Innovation into Success

MAY 2007 3

contentsThe United Kingdom Science Park Association, Chesterford Research Park, Little Chesterford, Essex CB10 1XL T: 01799 532050 | F: 01799 532049 | info@ukspa.org.uk | www.ukspa.org.ukEDITOR Anthony Woodburn | 01625 667541 | anthony.woodburn@tenalpspublishing.com RESEARCH Chris Simms | 0161 838 2537 | chris.simms@tenalpspublishing.com SALES MANAGER SALES EXECUTIVE

Katy Brown | 0161 832 6000 | katy.brown@tenalpspublishing.com Darren Brownsword | 0161 832 6000 | darren.brownsword@tenalpspublishing.com

NEWS

INTERNATIONAL

REGIONAL

4 5 6 7 10 14 15 16 28 35

Sunderland host UKSPA Glass business designed for success Squirreling away at Tamar Science Park Tetricus pioneer groundbreaking technologies Surreys drive for efficiency Aberdeen works to improve environment WheelRight keep up the pressure Coventry hub is designed for life CELS unite forces in healthcare provision UKSPA Conference and Awards 2007

8 9

Latvian boost for science and innovation Qatar sows seeds of success

North West29 30 Boom time for North West biomedical cluster Winning business in Manchester Liverpool focus on knowledge Daresburys global attraction

FEATURES

32 11 13 17 Science parks: Evolving investment opportunities? Science park development: Designs to stimulate innovation Knowledge Transfer Networks: Cenex drive for green technology New trends in the science park sector: Beyond property and process Access to finance: Painful pitching and the power of communication Intellectual Property: Trade marks key to business success Laser technology: Innovation in the photon age Joint forces exploit nanotechnology 33

East of England39 41 43 45 47 East of England the perfect location for innovation? Babraham remain true to the cause Chesterford off to a flyer Cranfield building on success ERBI: Biotechnology in Cambridge

18

23

25

49 53

14

Aberdeen improvement works

53

Exploiting nanotechnology

39

The perfect location for innovation?

Whilst every care has been taken in compiling the information contained in this journal, UKSPA accepts no liability for any errors or omissions contained within. UKSPA 2007. Published by Ten Alps Publishing. May 2007. All rights reserved. No part of Innovation Into Success may be reproduced by any means, or translated into a machine language without the written permission of the copyright holder. (TCP) May 2007.

4 MAY 2007

Chairmans Comment

Setting standards in delivery and contentTHE FIRST UKSPA CONFERENCE IN EDINBURGH AT THE BEGINNING OF FEBRUARY HAS UNDOUBTEDLY SET A NEW STANDARD BOTH IN DELIVERY AND CONTENT FOR OUR ASSOCIATION, SAYS UKSPA CHAIRMAN NIGEL SHAW FROM THE networking buffet on Wednesday evening to the last presentation on Friday afternoon I was thrilled by the buzz that continued through the two-day event. If you missed it, please do take a look at the report inside this issue (starting on page 36). Additional content, including the conference papers, is also available on the UKSPA website. Thank you to everyone who took part in making this event such a overwhelming success. In March, around 20 UKSPA members, and other interested organisations managing technology-based incubators and innovation centres, met at St Johns Innovation Centre to discuss the early stages of science and technology business growth. The meeting centred on what role UKSPA could play in developing services for those looking to develop good practice in early stage acceleration and the support of this kind of business. At our recent Board meeting we discussed the feedback from this meeting and agreed that the future UKSPA approach should be to ensure that our members meetings include items of interest to those involved in business acceleration. A new focus group is set to discuss this at the next members meeting in Sunderland (see article this page). Meanwhile, we are about to compile our annual statistics and this time I think that we all need to make a concerted effort to get the facts collated in good time. The statistics paint a very valuable picture of what is happening within the science park movement and returns in recent years could be described as somewhat patchy. However, the online collation of data has improved the ease of returning information and the UKSPA Executive has been charged with ensuring the return ratio is much improved this year. And lastly, a word of thanks to our sponsors. Both CUH2A and Natwest have continued to sponsor the Association and we have all benefited from their support. The Board has just agreed the budget for next year and with a gap between our subscription income and basic expenditure of some 60,000, it does show how vital our corporate sponsors are in keeping our subscriptions affordable and our events and membership support professional. I believe that future looks bright for UKSPA and all of its diverse membership, and the Conference showed that our Association is thriving as never before. I look forward to meeting you all again in Sunderland.

Sunderland

plays host

SUNDERLAND SCIENCE PARK HAS BEEN CHOSEN TO HOST THE UKSPA MEMBERS MEETING ON MAY 17-18 2007 THE PROGRAMME will include the meeting itself, to be held at the University of Sunderlands 50m St Peters Gate Campus, a gala dinner on the Thursday evening at nearby 600 year-old Lumley Castle, and a cultural visit to the citys National Glass Centre on the Friday afternoon. Around 100 delegates from across the UK are expected to attend, the majority of whom will be senior managers of other science parks. David Howell, Director of Operations at the BIC, said: The Science Park has played a key role in the development of Sunderland over the past eight years. Playing host to the meeting will allow the delegates to experience our facilities and see first hand the impact theyve had on the city . Sunderland Science Park was developed in 1999 as the result of the success of the North East Business and Innovation Centre (BIC). Science Park status was achieved following a joint bid by the City of Sunderland, the North East BIC and the University of Sunderland. Existing city-wide facilities including the BIC have been continually developed and new centres such as St Peters Gate have helped to further encourage the growth of high technology companies in the city, offering a wide range of support services for businesses, as well quality accommodation. Since opening in 1994, the North East BIC has helped to create more than 6,000 jobs in the region, and is currently home to more than 160 businesses.

The North East BIC, viewed from the River Wear

Members News????????????????? NEWS

MAY 2007 5

Glass businessJESSAMY KELLY AND JOANNE MITCHELL ARE EXPANDING THEIR BUSINESS, JUO, WITH HELP FROM THE NORTH EAST BUSINESS AND INNOVATION CENTRE (BIC) Designers Jessamy and Joanne (both 28), who operate from a studio in the National Glass Centre, design contemporary fused glassware products such as panels, giftware, lighting and tableware. Launched last year, the business was recently named overall winner of the University of Sunderlands Blueprint Business Planning Awards. Using this success as a launch pad, the firm has expanded rapidly and boasts a prestigious client portfolio which includes Durham University and Mslexia Publications. Joanne said: Since establishing, the business has gone from strength to strength and our sales have exceeded predicated levels by more than 30%.The forthcoming exhibition is a great opportunity for us to showcase our range of designs to key decision makers from leading high street stores.

designed for success

Amelia Pearce (left) of the North East BIC reflects success with Jessamy Kelly (centre) and Joanne Mitchell of Juo

Over the past few weeks, the company has received specialist marketing support from the BICs business support team. Amelia Pearce of BIC said: Im not at all surprised by the success which Joanne

and Jessamy have achieved in such a short space of time. They are passionate and enthusiastic about what they do and deserve the success which they are currently enjoying.

Entrepreneurs catch the eyeThe North East Business and Innovation Centre (BIC) has also helped local optometrists Angela Henderson and Katrina Venerus, who have caught the eye of companies with a new service designed to help employees see more clearly. Angela and Katrina set up the Gosforth Eye Company earlier this year and have since expanded their services to include mobile provision for business customers, after they saw a gap in the market for door to door optometry services. Business on and off site has witnessed a spectacular increase and the new service has proven to be extremely popular with business customers as it offers the benefits of an on site vision screening package, which is supported by a full eye examination at the practice on Gosforth High Street, for clients who fail the test. Angela said: The inspiration for the mobile service came from trying to accommodate business customers finding it difficult to keep appointments due to work commitments. It also came from listening to clients who were unhappy with the level of service they had experienced from other high street opticians. After doing some market research, we decided to roll out the

Angela Henderson and Katrina Venerus (centre) with BIC business adviser Derek Dingwall

mobile service as the response was so positive. For further information, contact the BICs business support team on 0191 516 6145.

6 MAY 2007

Members News

Squirreling away atHOSPITAL PATIENTS AND CARE HOME RESIDENTS ARE SLEEPING BETTER AT NIGHT, THANKS TO A TAMAR SCIENCE PARK-BASED COMPANY WHICH IS TAKING THE MATTRESS INDUSTRY BY STORM SQUIRREL MEDICAL started up just two years ago and turned over 1 million last year. It is expanding at such a rate that it has moved from its backroom offices in Plympton to become part of the growing medical cluster at Tamar Science Park (TSP).The Squirrel team

Tamar Science Park

With its pressure-relieving mattresses, Squirrel Medical is fast becoming one of the worlds foremost pressure care companies, manufacturing and providing its products to care providers across the globe. It is providing its major competitors with a run for their money. By manufacturing its mattresses abroad, Squirrel Medical is able to provide consumers with a high quality product at a much lower price. Research and development is carried out at the new offices at TSP . Since moving into TSP Squirrel Medical ,

has hosted partners from France and Taiwan and has secured one of the largest orders for pressure relieving products ever placed by a national care home provider. It was greatly helped in this by the wealth of experience already amassed at the park with fellow professionals able to give advice on manufacturers in China Squirrel Medical currently exports to Switzerland, Holland and Ireland and is looking to expand into the Middle East. Operations Director Gary Baker said: We have been impressed with the

professionalism of the TSP team, coupled with infectious levels of motivation and general goodwill. Within hours, various TSP personnel were dropping in, wishing our success, sharing their expertise and, in several instances, substantially assisting the advancement of our business. TSP Chief Executive Nigel Halford said: Squirrel Medical is precisely the type of business Tamar Science Park was created for. It sits comfortably within the medical cluster and shows what benefits can be drawn from establishing links with other companies situated at the Park.

