Business Weekly - Cambridge, UK

Local corporate financier, Mark Garner, of Lovewell Blake has been analysing the development of new technology business throughout the region and says it is vital that the business and financial communities recognise the potential of the research park.

“For so many years we’ve sat on the sidelines watching Cambridge blaze a trail in technology phenomena, with the emergence of the Silicon Fen and IP City, without realising or embracing the wealth of talents on our own doorstep.

“The growing cluster of talent at the Norwich Research Park could be the catalyst that elevates Norwich to the premier division.”

Garner considers that the concentration of R & D in the areas of food, plants, diet and health on one site in Norwich may be unique in Europe.

The combination of academic institutions and commercial research is also potentially powerful.

Norwich Research Park is already at the heart of a highly complementary mix including the UEA, the John Innes Institute and Institute of Food Research. There are also plans to expand the park with a new Innovation and Business Centre, leading edge laboratories and facilities for biotechnology start-ups.

“It is vital that the surrounding business and financial communities recognise the potential of the Norwich Research Park and provide the drive, energy and commitment to change which are vital ingredients in giving the park the momentum and profile that it needs,” Garner said.

He said the combination of the academic, pure and applied research and commercial awareness had already provided enormous success for the region.

Cambridge had achieved an enviable position – embracing the talent of its colleges, investing in social infrastructure, a science park and innovation centre, and attracting financial institutions. The result was a dynamic commercial environment. In Ipswich the technology tide was getting stronger, fuelled by BT’s demerger plans and the development of significant new business opportunities.

Garner said: “BT’s Brightspark incubator at Martlesham Heath is already spinning out a number of business ventures from BT’s war-chest of IP and proprietary technology. It is using the talents of its local workforce and being supported by a consortium of VCs.

“Norwich technology is aligned to the most mature and viable sector of all, the food chain, which does not suffer the agonies of uncertainty experienced in other technology markets.

“There are exciting times ahead and there will be challenges to overcome but embracing the Norwich Research Park can mark the beginning of a new era of enterprise, opportunity and ultimately wealth creation for the area.”