UKSPA Directory 2017 2017-18 | Page 239

UKSPA Directory 2017 England | Full Member 239 The The Gateway Forum Building, is open to Thames the public Valley and Science is a space Park to (below), meet, eat, and collaborate Reading Enterprise and network Centre (opposite) and problem solving or for networking and collaborative working. The facilities are well suited to early stage and growing companies in the bioscience, environmental, chemical or food sectors that require laboratory space or to dynamic companies seeking a tailored or flexible office solution. Our links to the University of Reading enable easy access to University amenities such as the library, restaurants, conference and sports facilities, and the University also offers excellent opportunities for research collaboration, access to numerous specialist technical services and for recruitment of students or graduates for placements, work experience, or for specific projects. Business Support Business Support is available to companies locating at Thames Valley Science Park through a number of network partners with expertise to help technology and knowledge-based companies with pioneering ideas to become thriving commercial concerns. In addition, the Henley Business School at the University runs very successful Start-up and Growth Accelerator programmes aimed at helping entrepreneurial companies develop thriving businesses. In particular a close relationship is maintained with initiatives supported by the Thames Valley Berkshire LEP including the TV Berkshire Business Growth Hub, which offers advice and mentoring on “For a high technology company such all aspects of as Lein, having easy access to expert business growth and development academics is invaluable” as well as connection Dan Daly, CEO, Lein Applied Diagnostics Ltd to other national support programmes such as UKTI, Innovate and Growth Accelerator. In addition, the highly successful Thames Valley Funding Escalator has been Tr a n s p o r t l i n k s established to provide funding support to start-up and growth orientated tech companies requiring commercialisation or expansion finance. There is also a close relationship with the Grow incubator run Close to M4 by ConnectTVT, which provides a dynamic Good road access to Heathrow start-up co-working space and events Reading station 15 mins by bus/taxi programme for early stage and aspiring tech entrepreneurs. Companies established at TVSP The Science Park is home to around 80 knowledge-based companies ranging from start-up and more-established SMEs to global enterprises such as Mondelez. The types of companies in the centre range from early stage diagnostics and health care companies such as Lein Applied Diagnostics and Biointeractions, through to more established pharma companies such as Dextra, part of New Zealand Pharma, through to a broad range of IT and digital companies including Emulate 3D, Assuria and Opsview to Metra and Assimila, who are both involved in meteorology and earth observation. ■ N e a r by Just south of Reading Wokingham 7 miles Henley, Ascot, River Thames Str a te g i c n e tw o r k University of Reading Thames Valley business community