Support strategy paying offTamar Science Park is reporting more success in helping local firms grow increasing their workforces and turning over more business. Three resident businesses, advanced internet design company ICO3, IT experts Static Burst, and design and marketing firm Gusto Creative, have all upsized to bigger units at the Park recently. Gusto has created a completely new arm to the business, E-learning facility Sponge. Meanwhile, Static Burst, whose two Directors were recently jointly named Young Business Person of the Year at the Enterprising Plymouth Business Awards, have more than doubled their office space, moving from 1,213 sq ft to 2,808 sq ft. Commercial Manager at Tamar Science Park, Nina Sarlaka, said: This is all proof that the Park is truly a supportive environment for young and growing knowledge-based businesses. I am delighted that so many of our client companies are expanding and creating new opportunities for the benefit of the city and the region.

Nina Sarlaka, Commercial Manager at Tamar Science Park

Members News????????????????? NEWS

MAY 2007 7

Tetricus pioneer groundbreakingTHE TETRICUS BIOSCIENCE BUSINESS INCUBATOR IN WILTSHIRE HAS BECOME A LEADING CENTRE FOR THE COMMERCIAL DEVELOPMENT OF GROUNDBREAKING RAPID MICROBIOLOGICAL DETECTION TECHNOLOGIES THANKS TO ITS UNRIVALLED KNOWLEDGE NETWORK BASED AT Porton Down, Tetricus offers tenant companies access to the worldclass expertise of the adjacent Defence Science and Technology Laboratories (Dstl) and Health Protection Agency (HPA). It is closely involved with Ploughshare Innovations, a wholly owned subsidiary of Dstl, which was formed to commercialise defence technologies in non-defence markets. Ploughshare Innovations has spun out a number of companies to develop commercial applications for the rapid detection technologies used to counter the threat of biological warfare in the Gulf wars. Three of these are based at Tetricus Alaska Food Diagnostics, Acolyte Biomedica and Enigma Diagnostics where they have developed specialist microbiological testing technologies that offer important time-saving benefits to users. Alaska Food Diagnostics is helping to revolutionise food safety in the UK and international markets with its rapid detection technology that tests food for contaminating pathogens, such as Salmonella and E.coli, in a matter of hours current tests can take between three to five days. Acolyte Biomedica uses the specialised laboratories at Tetricus to develop rapid screening tests for antibiotic-resistant hospital infections. Such has been the

detection technologiessuccess of Acolyte Biomedica that the company has recently been acquired by the large multinational, 3M. Meanwhile, Enigma Diagnostics has developed a portable device for the rapid, in-field genetic analysis or detection of micro-organisms or genetic material, taking analysis out of the traditional laboratory environment. All three companies have benefited from close collaboration with the originators of the detection technology and the specialist support provided by Tetricus. Dr Clive Duggleby, General Manager of Tetricus, said: On-site access to the world class scientists behind these new technologies has been crucial to the success of these rapidly growing companies. Not only can tenant companies benefit from new technologies developed by the Dstl and HPA, but there are also commercial opportunities for companies within these two organisations. For further information, please see www.tetricus.co.uk or telephone Clive Duggleby on 01980 556514.

CRP helps pay the wayYoung members of the WAY Project (Waterbeach Action for Youth) can look forward to another action packed year in 2007 thanks in no small part to a cheque for 3,000 donated to the charity by Slough Estates, owners of Cambridge Research Park. The WAY Project, which supports a youth club and a number of other special projects and activities for village youngsters, was set up by David Beasley, Senior Youth Organiser and Suzy Kay, Administration Executive and Fundraiser, in 2002 and has been a home from home for more than 200 members over the past six years. Were delighted to lend our support to the WAY Project says Alan Holland of Slough Estates. We plan to support them again next year to the tune of another 2,000. We consider

Way Project organisers Suzy Kay and Dave Beasley receive a donation of 3,000 from Karen Fogarty of Slough Estates

ourselves to be very much a part of the local community and are pleased to be associated a charity that is doing so much for local youngsters.

8 MAY 2007

International News

Latvian boostfor science and innovationIN CLOSE CO-OPERATION WITH ITS LEADING UNIVERSITIES AND RESEARCH INSTITUTES, THE CITY OF RIGA IN LATVIA HAS LAUNCHED THE RIGA SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY PARK A NEW PROJECT AIMED SPECIFICALLY AT SUPPORTING INNOVATION AND THE DEVELOPMENT OF KNOWLEDGE-BASED INDUSTRIES IN THE CAPITAL RIGA IS the largest centre of science and research in Latvia. The leading research institution the Academy of Science of Latvia is based in the city alongside 35 public, and two private, research institutes. Riga is home to three universities and 24 higher education establishments; academic and research resources in material sciences, organic chemistry, life sciences, including nanoand biotechnology, are concentrated in Riga. The philosophy behind the Riga Science and Technology Park is to bring together scientists who are passionate about research to work alongside entrepreneurs in the high-tech industries with the infrastructure support from the Municipality and academic and business organisations. Innovation, research and development are among the top priorities listed in the National Development Plan of Latvia and strengthening the link between academic and commercial activity and providing support services turns ideas into reality, fosters closer co-operation between scientists and businesses, and stimulates more efficient development of high-tech industries. Given its historical factors and the concentration of science and business already in the city, a strong research and development skills base and modern premises are seen as the key factors for attracting local and international companies to work and expand in Riga. At present, all the Riga-based universities, as well as the Latvian Technological Park and leading IT companies are involved in the project. The Latvian Association of Technology Parks, Centres and Business Incubators has also demonstrated a firm interest in the development of the project. The business plan of Riga Science and Technology Park should be finalised later this year. An area of 29.5 hectares has been set aside for the new development with an additional 26.5 hectares earmarked for future expansion. The project will be financed both by national and municipal budgets as well as attracting EU funding. A public presentation of the Riga Science and Technology Park will be held within Innovation Week in Riga (September 8-15 2007), and at the international conference Baltic Dynamics 2007. Please visit www.innovation.lv for more details.

The city of Riga, capital of Latvia

International News????????????????? INTERNATIONAL NEWS

MAY 2007 9

Qatar sows seeds

of successQSTPs new business incubator opens in December 2007

AS THE UNIVERSITIES AT QATARS EDUCATION CITY START RAMPING UP THEIR RESEARCH PROGRAMMES, QATAR SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY PARK IS MAKING SURE THE FRUITS OF THAT RESEARCH WILL BE TRANSFORMED INTO SUCCESSFUL BUSINESS. TO THIS END, QSTPS PROOF OF CONCEPT FUND IS NOW ON LINE, PROVIDING GRANTS FOR UNIVERSITY RESEARCHERS TO EXPLORE THE MARKET POTENTIAL OF THEIR DISCOVERIES AS ITS name suggests, the fund is designed to prove out the technical viability and market potential of lab-based innovations. It provides grants to researchers in universities and small-tomedium companies to build prototypes, plan a route to market, and prepare a business plan. Applicants can be from anywhere in the world, so long as the project (and any subsequent commercialisation) is located in Qatar. The fund has been resourced with $12 million over its first five years, and if the pilot proves successful it could be scaled up. At the helm is Paul Field, QSTPs Technology Transfer Manager. He said: When you look at the major research programmes that are being planned by the universities at Education City, and the fact that QSTP has a world-class business incubator across the road, they obviously fit very neatly together.

One of the most promising projects under discussion is a collaboration between Qatar University and local industry on a new soil remediation technique. What will happen with all these proven technologies and business plans? Thats where the next stage of QSTPs commercialisation funds will come in. Were currently working on setting up a seed fund and a venture capital fund in Qatar, said Paul. These are designed to move the technologies finally into the marketplace by providing capital to grow actual businesses. The long term vision is for these new companies to form the basis of a knowledge economy in Qatar. To see how important early-stage grants can be, look to Google. The internet ad seller started off in 1996 as a research project at Stanford University between PhD students Larry Page and Sergey Brin. Its first $100,000 of funding came after it had a working concept but before it existed as a company.

