friday, 9th July 2010 Dr Jon-Paul Griffiths, co-founder of Oxford Advanced Surfaces Group PLC at Begbroke Science Park, has won 2010’s Young Industrialist of the Year Award. This annual award was established by the Royal Society of Chemists (RSC) in 2008 and is awarded to individuals for significant contributions to industry early in their careers. Dr Griffiths’ research into applications of carbene chemistry (which lead him to co-found Oxford Advanced Surfaces) secured the £2,000 prize. The RSC is ‘the largest organisation in Europe for advancing the chemical sciences’, making this achievement an impressive testimonial for Dr Griffiths and a great way to boost Oxford Advanced Surfaces’ profile. Oxford Advanced Surfaces is a spin-out company from Oxford University’s Department of Chemistry which aims to transform materials to improve the performance of existing products as well as creating new applications. Their newest product is an innovative anti-reflective coating that can be applied to surfaces such as eyeglasses, mobile phones and computer screens to reduce glare. A graduate of Nottingham Trent University, Dr Griffiths gained his PhD in the Synthesis of Novel Electrical Conducting Organic Materials. He then joined the University of Oxford’s Department of Chemistry as a Post Doctoral Research Associate where he developed fundamental chemistry behind using carbene intermediates for surface modification; this work then progressed into more industrially-focused areas such as adhesion promotion and disinfection. It is here he met Dr Mark Moloney with whom he co-founded Oxford Advanced Surfaces in September 2006. Pictured: Dr Jon-Paul Griffiths, co-founder of Oxford Advanced Surfaces Group.

MedTECH Centre tenant Phagenesis appoints Chairman and CEO

Manchester: Friday, 9th July 2010 Phagenesis Limited, a leader in technology for the treatment of stroke patients and newest tenant of msp's MedTECH Centre, has appointed Henry Hyde-Thomson as Chairman and Daniel Green as Chief Executive Officer. Both bring a wealth of experience in growing young companies to the University of Manchester spinout. They will lead Phagenesis in the development of a new class of treatments for stroke victims suffering from dysphagia, a common condition that prevents or impairs the safe swallowing of food and drink. Phagenesis’ technology is a device that delivers electrical pulses to the throat region that can 'awaken' the brain to help restore swallowing function. At least 50% of stroke victims have impaired swallowing. Apart from a severe reduction in quality of life, dysphagia often leads to the inhalation of liquids and the development of life-threatening pneumonia. In addition, the financial burden of dysphagia runs into thousands of pounds per patient in the first few weeks alone, and may continue indefinitely if the patients’ swallowing is not restored. Daniel Green, formerly CEO of Repregen Ltd, said: 'Phagenesis has a technology that had already shown its value in patients for whom there is no effective pharmaceutical or medical device treatment. Our challenge is to bring this technology to the benefit of patients and health services everywhere.' Daniel co-founded Repregen as an Imperial College spinout in 2006. Before that, he was a venture capital investor at HBM Partners in Zurich, Switzerland, Dresdner Kleinwort, in London, UK, and MVM, also London, UK. Henry Hyde-Thomson, Chairman of AngloScientific, said: 'This is an exciting time for Phagenesis as the company commercialises the results of 15 years development by the company’s scientific founder, Dr Shaheen Hamdy.' Henry is chairman of 21Net, Phasor Solutions and MMIC Solutions, and was previously founder and chairman of Speech Machines, acquired by Philips in 2001. Dr Conor Mulrooney, COO and Phagenesis co-founder, said: 'We are fortunate to secure the skills and experience of Daniel and Henry and are now well positioned to bring our first products to market.' Conor founded Phagenesis in 2007 with Dr Shaheen Hamdy, the inventor of the technology. Pictured: Daniel Green, new CEO of Phagenesis Limited.

Big DNA explains its vaccine technology at Society of Applied Microbiology annual conference

