Intelligent Energy announces its support for UKH2 Mobility
Loughborough: Monday, 23rd January 2012 Intelligent Energy, the global clean power systems company that was originally a spin-out from Loughborough University, has become a founding member of UK H2 Mobility, a government and industry group aiming to accelerate the commercial roll out of hydrogen vehicles in 2014/15.Dr. Henri Winand, Chief Executive at Intelligent Energy said: 'The UK H2 Mobility is a ground-breaking industry led task force. Its job is to roll its sleeves up and ensure that the UK is well positioned for the commercial roll-out of hydrogen fuel cell vehicles from 2014/15 as part of a balanced portfolio of drivetrains. Fuel cell vehicles, storage and refuelling technology are here today, they work! We now need to look at how we can make these elements, together with the hydrogen refuelling infrastructure, work most effectively to enable the UK to take full advantage of hydrogen as a transport fuel; stimulating inward investment, GDP growth and securing and creating new jobs.' The new initiative – UKH2 Mobility – brings together three Government Departments and industrial partners from the utility, gas, infrastructure and global car manufacturing sectors. The group will evaluate the potential for hydrogen as a fuel for Ultra Low Carbon Vehicles in the UK before developing an action plan for an anticipated roll-out to consumers in 2014/15. It aims to:
Pictured: Intelligent Energy’s CE Dr Henri Winand (far left) at the UKH2 Mobility discussion. |
PlantWorks leading the UK in sustainable soil treatments
Sittingbourne: Monday, 23rd January 2012 PlantWorks Ltd, based on the Kent Science Park, are starting 2012 with a bang by launching their new Empathy brand with their first delivery to B&Q. As the UK's only producer of Mycorrhizal Fungi, a proven biological and sustainable soil treatment, PlantWorks anticipate that the Empathy brand will give gardeners a realistic alternative to existing chemical treatments.Endorsed in the UK by the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS), the new brand highlights the ongoing success that PlantWorks have had in this field. Their RHS Supreme Green lawn seed range has been selected as the only third-party product to be sold alongside the B&Q in-house range, meaning it will now be available in B&Q's 321 stores throughout the UK. On top of this, the PlantWorks RHS Rootgrow Mycorrhizal Fungi range has already changed the landscape of gardening culture in the UK. These fungi colonise plant and tree roots, extending the root system into the soil and extracting nutrients and water from a larger base of soil for the plant or tree. This also results in the plant roots linking with the roots of adjacent plants, leading to more efficient sharing of nutrients in the garden. The RHS Rootgrow Mycorrhizal Fungi range is now available in over 1,000 outlets in the UK. Robert Pattern, Managing Director of PlantWorks, said: 'In 2011 PlantWorks successfully explored new gardening markets with a range of new products that were very well received by retailers. 2012 sees the launch of our Empathy brand that will unify our existing products which are already well established in garden centres across the country. We have been able to make good use of a number of facilities on Kent Science Park left by Shell; including green-housing, laboratories, production space and offices. PlantWorks continues to expand its operation on site, encompassing manufacture, marketing, packaging and logistics offering us scalability to support our planned growth in the coming years.' James Speck, Site Director at Kent Science Park added: 'Like many companies on the park, PlantWorks have had a tremendous 2011 despite the tough economic climate and are now looking to leverage this success throughout 2012. One of the things that makes PlantWorks unique is that they control all elements of their production and distribution chain. I am fully expecting them to flourish over the next year, and we will continue to support their growth in any way that we can.' Pictured: The first PlantWorks delivery to B&Q being prepared for shipment. |
Warwick company expands into China
Coventry: Thursday, 19th January 2012 An image training company from Warwick is providing image and style tips to business professionals on the other side of the world. Managing director Lyn Bromley only set up First Impressions at the University of Warwick Science Park's Warwick Innovation Centre in Gallows Hill in September 2010 after she took over the training aspect of a business which had been trading for 28 years. Lyn and her ten-strong team of trainers currently run sessions in the UK and two more trainers, May Mok and Loretta Wong, are now licensed to run consultancies in China and Hong Kong.'We already had licenses running in Singapore, Geneva and Moscow but we have now set up similar operations in Shanghai and Hong Kong,' she said. 'Myself and another trainer Agnès Brown did the initial training with May and Loretta on the 38th floor of the World Trade Centre in Hong Kong. May came over to the UK three years ago to do some training with us and she introduced Loretta because they had worked together before on human resources projects. The training sessions on colour analysis, cosmetics and women's style were fantastic and it was wonderful to experience such a vibrant city. May and Loretta shadowed us throughout the ten days so that going forward they can run the courses themselves because the two businesswomen have been set up as our licensed training providers. 'First Impressions China will be run as a separate company but they are using our licensed training courses and materials so it will be generating income for the whole business. I will be returning to Hong Kong later in the year to hold some more courses on men's style, wardrobe management, personal shopping and styling. We are expecting May and Loretta to be successful because there is a real interest over there in looking good and people spend an awful lot of money on beauty products as well as there being a massive emphasis on creating the correct first impression particularly in a business environment. This is a fantastic opportunity because this is a new concept over there and we see this as a real growth area. I am currently in discussions with several people to set-up further consultancies in other parts of the world so this looks set to be a busy year!' Karen Aston, centre manager at the Warwick Innovation Centre, said First Impressions was launched as part of its on-going Ignite programme which was ideal for new, small companies. 'Lyn and her team always look perfectly groomed and it is no surprise her image company is proving such a success in the UK and across the globe,' she said. 'First Impressions is a great example of how the Ignite programme can help a new company get off the ground because we provide all the professional services needed from meeting rooms to business mentors while they can concentrate on making contacts and running their business.' Pictured (L-R): UK trainer Agnès Brown, First Impressions China directors Loretta Wong and May Mok and First Impressions managing director Lyn Bromley. |
Reducing the use of paper in clinical trials in 2012
| Sittingbourne: Thursday, 12th January 2012 Kent Science Park-based company NorthWise Services (NWS) is on course to help reduce the amount of paper used in life science research in 2012. Even in today's eco-conscious business environment, it is surprising how many companies are still gathering information on paper. NWS champions collecting clinical trials data directly in electronic format, rather than wasting paper by logging it in manually before transferring it to a database. Collecting data in this way reduces an organisation's carbon footprint by reducing waste and it improves the quality of data being collected, because patient compliance with correct clinical trial procedures is improved. Amassing data in this way is better for the environment, and it is also more cost effective than using paper. Other significant developments in NWS's ambition to reduce paper waste for these organisations includes the development of a web portal that allows clients to combine a number of data collection approaches in a single location online and the use of electronic patient diaries as a more reliable and eco-friendly alternative to paper diaries used to collect self-reporting data from patients in clinical trials. Phillip North, Managing Director of NorthWise Services said: 'NWS has developed ICT based approaches to collecting data ever since its establishment 11 years ago. We have worked with a number of partner companies over the years in order to be able to offer the appropriate technology to our clients, both to suit their needs and as a viable alternative to paper. In the course of our work, thousands of the electronic patient diary devices have been stored in the secure environment of the NWS premises at the Kent Science Park. 'Indeed, one of the main reasons why NWS originally chose to locate its offices at the Kent Science Park was the high level of site security there. Data for clinical and related studies have increasingly been collected electronically in recent years and this is clearly the way forward for the future. The new online management system for clinical images is proving popular with companies in the US. The challenge for us now is to get companies in the UK and the rest of Europe to adopt this way of working. The sooner we achieve this, the sooner we will see a reduction in unnecessary paper wastage.' James Speck, Site Director for Kent Science Park said: 'It is encouraging to see NWS championing the use of electronic data collection. We are strong supporters of this at Kent Science Park and with high security and almost unlimited bandwidth connectivity we have become a popular location for the provision of data back-up and disaster recovery services. The site currently has over 20,000 sq ft of space dedicated to data storage and back-up.' |