Computer science students at Carnegie Mellon, Qatar, whose research will be commercialised via the POCF at QSTPs business incubator

10 MAY 2007

Members News

Surrey Research Parks drive for efficiencyThe Surrey Research Park has launched a new Resource Efficiency Club (REC) to help reduce costs. The group was founded by Surrey Research Park residents Detica Plc and BOC, along with the Surrey Research Parks management team. A number of businesses have joined forces with Surrey County Council to form REC, whose aim is to achieve efficiency savings on items such as electricity, waste and water, and to share best practice across the group. The REC has already managed to secure funding from Envirowise, a specialist consultancy that delivers a Governmentsponsored programme of free, confidential advice to UK businesses in order to help them increase profitability and reduce environmental impact. In addition to enlisting Envirowise to help them in achieving these objectives, the REC has also brought in the consultancy firm Atkins to project manage the process and to provide training to all concerned.The aim of REC is to achieve efficiency savings on many items, including water

Guildford, The Surrey Research Park provides a high-quality working environment for more than 110 companies that represent a broad spectrum of research, development and design activities, as well as significant sector clusters such as information communications technology, mobile phone technology, and software development. The Surrey Research Park has proved to be an excellent base for a large number of companies that have grown up on-site. Two notable examples include Lionhead Studios, which attracted foreign direct investment in the form of Microsofts acquisition of the company in April 2006, and the acquisition of Surrey Research Park resident TTPcom by Motorola, making the Motorola TTPCom Product Group the leading supplier of wireless technology intellectual property (IP) to the semiconductor and handset industries.

Owned and developed by the University of Surrey (UniS) as a 70-acre, low-density development close to its campus in

Feature????????????????? SCIENCE PARK DEVELOPMENT

MAY 2007 11

UK science parks evolving investment opportunities?MARTIN COOPER, ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR, DTZ, SAYS THE EMERGENCE OF PRIVATE SECTOR-LED SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY PARKS IN THE UK REFLECTS A GROWING RECOGNITION OF THE POTENTIAL OF SUCH SCHEMES. FURTHERMORE, HE ARGUES, INVESTMENT IN SCIENCE PARK INFRASTRUCTURE CAN GENERATE RETURNS THAT OUTWEIGH THE RISKS INVOLVED THE NUMBER of science park premises in the UK, and the amount of floorspace they manage, has grown substantively over the past 20 years, albeit from a very small base. In 1985, there were 21 members of the UKSPA, who were responsible for approximately 190,000 sq m of premises. The latest available data shows that there are now 70 UKSPA members who are responsible for managing over 1.42 million sq m of science park premises (Source: UKSPA 2005). The growth in science parks in the UK reflects an evolving mindset regarding how Britain can maintain its competitive advantage in a shifting and increasingly global market. Government and businesses alike recognise that British companies can no longer derive competitive advantage based on price alone. Instead, they must do so through being innovative with regard to business processes, the development of products and services and accessing markets. Science parks are environments created and managed to do this. Despite this high-value role, science parks often look to the public sector to de-risk schemes (frequently through capital grants) to the point where the private sector is incentivised to take them forward. This is because of the following four reasons: Science

The masterplan for Colworth Park is divided into three core development zones, each with its own identity, which will cumulatively add 46,500 m2 of research and development buildings to Colworth Park

industries and sectors and can grow rapidly. The corollary of this is that some can fail when markets and technologies move unexpectedly. This translates into occupiers demanding shorter leases, an unattractive proposition for many investors. Given the above four points it would be easy, but incorrect, to assume that UK science parks offer little potential for the investment community going forward. This is confirmed by the increasing willingness of the private sector to invest in such schemes. Private sector-led science and technology parks are starting to emerge in the UK, reflecting the corporate sectors recognition of the potential of such schemes. Just as UK universities invest in science parks to commercialise their IP and maximise land values, major companies are now getting involved for the same reasons. Private sector-led science and technology schemes in the UK include Colworth Park (www.colworthpark.com), a joint venture between Unilever and Arlington. Colworth Park is one of Unilevers global R&D centres of excellence and the joint venture is looking to transform it into a major science location within the Oxford-to-Cambridge Technology Arc. Other major companies in the UK are also looking at the potential of developing science and technology parks to maximise land values and to achieve corporate objectives. The economic benefits that science and technology parks deliver in the UK are well documented. They boost business start-up rates and help these companies to grow, they create jobs in high value-added sectors and they support business competitiveness by driving innovation. What is less well recognised is that the businesses they nurture (innovative companies that invest heavily in R&D) are the future of the British economy. Investment in the science park infrastructure that supports such businesses is likely to generate returns that outweigh the risks set out at the beginning of this article. Martin Cooper leads DTZs work in the field of science, technology and innovation. He is happy to discuss any apects of this article and can be contacted at martin.cooper@dtz.com.

parks often restrict the types of occupiers they accommodate to specific business sectors or R&D functions. This means that science park take-up and occupancy levels can be lower than those on standard business parks, leading to lower incomes and development values in some cases. parks often include expensive components such as incubation facilities which, although good at growing innovative companies, often need initial capital and ongoing revenue funding with little return flowing back to investors. parks are often developed by a range of stakeholders such as universities, regional development agencies, developers and investors. As such, the objectives of such schemes are not limited to return-on-investment but also include wider socio-economic goals such as job and business creation. park occupiers are often at the cutting-edge of

Science

Science

Science

12 MAY 2007

Feature

Feature????????????????? SCIENCE PARK DEVELOPMENT

MAY 2007 13

Designs to stimulate

innovationaccommodations. The same percentages apply to furniture; 80% of the furniture can be the same, while 20% of the components chosen to satisfy an individual persons needs. What is the quality of the space? Research has found that natural light contributes to a positive work environment. People are happier and healthier with natural light. Individual control of the ambient environment (HVAC and lighting) at an individual workspace has had mixed results. Regardless of whether there are individual HVAC and lighting controls, balanced distribution and appropriate levels, maintained throughout the facility, are imperative. What type of spaces support a group? Consider the group: usually, a team will get together both formally and informally. Members of a team may be collocated or may form as a team only in a meeting space. Providing a variety of gathering spaces for informal (open area with lounge furniture) and formal gatherings (closed room with conferencing table and chairs for 3-4 people, huddle rooms) allows for flexibility and responsiveness to varied requirements. If the majority of people are housed in open workstations, providing teams with enclosed space can help to balance the openness of the rest of the office. Meeting or gathering spaces may be dedicated to a specific organisation or shared and distributed on a particular floor or throughout the building. Technology has become a key factor in the success of these rooms. Often, video conferencing is relegated to large formal meeting spaces, but teams are becoming more virtual everyday, with some members located next to one another and others in offices around the globe. Providing wireless technology in these rooms allows people

THERE IS A HIERARCHY TO DESIGNING AN ENVIRONMENT THAT WILL ENABLE CREATIVITY, INNOVATION AND SUCCESS, SAYS RACHEL PARK OF CUH2A THE HIERARCHY begins with the individual, then the team, the floor, the building and the campus. But what are the components of each of these hierarchies and how can a science park achieve these goals? If you are a developer, on the surface your goals may seem different from those of your tenants cost-effectively maximise building area efficiency, the leasable ratio, and flexibility. In fact, they are the other side of the same thing: a tenant wants efficiency because it means that they are getting value for their money; they want flexibility to accommodate their business as it grows. Their third priority is that the space be inspiring, to help them attract and retain key talent. So, how can we achieve a work environment that supports innovation, creativity and success? The first step is to take a look at an individual workspace. This workspace should support a persons activities at their desk. Modularity in workspace standards provide flexibility for a person to customise by orienting PCs, phones, etc., however they like. The fewer workspace standards, the more responsive the space can be to individual work styles and change. Space assignments, as well as the amount of open to closed space, will contribute to the companys culture and the way that knowledge is disseminated. How much space is needed for an individual cellular office or write-up area? Usually, tools are stationed on a work surface; tools such as a PC, monitor, telephone, reference materials and piles of paper! We have found that 80% of people need the same workspace components with 20% needing either more storage, more work surface or guest

to have the flexibility to work or to meet, increasing the use of the rooms. Other accessories such as whiteboards and pinup space are low tech, but still aid in the productivity of the team. The support of a cluster of teams or tenants includes a hierarchy of spaces that encourage interaction and collaboration. These spaces include: huddle rooms, conference rooms (large and medium), pantries, coffee and tea bars, mail depots, open informal gathering areas and video conferencing rooms. Circulation space should also be used to encourage collaboration, rather than just as a way of getting from one place to another. The building and campus should support all of the occupants and provide appropriate amenities and services to support the multi-tenant or corporate culture. These may include convenience stores, dry cleaners, post offices, etc., to aid in a better work to life balance. Other common amenities are food service, crche-childcare and fitness centres. These amenities become places where people throughout the campus can meet for impromptu discussions, adding to the vitality of the campus. When developing a campus, it is important to remember a front door as well as a heart. Planning the entire site, and not simply one building at a time, provides an opportunity to connect facilities, functions and people.