Edinburgh: Wednesday, 7th July 2010 This week, Scottish scientist Dr Jason Clark, the co-founder of award-winning life sciences firm Big DNA Ltd, based in Edinburgh, will deliver a presentation to over 150 international academic and commercial scientists on the contribution that bacteriophages can make towards the development of improved vaccines. The annual Society for Applied Microbiology (SFAM) conference, held at the Grand Hotel Brighton is discussing the latest research in bacteriophages, listeriosis and biofilms. Bacteriophages are viruses which infect bacteria in the same way that bacteria infect us. Listeriosis is the single most common cause of death from food poisoning and poses a particular risk to infants, the elderly, pregnant women and immunocompromised patients. Biofilms are communities of microbes living in close proximity surrounded by a layer of slime, the EPS (extracellular polymeric matrix). The presentation is one of more and more made by Big DNA on the international stage, since being recognised earlier this year by Scottish Enterprise as 'best new life science business'. Dr Clark says: 'This is a great platform for us to share our ideas about the development of bacteriophage in vaccine manufacture with both academic scientists and those from the commercial world. Bacteriophages are an important up and coming area of research and this is recognised by the inclusion of a dedicated session at the 2010 Society for Applied Microbiology conference.' Big DNA in Edinburgh is developing new methods of delivering vaccines using phage technology, offering the potential for new orally-delivered vaccines against diseases such as pandemic influenza. The company has grown to employ 14 people since it was founded in 2007, and regional development agency, Scottish Enterprise through its Venture Fund matched £1m private investment from Hong Kong and the Channel Islands giving the fledgling firm a further £2m for the next stage of the vaccine technology development in February this year. Bacteriophages (or phages) are viruses which only infect bacteria and like antibiotics, can kill the bacteria. From the 1920s to the 1940s there was great interest in phages to treat bacterial infections, but that waned with the development of antibiotics. More recently, it has been recognised that phages have several potential applications in the modern biotechnology industry – as the basis of vaccines, for gene therapy and as alternatives to antibiotics. This diversity and the ease of their manipulation and production, means that they have potential uses in research, therapeutics and manufacturing in both the biotechnology and medical fields. That diversity is reflected in the talks at the conference which should stimulate both discussion and more importantly, collaboration between delegates. Dr Jason Clark said: 'By meeting and collaborating together at events like this, we can sometimes reach our scientific goals faster, cheaper and more efficiently.' www.bigdna.co.uk | www.sfam.org.uk Pictured: Dr Jason Clark, Big DNA.

A trio of digital companies return to LIP

Liverpool: Tuesday, 6th July 2010 Energetic Holdings Ltd and its two subsidiary companies, Thumbstar Games and Catalyst Outsourcing, have returned to Liverpool Innovation Park (LIP). Having left LJMU’s Digital Incubator 18 month ago, the trio of digital companies signed a three year lease for a new 1000 sq ft office in LIP’s Baird House. A rapid turn-around of contracts by LIP operator Space North West, and speedy deployment of voice and data services by AIMES Grid Services, enabled the companies to join LIP within days of making the decision to move. Availability of high quality services from within LIP’s growing community clearly demonstrates one of the business advantages of locating on the Park. 'We are pleased to be back,' said Peter Sullivan of Energetic Holdings Ltd. 'There were a number of key factors in relocating back to LIP: the high speed data connectivity, the high quality of office space, and easy access to the city and the M62.' 'Energetic Holdings, Thumbstar, and Catalyst Outsourcing are exactly the kind of exciting knowledge-intensive businesses we’re looking to attract to LIP’s growing community of creative and digital businesses at Edge Lane,' commented LIP Innovation Park Manager, Mark Tock. Catalyst Outsourcing Limited provides specialised outsourcing services to the video games industry. These include a high quality managed production service covering all aspects of video game development. Its services minimise and keep project costs, particularly resource costs, within an acceptable budget, whilst delivering a top quality product. Thumbstar Games Limited primarily focuses on the mobile games sector by specialising in the acquisition and aggregation of content for mobile devices. The most popular downloads of mobile content take the form of mobile games, ringtones, screensavers and music. The company licences content directly from the originators and then makes it available to the end-user by distributing the content via third party off-portal channels and network operators. For more information about Energetic Holdings Ltd and its subsidiaries visit www.energeticholdings.co.uk, and for further information about Liverpool Innovation Park call 0151 261 4665 or email mark.tock@ashtenne.co.uk.

Easy Read innovations deliver a first in social inclusion On-line

Liverpool: Monday, 5th July 2010 Easy Read On-line is about to achieve a first in delivering social inclusion online, when it launches the UK’s first Local Authority web pages which are truly accessible to people with learning disabilities. By deploying Easy Read’s expertise and Easy-Video Page technology, the London Borough of Barking & Dagenham website will lead the way in accessibility from August 2010. For the first time, a wealth of public authority information will be available to everyone including those who have difficulty with reading via the internet and touch screen kiosks. Martin Dobson, Director said, 'Most websites require a high degree of literacy which forms barrier to information for 7% of the population. We help our clients realise the huge potential of the internet to connect with their customers by the use of video, sound, and appropriate design.' With 70% of the UK's 5.2 million adults with reading and writing difficulties owning a computer, over reliance on text can effectively exclude a sizeable potential market from accessing on-line products and services. Co-located at Liverpool Innovation Park with Creative and Digital companies able to augment its own capabilities and, Easy Read On-line is ideally placed to help digital companies to effectively bridge this gap. 'It’s always exciting to see our clients succeed at the forefront of real-world digital content delivery, particularly when it involves collaboration with other members of the LIP community on Edge Lane,' commented LIP Innovation Manager, Mark Tock. Easy Read On-line has over 20 years experience in the area of learning difficulties and is led by Director and Disabilities advocate, Martin Dobson. Current clients include a range of organisations including ‘The Care Quality Commission,’ ‘Turning Point,’ ‘The Disability Rights Commission,’ and ‘Central Government.’ For more information regarding Easy Read On-line and its capabilities visit www.easy-read-online.co.uk, and for further information about Liverpool Innovation Park call 0151 261 4665 or email mark.tock@ashtenne.co.uk.

