Innovations Into Success Summer 2016 | Page 31

Chaarm Productions thrives at Knowledge Dock
Tenant News

Chaarm Productions thrives at Knowledge Dock

Varun Talwar graduated from the University of East London ( UEL ) in 2013 with an MBA in International Business before setting up his own production company Chaarm Productions , now a tenant at the Knowledge Dock Business and Innovation Centre . His journey through university and starting up a business is a prime example of how Knowledge Dock , together with the UEL Enterprise Team , can actively encourage entrepreneurship

Varun Talwar completed a BA in Animation and Video Production in New Delhi and consequently enrolled on an apprenticeship Varun Talwar in a post-production studio . During this time he learnt how a professional studio runs and where he came to the realisation that he wanted to open his own studio . His family recommended he studied an MBA course in the UK and he chose UEL .

Varun takes up the story : “ Before coming to UEL , I didn ’ t know what a company was ! During my MBA I learnt how a company is managed and how to plan effectively . I also developed my organisational and financial skills and how to be more efficient in business ”
“ I registered my own company thanks to my MBA . Even though it ’ s simple now , I didn ’ t even know how to register a company before attending my course .”
After completing his MBA , Varun set up his own company , Chaarm Productions , which provides video production and photography services for commercial clients as well as individuals .
Varun said it was tough but he received a lot of help from the UEL Enterprise Team ; a student support service which assists students and graduates pursue their start-up goals .
He explained : “ UEL Enterprise guided me a lot , by providing mentoring support , space in Knowledge Dock Business Centre – all the resources you need to start a business . This really influenced the development of my business . If I wouldn ’ t have received this advice and support it would have been very difficult for me to get this far .”
He added : “ What I enjoyed the most during my time at UEL was taking part in group activities and the opportunity of attending multiple networking events .
The Knowledge Dock Business and Innovation Centre
I got to meet other entrepreneurs and learn about their ideas . I also got the opportunity to apply for the Haberdashers Entrepreneurs Award ; I applied for it and I got the award which was a wonderful opportunity .”
Varun has this advice for any would-be entrepreneurs : “ Even if you have a small idea and you think it could work , you should definitively give it a try . Sometime people have great ideas but they don ’ t go forward with it . Even if it doesn ’ t work , always try !”

Redx Pharma set for new Alderley Park headquarters

Drug development firm Redx Pharma is to establish its new headquarters at Alderley Park , Cheshire , creating a 74,000 sq . ft state-of-the-art drug development facility that brings together its three subsidiary businesses onto one site . The company has reached an agreement with Manchester Science Partnerships , which will see Alderley Park become the new home for Redx Oncology . The business develops anti-cancer drugs and is currently based within the Royal Liverpool Hospital ’ s Duncan Building , which is due to be demolished in 2017 .

The Redx group already has two other subsidiaries , Redx Anti- Infectives and Redx Immunology , based at Alderley Park in 37,000 sq . ft . of laboratory and office space .
The Redx Pharma move will be completed by year-end and see all 193 Redx staff operate on the same site for the first time , with all 88 Liverpool-based job roles relocating .
Neil Murray , chief executive of Redx Pharma , commented : “ Bringing our three teams together will support our ambitious growth plans and give the business some valuable human , scientific and logistical synergies .
“ Alderley Park ’ s high specification laboratories and superlative facilities present a commercially attractive solution as we seek to provide the best infrastructure and environment for our staff . The £ 30 million capital investment that has been committed to the site over the next three years is impressive indeed . It will create one of the most important multioccupier sites for life science in Europe .”
Aerial photo of Alderley Park in Cheshire , England
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