14 MAY 2007

Members News

Aberdeen works to improve environmentWORK HAS BEGUN TO IMPROVE LANDSCAPING AROUND THE ABERDEEN SCIENCE AND ENERGY PARK AT THE BRIDGE OF DON TO MAKE IT A MORE ATTRACTIVE LOCATION TO COMPANIES The work by Scottish Enterprise Grampian is part of a wider strategy to create a world-class business location for innovation and research to support Aberdeens global energy sector. Planned SE and private sector investment of around 20 million over the next five years in the science and energy park and its sister science and technology park at Balgownie, Bridge of Don, will generate an additional 130 million annually to the economy of Aberdeen City and Shire and double the number of jobs on the science parks to more than 3,000. Earlier this year, SE Grampian announced it would be investing 4.75 million to create an Energy Development Centre at Aberdeen Science and Energy Park, containing 27 individual, high-quality business units, in response to demand within the energy sector work on this will start in the summer. Allan Rae, Senior Manager responsible for Aberdeen Science Parks at SE Grampian, said: By investing in the infrastructure needed, well have a greater chance of attracting inward investment and other forms of knowledge into Scotland, well be helping Scottish companies do more business overseas and also promoting Scotland as a good place to live, work and do business all of which help our economy grow. The landscaping work involves trees and hedges being planted along either side of the approach from Ellon Road and improved lighting to create an avenue extending around the Claymore Drive loop road. Once this phase of the work is finished, there are plans for further landscaping work at Exploration House and the roundabout at the park entrance including a modern art feature, innovative lighting and street furniture.

Allan Rae, Senior Manager, SE Grampian, at the start of enhancement works at Aberdeen Science and Energy Park

Members News????????????????? NEWS

MAY 2007 15

WheelRight keep upWHEELRIGHT LTD, BASED AT THE BEGBROKE CENTRE FOR INNOVATION & ENTERPRISE, HAS PICKED UP A 40,000 PRIZE IN THE SHELL SPRINGBOARD 2007 AWARDS FOR ITS INNOVATIVE NEW TECHNOLOGY THAT HELPS TO CUT FUEL CONSUMPTION AND CARBON EMISSIONS BY ENSURING VEHICLES HAVE THE CORRECT TYRE PRESSURE NINE OUT of ten of the vehicles on Britains roads have tyres which are not properly inflated, with an average under inflation of 10%. Poorly inflated tyres wear out up to 8% faster, and cause an increase in fuel consumption of 2% when compared to tyres inflated to the optimum pressure. WheelRight is a sensory pad which checks the pressure of a vehicles tyres as it drives over, letting the driver know if they are incorrectly inflated. Currently the most suitable application for the technology is to measure the tyre pressure of commercial lorry fleets. As the device is electronic, it can be linked to the internet to collect the data gathered. This way a manager can ensure he knows the condition of each truck every time it leaves, and check whether the driver has acted on any anomalies when the truck returns. Properly inflated tyres are not only safer, they also last longer and cut fuel consumption. If all the vehicles in the UK were operating with the correct tyre pressure there would be a saving of 500 million per annum in fuel costs, and approximately 500,000 tonnes of CO2 per annum. John Catling, Chief Executive, WheelRight, said: Were ecstatic to have received this award. Shell Springboard has done a

the pressurefantastic job of helping small businesses showcase their green technology. We hope that the WheelRights development device on technologies the road at the entrance to Begbroke WheelRight is Science Park developing will make a positive difference to the environment, both in the UK and globally. The Shell Springboard programme encourages small and medium sized businesses to see that climate change is a huge opportunity. For further information on WheelRight Ltd, please contact Chris Berg 01865 854848 or email chris.berg@wheelright.co.uk

On a missionMore than 60 people attended a service at St Johns Innovation Centre recently, led by Canon Chris Savage (pictured right) and part of the Chaplaincy to People at Work (CPW) initiative, an ecumenical movement supporting people in the workplace. CPW seeks to be innovative by working alongside partner companies and organisations on issues that affect local, regional, national, and global communities. It is also exploring how theology can connect with research centres that develop into fast-growth, high-value enterprises. For more information, tel: Chris Savage on 01223 276657.

16 MAY 2007

Members News

News in briefUKSPA Business Plan The UKSPA Board have recently approved the Business Plan and Budget for 2007-2008, details of which can be found in the members section of the UKSPA website at www.ukpa.org.uk. Relief regulations There has been much concern voiced within the UKSPA membership regarding the new regulations on significant changes in tax relief for vacant space. Members are concerned that space specifically designed to accommodate innovative, high-growth technology-based firms could increasingly be let to companies not meeting their specific criteria, and believe a move in this direction will dilute the effectiveness and nature of science parks. UKSPA is currently communicating with the Treasury and various Ministers in an attempt to see if there could be exemptions or waivers for UKSPA members. Salary Survey The most recent salary survey was undertaken in June 2005 and the exercise is due to be repeated this June as a result of requests from members for more up-to-date information. UKSPA Directory The new UKSPA Directory will be published at the end of May. A free hard copy will be circulated to all members in early June, and for the first time, an electronic version will also be available. Business Affiliate Board Member UKSPA is pleased to announce that Lesley Evans, Managing Director of Haseltine Lake has been co-opted until the elections at the AGM in September. Lesley is already busily organising a Focus Group specifically for Business Affiliates, the first of which will be convened at the members meeting in Sunderland in May.

Coventry hub isDESIGN-LED COMPANIES AND DESIGNERS ACROSS THE WEST MIDLANDS CAN NOW TAKE ADVANTAGE OF A NEW 1.6M PURPOSE-BUILT CENTRE FUNDED BY COVENTRY UNIVERSITY ENTERPRISES AND ADVANTAGE WEST MIDLANDS, AIMED SPECIFICALLY AT HELPING THEM TO GROW AND PROSPER THE DESIGN Hub, based at Coventry University Enterprises Technology Park is a high-end, state-ofthe-art facility, providing a range of designrelated support, services and facilities for companies looking to gain that leading edge. Kathryn Stewart, Programmes Manager at the Design Hub, said: There is a big need in the market place for creative spaces a fact highlighted by the governments recent Cox Review, which outlined the need for design centres for the countrys future prosperity. The Design Hub is among the first to answer this call. The aim is for companies to take advantage of a unique and exciting environment that, in addition to the impressive facilities, will provide a place for them to work with the expertise that is on hand in the areas of design and business support, and to benefit from the originality of ideas available from a pool of

designed for life

selected University design students. Among the Design Hubs features are a Solutions Suite containing high capacity iMacs and a facilitation for highend software and engineering company training; a Presentation Suite featuring three image projection walls; a Workshop with exterior access for practical working, modelling and making; onsite design and business support; a confidential meeting room; a networking area; Wi-Fi and scanning facilities. Companies will also be able to take advantage of facilitated workshops and networking opportunities centred on innovative and creative thinking. The Design Hub opened for business in April. Any company that is looking for design assistance or to use state-of-the-art design facilities should contact the Hub team on 02476 236423 or contact Kathryn direct at K.Stewart@coventry.ac.uk

Stake your claim for tax reliefResearch and Development as well as innovation are key to keeping the UK at the cutting edge of international competition. Currently more than 5,000 small and medium sized companies are claiming over 250 million a year in R&D tax relief. The budget in April increased the amount of R&D tax credits available to 175% for companies of up to 240 employees and up to 130% for larger companies. For guidance and information on tax credits, please see the DTIs tax credits insert in this publication or alternatively visit the DTI website: www.dti.gov.uk/innovation/randd/ randd-tax-credits/page11350.html

Department of Trade and Industry????????????????? KNOWLEDGE TRANSFER NETWORKS

MAY 2007 17

Cenex drivefor green technologyCENEX IS THE UKS CENTRE OF EXCELLENCE FOR LOW CARBON AND FUEL CELL TECHNOLOGIES. ITS ONE OF 22 KNOWLEDGE TRANSFER NETWORKS (KTNS) IN THE UK, EACH OF WHICH PROVIDE A NATIONAL NETWORK IN A SPECIFIC FIELD OF TECHNOLOGY OR BUSINESS APPLICATION KTNS BRING together a variety of stakeholders, such as businesses (suppliers and customers), universities, research and technology organisations, the finance community and other intermediaries who provide a range of activities and initiatives to enable the exchange of knowledge and stimulation of innovation amongst their communities. A key theme to Cenexs work for the KTN has been activities to build specialist sector-specific communities focused around new technology demonstration. One community Cenex is particularly keen to help develop is the community of businesses and local government interested in adding electric vehicles to their fleet operations. As part of its brokerage activities, Cenex has a project underway with Daimler Chrysler UK for an electric Smart car, and now a newly announced collaboration with Modec, which designs, develops and produces revolutionary zero-emission commercial vehicles powered by high energy batteries. Cenex has committed a six figure sum in support of the Modec dealer network in Modecs revolutionary zero-emission commercial vehicles which London, which are powered by high energy batteries will accelerate the roll-out of actively encourage fleet operators to customer demonstrations within Greater include electric vehicles in their fleet London, providing a dedicated fleet of renewal plans, as a step on the road to pure electric-driven vehicles. sustainable mobility. The announcement of the agreement came in the week that Modec officially opened its new factory in Coventry, which occupies a 25,000 sq ft facility with a two shift capacity to produce close to an impressive 5,000 vehicles a year. Commenting on the agreement with Modec, Robert Evans, CEO of Cenex said: This is exactly the kind of project that Cenex was formed to support. We will be working through the Low Carbon and Fuel Cell Technology Knowledge Transfer Network to disseminate the results of the field trials to Jevon Thorpe, CEO of Modec, said: We feel that the support we are receiving from Cenex will play a significant role in accelerating the adoption of zero-emission commercial vehicles in the UK. Knowledge Transfer Networks are part of the DTIs Technology Programme, whose purpose is to provide funding to facilitate further investment in science, engineering and technology with the active participation of business and industry. For further information on KTNs and the Technology Programme, please see www.dti.gov.uk/innovation/technologystrategy