Daresbury-based high-tech IT company wins prestigious award

Daresbury: Friday, 25th June 2010 Tech-X, the software engineering firm based at the Daresbury Science and Innovation Campus (Daresbury SIC) has won a prestigious award at the recent Regional Business Awards event that took place in Liverpool. The company was recognised as the Knowledge Business of the Year for the innovative software and infrastructure solutions it offers in a number of areas, ranging from parallel computing to advanced simulation in the physics of particle accelerator design. Having located at Daresbury in January 2010, Tech-X has been actively engaging in a collaborative partnership with Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC), a Campus stakeholder, benefiting from the Council's active promotion of knowledge exchange between academia and industry, and working with Lancaster University, another Campus stakeholder. The Regional Business Awards event, has been set up to give the companies based in the region some recognition for their success across the region, to generate brand awareness, showcase their business and open doors to new opportunities. This year, the event celebrated the achievements of firms through an extremely tough year, as well as raising money for a local charity. Jonathan Smith, of Tech-X UK, said: 'We were delighted to receive the award. It recognises that Tech-X is working in partnership with local knowledge providers, wherever it goes, and is maximising the impact of the important research being done there. Our location in the North West, at Daresbury, is unique, and enables us to deliver outstanding performance to our customers. We look forward to further collaboration with the academics in universities and access to the world-class staff of STFC Daresbury, with whom it is a pleasure to engage in knowledge exchange.' John Leake, General Manager of Daresbury SIC, said: 'Having Tech-X recognised in this award category is testimony to the company’s vision and approach to knowledge exchange and innovation. Tech-X has seen the benefits of, and has contributed to, the powerful knowledge base accessible through the Campus here at Daresbury. We wish the company continued success as it grows and develops.'

New instrument to make music accessible to all children

Edinburgh: Thursday, 24th June 2010 Children who cannot use traditional instruments may soon be making music of their own with an easy-to-use invention developed at the University of Edinburgh. The Skoog – a colourful, squeezy cube that is sensitive to the slightest touch, yet robust enough to resist strong handling – allows even severely disabled children to play music in an expressive way. Technology within the instrument’s soft, tactile surface is linked to a computer, which converts the way the Skoog is touched into the sound of different instruments, such as flute, trumpet or marimba. As a result, users can play a variety of sounds on the Skoog and alter pitch, timbre and volume with a very small range of movement. Researchers Dr Benjaman Schögler and Dr David Skulina developed the Skoog as part of a project, led by Professor Nigel Osborne, to make music more accessible. They hope that children using the instrument will improve their communication and concentration skills. Dr Schögler said: 'Making music can be a huge help in a child’s development through boosting learning and creativity, but many children are unable to use conventional instruments. The Skoog can be used by anyone, of any age or ability, to make music.' The Skoog has been commercially available from March 2010 and has received widespread interest from the education community. A new company, Skoogmusic Ltd, has been spun out of the University to commercialise the instrument. The spin-out has been managed by Edinburgh Research and Innovation (ERI), the University’s successful research and commercialisation arm. Initial research was supported by the Tapestry Partnership, which attracted funding from the National Endowment for Science, Technology and the Arts and managed the project until a prototype Skoog was completed. The project came to fruition largely through research – led by Professor Nigel Osborne – in schools in East Ayrshire, North Ayrshire, Fife and North Lanarkshire. Skoogmusic Ltd has successfully completed its first round of funding, attracting investment from Barwell Plc, Daedalus Capital and the Scottish Co-investment fund. The investment was facilitated by LINC Scotland, the national association for business angels, allowing the company to begin manufacturing and supplying the instrument. Ian Murphy, head of commercial development at ERI, said: 'The Skoog is an excellent example of how innovative thinking can be turned into a useful and exciting product that could improve people’s lives.' For more details about the Skoog, please see www.skoogmusic.com.

