Wilton Centre Part of Pioneer Group
One of Europe’s largest R&D sites, the Wilton Centre is ideally positioned for businesses working in circle economy, life science, sustainable processing and manufacturing technology.
Set within a 75-acre, beautifully landscaped park, and home to the CPI and Fujifilm, the expansive site is adjacent to Wilton International, within the freeport and sits in the heart of the North-East of England Process Industry Cluster.
The Wilton Centre has contemporary office and lab spaces available for rent in North Yorkshire, ideally suited to growing businesses seeking to harness the region’s legacy knowledge to create sustainable manufacturing practices for the biotech products of the future, as well as circular economy solutions for the petrochemical products of the past.
Community
Entrepreneurs, investors, experts, academics, industries, and associations come together at Pioneer Group. Creating a UK-wide business collective.
We surround businesses with people who share a common goal with us and with each other – to help science entrepreneurs tackle global challenges. Individuals with diverse expertise, experience and resources who can open the doors, make the introductions and identify the opportunities; that help businesses grow.
Allowing even the smallest of ventures to be part of, and do something, big.
Venture Building
Not just for start-ups and spin-offs, Pioneer Group coaches entrepreneurialism at every stage from idea to exit. We help businesses get off the ground and continue to grow, entrepreneurially via the Pioneer Group Accelerator Programme.
After working with Alex Osterwalder, the originator of the Lean Methodology, Pioneer took the principals of Lean Start-up and applied a framework of commercial science to create evidence-based entrepreneurship specific to those wanting to turn their science into business.
Pioneer runs Accelerators throughout the year across our locations and in partnership with other organisations, including AHSN, AbbVie and Astellas.
Despite this, we focus on the quality, rather than quantity of applicants, awarding a limited number of places only to entrepreneurs and ideas we think can ‘make it’. Those entrepreneurs who successfully secure a place work closely with our coaches in an intensive eight-week programme specifically designed to help scientific entrepreneurs launch and grow sustainable businesses from their science.
Investment
The idea is just the start. Turning that idea into something that will impact people’s lives can be a long and challenging process. Pioneer are here from the beginning and have been for nearly 20 years, bringing our hands-on, tailored approach to getting your business off to the best possible start.
We operate several funds that invest in young businesses and specialise in pre-seed and seed funding. We like to get involved early. Pioneer Group provides vital life sciences investment and funding primarily to companies that we have worked with through our Accelerator Programme or with companies based at our sites across the UK. That way, we get to know the people, technology and business well before investing.
Expert Network
Part of Pioneer Group, the Expert Network are altruistic individuals our entrepreneurs can call upon for help. They are leaders of industry, working at the highest levels in the areas of commercial science (regulatory, safety and toxicology, finance, legal, acquisition etc.) that life science entrepreneurs will tackle at some point.
The Expert Network give their time, share their knowledge and offer guidance at the crucial moments, when getting it right, really matters.
Laboratory, office and coworking spaces
Wilton Centre provides over 90 first-rate, well-equipped laboratories, of varying sizes, with a total area of 86,000 square feet they are fully serviced and ready for immediate occupation. Experienced staff, with an in-depth knowledge of laboratory operations and procedures, are able to assist in the design, build and operation of laboratories. Skilled technicians maintain the services and equipment and there is a wealth of information available on procedures, training and health & safety.
Pilot Plant and Scale-up
Pilot plants, experimental rigs, machine testing and light industrial activity can be accommodated at Wilton Centre. The specialised and industrial buildings in the Technical Development Area (TDA) provide ideal space and conditions to meet most requirements. Access to professional safety advice, chemical analysis, project design and construction is also available.
Shared facilities:
- 24 Hour secure access
- ICT support
- Help desk
- Gym
- Gardens
- Café and restaurant
- Electric car charging
- Meeting rooms
- Lake