News Archive

TVLSN launched to facilitate partnership in growth sector – University of Reading

Over 100 business people from around the region came together at GreenPark, Reading's prestigious business park location, for an evening of networking and presentations at the Launch of Thames Valley Life Sciences Network (TVLSN) on 12 February 2004. TVLSN is a membership organisation that aims to provide a forum for communication and relationship building that will create new alliances, accelerate knowledge transfer and reinforce the strength of the region as a centre of excellence for Life Sciences. Keynote speaker at the launch, Professor Julia Goodfellow CBE, Chief Executive of the Biotechnology & Biological Sciences Research Council, outlined the international importance of the UK life sciences industry and highlighted some of the programmes currently available to support innovation and research, including the Small Business Research Initiative which is specifically aimed at companies. Focusing on the strengths of the region, Dr David Gillham of Syngenta, Business Champion of TVLSN, said: "The Thames Valley has all the components – infrastructure, research, businesses and people. We just need the glue to stick it all together and that is how this network can help." Other speakers included Sian Duxbury of Prudential Property Managers and Dr Jennifer Moynihan of the University of Reading, who co-founded TVLSN with Mike Beer of Consulting First. Membership of TVLSN is free and benefits include: regular networking events; access to mentoring and business support; opportunities for relationship building; a forum for the exchange of ideas; and a members' website. Members' comments: "The TVLSN has the potential to provide an open forum under which regional needs and future capabilities for the Life sciences can be discussed. It's up to us (the members) to make it work." Dr Kevin Wright, Proctor & Gamble Technical Centres Ltd. "As a world-class centre for life sciences research, The University of Reading is pleased to support TVLSN and its aim to accelerate the process by which research and development from universities becomes embedded in new commercial technologies. It provides an important step towards consolidating the sector to the benefit of the region's R&D community and wider economy." Professor Tony Downes, Pro-Vice Chancellor, University of Reading. Upcoming TVLSN events include a mentoring panel on 11 March and a networking evening on 22 April addressing 'Money Matters for Life Scientists'. To join TVLSN, please contact Tracey Sanderson, Network Facilitator (email) tvlsn@reading.ac.uk end Notes for Editors 1. Thames Valley Life Sciences Network (TVLSN) is the first dedicated networking organisation for companies and public sector scientists actively working in the Life Sciences sector in the Thames Valley area. 2. TVLSN was co-founded by Mr Mike Beer of Consulting First and Dr Jennifer Moynihan of The University of Reading. It is supported by funding from the South East England Development Agency and is sponsored by GreenPark, a development by Prudential. 3. The launch of TVLSN was sponsored by GreenPark. 4. TVLSN Management board includes representatives from Consulting First, GreenPark, Reading Enterprise Hub, Syngenta, The University of Reading and Thames Valley Economic Partnership. 5. TVLSN Mentoring panel includes representatives from Consulting First, Boyes Turner, PriceWaterhouse Coopers, RT Coopers, Reading Enterprise Hub and the University of Reading.