Imerjing business for Ravensoft

Manchester: Tuesday, 22nd June 2010 Manchester Science Parks-based mobile software developer, Ravensoft, has teamed up with specialist IT service provider, Imerja, to provide bespoke smartphone applications for customers using Imerja’s new secure managed mobile service. The new managed service offering, part of Imerja’s broader m|four services suite, ensures that all corporate smartphones are protected against unauthorised use if lost or stolen, providing data encryption and secure connectivity to ensure they remain fully compliant with company IT security policies. Ravensoft then works with the customer to develop bespoke applications that can take advantage of upgraded security conditions. Chris Byrne, managing director of Ravensoft, explains: 'Once a smartphone has been secured, it has the potential to then be a valuable business tool. For example, a sales person could use it to remotely access a customer database on the move or a lone worker could use it to alert co-workers to their location. Mobile working becomes just that, allowing greater flexibility in the workplace while ensuring peace of mind for the company should the smartphone leave the owner’s possession. Once this level of security is achieved, we work in partnership with the customer to identify how a bespoke smartphone app might enhance the way employees work or improve business processes. We also make sure that the final app will work across all smartphone platforms using our new Ravensoft Node Framework – a cross platform content distribution aimed at giving an exceptional user experience whatever type of mobile you use.' Ian Jackson, managing director of Imerja, added: 'We all know how important it is to secure our computers and laptops, but as the use of smartphones in a business environment becomes the norm, it is imperative this security extends to every mobile device used to access corporate data. Once done, the sky is then the limit as to how you can use your smartphone to improve the way you work. Ravensoft has a track record of creating innovative smartphone apps and we are delighted to be offering their services to our customers.' Pictured: Chris Byrne, Managing Director of Ravensoft.

Enterprise Hub opens its doors to new tenants

Nottingham: Monday, 21st June 2010 The University of Nottingham Innovation Park (UNIP) continues to attract tenants of all sizes as it opens the doors of its new Enterprise Hub in the Sir Colin Campbell Building. The first businesses in the Enterprise Hub are tour operator Magnetic North Travel, public relations agency Press For Attention PR, website monitoring firm Aware Monitoring, musicians’ website PlayChimp and Sundeve, an innovation in the renewable energy market. Whilst the other tenants are all established businesses, Sundeve is the idea of Abdulkarim Mayere, a PhD student in the Department of Architecture and The Built Environment at the University of Nottingham. Abdulkarim recently won the coveted Student Venture Challenge 2010, an annual business plan competition run by the Nottingham University Business School’s Institute for Enterprise and Innovation (UNIEI) with support from the University’s Centre for Career Development. He impressed the judges with his business plan and pitch for a unique solar collector for use as a heater in industrial processes. It has a much higher efficiency than current alternatives. Marketed under the name Sundeve, the innovation would have the potential to make this renewable source of energy far more cost effective than before which could potentially save money and reduce carbon dioxide emissions from industrial processes overall. Abdulkarim won £1,500, three hours of legal advice courtesy of Browne Jacobson and 12 months of rent-free accommodation in the Enterprise Hub. Speaking about the new Enterprise Hub, Jo Derbyshire, Operations Manager at UNIP said: 'UNIP is for businesses of all shapes and sizes, with multinationals and start ups already represented here and many more scheduled to join us in the coming months. The Enterprise Hub is designed to give smaller businesses a great start in life and offers an affordable and flexible working environment to grow in. We are creating a vibrant community here within the Enterprise Hub and already seeing cross-selling and partnerships flourishing within the building and the wider site in general.' Having recently acquired the 2.9 acre Dairy Crest sites, the award winning University of Nottingham Innovation Park now stands at 15 acres of key development land, and represents a major strategic development for The University of Nottingham. The Innovation Park, which opened its doors in 2008, provides first rate business accommodation for businesses that are determined to innovate and would like to work closely with university researchers. Pictured: Enterprise Hub tenants.

Stepping up to the mark

Plymouth: Tuesday, 15th June 2010 A recruitment company that provides quality supply teachers and support staff to schools across the south of England has opened an office at Tamar Science Park (TSP). Step Teachers was set up in 2000 by two former teachers and has an office in London. It supplies staff to primary, secondary, special schools and FE colleges. After successfully opening its second office in Norwich in May 2009, Step Teachers has recently decided to establish an office in Plymouth to serve the needs of local schools and teachers. The office at TSP is managed by Emma Eatwell who has relocated from London. 'It quickly became clear that in order to be successful, Step Teachers needed to understand the people it served. This is only possible when you become part of the community both economically, socially and domestically,' said Emma Eatwell, Branch Manager of Plymouth Step Teachers. 'And that’s why we decided to open an office at TSP. We want to be close to our customers, but we also wish to provide a more comprehensive service that can help customers network and where all the benefits are kept locally. TSP provides us with this diversity and helps us bed into the community and for this we are very grateful. 'We have had schools in Plymouth that have used our services for over a decade now. But we believe that a presence in the city will help re-establish us in the area and allow us to invest in employing more local staff in the future. Some may say that expansion during the current economic climate is a risky move, but we are confident in our ability and the service we offer to schools and teachers. We are positive that the Step Teachers Plymouth Office will be a great success.' Step Teachers has been accredited with the DCSF Quality Mark since 2007, and has received a 100% pass rate in all of its subsequent inspections by the REC. Pictured: Step Teachers Plymouth Branch Manager Emma Eatwell.

