Vince Cable: This is where the future lies
The Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills officially opened a new science centre at Norwich Research Park this lunchtime.
Vince Cable said Norwich Research Park (NRP) is becoming a powerhouse for industry: “Powerful for the morale of the UK. This is where the future lies…”
The Secretary of State officially opened the park’s Innovation Centre, home to new start-ups and spin-out companies. He said it’s a fine example of something Britain has traditionally not been very good at; combining science with commercial innovation. Norwich aims to follow Cambridge and other leading research clusters, working closely with industry and addressing global challenges such as food and energy security.
The science park is aiming to create 5000 jobs in the next 10 to 15 years. 30 early stage companies have already chosen to locate themselves at NRP, from forensics to food technology.
Details of how the £26 M earmarked for Norwich Research Park in the budget have been sent to the Government for approval. 55 hectares of land has been designated for development, next to the existing institutes.
Alan Giles, Director of the NRP said: “The key is to invest wisely to attract research-based companies and innovative individuals to the NRP… The NRP Enterprise Centre will incorporate a student hatchery to nurture innovation and enterprise.”
He added that suitable infrastructure is vital: “critical highway, roads, pathways, power and utilities.” When asked if the minister could give assurances that these would come, Vince Cable said the A11 was set to be dualled but: “Any decision on local roads lies with the county council.”
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