News

Canterbury Innovation Centre celebrates occupancy success

April 30, 2010

Just six months after opening its doors to innovative and high technology businesses, the Canterbury Innovation Centre is celebrating an occupancy of over 60% and still continues to attract a great deal of interest from regional, national and international companies.

Businesses that have already taken occupation include specialists in nanotechnology, biotechnology, biometrics and security. Jo Clark, Centre Manager, comments: “We are already seeing a great business community developing here, with collaboration and synergy between companies. We have also hosted a number of events, such as the University of Kent launch of ICE – Innovation, Creativity and Enterprise, several student focused seminars, as well as networking events aimed at local and regional businesses, which have all proven extremely successful. We’re delighted that the student and business community is benefitting from the centre.”

Kent 2020 Vision exhibition – Great day and an excellent networking opportunity

April 22, 2010

The Canterbury Innovation Centre was represented as part of the Basepoint stand but also featured on the Canterbury City Council stand and also the University of Kent. The day was a great success and gave many opportunities for raising the profile of this new centre.

First Clients Meet up – Success even with the Snow

January 7, 2010

An informal meet up for all the existing clients at Canterbury Innovation Centre was held and, fortunately well attended even with the everlasting snow and icy conditions. There was a good turnout aided by the promise of free coffee, tea and muffins, courtesy of the Basepoint staff.

It was the first chance for the clients to meet one another and find out more about what their neighbours do. Further meet ups are in the pipeline to encourage more internal networking and friendly banter!

Key Handover

November 25, 2009

The key handover ceremony officially launched the Canterbury Innovation Centre opened for business status. The ceremony was attended by representatives from all Partners involved in the development, funding and management of the centre including Cllr John Gilbey, Chair of East Kent Spatial Development Company and Leader of Canterbury City Council, Pam Alexander, Chief Executive of SEEDA, Professor Julia Goodfellow and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Kent.

Jo Clark, Basepoint’s Centre Manager, said: “Although in its infancy, the Centre is already attracting a variety of businesses that fit the criteria of innovation and technology. Within the first month of opening, 35 out of the 85 units available have already been occupied, a huge achievement considering the current economic climate. We look forward to developing the Centre and creating an exciting new business community here.

ICE Launch

November 17, 2009

More than 50 businesses have registered with the ICE (Innovation, Creativity and Enterprise) network following its launch at the Canterbury Innovation Centre.

ICE is a new and ambitious innovation project that aims to connect local, regional, national and international businesses to the University of Kent and each other. It was launched by Professor Julia Goodfellow, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Kent, at an event attended by business leaders, advisers, innovators, entrepreneurs, service providers and representatives from the University’s research, business and strategic networks.

The guest speaker for the evening was Charles Leadbeater, a strategic adviser to corporations and governments, and ‘one of the top management thinkers in the world’ (Accenture).

Canterbury Innovation Centre – Opening

November 9, 2009

Canterbury Innovation Centre opened its doors with over a third of space already let to local businesses that fit the innovation and technology criteria. The centre is set to reach 35% by the end of the year, a huge achievement considering the current economic climate.

The Centre will connect high growth, high tech businesses with academic expertise to help drive innovation and entrepreneurship. Office, studio and workshop spaces designed to support business start-ups are now available for those looking for a base in Canterbury.