Imagineer Systems' mocha software brushes up Iron Man 2 effects

Guildford: Thursday, 3rd June 2010 Surrey Research Park Company enhances special effects in another Hollywood blockbuster. The Surrey Research Park-based Imagineer Systems’ award-winning solution, mocha, has become a tool-of-choice for VFX (visual effects) artists throughout Hollywood and is increasingly showing up in the credits of more and more blockbuster films. In the past year alone, mocha has played a key role in the production of Clint Eastwood’s Invictus, Tim Burton’s recent 3D smash hit, Alice in Wonderland and of course Iron Man 2. Special effects have become increasingly important and sophisticated in movies today and Imagineer Systems’ mocha is one of the driving forces behind this. One of the big names in Hollywood using mocha is Jake Morrison, VFX supervisor at GOAT Visual Effects. Jake is an industry veteran and a rising star in Hollywood’s VFX circles. 'Nowadays, I think of mocha as the incredibly fast optical flow tool that I've never had, but always wanted – it's Digital Glue. I know I’ve said this before, but what I love about mocha is this: it makes the deceptively simple stuff actually simple,' says Jake Morrison, GOAT Visual Effects. With the reputation as a perfectionist who captures beautiful moments in unusual locations, creating emotional, visceral response from his audiences, he also has a growing list of impressive films under his belt, including 300, The Rise of the Silver Surfer and The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers. Jake’s latest blockbuster project, the highly anticipated Iron Man 2, hit Cinema screens in May. Imagineer Systems is based at the Surrey Research Park, a major centre of excellence in technology, science and engineering. The Surrey Research Park is widely regarded as the best of its kind in the UK and currently houses more than 110 companies. Founded by the University of Surrey in the 1980s, the Park has grown rapidly and now houses numerous other world leaders in software and games development in addition to Imagineer Systems. It is also home to leading edge and world-renowned companies from other sectors including Detica (Technology consultancy), IDBS (Pharmaceutical & R&D) and SSTL (Surrey Satellite Technology Ltd). 'It’s excellent to be involved in such high profile movies that are global hits from our base in Surrey – the Research Park and its ecosystem of likeminded businesses and support groups help each other to succeed, and certainly have supported us through times good and bad,' said J-P Smith, CEO of Imagineer Systems. 'The Park provides a flexible high-quality working environment, and the excellent facilities in the Technology Centre help us to focus on the value generating parts of our business while projecting a larger-than-life image to the outside world.' 'Companies like Imagineer Systems have enabled The Surrey Research Park to become the globally renowned centre of excellence that it is today,' says Dr Malcolm Parry, Director, Surrey Research Park. 'We’re proud of Imagineer Systems who have grown up on the Park and continues to go from strength to strength in this very important and highly competitive multimillion dollar industry, which is good news not only for the Company, but also for the entire Surrey Research Park, the South East and the UK as a whole as we slowly climb out of the recession.'

