Science parks and business incubators in the UK

The factors covered are:

• Overview

• Science parks

• Business incubators

• Further information

1. Overview

The UK is renowned for leading-edge research, innovation and an entrepreneurial approach to science and technology. A key strength of the UK is its world-class network of science parks and business incubators that specialise in supporting businesses to develop and commercialise leading-edge technologies.

Many businesses choose to locate on science parks or in business incubators in order to take advantage of the enhanced business support services that are available, including privileged links to universities and research centres; access to bespoke facilities and leading-edge equipment; and dedicated support from specialised on-site business advisers.

Please see Appendix A for details of the key science parks and business incubators in the UK.

2. Science parks

Businesses located on a science park have the benefit of strong links to a specific research centre or university (often to take advantage of leading-edge technology and research skills) combined with access to on-site specialised business support.

In the UK there are more than 100 science parks with approximately 3,000 tenant companies (including over 450 overseas-owned companies), occupying around 1.5 million square metres of property. Employment in companies located on UK science parks has risen from 30,000 to 68,000 over the last seven years (Source: UKSPA, 2007).

Science parks are owned by various organisations in the UK including universities, local government or private management companies. As many are significant sources of high-value employment in local areas, science parks often receive financial support from regional development agencies, the UK Government and the European Union.

The UK Science Park Association (UKSPA) is the key organisation involved in the planning and development of science parks across the UK. For further information, including full contact details of science parks in the UK, please see: www.ukspa.org.uk

3. Business incubators

The UK also has a well-established network of over 325 business incubators that supports a range of high-growth technology businesses in sectors such as biomedical, IT and the creative industries (Source: UKBI, 2007).

Business incubators provide intensive support to start-up businesses, typically offering the following services:

• small business units and leases on flexible terms,

• R&D facilities and links into university and academic resources,

• ongoing mentoring and business support from highly experienced personnel,

• technical assistance,

• training and development opportunities,

• access to funding opportunities,

• networking opportunities with other entrepreneurs, and

• fee-based business support services such as receptionist services, secretarial support, accounting, video-conferencing and access to meeting rooms.

Many incubators also offer a "virtual" incubation service where advice and support is provided to start-up businesses located outside of the incubator.

UK Business Incubation (UKBI) is the lead organisation for business incubators in the UK. For further information, including a list of UK business incubators, please see: www.ukbi.co.uk

4. Further information

This information sheet was updated in March 2008.

As information changes from time to time, please contact the organisations listed or UK Trade & Investment to confirm any item that you intend to rely on.

This information sheet was produced by the Marketing Group of:

UK Trade & Investment

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Kingsgate House

66-74 Victoria Street

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Tel: +44 (0)20 7215 4957

Email: enquiries@uktradeinvest.gov.uk

Website: www.uktradeinvest.gov.uk