Business Weekly - Cambridge, UK

The organisation behind the project, Cambridge based START International, specialises in the design, development and operation of science parks and business innovation centres.

Through a joint venture with the renowned St John’s Innovation Centre in Cambridge, START provides quality accommodation on fully flexible monthly licences with a full business support service that helps companies to grow by allowing them to concentrate on their business.

“START Fareham is unique,” says Roger Perrin, MD of START. “We provide fully furnished air conditioned office space, adaptable studios and workshops, and total on site business support for those that need it, all focused around an atrium and café.”

While the management blueprint is based upon the successful Cambridge model, START is now working with local business support providers and universities to deliver a broad range of services to clients.

Alex Smeets, director of START Fareham and St John’s Innovation Centre, adds: “Our approach is to provide hands on support and practical help with business plans, fund raising, marketing and technical issues.

“Through our client base and contacts in Cambridge, and internationally, our clients in Fareham are part of a large network that is mutually supportive.”

Future projects are now underway at Woolwich Royal Arsenal and Oxford, and START is aiming to create a network of START Centres ultimately throughout the UK.

START Fareham is funded by Close Business Centre Capital, Commercial Manage-ment, and Halifax Bank of Scotland.