100 million up for grabs in R&D competitionThe Technology Programme's Collaborative R&D competition has recently announced 100 million for UK business to research and develop new technologies, including: 40 million for advanced manufacturing projects including design engineering technology to boost competitiveness and sustainability in sectors such as aerospace, vehicles and energy. 15 million for energy technologies both renewable low-carbon options and ensuring the continued production of hydrocarbon reserves 15 million for lightweight materials 5 million for plastic electronics to build on the UK's current competitive edge in this field. 7 million to areas of medicine which

bring together materials, nanotechnology, tissue engineering with surgical and clinical sciences. 8 million for ICT developing technologies to support better networked business Please see www.dti.gov.uk/innovation/ technologystrategy/competitions-forfunding for details of how to apply

18 MAY 2007

Members News

News in briefUKSPA 2007 Statistics Yes, its that time of the year again when UKSPA will be asking members to complete their online questionnaire. UKSPA appreciate the time and effort taken to collect this information. The information on science park development over the last 22 years is extremely valuable to the Association and its many partners. As usual, a small gift of appreciation will be mailed to members on receipt of the data! IASP XXIV World Conference 2007 Several UKSPA members and partners will be attending the IASP conference in Barcelona from July 2-4 2007. The conference is entitled Creative Jobs and Creative Companies. Key Factors for Growth and Competitiveness. UKTI California Members of UKTI California visited the UK in March and UKSPA was pleased to be able to provide an overview of the science park movement and the work of the UKSPA Executive. The presentation was positively received and the group felt that UKSPA would be an ideal partner to work with in the future. The Association was able to provide a presentation compiled from members information supplied from 10 member parks. Frequently Asked Questions UKSPA members will be familiar with the internal FAQ system in place where members are able to ask questions and ask for advice about anything ranging from policies to parking. Over the last few years UKSPA has built a valuable knowledge bank of questions and answers that we are currently indexing. These will soon be available in the members section of the website and will hopefully serve as a useful reference tool in the future. UKSPA AGM This event will be hosted by Keele University on September 18-19 2007.

Beyond propertyand processROZ BIRD, UKSPA BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT MANAGER, BELIEVES THE ASSOCIATION IS RESPONDING POSITIVELY TO SIGNIFICANT NEW DEVELOPMENTS IN THE UK SCIENCE PARK SECTOR OVER THE past 10 years the focus of the science park sector has shifted from a specialist property offering (science park buildings) to a specialist process offering (incubation). Today it is possible to identify a new trend which involves the merger of specialist property and specialist process, driven by the recognition of a need for both in order to support companies effectively and generate wealth. Incubators have concentrated on the incubation process but over time have recognised the need for a relationship with organisations offering grow-on space and have a concern about how to maintain a relationship with the companies theyve nurtured. At the same time large science parks are retro-fitting incubators because they recognise the need to support new smaller companies and they want to add to the flexibility of their offering. Also, logically there is a cross over of need; people in large companies need support sometimes and small start-up companies need a specialist space solution. So, although some organisations already recognise the value of a combined offering, the science park movement as a whole must now move beyond a debate around property versus process and develop partnerships which focus on the common ground of business acceleration. Such changes demand a response. UKSPAs first priority is to its membership and it will therefore endeavour to meet

members needs. It was with this in mind that a discussion forum met in March to identify the issues and challenges which UKSPA should consider embracing to support its members. The meeting came to the conclusion that although the needs of incubator and innovation centre members may be different to the needs of science and research parks, there is sufficient common ground for all to benefit from a common membership of UKSPA because all members are working day-to-day with high-tech companies. A further critical issue which will be characteristic of the changes to come is a change in the approach to the support process, from a sometimes patronising offer to help a company to the offer of peer-to-peer support. Implicit in this shift is the recognition of the business acumen of tenant/client companies operating out of an incubator or science park, and the need for our members to rise to the challenge and match this acumen with their own level of professionalism. The opportunities to extend and develop the network are enormous. The UKSPA Executive, with the support of the UKSPA Board, intend to progress these plans with a considered approach, hand-in-hand with the membership. It should help bring together all the players involved with an aim of making a difference to wealth creation in the UK and beyond.

Members News????????????????? NEWS

MAY 2007 19

Deal or no dealfor e-btb?PAUL WRIGHT, UKSPA CHIEF EXECUTIVE, GIVES READERS AN UPDATE ON PROGRESS REGARDING THE AFFINITY PROGRAMME, UKSPAS GROUP PURCHASING INITIATIVE THE COMBINED turnover of UKSPA members parks, their tenants and their employees is estimated to be 5.5 billion. On the basis of this activity and, following more than 12 months of research and development, UKSPA decided to launch a web-based Affinity Programme for its members www.e-btb.com and embarked on a pilot scheme which started in late 2006. UKSPA membership entitles all members to participate free of charge in the group buying scheme. This initiative is designed to reduce the costs of operating the science park, and during the initial testing stages we decided to include all tenants on member parks too. Using the portal at e-btb.com is also entirely free. During the pilot scheme we chose to work with suppliers who were already familiar with group purchasing schemes. During the initial stages of the scheme it became clear that we needed to do some work to develop directories of local service suppliers on the portal, as we recognised that local businesses often tend to support their local supply network, regardless of prices or service levels that can be achieved by using national suppliers. The e-btb website was originally intended as an information source about our suppliers, and specifically did not plan to contain extensive pricelists. Having listened to our members we now believe that the next stage of development for this scheme should be to include more information on product/service prices wherever possible. All of our suppliers aim to reduce the existing cost base of our science parks and tenants, with the objective of increasing efficiency and profitability. Regardless of the size of tenant or the business sector they are in, e-btb buying power will ensure that you benefit immediately from significant savings on current purchasing. We are confident of the quality of products and services of e-btb suppliers; all of whom have been through a due diligence process. The prices and service levels on offer are not available

19

Outsourcing your financial, HR and accounting services is the modern and efficient way to manage and control your business allowing you to focus on your core activities. We provide you with all your business processing requirements together with full and accurate financial management accounts. You will enjoy full and unlimited access to a UK team who are also supported by our technology department and offshore facility. Contact us today to find out how we can give you control over your finance systems while reducing your overhead costs.

Paul Becksmith paul.becksmith@briars.net +44-1483-413745

20 MAY 2007

Members News

drive down the costs of existing suppliers to science parks and their tenants. We have confidence that the aims of e-btb are sufficiently sound for us to continue to develop the pilot programme and address some of the key issues raised by suppliers, park managers, and tenants on science parks during the initial development phase. In essence this will mean undertaking a fundamental review of suppliers, management, the e-btb website, and the approach we take to marketing the benefits of the scheme to our members and their tenants.18

to other companies, and use of the scheme is entirely optional, with no contractual obligations. What response have we had so far to the e-btb initiative? I think it is fair to say that the pilot is going more slowly than we originally anticipated due to a number of factors, the principal issue being a lack of investment in both time and money to widely promote the initiative. We have also

encountered barriers such as companies being tied into existing group buying initiatives, loyalty to existing suppliers, a leaning towards local purchasing (even where it is far more expensive), and often a general lack of time to even consider changing suppliers! One disappointing, but logical, aspect of e-btb has been that the prices available from e-btb suppliers have been used to

Members News????????????????? NEWS

MAY 2007 21

Insurance: business cost or business benefit?Insurance is often viewed as a necessary evil. It ties up valuable time, is perceived to bring no tangible benefit to the business and frankly is never at the top of the very long to do list! The fact is insurance is necessary, it does take time but if approached positively and pro-actively, it becomes a benefit and can act as a powerful management tool. What is insurance? Well its not a con! The Oxford English Dictionary defines insurance as a thing providing protection against a possible eventuality. Its that simple, or is it? Protect the balance sheet! A well constructed insurance programme will do exactly that, provided the risks and exposures a business faces have been identified and steps taken to control, manage and transfer them correctly; failure to do this could expose the business balance sheet to risk it is unable to sustain, potentially threatening the business with ultimate failure. Insurance, a management tool? Yes! If approached correctly insurance and the associated disciplines such as risk management and health and safety, become an effective and useful management tool. By transferring the insurable risks you can manage the commercial risks inherent to your business ensuring that your company continues to trade effectively. Health and Safety; does it apply to me? Yes, if you have 5 or more employees you are required under UK legislation to have a full written health and safety policy. Good health and safety practises improve processes and procedures; this leads to fewer incidents and accidents, resulting in less downtime and in turn improving performance, profitability and ultimately better staff morale. Good business What does this mean to me? You can make your insurance programme be of greater benefit than it already is. Insurers and brokers have a wealth of resources that if tapped into provide tangible benefits for policyholders, not only in terms of expense but also resource, information guidance and relationship. By ensuring that your insurance programme is truly representative of the risks you face, you can focus more time on the other important issues facing you on a day to day basis. We have only scratched the surface here, but be assured that insurance and risk management are key factors in developing and growing a successful business. For further information, call 020 7977 7865 or visit www.jameshallam.co.uk practises present a better risk to insurers ensuring premium cost reduction and improved policy cover.