Cancer diagnostics company secures funding

Sheffield: Wednesday, 9th June 2010 A Yorkshire-based medical technology company has secured further funding to continue its work to dramatically improve cancer diagnosis. Zilico Limited, based at The Sheffield Bioincubator, has received funding from new and existing investors which will be used to continue the development of its real-time diagnosis technology for cervical cancer. Interim data from one of the company’s on-going multi-centre clinical trials aimed at the colposcopy, or referral market, is very encouraging the company is on track to launch its first product in 2011. The successful funding round follows Zilico’s completion of the Investing in Health programme managed by Grant Thornton. The programme gives healthcare technology companies in Yorkshire the knowledge, advice, tools and resources needed to access equity funding from national and international investors. Managed by a consortium of finance and healthcare experts, it also gives advice to companies looking at ways of raising other types of finance such as bank debt, asset based lending and sales finance. Zilico’s current investors include Exomedica Limited, Fusion IP plc, Viking Fund, STH NHS Trust and Medipex Limited. Sameer Kothari, CEO of Zilico, commented: 'We are very pleased to secure this new round of funding as it allows us to further progress our development towards a product launch for 2011. I believe it is the strength of our proposition that has enabled Zilico to bring on board a new investor especially after the 2009 global downturn in the investment market. Going through the Investing in Health programme gave us confidence in our investment proposition and the team provided constructive feedback on our presentation. It also opened up new networks for us and brought us some very useful new investor contacts.' Lisa Ward, manager at Grant Thornton, said: 'We could see the potential of Zilico’s technology as soon as we started working with them so we’re delighted they have secured this latest round of funding. Half a million women are diagnosed with the disease each year and with the current cervical cancer screening and diagnostic market worth around $2.1 billion, companies such as Zilico are well placed to make a real impact on the cancer statistics.' The Investing in Health programme forms part of Yorkshire Forward’s ongoing strategy to support the development of the healthcare technologies industry in Yorkshire and Humber. Visit www.investinginhealth.co.uk to find out more about the programme. To learn more about Zilico Limited, visit www.zilico.co.uk. Pictured: Zilico Ltd CEO Sameer Kothari.

Digital Fabrication is coming to a school near you!

Plymouth: Tuesday, 8th June 2010 An independent educational software company has relocated to Tamar Science Park (TSP). Aspex Software was set up in 1994 and develops 2D and 3D vector drawing and design software for schools, colleges, universities and home users. Aspex Software’s products are licensed for use in thousands of educational establishments across the UK, Canada, USA and Brazil. The company’s first 3D software programme, Spex, was a best seller and is still popular in schools today. Now Aspex Software has developed a brand new digital fabrication software for children’s engineering in the classroom. FabLab ModelMaker can be used on its own or in conjunction with an inexpensive desktop fabricator. FabLab ModelMaker enables children to design and manufacture objects like cuboids, packaging and model rockets and is a powerful and practical way to enrich mathematics, technology and science subjects. Almost anything a child can imagine can be turned into a graphic printed on card or paper, cut out and glued together with very impressive results. It took several years to develop the software but it coincides with a momentum within both the UK and USA governments to resource and finance initiatives in STEM (Science Technology Engineering Mathematics) education. Aspex Software is collaborating with SITE (Society for Information Technology & Teacher Education), a global education association, to introduce digital fabrication as a central strand of STEM Education. FabLab ModelMaker will also be used in schools across Hawaii after Aspex Software directors Nick and Jane Sanham were invited to present the software at an educational summit held at President Obama’s old school, Punahou. Aspex Software decided to move to TSP because its development in the digital fabrication initiative for STEM education is expanding. 'We needed to operate in a modern business and knowledge environment,' said Nick Sanham of Aspex Software. 'TSP gives us a brilliant environment and facilities for our work now and for growth in the future, with access to business advice and partnerships with education that will be invaluable as we move forward.' Nigel Halford, Chief Executive of Tamar Science Park said, 'We are very pleased to welcome Aspex Software to the Park. Their technical operation resonates with the nature of organisation we wish to see here at TSP and one that will benefit from the value-added services, business support and indeed wider partnerships we make available to our resident clients.' Pictured: Tom, Jane and Nick Sanham of Aspex Software with a rocket made using the FabLab ModelMaker software.

International aviation technology specialist sees sales soar after opening northwest base

