‘WHITE ELEPHANT’ PROVING A JUMBO SUCCESS
£20m science park thriving and bringing jobs as it celebrates anniversary
BOSSES at the futuristic science park at the heart of Anglesey are in talks with “several international businesses” about locating to the island as the site prepares to mark its highly successful first year.
Menai Science Park (M-SParc) opened on March 1 last year – with some claiming the £20m project would be a “white elephant”.
But the figures from the first 12 months are hugely promising.
There are now 24 businesses based in the cutting edge centre owned by Bangor University – employing 130 people.
Of these roles, 24 jobs have been newly created by firms at the centre with most companies now set on further expansion.
The site is 63% full and now plans are already starting on the surrounding plots – which are part of the development to host companies once they get too big for the main building.
Meanwhile the UK Atomic Energy Authority is developing the outline design of a proposed £40m national thermal hydraulic research and testing facility in the grounds.
There are also confidential discussions under way with businesses from the US, Italy, Spain and Sweden looking to locate at the park.
On top of this economic impact the centre has hosted 16 key events engaging with 1,300 people – including 460 children.
Managing director Pryderi ap Rhisiart said “The buy-in from our tenant companies to developing and growing their companies here at M-SParc has been inspiring.
“It is an ethos we thought we’d have to grow, but it’s like these companies have been waiting all along for the opportunity.
“Those who are start-ups are increasing their company turnover, and learning from other companies on site and making the most of our dedicated business support.
“Some of the larger SMEs here are moving at a rate of knots
“It feels like we’re building something special, and it’s not just M-SParc as a company that’s responsible.
“Our tenant companies are to be commended for the real difference they are making to the region, almost a year after we opened our doors to them.
“Additionally, we are in talks with several international businesses looking to locate at the park, and are already speaking with companies who want to grow, about the other plots we have on site.
“Economic growth is a Science Park’s main remit, and to be able to say we’re already achieving this, less than a year in to trading, is fantastic.”
BIC Innovation, who provide business improvement and growth support to SMEs, have recruited seven people during the past eight months, three of whom are located at M-SParc.
Huw Watkins said “Being here has allowed us to reach a new and expanding client base.
“We have improved our visibility and have benefited from chance meetings, which have been invaluable.”
Futurium, a technology company developing innovative solutions for clients in the architecture, engineering and construction industry, have employed 10 new people since locating at M-SParc six months ago.
Tomasz Murlikiewicz, co-founder, said: “The ethos of M-SParc is one of the main reasons we moved here as a company.
“Developing a leading edge tech business in North Wales we needed a building and environment to meet our needs. We’ve found this in M-SParc, the environment provides opportunities for us to grow as a company, it helps us to attract and recruit talent and to showcase our leading technologies to International clients.”
Loyalty Logistix – a data solutions company for the automotive sector, is the biggest employer on site with 45 staff and space for another 20 to 25 workers.
The company was set up 15 years ago in Llangefni by David Hawkins and Bobby Williams before then moving to a site on Parc Menai, near Bangor.
Nathan Welch, operations director and David Hawkins, sales director, said: “Coming here has helped with our clients, been good for our existing employees and will help us attract people in the future.
“We deal with big automotive companies like Jaguar Land Rover, Hyundai, Audi and before we would avoid hosting them in our offices.
“Now that has changed, we want to bring people here, it reflects well on the company. This now also allows us to showcase the area, we sell the region as well.”
Minister for Economy and North Wales Ken Skates said: “The aim of the park, the first of its kind in Wales, was to bring innovative businesses together in a creative and supportive environment, and help them grow.
“This has certainly happened so far. It’s also good to see the links with schools and universities, showing graduates that there are well-paid high-level innovative job opportunities in north west Wales.”