22 MAY 2007

Feature

Feature????????????????? ACCESS TO FINANCE

MAY 2007 23

Painful pitching and the power ofAPPROACHED BY HUNDREDS OF BUSINESSES EACH YEAR HOPING TO GET THEIR ENTREPRENEURIAL HANDS ON SIGNIFICANT AMOUNTS OF CASH, THE VENTURE CAPITAL INDUSTRY KNOWS THAT COMMUNICATION COUNTS IN SEEKING the big successes of the future, VCs have to wade through the wannabes of the now. They will be looking of course at the core technology or idea, its scalability, defensibility, route to market, funding needed, management team and so on. Big question marks against any of these aspects can cause blackballing at the earliest stages. But words count too, and these are ignored at the peril of many great ideas and technologies. You may have the best platform, product or service with the potential for huge commercial gains but if you cant communicate it effectively, the hard and cold truth is that you devalue what you have. And if you fail to communicate yourself when pitching for funding, there will be a savvy entrepreneur not far behind who does have the right mix of technology and talk to grab the investors pounds. So why is it that astute, committed and intelligent people struggle to communicate effectively when it comes to pitching and presenting to investors? If you watch Dragons Den youll see the problem amplified for entertainment on the screen, but the same errors appear in serious investment presentations around the country. Why is this? On a very simple level, some of the characteristics and strengths of entrepreneurial businesses and individuals ironically act at the same time as weaknesses. The people in charge have to be master jugglers of multiple business issues, passionately committed to their companies, and intimately connected to the core of their technology (which they may well have created themselves). These are all vital attributes. But these skills can hinder communication with the outside world. The majority of investor presentations are confused the business balls appear all over the place with little order or logic. The presenter is frequently unable to venture anywhere near anything like objectivity in terms of thinking about what the investor wants to hear. And the level of time spent talking about the technology (not to mention the level of detail and inhouse jargon), as opposed to the commercial plans, is painful. It takes time, skill and attention to create verbal messages that work. But the cost of getting it wrong when youre pitching for investment against a cacophony of competing companies all hoping to get their mitts on the very same pounds as you is enormous and can be business crippling. Entrepreneurs should tell it as it is.

communicationCase study

Novacta Biosystems Novacta Biosystems is a fast growing biotechnology company developing groundbreaking technology to tackle the superbugs hitting the hospitals (and the press) with an increasing frequency namely C. difficile and MRSA. These infectious diseases are effectively beating the current available antibiotics and, worryingly, there is much concern within the medical industry as to whether enough new drugs exist in the development pipeline to cope with such ever-evolving drugresistant bacteria. Novacta founded by Fiona Marston, a serial entrepreneur in the biotech sector is developing novel protected technology which it believes will tackle these diseases, and has already secured a number of rounds of equity investment to support the development of its solutions. Now in the process of pitching for further VC funding, the company has sought expert advice from Mudhut on communicating its complex commercial and technical messages, recognising the importance of getting the pitch right, first time.

Mudhut Communication is expert in the verbal communication of complex messages. Based in Cambridge, its expertise is in intelligent dialogue and the strategic placement of commercial information. With clients ranging from technology SMEs through global businesses to investors seeking to de-risk their portfolios business critical communication, Mudhut has advised nearly 200 organisations across the UK. See www.mudhut-communication.co.uk

24 MAY 2007

Advertising Feature

B&

w

Baron & WarrenPATENT & TRADE MARK ATTORNEYS

Established 80 years

PATENTS TRADE MARKS DESIGNS COPYRIGHTOffices in London & Sevenoaks www.baron-warren.co.uk 19 South End, Kensington, London, W8 5BU Tel: 44 (0) 20 7937 0294 Fax: 44 (0) 20 7937 4786 E-Mail: patags@baron-warren.co.uk

Our Services: PatentsNew technical inventions created by inventors are often most effectively protected by patents. We believe that the key to understanding and advising on patent issues is through a thorough comprehension of the technology, as well as the legal concerns involved. As scientists with various academic specialities, our team of patent attorneys has a thorough experience of a wide range of technologies. As attorneys trained in the various aspects of Patent Law, we also advise on both the offensive and defensive legal aspects of patents, including conducting clearance searches, assessing infringement and validity, and litigating before the courts.

Our Services: Trade MarksThe reputation of a client is embodied by their trade mark, and it is this reputation that makes customers return. For this reason, products and services need good brand names, which can lead to effective protection for that valued reputation. We offer advice regarding the creation and establishment of new brand names, of applying for and securing the most effective protection for a trade mark, and of commercial dealings in trade marks, including enforcing registered and common law rights in the courts.

Our Services: DesignsThe design of a product involves considerable skill and care if a pleasing shape or pattern is to be produced which will appeal to customers. In our experience, registered designs and unregistered design right afford a valuable but often forgotten form of protection. We therefore offer a complete service advising on the relative merits of the protection that can be gained for designs, both in the country and overseas, and on the enforcement of the protection gained.

Ablett & Stepping | Carparo House 101-103 Baker Street | London | W1U 6FQ t: 020 7935 7720 | f: 020 7935 7790 Prospect Business Centre | Gemini Crescent Dundee Technology Park | Dundee | DD2 1TY t: 01382 598424 | f: 01382 598425 e: info@absteb.co.uk | w: www.absteb.co.uk

Advertising Feature????????????????? INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY

MAY 2007 25

Trade marks:key to business successTRADE MARKS AND OTHER TYPES OF INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY, SUCH AS PATENTS AND DESIGNS, ARE AREAS OF BUSINESS LAW THAT ARE CRUCIAL TO BUSINESS SUCCESS, BUT SADLY, OFTEN NEGLECTED, WRITES KEN STOREY OF THE INSTITUTE OF TRADE MARK ATTORNEYS WHILE SECURING patents may be the first step in innovation, trade marks are a key element when taking the innovations into the market place and actually translating the innovation into business success. A trade mark or a brand is essentially a way of identifying goods or services, readily identifying that the goods or services originate from your company and not from another. They can take a variety of forms including a word (for example VIRGIN), a slogan (Just Do It), a logo (Essos tiger), a jingle (Air on a G String to advertise Hamlet cigars), a colour (the purple colour of Cadburys chocolate packs), a shape (Dimple Whisky bottles), letters (BT), a number (No 5 for perfume), or a personal name (GUINNESS). Trade marks tell the consumer that they are buying a product or service from a particular company and that they can expect that product or service to have a particular quality (or qualities) each time they buy it. They can sum up, in a single word or phrase, the essential values of your company and the product it sells or the service it provides. Allowing others to capitalise on the reputation associated with your trade mark in a guise which is identical with or similar to that of your products, could lead to a loss of sales and even tarnish your reputation, ultimately depriving you of the rewards despite all the effort you put into building and marketing your product or service. So what do you need to do to prevent this? First, appoint a registered trade mark attorney who will provide you with cost-effective professional advice. As a representative of the Institute of Trade Mark Attorneys (ITMA) you would, of course, expect me to say that it is worth employing one of our members. I make no apology for recommending this, however, since they are recognised experts in the field. Trade mark attorneys can undertake the entire process and provide professional, specialist help on all aspects of selecting, registering and protecting a trade mark. There is a trade mark attorney near you. Just look on our website www.itma.org.uk in the section Attorney Search. Trade marks need to be distinctive, so it is essential to create a trade mark that cannot be confused with other marks that are already registered or used in the same line of business. The best trade marks are not descriptive of the goods or services you intend to sell. For example, it would be unwise to choose a mark such as 24/7 for a round the clock home repair service or Blonde for a hair care product. It makes good economic sense to consult a trade mark attorney at an early stage to ensure you get this right. Searches for existing registered and/or used trade marks should be carried out to make sure you are free to use your trade mark. You can carry out limited searches yourself, but a trade mark attorneys search will be much more comprehensive and should stand you in good stead when you subsequently apply for your trade mark registration in the UK, in Europe or anywhere else in the world.

27

Are you developing new technical solutions?Would you like to protect your ideas and strengthen your commercial standing? We are a leading firm of patent and trade mark attorneys, with a heritage dating back almost one hundred years. Many of our legal advisers have previous technical experience in research or engineering environments, and will be pleased to provide you with clear and straightforward advice on how we can best protect the fruits of your R&D activities. We have offices in London and Northampton, and initial consultations are free of charge.

