Scott Bader Opens Innovation Centre in Northamptonshire

Scott Bader Innovation Centre in Northamptonshire was officially launched as part of the Global Entrepreneurship Week celebrations, with the first occupier set to move in next month. Established by global chemical firm Scott Bader on its idyllic headquarters site at Wollaston, Northamptonshire, the new innovation centre is designed to support the growth of around 20 early stage businesses.

The Scott Bader Innovation Centre provides local businesses with high quality office space on flexible terms in a dedicated business centre. The first company to move in will take several offices that are fully fitted out on a flexible letting arrangement. In addition, cost-effective, professional laboratory space is available for companies operating in the chemicals, composites, materials and advanced engineering sectors. They will also have an opportunity to benefit from the collaborations and resources associated with location on a world-class R&D site.

All occupiers have access to investment networks that match investors to early stage businesses, as well as business planning advice, mentoring and networking events. The innovation centre also offers a virtual office facility for entrepreneurs who are not yet ready to take office space and require a professional address and telephone answering service with access to meeting rooms.

Scott Bader was founded in 1921 and is a multinational chemical firm with manufacturing sites in Europe, the Middle East and South Africa. Core products are polyester resins, structural adhesives and polymers used by firms in the building, marine and chemical containment sectors.

Oxford Innovation, the UKs leading operator of business and innovation centres, has completed an extensive refurbishment programme to convert surplus buildings on Scott Baders site into the new innovation centre with high quality offices and fully equipped labs.

Oxford Innovation has an impressive track record in supporting the growth of early stage firms and already manages five centres in the East Midlands region - Wellingborough Innovation Centre, Harborough Innovation Centre and three centres in Nottinghamshire. They form part of a portfolio of 20 business and innovation centres across the UK used by over 500 companies.

The refurbishment of the innovation centre was supported by grant funding from the Northamptonshire County Council Fit for Market Fund, which is managed by Northamptonshire Enterprise Partnership, an important stakeholder in the project.

The Mayor of Wellingborough, Councillor Bhupendra (Bob) Patel, marked the official launch by cutting a ribbon across the front door before an audience of over 70 guests that included senior representatives from the countys leading businesses, engineering and technology networks and public sector organisations.

Among the guests were Tim Bagshaw, head of investment at Northamptonshire Enterprise Partnership, and Steve Cousins, managing director of Axon Automotive, a high performance engineering firm in Northamptonshire that has worked with Scott Bader to develop the materials for its innovative low carbon car.

Councillor Patel said: "This centre is a great asset for the local area and will play a key role in supporting the growth of businesses and creating local jobs." Philip Bruce, group managing director of Scott Bader, said: "The aim of our Scott Bader Innovation Centre is to provide an incubation site for early stage businesses, with specialist facilities and business support that is designed to boost their chances of commercial success. A significant added benefit is the opportunity for up and coming firms locating here to collaborate with the other companies on-site as well as with Scott Bader."

Chris Allington, managing director of Oxford Innovations business and innovation centres division, said: "As innovators in the property sector, we are delighted to be working in partnership with Scott Bader to develop a thriving innovation centre. We offer a professional office environment combined with practical business support and valuable connections to assist early stage firms to succeed and grow."

Manager of the new innovation centre, Mick Judge, said: "The centre has already attracted a lot of interest and we are delighted that our first company will move in during the next few weeks. We are well on the way to creating a community of entrepreneurs here, and I welcome further enquiries from companies seeking office space or access to laboratory facilities."