SSTL to launch innovative new space-based radar remote sensing programme to the international market
| Guildford: Monday, 9th January 2012 Surrey Research Park tenant Company Surrey Satellite Technology Ltd (SSTL) is to benefit from an investment of £21m from the UK Government that will enable the British small satellite pioneer to launch an innovative and highly competitive new space-based radar remote sensing programme in the international market. The Rt. Honourable David Willetts, Minister of State for Universities and Science, outlined how the investment will be used by SSTL to develop a powerful tool known as a Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR), which provides the ability to see through clouds and image Earth night or day when monitoring the Earth from space. Despite growing demand, the cost and complexity of radar satellites severely limit their use where it is urgently needed – such as maritime surveillance (anti-piracy, illegal fishing, drug trafficking, pollution), the oil and gas industry (pollution, ice hazards, arctic passages) and environmental and climate monitoring (deforestation, disaster monitoring, relief co-ordination). 'Satellites enable us to monitor and manage some of the most important issues affecting our planet. This exciting project will provide the UK with a world-leading constellation of its own and is a clear signal of the Government's continued commitment to the UK space industry,' said Minister for Universities and Science David Willetts. 'NovaSAR will keep us at the forefront of space technology, and will drive growth and innovation as governments and businesses across the globe develop scientific and commercial uses for the data.' Through an intensive development programme, the combined expertise of Surrey Satellite Technology Ltd (SSTL) on advanced small satellite platforms and Astrium UK experience on radar payloads has created a new small radar satellite (NovaSAR) that offers powerful radar remote sensing capabilities for approximately 20% of the cost of conventional radar missions. The Government will provide the necessary seed funding alongside industry to develop and build the first NovaSAR demonstration satellite, enabling the UK to showcase the highly attractive technology to the global marketplace and initiate a constellation of NovaSAR satellites similar to the highly successful Disaster Monitoring Constellation (DMC) of optical small satellites. The first NovaSAR demonstration satellite could be launched as early as 2013. 'This support by the Government is absolutely critical in bringing this world-beating technology to market,' added Sir Martin Sweeting, Executive Chairman SSTL. 'Experience with the Disaster Monitoring Constellation has shown that modest Government investment can catalyse an enormous multiplier for high value manufacturers such as SSTL, Astrium and the UK space industry to grow our exports and share in an international space market worth more than £178bn per year.' In addition to securing export orders for satellites in the constellation, the partnership expects a significant return on investment from sales of data from the constellation by downstream applications and services anchored in the UK. |
Game on at Liverpool Innovation Park
| Liverpool: Wednesday, 4th January 2012 UK-based game developer Spiral House has expanded its footprint at Liverpool Innovation Park following extensive growth since its launch. The company which develops interactive entertainment on all leading platforms including PC, Sony PS3/ PS Vita, Nintendo Wii/DS, Xbox 360, iPhone and tablets, has moved from its previous base in three small 1,001 sq foot spaces to one larger 1,516 square foot office in Baird House. Established in 1998 by Kevin Oxland and Bobby Earl, Spiral House has grown from its early days in one of the New Business Incubators to a 14-strong team all based at the Innovation Park. Kevin Oxland, owner and creative manager at Spiral House, the company behind popular games such as PSP Eyepet, Alone in the Dark (PC), and Silver, said: 'It was the flexibility of Liverpool Innovation Park that attracted us there in the first place and the fact we were surrounded by similar companies with shared interests. Being in a creative industry, the previous set-up, in three separate offices didn’t work as well as us all coming together in one place to share ideas and work as a team.' Spiral House is currently working with Sony to create a game for the launch of its new console the Playstation Vita in February. Kevin added: 'Being at the park is ideal for meetings with the likes of Sony and our other partners, especially since the café and networking hub opened last year. It also helps that we can offer visitors free on-site parking which is a huge plus point and one of the reasons we discounted office space in the city centre.' Dr Mark Tock, Innovation Manager at Liverpool Innovation Park, said: 'Flexibility is key for growing businesses and we work hard to make things run as smoothly as possible for tenants so they can get on with the important task of running their business. The park offers the ideal environment for technology-based businesses and thanks to projects like FibreNet, led by LIP tenant AIMES aiming to deliver super fast broadband speeds of up to 100Mbps, the park is rapidly establishing clusters of tech-based businesses that complement one another.' Also situated in Baird House at the Innovation Park is mobile games developer, Thumbstar Games which recently announced it had secured significant investment as well as adding two new faces to its Board of Directors. Liverpool Innovation Park, which includes Wavertree Technology Park, forms a key component of Merseyside’s growing knowledge economy. Tenants are offered a range of property solutions suitable for every stage of the company life cycle from 101 square foot modules to the 80,000 square foot building to development plots. Liverpool Innovation Park is operated by Space North West, a joint venture between Ashtenne Industrial Fund and the Homes and Communities Agency. Liverpool Innovation Park was part funded by the European Regional Development Agency (ERDF). For more information about Liverpool Innovation Park call 01512614665 or visit www.liverpoolinnovationpark.com. |
Award-winning invention to help feed the world
Sittingbourne: Tuesday, 3rd January 2012 Solar Grow 1 (SG1), a revolutionary germination and seedling development system, has the potential to put an end to world hunger. Developed by multi award winning scientist Alexander K Bushell, whose company Boundless Horizons operates out of the Kent Science Park, SG1 was awarded the 'British & World Invention of the Year' at the British Invention Show 2011 held at Old Spitalfields Market in London – the top award available at this prestigious show.SG1 is a mobile germination and seedling plant factory and is a major step forward in food production due to the quantity and diversity of what it can produce and the speed at which it can bring seedlings on. It can deal with almost any type of seeded crop and was specifically developed for use in humanitarian and disasters areas as it has the ability to grow crops to the point where they are ready to eat within seven days. SG1 can function for 24 hours a day, seven days a week, meaning that operators can constantly be producing and rotating crops. As an example, it can realistically grow 100,000 tomato plant seedlings in just one week. Since it can grow a wide variety of different plants its test lab can also help farmers to diversify crops, which in turn reduces expensive food transportation costs. All equipment is reusable, drastically reducing the amount of waste produced. The aim is for SG1 to get directly onto a site, analyse the soil and localised water options and then to begin crop repopulation immediately. Once on site, SG1 can be up and running within two hours. Fitting compactly into a shipping container, SG1 is fully habitable, including a toilet, shower and detachable tent. It contains all necessary horticultural equipment imaginable, meets all EU Health and Safety guidelines and can be sited anywhere as it runs on solar power. SG1 can use whatever type of water supply is available locally. It comes with 'plug and go' deep well pumps, a modular rain collection system and can even work with seawater, which it desalinates. Once operational, SG1 works at an outstanding 94% water efficiency. In addition to the humanitarian side SG1 has a number of potential commercial applications. Not least of these is the logistic advantage it can offer the military as it can be set up very quickly in almost any type of location in order to ensure that deployed military units can become rapidly self-sufficient with their non-meat food needs. Whilst the final cost of each unit has yet to be fully calculated, it is anticipated that each unit will cost between £28,000 and £30,000. More information on SG1 can be found by visiting www.boundlesshorizons.co.uk. Alexander K Bushell, Inventor of SG1, said: 'I am delighted that SG1 has won the British & World Invention of the Year award, and hope that this will help to raise the profile of this important technology. The SG1 system can also be used for famine relief in parts of the world that have been struck by natural disasters or areas where historically it has been difficult to cultivate crops. The beauty of SG1 is that it is fully self-contained and is so easy to use that even someone with only a passing knowledge of agriculture can be trained in its use within hours.' James Speck, Site Director of Kent Science Park, said: 'Kent Science Park is thrilled that Alex has won the British & World Invention of the Year award. Alex is no stranger to success, having won numerous awards in the past including an Innovation Award for the 'Hospital in a Box' which he created in 2005. We have always encouraged and supported Alex and hope that this new, potentially world changing invention receives the success and exposure that it deserves, for the benefit of everyone.' Pictured: Alexander K Bushell at work inside Solar Grow 1. |
