Innovations Into Success Summer 2016 | Page 150

M-SParc

Location Menai Science Park The Management Centre Bangor University , College Road Bangor , Gwynedd LL57 2DG
Contact Details Contact : Emily Roberts , Project Administrator Tel : 01248 382175 Email : post @ m-sparc . com Website : www . m-sparc . com
Image by FaulknerBrowns Architects
Overview Menai Science Park Ltd ( M-SParc ), a wholly owned subsidiary of Bangor University , is developing a Science Park on Anglesey to drive growth in knowledge based science , with an early focus on low carbon energy , the environment and ICT sectors . The project will align with the Welsh Government ’ s Innovation Strategy , as well as contributing to the growth of region ’ s economy .
Work on what will be Wales ’ first dedicated Science Park begins this year , with the Park becoming operational towards the end of 2017 . The 20 acre site will be sympathetically landscaped within a parkland setting , and the first building will house start-ups , accelerator and mature projects as well as an open innovation area with cafe . All potential tenants will be provided with outstanding facilities and excellent business support .
Vision & Sectors M-SParc ’ s vision is to drive knowledge based science linked to research expertise . This will be achieved by stimulating an entrepreneurial culture linking innovation in key sectors such as low carbon energy and the environment and ICT . We wish to develop an area of innovation in North West Wales with the science park being a catalyst for innovative ideas in the region . The park also sees itself as making a contribution to growing the region ’ s economy and the provision of a skilled workforce .
Universities M-SParc is building strong ties with Bangor University , in particular the Colleges of Physical and Applied Sciences , Natural Science , and Health and Behavioural Science . Other universities and research institutes in the UK , Europe and worldwide working on relevant and linked projects will also work with us . Linking academic expertise with business opportunities will be a key part of M-SParc ’ s offer .
Services and Facilities Accommodation will be available for micro-businesses , accelerators , mature companies and anchor tenants .
Pre start-ups can make use of the hot desking space , informal meetings spaces , cafe area and free wi-fi . Tenant companies will be offered 24 hour secure access , flexible office spaces that can grow with the company , laboratory and clean workshop space , and regular meetings with M-SParc support staff . Corporations will be offered secure office space with restricted access , as well as meeting and conference rooms and a ‘ soft landing ’ package . Plots are also available for those who require their own bespoke building . All companies on site will be offered secure and reliable broadband , HR support , grant support , IP protection and advice , legal advice , leadership and management skills , and more . Full details can be found on our website . Competitive rates will be offered , and the office and laboratory plans are available . Companies are invited to get in touch at this early stage of development as offices and laboratories can be fitted out to meet specific requirements .
Become a virtual tenant Virtual tenancies will be available this year , allowing companies to take advantage of the excellent business support package offered prior to completion of the first building . This will be particular useful to start-up companies who may need extra support to navigate the grants allocation processes and access to finance .
Community M-SParc will form a community hub , as well as for Science-based businesses and research . Children and local schools will be targeted as potential future clients , and an open innovation space on the site could be used after office-hours by the local community . The parkland itself will be sympathetically landscaped , and open for use by tenants and the local community .
148 UKSPA Directory 2016 / 17 Associate Member • England