University of Warwick Science Park's Newsletter No images? Click here Welcome to the Spring Edition of SPARKWelcome to the Spring 2024 edition of SPARK which celebrates the 40th Anniversary of University of Warwick Science Park and the team supporting our business community. While a recent Financial Times Special Report ranked UWSP in the top 5% of start-up hubs in Europe, it’s clear that neither our team nor our community are resting on their laurels. At mid-point in our financial year, and with the busiest quarter just beginning, our Business Ready, Ignite, and Minerva teams have already achieved their annual targets. Looking outwards, UWSP has also joined the West Midlands Global Growth Programme as a preferred destination for tech companies investing from overseas. The successes of young AI companies joining us, existing tenants expanding, and the number of companies launching new products and services is evident in this edition. Once again, community members have displayed a humbling sense of social conscience in supporting the George Eliot Hospital, St John Ambulance, Solihull Samaritans, and Myton Hospice. Many have already also committed to joining us in supporting Life Ready programmes at local schools. 2024 looks set to be an amazing year for UWSP, our community, and the region around us. It’s difficult not to be excited by what the rest of the year will bring! Mark Tock, Chief Operations Officer University of Warwick Science Park Science Park marks 40th anniversary in styleA leading Midlands science park celebrated its 40th anniversary by bringing together innovative companies both old and new to mark the occasion. The University of Warwick Science Park was officially opened in February 1984 by the former Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher, when it just had one building to its name. Forty years on, firms who had made the Science Park their home came along to a celebratory event at the Venture Centre – the first building the Science Park ever had – along with current tenants, Science Park staff and VIPs. Business Ready programme to continueA scheme which helps innovative businesses access finance and mentoring support is set to continue after a contract award by Warwickshire County Council on behalf of the county’s six local authorities. More angel investors needed to boost the West Midlands economyThe West Midlands has to up its game when it comes to angel investment in order to support more start-up and scale-up businesses and grow the regional economy. Best-in-class UK market entry support programme opens for applicationsThe West Midlands’ official investment promotion agency has launched its 2024 Global Growth Programme – a unique, nine-month package of free market entry support, providing international companies with a springboard to success in the region. Scaling Success: practical insights for small business owners by DFA LawAs an SME business owner, the journey to success can be both rewarding and challenging. In this article, we provide you with practical insights to help you scale your business, overcome hurdles, and thrive in today’s dynamic market. Science Park named among Europe’s leading start-up hubs by major FT reportThe University of Warwick Science Park (UWSP) has been identified as one of Europe’s leading start-up hubs in the inaugural edition of The Financial Times’ ‘Europe’s Leading Start-Up Hubs Special Report.’ Young company using big data to help clients achieve net-zeroA young company which has recently moved into new Coventry offices is aiming to use the power of big data to help firms achieve net-zero. Science Park looks back and looks forward as it marks 40th anniversaryWe look back at the success of the park through the eyes of founding Director David Rowe and his late successor David Grindrod, while current COO Mark Tock looks ahead to the next 40 years. From computer aided design to smart fire alarms: Graham Whitworth’s 40-year journey with UWSPWe spoke to Graham about what the Science Park was like in its infancy, and how it has stayed true to its values 40 years on. Warwick drives opportunities for technology specialists thanks to £1.5m grantThe University of Warwick has been awarded £1.5m to support opportunities and development activities for technology specialists. TalentTech Recruitment raises £276.97 in cake saleThe team at TalentTech Recruitment have organized a cake sale and raffle to raise funds for their colleague, John, for the upcoming London Marathon, in support of St John Ambulance. The event raised a fantastic £276.97 towards John's £2,000 goal, with thanks going to the collaborative efforts of Business Innovation Centre tenants. A special thank you to Anne from Treves for her popular cupcakes and TMS Consultancy for baking cakes and donating a raffle prize. Knitting newborn hats for local hospitalsThe incredible tenants and colleagues from across the UWSP sites have been putting their creative talents to good use. In response to a plea from George Elliot Hospital in Nuneaton, our community came together to knit and crochet 103 adorable newborn hats. These hats will play an important part in keeping newborns warm in their first hours. Easter Eggs for Warwick HospitalA huge thank you to all of our tenants and colleagues who have generously donated Easter Eggs here at Warwick Innovation Centre, supporting our efforts to spread the Easter cheer at MacGregor Children’s Ward in Warwick Hospital. 🐰 🥚 🍫 Online: Unlock the Value of Data for your Business Webinar📆 9th Apr: Gain insights into the expanding investment landscape of data and analytics by joining this free webinar by Business Ready. In-Person: Not Your Typical Vision Board Workshop📆 12th Apr: Get ready to ditch the boring vision boards and unleash your creativity at this unique workshop by Warwick Enterprise. Online: Driving Growth with ERP Webinar📆 23rd Apr: Explore how businesses can leverage ERP solutions to drive innovation, streamline processes, and propel growth in today's digital landscape. In-Person: What scaleups need to Master Talent Acquisition📆 26th Apr: Discover the systems, people and processes you need master talent acquisition at this session by University of Warwick and Dan Corcoran. |