Electrical firm reveals how to get ahead in the space race
Durham: Tuesday, 3rd January 2012 An electrical firm which has produced wiring for NASA's premier telescope, designed to unlock the secrets of the universe, will be revealing how North East businesses can take advantage of the space market at a major conference in the New Year.Cryogenic Systems, a division of Tekdata Interconnections, has been supplying cabling solutions for the space industry for 12 years and recently won the coveted contract to provide wiring harnesses for NASA's James Webb Space Telescope (JWST), located 1.5million km from Earth. The complex harnessing for the JWST, which is a successor to the Hubble Space Telescope, has been designed to withstand temperatures of -273C as it orbits Earth and the massive launch force it faces when it blasts off in 2013. Terry McManus, JWST project manager of the Staffordshire-based firm, will be giving valuable advice for businesses, including looking at marketing strategy and the pitfalls to avoid when bidding for lucrative contracts, when he speaks at Spacetech on February 9th – a conference about new developments and opportunities in the space industry. Spacetech, organised by the County Durham Development Company, the business arm of Durham County Council, will be held at NETPark (the North East Technology Park) at Sedgefield, in County Durham. Mr McManus said: 'Working in the space industry really isn't rocket science. You don't have to be extremely clever or high tech to supply it, you just need to understand what the requirements are and be able to deliver them. Businesses shouldn't be afraid of the unknown because there are so many opportunities. At the end of the day, all we do at Tekdata is take wiring and put connectors on the end and that's it. It's taking basic skills and developing them for what the market needs.' Stewart Watkins, managing director of CDDC, said: 'Businesses may think that they don't have the high tech products that the space industry is looking for but the opportunities are so wide, with traditional skills such as welding and electronics being in demand. Spacetech will provide an invaluable opportunity for businesses to learn from leaders such as Cryogenic Systems who are experienced in working in the space market and can share their knowledge.' Businesses interested in attending the conference can find out more at www.northeasttechnologypark.com/spacetech or by calling CDDC on (0191) 370 8680. Pictured: Terry McManus, JWST project manager at Tekdata Interconnections. |
Revolutionary helicopter company chooses Plymouth as UK base
Plymouth: Tuesday, 3rd January 2012 Pegasus Helicopter Group PLC has announced plans to base its UK management headquarters at Tamar Science Park in Plymouth, Devon. Pegasus is an international company that is developing revolutionary two- and five-seat helicopters, employing a unique pressure jet technology which negates the need for a tail and tail rotor. Pegasus intends to market and sell its Pegasus Helicopter to the civilian and military markets worldwide.Bob Zummo, CEO of Pegasus, said: 'Our new Operations Center on Tamar Science Park will serve as an international meeting ground for staff, customers and distributors. This location was strategically chosen to provide our internal and external counterparts a common base.' The UK headquarters will be headed by Pegasus chairman and non-executive director Chris McDonald-Drewitt, a former British Master Mariner and maritime studies graduate of Plymouth University with over 30 years' experience in international shipping, the defence industry and business development. Bob added: 'Chris has been an integral part in the fundraising process at Pegasus. He has 30 years' experience running various operations in the United Kingdom and globally and we are confident he'll deliver our plans.' Nina Sarlaka, Operations Director of the Science Park, said: 'We are delighted to welcome such an innovative and technology driven company. Pegasus operates in the high-end advanced engineering sector and the plans they have are set to revolutionise the flying industry.' Tamar Science Park, with Plymouth University and Plymouth City Council, is a founder of the Growth, Acceleration and Investment Network (GAIN), which exists to accelerate growth and investment in high quality businesses and ideas to create wealth and jobs in the South West Peninsula. Nina added: 'We'll be ensuring that Pegasus is plugged into the GAIN network so that we can support their growth aspirations and hopefully attract more of their activity to the region.' For more information on Pegasus, visit www.pegasusheli.com. Pictured (L-R): Bob Zummo, Chris McDonald-Drewitt, Nina Sarlaka, Jonathan Mills. |
GoResponse answers the call to expand
Sittingbourne: Tuesday, 20th December 2011 When GoResponse's business grew to full capacity and started crying out for more space, they knew they had to answer the call and expand onto new premises. After increasing their headcount by around 15% in the past year, they have now relocated to a refurbished office on the Kent Science Park, giving them the capacity to expand to up to 130 people, creating the potential for future jobs.The telephone answering service provider has invested over £100,000 on the new premises and the grand opening gave new and existing clients the opportunity to see the new facilities at work, whilst they networked over mulled wine and canapés. The new site was officially opened on 15th December, and boasts a state-of-the-art training room and a full functioning gym for their 95 staff. Mark Kirby, Managing Director at GoResponse, said: 'We absolutely love our new premises, and I hope that it won't be long until we've expanded into all of the additional space we now have. We started on Kent Science Park in 2003 when we only had four employees, so the Park very much feels like home for our business. We've grown to the point where we are employing nearly 100 people, and around 70% of these employees live locally in Swale. We feel that our company culture, along with all of our new facilities, make this a great place for our employees to work. We are aiming to continue our growth in 2012, and look forward to utilising our training facilities to get new starters up-to-speed and working at the high level our customers have come to expect. We like our clients to think of us as their partners, so it's only right that we attract and keep the best staff that can deliver unparalleled customer service.' James Speck, Site Director at Kent Science Park said: 'We are thrilled that GoResponse are continuing to flourish in this tough economic climate. The fact that they've just moved to bigger premises is a testament to the hard work of Mark and his team. We're always examining ways to accommodate businesses looking for space to expand and develop. It is important that we have the grow on space to help companies like GoResponse, because by giving them the room to develop we ensure that they remain in Swale, rather than moving elsewhere once they've reached a certain stage in their expansion. This in turn continues to create local jobs for Swale residents.' www.goresponse.co.uk Pictured (L-R): Glen Blow, Marketing Director; Cathy Rivett, Operations Director and Mark Kirby, Managing Director at the new office launch party. |
Santa delivers festive hampers to Demelza
Sittingbourne: Tuesday, 20th December 2011 Santa Claus paid a visit to Demelza's Sittingbourne Children's Hospice on Monday morning, to drop off some Christmas Hampers that had been created by his busy elves working at the Kent Science Park. The Science Park had organised a site-wide competition which encouraged companies based on the park to try to create the best possible Christmas hampers to deliver to Demelza. The hampers were aimed at children of all ages and their families and featured a wonderfully diverse array of gifts.In total, the Park created 13 hampers, with an overwhelming 178 gifts inside. Before Santa visited Demelza, he stopped off at the park to pick up the hampers and to thank those that had been working tirelessly on them. As the chief judge of the competition, he assessed all the hampers and awarded prizes for the best one. There were consistently good efforts from all entrants and Santa eventually judged that the grand prize should go to INO Therapeutics, who had created an incredible fur-covered Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer Hamper. Santa then loaded all of the hampers into his sleigh and took them to Demelza. Stopping on his way back to his sleigh for a rare interview, Mr Claus commented: 'It was an absolute pleasure for me to be able to deliver so many Christmas gifts to Demelza. The staff there do incredible work looking after children and their families in the most difficult of circumstances, and if me personally delivering hampers brightened just one person's day then it was well worth the trip down from the North Pole.' Donna Wells, Corporate Partnerships Manager at Demelza said: 'We would like to extend our thanks to Santa Claus and his helpers on the Kent Science Park for creating these wonderful Christmas Hampers for us. We are always grateful to receive donations, either gifts of monetary, which we can use to help fund our vital services. I know that these gifts from Santa will bring some cheer this Christmas morning.' James Speck, Site Director at Kent Science Park said: 'I was thrilled that so many of our tenants got into the festive spirit to make these hampers. The work that Demelza does is truly incredible and I hope that these hampers bring some cheer to people who are going through one of the most challenging times of their lives. I hope that running initiatives such as this one will help to raise Demelza's profile and encourage more people to donate to this incredibly worthwhile cause.' If you are interested in making a donation to Demelza Hospice Care for Children, visit their website www.demelza.org.uk and click on the 'donate' button, call 01795 845 200 or email info@demelza.org.uk. Pictured: Santa Claus with staff from INO Therapeutics, next to the winning hamper that they created. |