235 High Holborn, London WC1V 7LE Tel: 020 7405 4044 29 St. Katherines Street, Northampton NN1 2QZ Tel: 01604 638242 E-mail: aat@aathornton.com Website: www.aathornton.comPatents - Trademarks - Designs - Domain names

26 MAY 2007

Advertising Feature

Advertising Feature????????????????? INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY

MAY 2007 27

your marketing strategy mapped out, only to find out that someone in your field is already there, using or having registered an identical or a very similar trade mark. You would have to scrap everything and start all over again and at a time when finance is probably very tight. A few sensible precautions at the outset could save you thousands of pounds. Registering trade marks enables you to take action against anyone counterfeiting or copying your trade mark for identical or similar goods or services. Unregistered trade marks, where the rights are acquired by use alone, have some protection in the UK but the enforcement of such (unregistered) marks can be protracted and expensive. The legal force of a registered trade mark simplifies matters enormously.25

from firm to firm and costs will vary depending on the complexity of each case, so it is worth calling a couple of firms to ascertain their costs and to obtain advice or any possible pitfalls that your chosen trade mark may face. But remember, trade mark registrations last for 10 years and are renewable on request, by payment of the appropriate renewal fee. The costs are really not very much when you consider what a valuable monopoly right you are protecting and what it may subsequently cost, if you ignore the issue.

Failure to check that you can use your chosen mark can be extremely costly. Just imagine what it would be like to have your new branded product ready to hit the marketplace, your advertising in place and

And so, to the burning question of cost. In the UK you should normally expect to pay between 500 and 1,000 to obtain a trade mark registration in one class of goods or services. Fees, of course, vary

28 MAY 2007

Members News

CELS unite forces inNEW UKSPA MEMBER CELS, THE CENTRE OF EXCELLENCE FOR LIFE SCIENCES, IS PLAYING A PIVOTAL ROLE IN UNITING ACADEMIA, SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH, THE PUBLIC SECTOR AND INDUSTRY TO CREATE A STRONG INFRASTRUCTURE TO SUPPORT AND DEVELOP THE HEALTHCARE AND LIFE SCIENCES INDUSTRY IN THE NORTH EAST OF ENGLAND CELS RECENTLY opened new, highspecification incubator facilities for healthcare businesses in Newcastle Universitys Medical School and is currently developing additional space at the International Centre for Life in Newcastle. There are plans for new healthcare-based business park developments, ranging from Northumberland in the North of the region to county Durham in the south. CELS is also involved in plans for a regional protein analytical facility, an assistive technology laboratory and new, high-grade imaging facilities. Networks are provided by CELS to unite industry, academia and research including

healthcare provision

the Healthcare Network, a support service for the regions many healthcare companies, and Bionet, a network of over 1,200 healthcare and life science researchers in North East England. Technology Management is another key area that CELS is involved in, which includes acting as the commercial agent for the North East Stem Cell Institute to

assisting individual companies with commercialisation and business planning. CELS also created and co-manages InSTeP a regional design initiative for the , development of innovative healthcare technologies and services. Please see www.celsatlife.com for more information on CELS and healthcare in North East England.

CAM-SCI: Developing the knowledge economyOne of the latest organisations to join the UKSPA fold is CAM-SCI, a specialist consultancy based in Cambridge. Cambridge is at the heart of the UKs knowledge economy revolution, and for 10 years the CAM-SCI team has managed the strategic development and operations of the Cambridge Science Park and undertook consulting to other projects nationally and internationally. CAM-SCI uniquely combines extensive hands-on experience with best-practice research to provide a personal and niche service to knowledge economy projects. From concept and vision through to delivery and operations, it advises on capturing emerging technology markets and providing market-responsive solutions for a wide range of projects including science cities, science parks, innovation centres and bioincubators. CAM-SCI is now leading and advising the development of exciting projects in the UK and Europe including the delivering and operation of the new Liverpool Science Park. Now in its second phase of development, CAM-SCI attracted more than 22 knowledge-based companies to Liverpool Science Park in its first year alone. CAM-SCI was instrumental in achieving an additional 10m of funding for the second phase of development for Liverpool Science Park CAM-SCI also undertook all design, development and business planning. CAM-SCI is currently assisting a leading bioincubation project in the UK to optimise its operations and market position to prepare for investment by the private sector. Meanwhile, CAM-SCI is advising a start-up bioincubation and bio-park project in Eastern Europe on funding, specification, design and operations. For more information, contact: Email: info@CAM-SCI.com Web: www.CAM-SCI.com Tel: 01223 740 271

Regional Spotlight????????????????? NORTH WEST

MAY 2007 29

30Winning business in Manchester

32Liverpool focus on knowledge

33Daresburys global atraction

Boom time for North WestTHE NORTH WEST REGIONS BIOMEDICAL CLUSTER, WHICH ENCOMPASSES THE BIOTECHNOLOGY, PHARMACEUTICAL AND HEALTHCARE INDUSTRIES, IS A THRIVING COMMUNITY RANGING FROM THE UNIVERSITY SPINOUT TO WORLD CLASS BIOTECHS TO MULTINATIONAL PHARMACEUTICAL COMPANIES THE NUMBER of companies now totals c. 230, employing more than 20,000 with an estimated GVA of more than 1billion. Key to progress for individual companies is fundraising, getting products into clinical trials and quality services recognised in the market place while in the public sector (or in partnership) we concentrate on providing the right infrastructure (including the right sort of accommodation), resources and support to enable those companies to grow. The following text describes just some of the sectors highlights over the last year. Commercial Development Last year North West-based companies raised many millions in IPOs and investment rounds including Intercytex (AIM) and Renovo (LSE) both with regenerative medicine products in Phase II/III clinical trials. Smaller companies like Merseyside-based Zanza Healthcare and Manchester University spin outs F2G, anti fungal drug discovery, Oncoprobe, and Gentronix have completed a significant equity financing. The region has also seen its share of M&A activity, notably the Novartis-Chiron merger which included the major vaccine manufacturing site in Speke. Crewe-based Farfield acquired US-based Thermo Electrons Biosensors business in April this year after a close period of collaboration while Tepnel completed acquisition of the GenXTrak DNA extraction business from Whatman. While the typical drug takes more than a decade from initial discovery to reach the market, the nutraceutcial market is different and former Bionow start up of the year, Provexis, saw its Bioactive FruitflowTM product on the supermarket shelves as an ingredient in SircoTM in 2006. The year has seen a number of prestigious site and facility openings: AstraZeneca unveiled their new Cancer Research Building at Alderley Park which, at c 60M, represents the companys single largest investment in the UK while Vernon Carus, supplying consumables for the modern sterile service and decontamination sector, opened its new 10M facility near Chorley. The NWDA and ERDF-funded Core Technology Facility (CTF), was officially opened in June - it is adjacent to the Manchester biotechnology incubator and provides specialist grow on accommodation to bio/high tech companies. Both facilities are operated by the Universitys incubator company, UMIC Ltd, which works closely with the Manchester Science Park, in which the University is also a major shareholder. Manchester Science Park counts amongst its residents many biotech

biomedical clustercompanies including: Motac, Neutec Pharma (now acquired by Novartis), Medeval (ICON), all originating fro the University of Manchester and now Oxyrane, an inward investing company from in South Africa to co-locate with the Centre of Excellence in Biocatalysis (CoEBIO3) at the University. The National Biomanufacturing Centre (NBC), developed by the NWDA to provide biopharmaceutical product development and early stage cGMP manufacture services to SMEs opened last November. Owned by the NWDA and

30

30 MAY 2007

Regional Spotlight

the major engine for new company growth in this sector and a number of new initiatives are set to deliver technologies, therapies, products and people who will shape the sector within the next decade. The Manchester Cancer Research Centre bringing together the Christie Hospital, the Paterson Institute and Manchester University, is now established and set to make Manchester a world leader in the exploration and treatment of tdiseases while the Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine (LSTM), one of the regions most iconic and historic research institutions, started its big dig in March for the new Centre for Tropical & Infectious Diseases, funded by NWDA and ERDF. $50M of research funding from the Gates Foundation will support new programmes in the School. Its neighbour, the University of Liverpool, embarked as lead on a 17 million European Clinical Engineering Initiative developing human tissue grown from stem cells for transplant to combat diseases like heart failure, diabetes, chronic ulcers and neurodegenerative diseases.

