Birmingham Research Park

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Partners

Birmingham Research Park is managed by University of Birmingham Enterprise Ltd, a wholly-owned subsidiary of the University of Birmingham. https://www.birminghamresearchpark.co.uk/

History and Objectives

The Research Park was established in 1986 as a location for new research led companies wishing to work with the University of Birmingham. Today the Park is a thriving and vibrant community enabling companies to gain competitive advantage from access to the world-class knowledge base and market opportunities provided by the University of Birmingham and the Queen Elizabeth Hospital. This unique position makes the Research Park the best location in Birmingham for young ‘high growth’ companies that need access to both the best research minds and the biggest markets in this part of the UK. The principle aim of the Research Park is to provide the right resources and environment for companies to flourish. Past occupiers have built successful businesses based upon the University’s own reputation in biotechnology, computer systems, medical diagnostics and scientific instruments.

For those in the medical field, the Park is located at the hub of research activity within the Edgbaston Medical Quarter. The Queen Elizabeth Hospital and the University of Birmingham’s College of Medical and Dental Sciences are adjacent to the Park, giving the opportunity to access key personnel and markets for your products or services. A new Institute of Translational Medicine and Life Sciences Campus are currently under development close by.

The Research Park is at the heart of one of the most significant opportunities for public and private investment around the medical and healthcare sector outside London.

A full list of Birmingham Research Park tenant companies is located here: https://www.birminghamresearchpark.co.uk/the-tenant-community/

Accommodation and Facilities

Birmingham Research Park provides a range of secure high quality office accommodation on competitive and flexible terms. The Park benefits from it’s own high speed internet network, secure car parking, 24 hour access, CCTV, and hybrid meeting room facilities.

Office units start from 32 sqm and are provided with heating, lighting and single-phase power.  Gas, mains water, three-phase electricity are also available. Flexible lease options and short-term licences are available to ensure occupiers’ requirements are met.  A service charge is also payable to cover on-site management, security, reception services and maintenance to all common areas.

Tenants of Birmingham Research Park also receive OBN Full Membership on a complimentary basis though the sites umbrella membership, which gives access to a purchasing consortium and a range of networking events. https://www.obn.org.uk/

The BioHub, Birmingham® 

The BioHub, Birmingham® is a fully serviced biomedical laboratory specifically designed to provide entrepreneurs and innovative start-ups with access to affordable, shared laboratory facilities and equipment. It is the first purpose-built facility of its kind in the UK. For an inclusive price, companies can take a workstation in the fully serviced laboratory and a desk in a vibrant innovation office and receive the support of a dedicated laboratory management team.  https://www.birminghamresearchpark.co.uk/biohub/

The Birmingham Biomedical Innovation Hub is part funded by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF)

Unit 9 Health Tech Incubator

The Unit 9 Med Tech Incubator is a unique facility that supports high potential med tech companies who are looking to develop new devices, medicines, procedures, or systems to solve a health problem and improve quality of life.

Unit 9 alleviates a short-term lack of appropriate space in the region, and the requirement for initial capital equipment funding which is a significant barrier to entry for start-ups. The project directly supports the aspiration of the region to lead in innovation and creativity and to create stronger conditions for growth.

Unit 9 is a pilot project which, if successful, may help build a case for further med-tech space and facilities in the region. Facilities for cell culture or microbiology work are available at the adjacent Biohub, Birmingham® building.

Unit 9 is a collaboration between University of Birmingham Enterprise and Greater Birmingham and Solihull Local Enterprise Partnership with support from the West Midlands Combined Authority

BizzInn – Business Incubator

The BizzInn provides a unique business incubation facility that accelerates the growth of companies exploring ideas in Life and Health Sciences, and hi-tech sectors.  At the BizzInn, entrepreneurs, start-up companies and small businesses work alongside each other and have access to a wide range of support services, specialist facilities and shared experiences which help them to grow as fast as possible. In addition to providing hot desking, meeting rooms and specialist business advice, the incubator provides an open environment to share best practice, discuss challenges and network with other users.

BizzInn Benefits

• Free commercial office space for new eligible enterprises
• Wi-Fi and equipped workspace (hot desks, internet, meeting rooms) with 24/7 access
• Free parking
• Free business guidance
• Business meeting space adjacent to the University of Birmingham and within the Edgbaston Medical Quarter
• Access to finance, grants, loans, investors, and other business support organisations
• Further access to a wide range of support and advice from professional advisors and trade/cluster associations, e.g. in intellectual property, legal, finance

Virtual Tenancies

Birmingham Research Park’s Virtual Tenancy package is for early-stage companies who are not ready to commit to their own space, but who recognise the value of being part of the Park community. Virtual tenants benefit from the use of Birmingham Research Park as a business address, receipt of mail, and use of Park facilities including meeting rooms at preferential rates.

University of Birmingham Enterprise

The Birmingham Research Park is run by University of Birmingham Enterprise Ltd, the University of Birmingham’s technology transfer company, which is also located at the Research Park.  

University of Birmingham Enterprise helps researchers turn their ideas into new services, products and enterprises that meet real-world needs, supports innovators and entrepreneurs with mentoring, advice, and training and manages the University’s Academic Consultancy Service, which connects external organisations with academic and research expertise.

University Facilities

Birmingham Research Park Tenants have the opportunity to access The University of Birmingham’s facilities and world-class expertise in medicine, engineering and science. More than 3,000 academic staff in 5 colleges constitutes an enormous resource of expertise allied to laboratories, equipment and facilities of the highest standards.

Companies located at Birmingham Research Park are integrated within a vibrant and diverse network of businesses, researchers and the wider University of Birmingham research community.  The College of Medical and Dental Sciences is at the forefront of medical and dentistry research and we have one of the largest academic trust-based ‘super hospitals’ in the world a stone’s throw from the Research Park.

Company staff based at Birmingham Research Park are offered access to the University of Birmingham’s outstanding campus and key facilities including a range of shops, sports facilities, libraries, arts facilities, restaurants and access to open events.

Business Support

A wide range of business support is available to occupiers of Birmingham Research Park.  The University of Birmingham Enterprise team are well connected with professionals who can advise on intellectual property issues, patent applications and access to finance. The team also sign-post to other support agencies and the Local Authority to access a variety of funded support. Advice on how to access collaborative funding with the academic community, particularly in areas such as European funding and funding from UK Research Councils is also available. https://www.birmingham.ac.uk/partners/enterprise/index.aspx

Location

Birmingham Research Park has an enviable location in Edgbaston, approximately 2 miles from Birmingham City Centre and adjacent to both the University of Birmingham’s main campus and the new Queen Elizabeth Hospital.  The Park also benefits from being a two minute walk from the University train station, with a frequent local rail service to Birmingham New Street and the City’s central business and shopping areas. Birmingham is at the heart of the UK’s motorway network and both the National Exhibition Centre and Birmingham International Airport are within easy reach.