Angel Biotechnology Holdings agrees US link-up
| Edinburgh: Friday, 16th December 2011 Pharmaceutical manufacturer Angel Biotechnology Holdings has agreed a framework agreement with a US firm. The deal involves outlining how the Scottish company will manage the development and production of a protein product for Baton Rouge-based TransGenRx. It is expected to be the first of a number of partnerships between the companies. Dr Paul Harper, executive chairman at Angel, said: 'The opportunity with TransGenRx demonstrates Angel's increasing ability to attract global clients with a view to forming long-term, added-value partnerships. We look forward to the next stage of what we believe will be a long association.' Dr Richard Cooper, chief scientific officer at TransGenRx, said:'Angel has a reputation for delivering challenging advanced biologics. TransGenRx requires this expertise in order to fast track the scale up of our pipeline of products. The team at Angel is committed to this end and has the capabilities we require.' |
University of Warwick Science Park news
| Coventry: Friday, 16th December 2011 A supplier to the manufacturing industry has taken the first major step in its development by moving onto the University of Warwick Science Park. Aptex, launched in 2007, has re-located from Solihull to the Venture Centre in Sir William Lyons Road, Coventry, to accommodate its rapid expansion. The specialist company, which supplies high-tech equipment to analyse and test the durability of solid materials used in manufacturing, is expecting a five-fold growth in turnover this year. Aptex founder Steve Bradley, who has 20 years of experience in the field of materials science, known as metallography, said: 'The equipment that we provide is critical in the manufacturing process. It analyses and evaluates solid materials to determine whether they are capable of withstanding a specific function.' Aptex supplies a range of equipment direct to companies in the aerospace, automotive, power generation, heat treatment, electronics and medical industries. The equipment includes cutting machines, mounting presses, grinding and polishing machines, and associated consumables, along with microscopes, cameras, analytical software and hardness testers. Steve said: 'Aptex has really taken off in the last 12 months and has recently been strengthened by the arrival of Leo Scanlon, who is a vastly experienced materials scientist and will be helping to take the company further forward. We are dealing with our highest volume of orders to date and expect the company to grow by nearly five times this year. Manufacturing in the UK has been badly hit over the last 20 years but I think it is now finding its own way through the difficult economic climate with companies looking to expand and increase their levels of production. Our biggest sector is aerospace which is showing signs of doing well and we are also finding that the automotive industry is picking up.' Aptex represents world-leading producers of machines for metallography in the UK. Its recent alliance with German-based ATM was partly behind the move to the Venture Centre, as the ability to demonstrate its machines was required. Steve said: 'It was the only place that we found with facilities that matched our requirements. As a start-up company, it’s the right size, it’s cost effective and it has other useful facilities like a manned reception and a conservatory for informal meetings which helps enhance our image.' The Venture Centre is specifically designed to provide starter space for new technology companies and stepping stone accommodation for companies requiring larger space on the University of Warwick Science Park in the future. Karen Aston, manager of the Venture Centre, said: 'Aptex had reached the stage in its development where it needed to take the next step up and we were able to find the ideal base from where it could expand further. The unit provides the company with the ability to demonstrate its full range of equipment which is vital for maintaining and extending its business.' |
A flexible solution to stimulate growth in the UK Life Science sector
Sittingbourne: Wednesday, 14th December 2011 Flexible Lab Solutions, based on the Kent Science Park, are revolutionising the life science sector. Up until now, any small life science business trying to get started would need to buy specialist laboratory equipment outright, often for upwards of £80,000. This cost is understandably prohibitive for start-ups. However, Flexible Lab Solutions are the first company in Europe to offer these businesses the opportunity to hire this equipment for a set amount of time, rather than buy it.Since the closure of Pfizer's Sandwich site in August 2011, some former Pfizer employees have decided to branch out on their own and are setting up life science businesses. These operations may consist of only one or two scientists, who therefore cannot afford to buy all the necessary equipment. Flexible Lab Solutions gives these organisations access to the apparatus they need to get started without the exorbitant initial outgoings. The average rental costs are around £1,300 per month. David Reed, Managing Director of Flexible Lab Solutions said: 'When we founded the company our ethos was that we wanted to give smaller life science companies the same chances that larger organisations get. While costs make it impossible for smaller organisations to buy lab equipment outright, there's no reason why they can't rent from us for a month or even a year. 'Smaller organisations may only need to use the equipment for a few months, and if that's the case, they simply return it to us when they're done. It's a much more cost-effective way of working, and we were amazed that no other company in Europe was offering this service. In the United States it is fairly normal for laboratories to rent equipment in this way rather than buy it. 'The added bonus for companies that choose to rent from us is that part of the package includes ongoing technical support, so if anything goes wrong a member of the team will come to their site to fix it. They can be assured that our inventory of used equipment comes fully tested to the manufacturers specification. A company would have to rent from us continually for five years for it to have been cheaper for them to have just bought the equipment outright, and that doesn't factor in the additional costs for technical support.' James Speck, Site Director at Kent Science Park said: 'The service that Flexible Lab Solutions is offering will give so many smaller life science organisations the opportunity to work towards major scientific breakthroughs. Their service goes hand-in-hand with the Science Park's new Launchpad Innovation Centre, which allows smaller companies to rent bespoke laboratory space without having to commit to an unnecessarily long lease.' Businesses interested in renting equipment can call Flexible Lab Solutions on 01795 411 540 or email info@flexible-lab-solutions.co.uk. Pictured: One of the pieces of laboratory equipment at work. |
Biocontrol expands its business at Colworth Science Park
