University of Warwick Science Park's Newsletter
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Welcome to the Summer Edition of SPARK
Reflecting on one year at UWSP, it’s almost impossible to be anything but inspired by the increasingly vibrant UWSP community and the contribution it makes to the wider West Midlands Innovation Ecosystem.
Today, our growing community includes the innovation hubs of multi-national conglomerates, a FTSE1000 fastest growing European scale-up, University of Warwick spin-outs, and innovative start-ups backed by US investment.
The recent launch of our Ignite Alumni Network is allowing us to reconnect with over 700 ventures who graduated from our Ignite Incubator plus 125 Minerva Business Angel Network investees.
Visits from the Middle-East, South-East Asia, North America, and Europe, show that the UWSP community, the Warwick Innovation District, and University of Warwick research strengths are identified as synonymous with innovation.
As UWSP enters its 40th year, it’s exciting to be part of this continued success story which is evident in this issue of Spark.
We hope you find the newsletter useful and informative. We encourage you to submit your own stories for consideration for the next edition of SPARK or give us your feedback. Please use the links at the bottom of this newsletter to do so.
Mark Tock, Chief Operations Officer
University of Warwick Science Park
Coventry MP sees impact of regional Science Park
A Coventry MP gained an insight into the impact a regional Science Park has on the local economy – and heard about the potential for growth for one of its tenant companies.
Zarah Sultana, the MP for Coventry South, was invited to the University of Warwick Science Park’s (UWSP) Venture Centre, to meet senior members of the Science Park team as well as one of the businesses based there.
Alumni network for successful business support programme launched
A company that has revolutionised the measurement of complicated spaces and a successful media publishing company founded by a 12-year-old were just two of the firms to pay tribute to a business incubation programme in Coventry and Warwickshire at an event.
Warwick student turns videography hobby into viable business
A 20-year-old University of Warwick student has turned his love of videography from a side-hustle to a bona fide business with rapid financial growth.
£400m Midlands Engine Investment Fund II preparing for 2024 launch
A £400m investment fund to support the growth of small and medium-sized businesses across the Midlands is on course to be launched early next year.
Natwest Accelerator – Open for applications
The NatWest Accelerator supports and empowers UK entrepreneurs to scale their businesses to the next level. Applications are now open to join the 2023 cohort.
Hybrid is the New Normal: Insights into the UK Workforce
In the UK, hybrid working is considered the new ‘normal.’ Even before the COVID-19 pandemic, the idea of remote work and hybrid work models were slowly gaining traction. People were starting to realise the perks of flexibility to work from anywhere.
High-tech Cambridge business opens Coventry office for regional links to the automotive sector
A high-tech start-up business that has plans to revolutionise electric motor technology has opened an office in Coventry to take advantage of regional links to the automotive industry – and to have direct connections with the University of Warwick.
World famous automotive firm opens Warwick office
Continental, which is best-known across the globe for the manufacture of tyres, has taken space at the University of Warwick Science Park’s Innovation Centre on the Warwick Technology Park.
Record year for tourism in Coventry as visitor economy value hits £750.86 million and visitor numbers surpass 11 million
Tourism in Coventry enjoyed a record year in 2022 as the value of the visitor economy in the city soared to £750.86 million and recovered to surpass pre-pandemic levels.
University of Warwick announces new partnership with Tech West Mids
The University of Warwick has announced a new partnership with Tech West Mids (Tech WM), a not-for-profit organisation that aims to help tech businesses and entrepreneurs in the region go global.
Midlands universities aim to raise £250m investment for start-ups in the region
Midlands Mindforge Limited, co-founded by the University of Warwick, along with seven other universities*, aims to secure significant private investment to support early-stage businesses across the region.
£2,748 raised for charity! 🎯
An enormous thank you from UWSP's caretaker, Ady, to the entire Science Park community, for contributing to the nonstop 24-hour darts charity tournament he recently participated in.
A grand total of £2,748 was raised by 15 darts players and was distributed between:
- Zoe’s Place Hospice for Children
- Aldermoor Life Centre
- Special Baby Care Unit
- Warwickshire Youth Darts
Rubix Consulting is growing! 🚀
Former ignite company & current Business Innovation Centre tenant, Rubix Consulting has expanded their team by two. Dan Ronan recently joined as a Principal Engineer and Sam Moore as a Senior Engineer.
Both Dan and Sam have strong technical backgrounds but are also very commercially adept. Adil, director of Rubix Consulting, said: "Now that we have a strong management structure in place, we can look at hiring more technical team members."
Summer Networking BBQ 🍔
The annual summer networking barbecue took place at the Business Innovation Centre in Binley on the 6th of June and it was a great success with our tenants and clients.
Victoria Lynch, Centre Manager, said: ”This years' barbecue was once again a great success for us and our tenants as it brought together our community for a well-deserved social get-together. For a second year running the barbecue was catered for by the Gourmet Hog Roast Company and it was delicious. This is one of the ways we can give back to our great community that has achieved so much collectively for the local economy. We already look forward to next year’s barbecue."
Online: Alternative Funding for the Midlands
📆 27th Jun: Join the British Business Bank and hear from some of its Delivery Partners, about the range of lending options available to smaller businesses in the Midlands.
In-Person: Business Networking Event Vol. 3 'Sustainability'
📆 28th Jun: Meet like-minded individuals and professionals from across our network to discuss innovation, business challenges and solutions, and the SME and start-up environment.
In-Person: People, Planet, Pint: Sustainability Meetup
📆 29th Jun: This relaxed event brings together those with a shared passion for sustainability in all its forms. Meet others interested in the Net Zero, Bcorp and Environmental space!
In-Person: CW Champions - July Event 2023
📆 5th Jul: Join the Coventry and Warwickshire Champions team for the July 2023 Breakfast Networking Event, taking place at Stoneleigh Abbey Riding School.
In-Person: First Friday Networking Lunch in July
📆 7th Jul: Hear from David Wigman the Club Chairman before being able to have a try at bowling yourself, supported by the Club’s coaches. It promises to be an unusual and fun lunch.
Online: Minerva Educational Series - SEIS & EIS Update
📆 13th Oct: Stay abreast of the needs and trends in SEIS & EIS, and hear how to maximise the tax benefit either for yourself or for a company looking to attract investment.