Liverpool: Monday, 7th June 2010 The UK arm of Finnish technology firm Fastems has more than doubled its turnover since opening a base in the northwest of England. Despite the recession Fastems UK Ltd, world-leading suppliers of factory automation systems for the aerospace and metal cutting industries, is going from strength to strength. Its UK sales reached €9.7M last year, compared to €3.4M in 2008, when the company was operating out of just one UK base in the South of England. Fastem’s UK Managing Director Steve Malone said the decision to open a northern base in the Liverpool Science Park two and a half years ago has played a significant contributing factor to the recent success of the firm. Mr Malone said: 'Opening the office in Liverpool gave us in roads into Scotland and Northern Ireland and played a huge part in heightening our UK profile. We are in talks with more northern companies now. We’ve seen significant growth in the UK business, particularly in the aerospace industry, and we want to build on this growth this year and beyond. We are already on track to achieve similar sales figures this year, which we are delighted with, especially when you consider some firms in the metal cutting industry have seen their sales fall quite dramatically.' Fastems products and services are designed to help organisations get the most out of their annually available 8,760 production hours. Its UK clients include Rolls-Royce, British Aerospace at Samlesbury, Preston – where the Eurofighter Typhoon is built – heating specialists Baxi Group and Bombardier Aerospace in Belfast, Northern Ireland. Tony O’Neill, Head of Business Support at Liverpool Vision said: 'We became aware of Fastems’ interest in opening a northern base in mid-2007, and introduced them to a number of potential properties in Liverpool. From the outset, Steve Malone could see the opportunities a base in the city centre would open for his company, and he quickly settled on Liverpool Science Park as his ideal base. We can be proud that Fastems is enhancing its own reputation, and that of the city of Liverpool, on an international stage.' Fastems is a privately owned Finnish company with an annual turnover of €100M. It has 360 staff working out of offices across Europe and the USA. For more information about Fastems please visit www.fastems.com. The award-winning Liverpool Science Park, based in the city’s Knowledge Quarter, is proving the first port of call for an increasing number of expanding knowledge and high-tech companies from outside of the northwest region and internationally. The Park has recently opened a 2,000 sq ft ‘Soft Landing Centre’ offering competitive office space, business support, access to financial assistance and direct links to University contacts and potential clients, to help even more firms move into Liverpool. Chloe Young, Business Development Director at Liverpool Science Park, said: 'The soft landing centre is the perfect way for companies from outside of the region to test the market in the northwest. We’ve already welcomed companies from Canada and Lithuania, and talks are underway with other international firms.' For more information about Liverpool Science Park and its new Soft Landing Centre facility visit www.liverpoolsciencepark.co.uk. Pictured: Fastem’s UK Managing Director Steve Malone.

Firms queue to make Campus home

Daresbury: Friday, 4th June 2010 Eight new companies join Campus in last two months. Against the backdrop of a difficult economic climate, Daresbury Science and Innovation Campus (Daresbury SIC) has provided further optimism by attracting a very significant number of new businesses in the first quarter of 2010, and no fewer than eight high-tech businesses have set up base on the Campus in the last two months alone. The recent influx of companies from the UK and abroad, spans the energy, engineering, digital and healthcare sectors, adding further to the Campus’ strengths in these areas. Companies range from local start-ups to strategic business units of leading multinationals, in technology areas ranging from medical diagnostics to solar power. It is perhaps no accident that the news comes soon after the announcement that existing Campus companies have doubled their sales in the last two years. These new leases have been signed at the same time as a spate of recent high profile visits, including that of His Royal Highness the Duke of York who celebrated the Campus reaching the milestone of 100 companies. Steven Broomhead, Chief Executive of the Northwest Regional Development Agency (NWDA), said: 'The NWDA’s significant investment in Daresbury SIC has proved to be a huge success. Businesses from the UK and abroad see the Campus as a place where they can access key scientific and business expertise and open up UK, European and global market opportunities.' Daresbury SIC General Manager, John Leake said: 'The surge of activity in the first quarter of 2010 is typical of the amount of interest the Campus generates within the high-tech community. It is the ready access to Daresbury SIC’s collaborative networks, the Campus’ ability to effectively assist the commercialisation of science and innovation, and the fantastic environment, that continues to strengthen Daresbury’s place on the regional and national map.' The locating of these companies at Daresbury SIC comes at a very exciting time for the Campus, as the new 36,000 sq ft grow-on facility, Vanguard House, rapidly takes shape and the Campus looks towards the next stage of its development through the establishment of a planned public-private joint venture. Descriptions of the eight companies: 4D products Ltd 4D Products is an innovative high-tech product design and engineering consultancy, whose specialism extends across several areas from advanced engineering and complex medical technology to household products, such as lighting devices and baby monitors. The company caters for a wide range of customers; its services spanning the design of low-volume, high-value products, producing CAD drawings and making prototypes and demonstration products for start-up companies. www.4dproducts.co.uk Bio Alternative Medical Devices Bio-Alternative Medical Devices, or Bio-AMD, is positioned in the fast growing Point of Care (POC) medical diagnostics sector. Driven by patient need and cost savings, Bio-AMD’s core technical strategy is the development of high-accuracy, high-quality but low-cost rapid diagnostic devices. The company's inventions are replacing slow and expensive laboratory analysis across a range of indications. www.bioamd.com BIC Technology BIC Technology supplies a wide range of ionising radiation detection instruments and produce specialist monitoring systems. Including bespoke software applications. The company also provides new technologies and equipment to give improved performance to existing systems. www.bictechnology.co.uk/services.html Global Biodiagnostics Ltd Global Biodiagnostics Corp was formed as a spin out company from Texas A&M Health Center College of Medicine to utilise a ground-breaking infectious disease diagnostic platform, to bring a low-cost highly accurate assay to the global TB diagnostic market. The basic research has taken two years and was funded through a prestigious $2.1m grant from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. www.globalbiodiagnostics.com P3 Engineering Collaboration (P3EC) P3 engineering collaboration provides services in two core sectors – Engineering and Consultancy. P3’s focus is to marry strong project management expertise with a high technical knowledge of the domain. P3's foundation is based upon excellence in numerous sectors, from Aerospace to Automotive, Telecommunications to Technical Documentation. The P3 Project Management methodology is highly developed and as one would expect from a ‘German mother company’ successful, efficient and highly cost effective. www.p3-group.com/ec RPC – The Outsource Partnership The Outsource Partnership provides advice, guidance and support to organisations looking to engage in the outsourcing of any complex service or function. The company has extensive expertise and experience in negotiating, implementing and managing a large number of multi million and billion pound arrangements. These include full service technology outsourcing, business process (back and front office) outsourcing, and complex multi service line arrangements and strategic partnerships. It has managed these arrangements from both supplier and client side perspectives and has particular expertise in the highly regulated public and utility sectors. www.theoutsourcepartnership.co.uk Strategic North Strategic North is a team of marketing consultants working predominantly in the healthcare sector. The consultancy works with large biomedical and pharmaceutical companies, including AstraZeneca, GSK, Novartis and Danone. Established in January 2010, Strategic North moved onto the Campus one month later. Its clients are predominantly large international companies with a base in the UK. All employees of Strategic North have a background in marketing for large agencies and working on behalf of corporates. The company assists large biomedical and pharmaceutical companies in working out marketing strategies: defining potential customers, locating markets for their products and services, formulating key elements of their marketing campaigns and describing how strategy is to be implemented. The company’s key areas of focus include: Drugs in early development stage (involves working closely with scientists and R&D); Translating both ways between scientific jargon and language understandable to a lay person; Meeting the needs of both pharmacists and physicians; Understanding commercial opportunities. www.strategicnorth.com Vogt Solar Ltd Vogt Solar is one of the pioneers of the German photovoltaic industry we have planned and realised more than 1.2 GWp production capacity. With more than twelve years of experience in the industry as well as a strong network, it is a competent partner in the project development, planning and realisation of solar power plants of every size. The company's services are designed to assist companies and investors in securing a reliable long-term profitable return. Its wide range of services covers all phases in the realization of such projects. Vogt Solar's services are designed to assist companies and investors in securing a reliable long-term profitable return. Consequently, the company provides its services to a broad range of clients - whether a town, community or a private entity - wanting to sell or lease a suitable site or intending to operate a power plant and who are in need of investors. Its range of services covers all phases in the realization of PV power plants: from the project development and a suitable site search, to the integrated consultation and realisation. Dependent on the investor's objective, Vogt also manages operation of a power plant and provide marketing services. www.vogt-solar.com