| Sharnbrook: Wednesday, 14th December 2011 Biotech company Biocontrol Ltd, a subsidiary of AmpliPhi Biosciences Corporation (APHB.PK), is expanding its business operation at Colworth Science Park by taking further office and laboratory work space to double its presence on the park. The company, which is working to develop the biological answer to antibiotic resistance, has taken a further 1,112 sq ft of work accommodation, expanding from its existing base in suite 130 in Colworth House Annexe. Since relocating in May last year from its previous headquarters in Nottingham, the company has expanded its business following successful clinical trials of its lead product BioPhage-PA and its combination with US biotechnology company Targeted Genetics to form AmpliPhi Biosciences. Dr Sally Ann Forsyth, Director of Colworth Science Park, said: 'It is tremendous to see companies such as Biocontrol grow their business at Colworth. Existing companies taking more space is testimony to the environment we have created in helping incubate companies. At a time of continuing economic uncertainty and anxiety, it is encouraging to see successful companies prospering in what is a key growth sector for UK business and commerce.' Biocontrol Ltd is among a number of organisations, including Leksing Ltd, Advanced Microbial Diagnostics Ltd, and Mediwatch Biomedical Ltd, that have moved to Colworth to take advantage of its flexible space and to be part of a growing scientific community. The company had outgrown its previous location due to the company's expansion since it was founded in 1997 by Chief Scientific Officer, Dr David Harper, with a team of just three people. It now employs 16 people working to develop safe, specific, effective and adaptable biological agents, targeted at markets where current chemical drugs are failing or ineffective. Dr Harper said: 'Colworth provides a unique environment for science, with comprehensive on-site support and room for expansion. It provides our staff with a positive working experience in an excellent location for business.' In May this year Goodman, the joint venture partner of Unilever at Colworth, completed The Exchange – a new complex that provides 21,000 sq ft of dining, conference and meeting space complemented by a 35,000 sq ft Innovation Centre, all located at the heart of the park. The Exchange has enhanced the Park by providing modern flexible laboratory and office suites designed to accommodate growing businesses, a café-restaurant, plus modern meeting and conference facilities for up to 200 people. These facilities are open to businesses off site to use in addition to those on the campus. Colworth Science Park is situated between Cambridge and Oxford in the village of Sharnbrook, near Bedford. It sits in 120 acres of natural parkland providing an outstanding research environment. Occupiers have access to a wide range of specialist scientific services and facilities. Accommodation services, including 24 hour manned security, on-site printing and graphics services, plus IT support to ensure occupiers are able to communicate with maximum efficiency. In addition, Colworth Science Park has a wealth of leisure and sports facilities on site, including tennis and squash courts, football and cricket pitches and a 9-hole golf course. There is also a convenience store, café and restaurant, and Bright Horizons day nursery, providing secure professional childcare. www.colworthsciencepark.co.uk |
Whistleblowing specialists making no secret of their success
Coventry: Monday, 12th December 2011 A Midlands firm specialising in supporting whistleblowing is making no secret of its success on the back of new legislation. InTouch has helped national and multinational organisations uncover fraud, theft and serious wrongdoing since launching in 2001 and has experienced a surge in new business since the UK Bribery Act came into force in July.The company was established by directors John Wilson and Alasdair Edwards to help those at the top of organisations understand what is really going on in their business. InTouch, which is based at the University of Warwick Science Park Business Innovation Centre on Blythe Valley Park, has gone on to build a strong client base which includes organisations across a wide range of sectors ranging from retailers to financial services, construction and manufacturing companies. Alasdair said InTouch's SpeakUp programme has helped companies save thousands of pounds over the last 12 months. 'Since the much publicised Bribery Act came into force, companies have been made to review their anti-corruption procedures which has led to us winning new business,' he said. 'The SpeakUp programme is central to this business growth and is basically a whistleblowing hotline tailored to each client which allows employees to report misconduct directly to senior management anonymously. It helps to lower the barriers to people coming forward making it comfortable and non-threatening and over the last 12 months it has been particularly successful in helping our retail clients reduce stock loss. 'A good example of the programme working effectively is a confidential call we received recently from an employee to report operatives in a distribution centre stealing high value stock. After an investigation was launched the company was able to launch a covert operation which led to £4,000 worth of fragrance being recovered from a member of staff. We set up the business from scratch and are now an established, successful and respected business within our industry and with the support of partner offices in the Netherlands and US we are in a strong position to build on this success.' Nigel Shaw, centre manager at the University of Warwick Science Park's Blythe Valley Innovation Centre, said InTouch had made major strides. 'InTouch have been with us at the Innovation Centre since 2001 and it is great to see the success they've achieved during this time,' he said. 'The company is providing an invaluable system of delivering free-flowing, two-way communication between senior management and the front line within companies and it is no surprise so many blue chip businesses are taking advantage of their tailored services.' Pictured (L-R): Nigel Shaw, Centre Manager, Blythe Valley Innovation Centre; InTouch Director John Wilson. |
Tenth anniversary for laser printing company
| Coventy: Monday, 12th December 2011 The clients of a company which celebrated its tenth anniversary in the UK last month reads like a who's who of the great and good in the motoring world. Electro Optical Systems (EOS), which opened its UK office on November 21, 2001, works with Williams and many others in Formula 1 along with iconic companies Jaguar Land Rover and Ford. The privately-owned German company moved to the University of Warwick Science Park's Warwick Innovation Centre on Gallows Hill in 2002 and is one of the leading specialists in Europe in laser sintering. Stuart Jackson, regional manager of EOS, said: 'If you imagine a conventional laser printer, we have machines that complete the printing in a 3D way. That means when businesses supply us with a Computer Aided Design (CAD) drawing we can produce high quality prototypes and tooling for metallic and plastic components by using 3D CAD data to produce each layer. The technical term is additive manufacturing. Our customer base ranges with everyone from the aerospace industry to Formula 1 with Williams and many more to car companies Ford, Jaguar Land Rover and Bentley. We also produce titanium heels for shoes – we worked with one designer whose shoes retail at £1,000! – and plastic shampoo bottles which underlines that our work can be used in virtually every industry. World-wide we employ nearly 400 people and in the UK we have 12 members of staff. The whole company had a turnover last year of more than 90 million euros and it is a growing company because laser sintering – or 3D printing as some would call it - is very much in the public eye at the moment.' Stuart said the UK arm of the business was worth around 10 per cent of the global business. 'We have six service engineers to ensure service support is available in this country and then we have sales staff here as well,' he said. 'This is a great location since we can quickly access the motorway network to travel to our customers easily, the facilities at the science park suits us perfectly as does the flexible leases which have allowed us to take extra space as our business has expanded, which is underlined by the fact we have been here so long.' Karen Aston, centre manager at the Warwick Innovation Centre, said EOS was one of the centre's longest-serving tenants. 'The work EOS carries out is fascinating and it is extremely useful to entrepreneurial companies developing their latest products since it speeds up the process and they can see their ideas brought to life really quickly,' she said. 'The business couldn't be based at a more suitable site because EOS' ethos of being at the forefront of technology in their particular field was one of the reasons why science parks were launched to provide a business environment for these kinds of niche companies to flourish – and EOS is living proof of that.' |
Daresbury Campus gets international boost
| Daresbury: Monday, 12th December 2011 The rapid growth of Daresbury Science and Innovation Campus (DSIC) has continued with the arrival of four major international enterprises in just three months. All four companies boast expertise and cutting-edge developments in such diverse fields as sound chip technology, virtual engineering, medical diagnostic devices and computer software coding systems. French firm Optis is an international leader in light simulation technology which allows designers in the automotive and aerospace industries to create and evaluate virtual versions of products at a fraction of the cost of using conventional methods. Optis now has its UK base at Daresbury and is collaborating on campus with the Virtual Engineering Centre. Advanced Cluster Systems, founded in the United States, develops innovative software coding for high performance and conventional computing technologies and took the decision to base its UK operations at the campus to expand existing commercial relationships. Both companies were attracted by Daresbury SIC's capabilities in high performance computing, due to be further boosted by an initial £7.5 investment announced by David Cameron in August of this year and a further investment announced by George Osborne in October. Swiss technology firm Soundchip develops innovative audio systems for smartphones, MP3 players and games consoles and has relocated its research and development department to Daresbury. Soundchip is working with ST Microelectronics, Europe's largest