News
Park Sets Course To Better Connect With Universities
05 October 2009
Kent Science Park, near Sittingbourne, has reaffirmed its commitment to being at the heart of the South East’s knowledge-based economy by strengthening ties with both national and regional universities, following the appointment of Richard Wheeler.
Richard joins Kent Science Park at a time when optimism is running high after last week’s decision by Swale Borough Council to grant permission to extend the Park beyond the existing fence by four hectares and create room for a further 500 much-needed new jobs. The planning decision also gives LaSalle Investment Management, the Park’s managers, the green light to develop up to 12,000m2 (129,170ft2) of business floorspace, as well as a further two Technology Units.
A key element of Richard’s role as Head of Business Development & Regional Liaison, will be to build upon the Park’s existing relationships with universities and colleges in order to better connect business with academia and ensure that current and future tenants have access to the right expertise, research and state of the art facilities.
The Park’s managers also believe that the universities, many of whom are looking to spin-out commercial businesses from their science-based departments, would benefit from relocating their fledgling companies to the Park where they can operate among the existing cluster of technology-based businesses.
Commenting on his appointment, Richard Wheeler said: “The Park is at a very interesting place in its development and the planning permission is just the boost needed to go out and attract new companies and forge new relationship with academia and business.”
James Speck, Site Director added: “Increasingly in the current climate businesses are looking to collaborate, rather than compete, and through Richard’s contacts, knowledge and experience, the Park will be linking more like-minded scientific businesses together for the benefit of those companies already here and the wider Kent economy.”
Prior to joining Kent Science Park, Richard was responsible for establishing the Nucleus innovation centre and Science Park at The Bridge, the mixed-use joint venture between Dartford Borough Council and ProLogis. Richard has previously also directed multi-million pound grant funded business, innovation and enterprise projects in the Thames Gateway. He has worked with universities for over 13 years, managing their income generation, consultancy activities and business funded research.
Email to A FriendPrint this Page
