University of Warwick Science Park's Newsletter
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Welcome to the Spring Edition of SPARK
Welcome to the Spring 2025 issue of SPARK, the first of a new year in which the University of Warwick Science Park community remains at the forefront of innovation and collaboration.
The recent launch of our Ignite Business Lounge at the Venture Centre marks a significant step in how our community will grow. Designed to encourage collaboration and provide touchdown space on flexible terms, the Lounge enables businesses without space needs to access business support, University of Warwick talent and research, and to join our community.
An important addition to our community is the newly arrived Luke Pulford who takes the reigns as Head of Minerva Business Angels Network in Minerva’s 30th year. Luke aims to grow the network and activate a more diverse group of investors in the coming year.
Typical of the scaling businesses in the UWSP community are:
- the Business Ready-supported Tecman Speciality Materials, who launched an ambitious growth strategy focused on research and design, manufacturing, and automation;
- Key Forensic Sciences who, supported by our Property team, expanded into newly refurbished labs and offices;
- and Spectron Gas Control Systems who expanded into cleanrooms by acquiring Swiss company H.Lüdi + Co. AG.
These are just some examples of successful growth stories at UWSP. Read on to discover more!
Mark Tock, Chief Operations Officer
University of Warwick Science Park
Ignite Business Lounge officially open after ribbon cutting
The University of Warwick Science Park’s first Ignite Business Lounge – one of a planned series of business lounges – was officially opened at the Venture Centre in Coventry with a ribbon cutting from Cllr Peter Butlin, Deputy Leader of Warwickshire County Council.
The newly created space is designed to encourage collaboration between start-ups, scale-ups, and established businesses with the help of support organisations.
Kenilworth marketing agency aims for £1m turnover in five years
A Kenilworth digital marketing agency is aiming to bring in over £1m in the next five years and create new jobs after ‘invaluable’ advice from a business support service helped them create a long-term blueprint for growth.
UWSP’s Incubator Programme goes from Strength to Strength with Latest Networking Event
Cutting-edge medicine, the power of AI, and the surprising influence of skateboarding on risk and governance were among the fascinating talks held at a business incubation programme’s latest networking event.
DigiSpin WM – A new spin on tech transfer
This collaborative project aims to optimise the technology transfer process for spin-out companies, particularly those specialising in digital technologies within the advanced manufacturing sector of the West Midlands Investment Zone (WM-IZ).
Don’t Get Caught Out By R&D Advanced Notification Rules
Recent HMRC figures show the number of claims for Research & Development (R&D) tax credits fell 21% in the 2022/23 tax year to 65,690, down from 83,240 in the 2021/22 tax year. The Government continues to change how companies claim R&D tax credits. Some companies now have to submit an advanced notification form before making a claim.
Forensic science firm looking to grow team by 30 after Herald Court refurb
A forensic science specialist is hoping to grow its team by 30 and double its capacity after an expansion and high-spec refurbishment of its Coventry lab and offices.
Retail fit-out specialists get new interior of their own with Blythe Valley move
A Solihull-based retail and commercial interior fit-out specialist is confident of future growth as its clients move towards high-end interiors and embrace café culture.
Business and university leaders unite in calls for new Industrial Strategy to remove barriers to growth
Business leaders and research-intensive Russell Group universities have today set out recommendations for government to ensure the new Industrial Strategy removes barriers to growth that have hindered the UK’s productivity and competitiveness for over a decade.
Gaining Confidence in Presenting and Pitching
📆 31st March: Join this female-founded community to practice pitching and presenting. Learn to deliver with clarity, authenticity, and impact.
Chamber Networking at the SYDNI Centre
📆 9th April: Join local professionals and business owners for a morning of networking in a relaxed and welcoming environment in Leamington Spa.
South-Warwickshire Local Business Forum
📆 2nd May: Find out what is happening on a micro-level, hear from local MPs and Council Officials, and have a say on the local issues affecting businesses.
Mid-Warwickshire Local Business Forum
📆 16th May: Find out what is happening on a micro-level, hear from local MPs and Council Officials, and have a say on the local issues affecting businesses.