semiconductor company, to produce High Definition Personal Audio. Completing the quartet is Innokas Medical Oy of Finland, an international specialist contract development and manufacturing company in high-end medical technologies. The firm offers extensive experience in Molecular Imaging, Neurological Diagnostics and X-Ray systems. Daresbury SIC LLP is a private-public joint venture organisation, created in December 2010 between Langtree, Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC) and Halton Borough Council. John Downes, chairman of Daresbury SIC and managing director at joint venture partner Langtree, said: 'We are delighted that four international companies of such significance, all acknowledged as leading innovators within their sectors, have been attracted to the campus. It is further recognition of the unique blend of support and expertise offered at Daresbury SIC. It's an environment in which technology businesses of all kinds can grow and flourish surrounded by similar like-minded enterprises and entrepreneurs.' The recently approved SCI-TECH enterprise zone will reinvest business rates to deliver new specialist office, laboratory and technical space, with the potential to create as many as 10,000 skilled jobs and leverage more than £150m in private sector investment. Science and technology businesses that start up or relocate into the SCI-TECH enterprise zone will qualify for a 100 per cent business rate discount for five years, up to a maximum of £275,000 over five years. |
Ingenza win at Scottish Modern Apprenticeship Awards
Edinburgh: Thursday, 8th December 2011 Industrial biotechnology company, Ingenza Ltd, have been crowned 'Small Employer of the Year' at the Scottish Modern Apprenticeship Awards 2011 hosted by Skills Development Scotland.In the face of tough competition from Narvida Ltd and D&G Precision Engineering Ltd, Ingenza triumphed in the category of Small Employer (fewer than 50 employees). Ingenza have recruited three Modern Apprentices in the last two years and the school leavers from the local Beeslack and Penicuik High Schools now form a seventh of the workforce. Ross Hepplewhite, Kirsty Glendinning and Jonathan Selfridge are very much part of the team at Ingenza's state-of-the-art laboratories at the Roslin BioCentre. 'Winning this award is a fantastic achievement for Ingenza and our apprentices. It is an exciting time at Ingenza as our company continues to grow and expand. Ross, Kirsty and Jonathan are vital members of our scientific team and we hope they will continue to progress within our organisation as it enters a period of exciting growth in the next few years,' said Dr Ian Fotheringham, President of Ingenza. Pictured (L-R): Small Employer Category sponsor Construction Skills’ Graham Ogilvie, Ingenza President Dr Ian Fotheringham, Apprentices Jonathan Selfridge, Ross Hepplewhiite and Kirsty Glendinning and Skills Development Scotland’s Chair John McClelland. |
Drs Russell Greig and Alex Chanas join BigDNA Advisory Board
| Edinburgh: Thursday, 1st December 2011 Edinburgh-based vaccine development company BigDNA has expanded its Advisory Board with the appointments of Dr Russell Greig and Dr Alex Chanas. Both executives each have over 30 years' top-level experience in the pharmaceutical industry, Dr Greig having held senior positions at Glaxosmithkline/SR One and Dr Chanas at Pfizer Ltd. Dr Greig has spent the majority of his career with pharmaceutical giant GlaxoSmithKline. His most recent role within GSK was as President of SR One, GSK's Corporate Venture Group based in the USA. Previous positions include President of Pharmaceuticals International and Senior Vice President of Worldwide Business Development for R&D. He recently served as a member of the Board of Directors for vaccine company Genocea Biosciences, and Rib-X Pharmaceuticals. He is currently Chairman of Syntaxin and of the Novagali Supervisory Board, and is the acting CEO of vaccine adjuvant company Isconova. Dr Greig is also a member of the Scottish Science Advisory Council. Over the last 14 years Dr Chanas has been a member of the global outreach, evaluation and licensing team within Worldwide Business Development Strategy and Innovation of Pfizer Inc. Based in the USA, he has worked on numerous strategic licensing and acquisition projects, the main therapeutic areas having been vaccines, infectious diseases and pain. Prior to joining Pfizer Dr Chanas was head of CNS and anti-viral projects at Astra Pharmaceuticals' Clinical Research Unit in Edinburgh, where he spent 16 years co-ordinating clinical trials in schizophrenia, depression, stroke and various anti-viral programmes. Dr John March, chief executive officer of BigDNA said: 'We are very pleased to welcome Alex and Russell to BigDNA. They have substantial and broad industry experience within the vaccines and wider biopharmaceutical fields, and as such will provide a valuable contribution to strategic and funding developments underway at Big DNA. As members of the Advisory Board, this experience and knowledge will continue to be key factors in our progress and success. I look forward to working with both Alex and Russell as we continue to develop our vaccine delivery platform and vaccine product portfolio.' |
Accessible app from Ravensoft
Manchester: Monday, 28th November 2011 Cross platform mobile apps developer Ravensoft has created an app for Accessible Event Promotions (AEP) that allows users to search for all accessible arts, community, cultural and leisure events in the North West, for example cinema screenings with subtitles or art exhibitions with sign language guided tours.AEP is a not-for-profit company led by disabled and deaf people to promote accessible arts, community, cultural and leisure events for disabled and deaf people, developed through the support of Awards for All from the Big Lottery and UnLtd. Available on the Android platform, it is currently being developed for cross-platform use. Andy Nugent, Director at Ravensoft, commented: 'We were very pleased to be approached by AEP to develop the app. We think this app will be an incredibly useful resource to many people and look forward to further developing it to include events all across the UK.' Mickey Fellowes, executive director at AEP, added: 'We chose to work with Ravensoft because they immediately recognised how important an app like this could be. The app has gone far beyond what we hoped to achieve. It has given us the potential to reach far more people, particularly those who don’t use computers. Our overall company strategy is to offer people with access needs an easy to use central service for them to find social and community events that meet their needs. The app does this beautifully – it works better than the website – and we are now looking at re-working the website to offer similar functionality to the app.' As well as working with clients such as Adidas, Imerja, Atkins, i-Toc and Shozu, Ravensoft works with a number of creative agencies on a white label basis and is based at Manchester Science Park. Pictured: A screenshot from the Accessible Event Promotions (AEP) app, developed by Ravensoft. |
Entrepreneurs return to LIP
| Liverpool: Thursday, 24th November 2011 Start-up 3D visualisation firm Fhog Media and engineer recruitment specialists Charles Francis Cooper have returned to Liverpool Innovation Park after almost two years away. Fhog Media, headed up by entrepreneurs Gary O'Grady and John Ferry, set up the new venture specialising in 3D visuals for the property and games industries after striking out alone from successful 3D design studio, Evolve Productions. MD of engineer recruitment specialists, Charles Frances Cooper, Rob O'Keane returned to LIP after moving out 18 months ago when the company occupied one of the New Business Incubators. Speaking of his return to a 101 square foot unit in LIP, Rob said: 'After working from home for a while, I missed the buzz of being surrounded by other companies. Liverpool Innovation Park provides an excellent business hub to enable growth for small businesses like mine.' Fhog Media's, John Ferry, who has also moved into a 101 square foot unit in Baird House, agrees: 'When we set up Fhog Media after moving from Evolve Productions, Liverpool Innovation Park was the natural choice. We were impressed, not only with the price, but the reception area and meeting pods, making it the ideal place to wow our clients.' Dr Mark Tock, Innovation Manager at Liverpool Innovation Park, pointed out the park's flexible offering as one of the reasons businesses are interested in moving there. He said: 'Both Fhog Media and Charles Francis Cooper saw the potential to expand hassle-free and on flexible terms as a major plus point. In addition, our newly refurbished main reception, networking hub and café enable businesses to meet each other and hold meetings within an informal business environment. The return of both companies reaffirms our vision for the Innovation Park as an open innovation campus in which knowledge-based companies can grow with support from proactive Park management and a bustling community of collaborative IT-intensive businesses.' Liverpool Innovation Park, which includes Wavertree Technology Park, forms a key component of Merseyside's knowledge economy. Tenants are offered a range of property solutions suitable for every stage of the company life cycle from 101 square foot modules to the 80,000 square foot building-to-development plots. Liverpool Innovation Park is operated by Space North West, a joint venture between Ashtenne Industrial Fund and the Homes and Communities Agency. Liverpool Innovation Park was part funded by the European Regional Development Agency (ERDF). For more information about Liverpool Innovation Park call 01512614665 or visit www.liverpoolinnovationpark.com |