Ingenza begin working to the principles of cGMP

Edinburgh: Thursday, 3rd June 2010 In May 2010 work commenced in Ingenza Ltd’s first cGMP compatible laboratory. The laboratory, complete with state-of-the-art equipment, is the fourth addition to Ingenza’s already fully functional Biotechnology, Process Development and Fermentation laboratories. Ingenza are implementing The Principles of cGMP (Current Good Manufacturing Practice) within the company to extend into the rapidly growing biopharmaceutical market and attract new customers. Many new active pharmaceutical ingredients are biopharmaceuticals such as clinically beneficial antibodies or enzymes. Biopharmaceuticals are being introduced by drug companies to treat a range of diseases such as cancers and arthritis. Ingenza’s work in biopharmaceuticals builds on core skills in strain engineering, molecular biology and downstream processing to deliver improved manufacturing of these high value products. cGMP compatibility requires thorough documentation and full traceability of all processes to ensure that the development work performed at Ingenza can be readily scaled up into full cGMP manufacture. Dr Alison Frew, Head of Quality at Ingenza explains, 'The past few months have been a very exciting time for Ingenza with the launch of our cGMP compatible laboratory. It has been a lot of hard work to go from an empty shell to a fully equipped laboratory complete with all of the required documentation but with great team support it has been possible. We now look forward with enthusiasm to the new opportunities available to Ingenza through the opening of this laboratory.' Ingenza has a developed customer base in biopharmaceuticals; the upgrade to cGMP compatibility will attract significant new business from a wider range of biopharmaceutical companies. Ingenza Ltd. are innovators in biotechnology who provide cost efficient and practical industrial scale manufacture of chiral chemicals, biopharmaceuticals and fuels. For further information, contact Sarah Graham, Office and Marketing Manager, Ingenza Ltd: Tel: 0131 200 6365 Email: sarah.graham@ingenza.com or visit www.ingenza.com. Pictured: Dr Robert Speight and Harveen Dhariwal working in the new cGMP compatible laboratory.