The United Kingdom Science Park Association (UKSPA) is pleased to announce the appointment of three new Board Directors following its recent Annual General Meeting, which took place during the UKSPA Winter Conference at No.1 Circle Square, Manchester.
Announcing the appointments, UKSPA Chair John Leake welcomed Grant Bourhill, Chief Executive Officer, Surrey Research Park, Prashant Shah, Co-Chief Executive Officer and Co-founder of o2h group and Philip Macdonald, Managing Partner, Oberlanders Architects.
John also thanked the outgoing Directors, Vice Chair Professor Patrick Bonnett, Graham Hewson, Company Secretary and Honorary Treasurer and Business Affiliates Director Bob Cushing, for their hugely valuable contribution to the continuing growth of the Association.
Speaking after the announcement, James Chaffer, Chief Executive, UKSPA said ‘’ I am delighted to welcome Grant, Prashant and Philip to the UKSPA Board. They bring with them not only a wealth but also a broad cross-section of knowledge and experience in the science and technology innovation sector. This will prove invaluable in driving forward the continued development of UKSPA’s exciting ambitions and further enhance its key role within the UK innovation ecosystem’’.
Following their appointments, Grant Bourhill said “I am delighted to be joining the UKSPA Board. Science Parks are a critical component of the UK’s infrastructure and UKSPA is in a unique position to support local, regional and national economic growth, fuelled by innovation. I look forward to working with the rest of the Board in supporting James and the management team.”
Prashant Shah commented “The UKSPA organisation does incredible work in terms of knowledge sharing, ecosystem building and representation/advocacy. The UK science base is hugely important to the UK economy and it needs on-going proactive nurturing to compete with the best clusters in the world. I look forward to contributing to the work of the UKSPA Board.”
Philip Macdonald added, “Science, research and manufacturing are a vital part of the UK economy. Their importance is only going to continue to grow and intensify in the coming years. UKSPA play a pivotal role in representing the developers and operators of the critical facilities and infrastructure we need to sustain the sector. In turn, our Business Affiliate members, such as Oberlanders, have an important role in sharing our knowledge, experience and expertise. A collaborative and inclusive approach is essential. I am delighted to take on this role as Director and representative for our Business Affiliates. I look forward to representing and facilitating the contribution of all our Business Affiliates to support the Association and its members in the coming years.”
The recent Board departures have also resulted in two new Officers being appointed, with Rhian Hayward MBE, Chief Executive Officer, AberInnovation being appointed Vice-Chair, while Ian McFadzen, Chief Executive Officer, Plymouth Science Park has been appointed as the new Company Secretary and Honorary Treasurer.
The strategic direction of the Association is driven by the UKSPA Board alongside the Chief Executive, CLICK HERE to view the current list of Board Directors.