Knowledge transfer for Personal Audit Systems Ltd
Manchester: Wednesday, 23rd November 2011 Manchester Science Parks-based Personal Audit Systems (PAS) Ltd, a market-leading benefits and expenses software provider, has undertaken a Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) with Manchester Business School in order to design, develop and implement a web-hosted service platform for its P11D software.PAS Ltd's P11D software enables companies to report to HMRC the benefits and expense payments made to employees that aren't put through payroll, saving HR and accounting teams time and money. The project was lead by Dr Ilias Petrounias, a senior lecturer in Business and Competitive Intelligence at Manchester Business School and, as a result of the research and implementation, PAS Ltd's clients no longer have to commit any internal technology resource or hardware when using the software, they simply access the P11D application via a web browser. This is the second KTP project the company has undertaken with Manchester Business School. Matthew Beech, Managing Director, at PAS Ltd, commented: 'After our last positive experience of working on a KTP with Manchester Business School, we knew it would be an excellent way of moving our services to a 'software-as-a-service' model that would make it even easier to use for our customers. The KTP process enabled us to gather valuable intelligence on the performance of our web presence by working with Manchester Business School on analysing web data. By doing this, and implementing the results, we've developed a service with a level of sophistication that none of our competitors can rival. We are now the only P11D software provider to offer a web-hosted solution to benefits and expenses reporting, which has resulted in a 20% decrease in our support requirement and greater market share, increasing both sales and profits.' www.p11dorganiser.co.uk |
Cobbetts launches first innovation hub at msp
Manchester: Wednesday, 23rd November 2011 Leading law firm Cobbetts LLP has launched its first innovation hub at Manchester Science Park. The firm is looking to embed itself within Manchester's 'Knowledge Quarter' by taking a hands-on approach to understanding the needs of innovation-led businesses and becoming active members of the science park community.Paul Johnson, Partner at Cobbetts, said: 'Locating at msp confirms our commitment to working with companies who will help drive the region's recovery. There are legal issues common to every business, and quality legal advice in all areas is essential. However, knowledge-intensive companies have a very specific set of challenges, including IP and new media, and it is vital to the success of these companies that they have the benefit of innovative advice in these areas. msp acts as a hub for the science and technology community in Manchester, in part by providing free business support to its tenants. We are aligning ourselves with msp's objective of helping its tenants grow by running seminars, drop-in sessions and generally being on hand to provide the legal guidance and advice essential to growing businesses.' Lynne Barlow, commercial director at msp, added: 'Having a law firm like Cobbetts choose to base its first satellite office here is a real coup for msp and our tenants. We look forward to supporting the firm in building its profile within the msp community.' |
Unlimited Potential wins Innovation Award
Manchester: Wednesday, 23rd November 2011 Salford Innovation Park-based social enterprise Unlimited Potential won the Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce Innovation Award at the Manchester Innovation Summit held at the Museum of Science and Industry on Friday 7th October.Chris Dabbs, chief executive of Unlimited Potential, said of the award: 'We are incredibly proud that the collective achievements by the board and all members of staff at Unlimited Potential have been recognised. We are inspired by the tradition of change, and hopefully we are seeing a change in how social enterprises are perceived. This award recognises and gives weight to the fact that we are a credible business to be judged against other businesses – not just charities or 'third sector' organisations. We have ambitious plans for development and over the next couple of years will be diversifying commercially and geographically in fields that produce social, economic and environmental value.' UK Fast, the hosting solutions and cloud service provider, was a co-winner of the award. Greater Manchester Chief Executive, Clive Memmott, said: 'This was a great chance to receive acclaim as an innovator, be recognised by your industry peers and stand out from the crowd. We had some very strong entries this year, hence the decision to announce two winners. I'm delighted for both businesses.' www.unlimitedpotential.org.uk Pictured: Chris Dabbs, chief executive of Unlimited Potential. |
University of Warwick Science Park news
Coventry: Wednesday, 23rd November 2011 A spin-off company from the University of Warwick is taking on the global giants of fingerprint matching with its scientific breakthrough. In just five years, Warwick Warp has established itself as a world-leader in fingerprint recognition and is now looking to build on its international standing by expanding into East Asia.The technology developed by its team of specialists based at the University of Warwick Science Park's Venture Centre in Coventry accurately and quickly matches the lowest quality fingerprints. Dr Li Wang, Professor Roland Wilson and Dr Abhir Bhalerao, who founded the company in 2006, created a mathematical solution to overcome distortions such as cuts and scars. Their advancement significantly improves the chances of a successful match to help reduce costs and consequences for organisations using fingerprint matching, including police at scenes of crime and immigration at border control. The technology, which could also be applied to facial recognition, has won awards for its accuracy from the National Institute for Science & Technology. Dr Wang, CEO of Warwick Warp, said: 'We spent the first three years developing the underlying technology and then started to commercialise the product, working with companies to bring it to market. We are very excited about the potential and our focus now is to bring our commercial ranking in line with our technological ranking of third best in the world, whilst continuing to develop and improve our products. We have experienced a massive growth in a very short space of time and being at the Venture Centre has played a significant part in our development. We have close ties with the University of Warwick and, in particular, the Department of Computer Science and so it has been extremely helpful to be on their doorstep. Being here has also provided us with a range of very valuable services such as help with raising private and government investment, marketing and general business advice which is crucial for a technology start-up.' Warwick Warp has developed partners and customers in the UK, Europe, USA, India and China, where it has recently opened an office to tap into the rapidly-expanding and lucrative East Asian market. In the UK, for instance, the company has developed a workforce management system for 60 construction sites which uses the technology for controlling access and monitoring working hours. Dr Wang, who heads up a team of seven at the Venture Centre in Sir William Lyons Road, said: 'It is a hugely competitive market worth billions of US dollars. We are a small fish in a big sea and yet we are competing with global giants with far greater resources than us. We are very proud of what we have achieved. We've developed good technology which the market wants and it's a winning formula.' Karen Aston, manager of the Venture Centre, said: 'As a fledgling company, Warwick Warp has made significant strides, establishing itself as a global player in an extremely competitive market due to the products that it has developed. We are delighted with the international success that it has achieved from the Venture Centre, which provides starter space and additional support for new technology companies.' Pictured (L-R): Dr Li Wang and Professor Roland Wilson from Warwick Warp, Karen Aston, manager of the University of Warwick Science Park's Venture Centre. |
Euprotec graduates onto Manchester Science Park
