The United Kingdom Science Park Association (UKSPA) is pleased to announce a number of changes to the UKSPA Board. Following the end of John Leake’s tenure as UKSPA Chair, Sally Basker, formerly UKSPA Vice Chair, now takes over the position of Chair. Grant Bourhill now becomes the UKSPA Vice Chair. Aaron Hunter, previously an Early Career Professional Board Observer becomes Honorary Treasurer.
Also announced at the Annual General Meeting were the appointments of Angie Reynolds, COO of University of Birmingham Enterprise ltd as UKSPA Company Secretary, Caroline Fleming, Innovation Director of Surrey Research Park and Jane Hutchins, Director of Cambridge Science Park as Board Directors.
Sally thanked the outgoing Chair, John Leake for his support and contribution to UKSPA over the past 6 years. Thanks also went to Ian McFazden, Jo Stevens and Glenn Crocker who have also stepped down from the board.
Speaking after the announcement, James Chaffer, Chief Executive, UKSPA said ‘’ I am delighted to welcome Angie, Caroline and Jane to the UKSPA Board. They bring with them a wealth of knowledge and experience in the science and technology innovation support. Not only that, but they enable us to achieve a long-held ambition to reach gender parity at Board level’’.
Following their appointments, Angie Reynolds said “I’m so pleased and honoured be joining the UKSPA Board. I’m committed to the mission of the Association and can’t wait to work with the rest of the Board to continue generating opportunity for the membership through the power of collaboration. Thank you to those who nominated and voted for me.”
Caroline Fleming commented “I am delighted to have been selected to join the UKSPA board. I think it is important that UKSPA can represent university science/research parks and champion the investment opportunities they hold and the national value of the ecosystems they are at the core of, and I am passionate about offering my support for this endeavour. Using my background in supporting technology start-up growth, this board position will allow me to help shape best practice for science/research parks operation and development, making them perfect places for innovative companies to establish and scale.”
Jane Hutchins said “This is a time of fast-moving change in the world of innovation. Government is also strongly focussed on the economic benefits of the world leading UK STEM sector. It is exciting for us to be in the vanguard of change, but the opportunities for science parks come with significant challenges: fast-changing workplace requirements, community inclusion and sustainability, to name just a few. Throughout my years working in the science park sector, I have benefited greatly from the insights and camaraderie of the UKSPA membership. It is an honour to have been elected to serve on the board and I look forward to helping shape the strategies and governance to take UKSPA, its members and the innovators we host into a bright future together.”
Founded in 1984 UKSPA supports, promotes, represents and encourages the continued growth of Science Parks, Technology Incubators, Innovation Centres and other Innovation locations and Areas of Innovations.