29

part funded by the European Development Fund (ERDF) and DTI, is operated by commercial company, Eden Biodesign. Eden is already assisting a number of UK biotechnology companies, some of whom have been assisted by grants from the DTIs NBC Access Fund administered by the NWDA. The NBC, alongside Eli Lilly, Novartis and Medimmune, the National Blood Product Laboratory and suppliers, makes up the Speke Biomanufacturing Hub, one of Europes hotspots for biologic manufacture. The Research Base: Higher Education Institutes & NHS The North Wests research base has grown significantly in the last few years, particularly in the biomedical sector. It is

As part of its NW Science Fund, the NWDA announced funding of c. 1.5 million into each of three life science based projects: the University-based UK Centre for Regenerative Medicine and Trust NW Embryonic Stem Cell Centre, both at Manchester and the National Centre for Zoonosis Research at the University of Liverpool. In a strong crossregional bid Manchester and Liverpool Universities were successful as one of only four BBSRC/major pharma funded centres (sharing 11 million between them) for integrative mammalian biology the centres will focus on developing research skills crucial to the drug discovery sector. More information on the North Wests biomedical cluster, its companies, organisations and research institutions, can be found at www.bionow.co.uk

Manchester companies can win more businessBUSINESS DEVELOPMENT CONSULTANCY WINNING PITCH LTD LAUNCHED ITS PATHFINDER GUIDE TO BUILDING HIGH-GROWTH BUSINESSES IN APRIL THE GUIDE is a key feature of the companys Winning Business Academy, a unique business service aimed at helping Manchester companies reach breakthroughs in their growth and profitability. Jane Davies, CEO of Manchester Science Park, which hosts over 100 high-tech growth companies, opened the Pathfinder launch event. She said: The Winning Pitch Ltd project provides companies with access to a wealth of business experience from industry experts. Strategic planning when developing your business model can make all the difference in taking your company to the next level. msp recognises the need to nurture start-up companies and is delighted to be launching the Pathfinder guide, which will add another dimension in helping businesses to grow and prosper. The founders of Winning Pitch Ltd are no strangers to commercial pressure. With more than 20 years consultancy experience in both FTSE100 companies and in smaller businesses, their Winning Business Academy enables local companies to develop world class, high performance, sales and marketing strategies. North West companies will enjoy higher revenues, greater profitability and company growth. The Winning Business Academy initiative is shared with the University of Manchester Incubator Company (UMIC). UMIC has more than a decades experience in supporting high-tech and biotechnology companies to spin-out from university research, and operates three business incubator facilities around Manchester. Tony Walker, UMICs high-tech incubator manager, explained: The Academy is aimed at businesses with a growth wish. Many businesses fail to realise their true growth potential because they lack selling skills. The Academy will help growing businesses achieve success. John Leach, MD of Winning Pitch added: Our Winning Business Academy received a phenomenally positive response. Its an area of business support that is massively lacking. There are businesses with great ideas, but if you cannot sell you cannot succeed.

Jane Davies

Regional Spotlight????????????????? NORTH WEST

MAY 2007 31

Manchester Science Park move to IBCS to manage systemsMANCHESTER SCIENCE PARK HAS RECENTLY COMPLETED A MAJOR UPGRADE OF ITS FINANCE AND STATISTICAL DATABASE SYSTEMS, MOVING TO R&A SOFTWARES MANAGEMENT SUITE, IBCS ALREADY WELL established in the serviced office sector, IBCS first moved into the incubation market in 2005, with installations at three start-up centres managed by RiDO. Along with a semibespoke installation at Biocity Nottingham, this sparked interest from the Science Park community. Paul Leighton, msps Commercial Manager, was initially struck by the integrated functionality of IBCS, encompassing not only the management of all tenant data, but also full back-office accounting functions. He said: The system will enable msp to have a seamless flow of information without the need to operate multiple pieces of software and will significantly reduce the number of manual interventions required. Some modification was required to cater for the slight differences in working practice of science parks, and this, as well as the production of a bespoke data conversion utility to import many years of existing financial data, was provided as part of the installation service. This ensured a very smooth transition. Paul Leighton added: I have been extremely impressed with both the IBCS system and the professional way in which R&A have understood our needs and have managed the project. Since the successful msp installation, and following a launch at the UKSPA Conference exhibition in Edinburgh, IBCS has now been ordered by a further UKSPA member park, and has received significant interest from a number of additional sites. James Chaffer, IBCS Product Manager, said: We have found that many managers are crying out for a system that manages all aspects of the Science Park offering, from lease and licence charges to conferencing, ad hoc services, enquiries and statistical reporting. IBCS can provide all of this and more in a very easy-to-use format that will appeal to all levels of staff. R&A have been quick to recognise the potential to create a de facto standard for science park management software. Speaking of future plans, James Chaffer added: We aim to follow up our initial success in this area with a sustained effort to provide an all-encompassing solution to these varied needs, and look forward to working with further UKSPA members to achieve this goal.

32 MAY 2007

Regional Spotlight

Liverpool focus on knowledgeSINCE THE NEW LIVERPOOL SCIENCE PARK (LSP) OPENED ITS DOORS IN 2006, MORE THAN 22 COMPANIES HAVE MOVED INTO ITS STATE-OF-THE-ART INNOVATION CENTRE IN THE CITY CENTRE TO ACCOMMODATE high demand, LSP is now pleased to have received planning permission for its next phase of development. Its new 40,000 sq ft facility will be colocated with its Innovation Centre next to Liverpools famous Metropolitan Cathedral. The facility will form part of an exciting innovation cluster developing in the heart of Liverpools knowledge quarter and will consolidate LSPs role in creating a sustainable knowledge economy for the city region. Supported by CABE and English Heritage, the new facility meets the highest architectural specification and will provide a second landmark innovation facility for Liverpools rapidly developing R&D market. Work will commence in June with completion and launch of the facility in December 2008. Responding to the needs of innovation and science-based companies in the region continues to be a priority for LSP . For this reason, the new facility will include 10,000 sq ft of dedicated laboratory space, and it will offer a home for both established and developing companies providing unrivalled access to the academic and research expertise of Liverpools two leading universities. LSP is a partnership organisation widely supported throughout the City as a key regeneration project and an important tool in the creation of jobs and retention of graduates. The provision of suitable growon space for existing LSP companies

Liverpool Science Park

ensures that the investment and economic benefits generated by successful earlystage companies stays in the city region. The delivery of its second phase demonstrates that LSP is working successfully to help secure the future of a knowledge-based economy and it is estimated that, with the delivery of further phases, the park could support as many as 7,000 local jobs within the next ten years.

Home on The HeathAs home to more than 180 organisations, The Heath Business and Technical Park in Cheshire has demonstrated that highquality laboratory space and an innovative approach to flexible accommodation can prove an irresistible magnet to companies within science and technology. The Runcorn-based park has developed a pioneering formula that offers unparalleled flexibility to its residents, coupled with top-quality facilities that include serviced office space, laboratory support services, scientific glassblowing and precision engineering facilities, to name but a few. The approach provides unprecedented support for organisations to grow and has led to the business model being publicly applauded by a succession of high-profile visitors including Tony Blair, Gordon Brown and former Science and Innovation Minister Lord Sainsbury. Residents cover a broad spectrum of 23 business sectors, with organisations conducting research and development into disciplines as diverse as bioscience, fluorine technology, forensic analysis, bio materials, automated imaging, carbon dioxide bioremediation and genetic screening. For further information on The Heath telephone 01928 515988 or visit www.theheath.com

Regional Spotlight????????????????? NORTH WEST

MAY 2007 33

Daresburys globalDARESBURY SCIENCE AND INNOVATION CAMPUS HAS BEGUN ITS INWARD INVESTMENT PROGRAMME IN STYLE, BY STARTING AT THE FARTHEST POINT ON THE GLOBE NEW ZEALAND company SYFT Technologies Ltd has travelled 12,000 miles to set up a subsidiary at the Daresbury Innovation Centre in order to gain a vital strategic footing in the European marketplace. Few people outside scientific circles are aware that the North West of England is the home of mass spectrometry. This was key in SYFTs decision to locate at Daresbury. Mass spectrometry is the analytical process for identifying unknown compounds by the mass of their molecules. Put simply, the mass spectrometer is able to give the analyst a fingerprint of what constituent molecules there are in the

attractionmaterial being analysed. Even tiny amounts of a molecule will appear on the fingerprint, giving the analyst a powerful tool for the detection of poisons, contaminants and many other substances. The technology has a wealth of applications, but SYFT is focusing on target application areas of particular interest to importers and exporters and Customs and Excise departments. Mark Hughes, Executive Director of Enterprise, Innovation and Skills at the Northwest Regional Development Agency (NWDA), which funded Daresbury Innovation Centre, said: Im delighted to welcome SYFT to Englands Northwest and to the groundbreaking Daresbury Science and Innovation Campus. Through the onsite support delivered at the Daresbury Innovation Centre, the NWDA will help to support the development of this company, making it an inward investment success story a

Pictured left to right: Nigel Jones, Business Manager, NWDA, Rebecca Bain, Sales and Marketing Manager, SYFT, Stephen Guilfoyle, EU Sales Manager, SYFT

coup, not only for the Northwest, but for the UK and the rest of Europe. For further information, visit: www.daresburyinnovation.co.uk

Pilot project underway to encourage market developmentDARESBURY SCIENCE AND INNOVATION CAMPUS AND THE UK T&IS NORTH WEST REGIONAL OFFICE ARE CO-ORDINATING A PROJECT TO RESEARCH THE FACTORS CONSTRAINING INTERNATIONAL MARKET DEVELOPMENT IN R&DINTENSIVE SMES THE PILOT project is being operated with a total of 15 SMEs in the North West region from diverse sectors such as healthcare, instrumentation, ele