Manchester: Tuesday, 22nd November 2011 Specialty contract research organisation Euprotec Ltd has moved into purpose-built offices and laboratory space at Manchester Science Park's Corridor site after strong business growth required a graduation from current premises at UMIC.Euprotec works with biotech and large pharmaceutical companies across the world to accelerate the discovery and development of new and improved medicines to treat life-threatening infections and respiratory diseases, including those caused by multi-drug resistant bacteria and so-called 'superbugs'. Dr Lloyd Payne, CEO at Euprotec, said of the decision to relocate to Manchester Science Park: 'We have always aspired to move to larger, purpose built facilities and msp provided an excellent opportunity for us to do so. For a fast growing business such as ours, it is an important natural progression to 'graduate' from the incubator at UMIC and move to our own dedicated space with potential for further expansion. Euprotec is in an exciting phase of growth and our success means we are in a position where, having benefitted from the support of the incubator facility, we have become less reliant on its services. We believe that our clients will benefit greatly from our relocation due to the additional important services we now offer as well as continued access to the university and biomedical networks that msp provides.' Euprotec was established in 2008 and is experiencing strong growth with an increasing global presence. Since incorporation, it has established itself as an industry-leading organisation due to the high level of expertise within the company, as well as the extensive and innovative portfolio of services it offers. Underpinning its range of services is Euprotec's vast collection of medically important bacteria and fungi which is used to determine how a new drug works and its potential for the treatment of emerging multi-drug resistant infections. Lynne Barlow, Commercial Director at msp, added: 'Euprotec was borne out of experience and internationally recognised expertise in its field and we are especially pleased to have them as a tenant. We are confident that the business support services and contacts msp provides will be of value to the company as it continues to grow.' Euprotec now occupies space on msp's Corridor site, on a multi-year lease. www.euprotec.com Pictured: Pathogenic bacteria growing on agar plates. |
Enterprise from innovation
Norwich: Tuesday, 22nd November 2011 An intelligent prescription support system, a smart device that ensures valuable samples for clinical trials arrive in peak condition, a drug detection device that uniquely links the specimen to the person, and a method of providing scientific evidence for a new generation of medicines were all presented to angel investors at an event designed to show the technologies and business opportunities emerging from Norwich Research Park.Angel investors were invited to the launch of VENTA, a new initiative supported by the Cambridge Capital Group, which aims to encourage potential high-growth, early-stage companies to set up and flourish on the Norwich Research Park. Four science-based companies were selected to present to a group of 40 investors and professional advisers at the event hosted at the NRP Innovation Centre. Walter Herriot, chair of Norwich Research Park's Enterprise from Innovation Board, said: 'The Norwich Research Park is a world-leading centre for research in areas such as food, diet and health, and plant science, with the wider environmental expertise in earth and life systems. The focus over the next ten years is to create new jobs by maximising the commercial potential of this intellectual property and attracting inward investment.' Attracting new companies to the Park that can exploit opportunities, such as those offered by The Genome Analysis Centre with its state-of-the art equipment and expertise, will bring value to the entire proposition. One of the companies invited to present is Trillion Genomics. The company has developed an imaging technology that can be used to gain more information about the metabolic pathways in the human body. Although many foods, such as tomatoes and broccoli, are known to contain beneficial nutrients that could be used to prevent the progression of some diseases, it is difficult to identify how they work in the body. This lack of scientific understanding and evidence is a major obstacle to developing medicines based on food-derived products. Trillion's technology has the potential to provide this vital scientific proof. The Norwich Research Park is famed for its work in developing foods with enhanced nutritional values. Attracting companies with technologies that offer new ways to exploit this research has the potential to open up exciting new commercial opportunities. Other companies presenting are home grown. For example, Intelligent Fingerprinting has a technology which can detect traces of drugs in the sweat on a person's fingerprint. This was developed within the University of East Anglia (UEA) and spun-out as a company. Helen Lewis, Director of Research and Enterprise Services, UEA, said: 'The University is working hard to support academics – and indeed our students – in developing their own businesses to put into practice the research and innovation under way on campus. Intelligent Fingerprinting has already excited a good deal of interest and is an excellent example of the sort of enterprise activity which we hope to continue to foster. The recently announced establishment of an NRP Enterprise Centre will help us encourage and develop further business opportunities.' George Freeman, MP for Mid-Norfolk, said at the event: 'I was delighted to be invited to speak at the Norwich Research Park's Investor Day. The NRP is the perfect location for new and expanding science, technology and research businesses and I have long been a vocal supporter of the world class excellence to be found in Norfolk science. Back in Westminster I am constantly beating the drum for the UK's science. In the face of a rapidly rising world population and the approaching food and energy challenge, with our expertise in food and agricultural science we have the potential to be global leaders in these two exciting sectors. The UK's Life Sciences have a huge role to play in the country's Growth Strategy and it was a privilege to be able come to the NRP today to speak with angel Investors about the exciting opportunities available.' Angel investors are often individuals who have successfully grown their own companies and are passionate about helping to bootstrap other entrepreneurs. They bring funding but also a wealth of expertise and contacts. Struan McDougall, Chief Executive of the Cambridge Capital Group (CCG), explained: 'Members of CCG are committed to backing the best high-potential technology businesses from the region. VENTA provides the opportunity for science-based businesses to receive valuable feedback from the investor community and for investors to discover the exciting prospects coming out of the East of England.' John Irving, the event organiser, says: 'We are delighted to showcase some of the Norwich Research Park partners and tenants to business angels from the Cambridge Capital Group today, and we see this as the first in a growing programme of engagement with the business investment community.' Pictured (L-R): Jerry Walker from Intelligent Fingerprinting, George Freeman MP and John Irving from Norwich Research Park. |
University spin-out sets up in Kent
| Sittingbourne: Tuesday, 22nd November 2011 ToxiMet, a spin-out company from the University of Greenwich, moved to Kent Science Park in September after their successful development work led to them needing a bigger workspace. Founded by Professor Raymond Coker in 2005, ToxiMet is on course to be a major player in the multi-billion dollar food safety testing industry. The ToxiMet T System is the first product that's in development and will be used to accurately measure the levels of mycotoxins present in selected foods, in order to reduce the impact of these potent fungal toxins on human and animal health, and to satisfy stringent regulatory and trade specifications. Paul Comyn, ToxiMet's Chief Financial Officer, said: 'We are thrilled that ToxiMet has reached the size in our development to warrant relocating to more specialist premises and Kent Science Park was the ideal location, due to its experience at hosting scientific businesses that require tailored laboratory space. We hope that 2012 will be a very successful year for ToxiMet and will offer us the opportunity to grow even further.' James Speck, Site Director at Kent Science Park, said: 'We re pleased to welcome ToxiMet on site at Kent Science Park. They are a rapidly growing business that will surely thrive in 2012 and beyond. The fact that they are a spin-out company from the University of Greenwich is especially significant for us, as it further cements our links with local universities and continues to establish us as the home for developing businesses in the area.' |
Kent company aims to clean up in the north
Sittingbourne: Monday, 21st November 2011 Ecologia Environmental, the expert in pioneering land remediation techniques, has just opened a new office in Barnsley, South Yorkshire, the company's 4th office in the UK. Ecologia has based its headquarters at Kent Science Park since it was founded in 2000, and has established the Yorkshire office as part of its strategy to improve geographical coverage and provide a more efficient service to their existing clients in the region.The new base will be managed by Leigh Anne Cammack, who has spent several years working as a senior project manager for Ecologia at their KSP headquarters. The company has also employed a new project manager, Michelle Gwynne, at its Stafford office. MD Giacomo Maini said: '2010 and 2011 were both exceptional years for Ecologia and we expect this to continue into 2012. We are absolutely thrilled to be opening up this new office which will allow us to offer a significantly improved service to our clients in the North of the country. I'm also very pleased for Leigh Anne. She is an exceptional project manager and I am confident that she will continue to do a superb job coordinating our new staff operations in the North, as I'm sure Michelle will fit straight in with our team in Stafford. Of course, this doesn't mean that our focus is shifting away from the Kent area – in fact we have just won two major contracts performing a comprehensive geo-environmental site investigation for potential large developments in the county, which we're all extremely excited about.' Pictured: Ecologia technicians working on a remediation project. |