Reading Enterprise Centre due to open at Earley Gate
Thursday, 11 November 2010
Reading Enterprise Centre
'Reading Enterprise Centre will significantly grow our opportunity to develop a cluster of businesses located at the University.'
The brand new Reading Enterprise Centre, which is due to open in Spring 2011, will be home to a new community of innovation and technology-based companies.
The Centre is a purpose-built business facility based on the Whiteknights campus, next to the Science and Technology Centre. Designed as high-quality flexible space, it will provide innovative and growth-orientated businesses with space to develop and grow with direct access to the University's research and enterprise expertise, and talent pool of staff, students and graduates.
The new facility forms part of the University's work with business and builds on the University's excellent track record in developing knowledge transfer. Reading Enterprise Centre adds to existing business facilities in the form of the successful Science and Technology Centre, meaning the University will soon be home to around 50 businesses.
The University also has planning permission for phase one of its ambitious plans for a Science and Innovation Park in the area, which will provide further space for successful incubation businesses to expand.
David Gillham, Director of Research and Enterprise Services, said: "The University boasts real expertise in knowledge transfer and we work hard with business to provide flexible facilities, develop talented people for business needs and create access to the results of our research.
"Reading Enterprise Centre will significantly grow our opportunity to develop a cluster of businesses located at the University and will be the bridge for small start-up businesses while they grow, before, ultimately, moving on to larger premises in the proposed Science and Innovation Park."
IT security software developer, Assuria Limited, is currently based in the Science and Technology Centre but will be moving into the new premises next year. Director of Assuria, Nick Connor, said: "As a recent start up, in 2004 Assuria were looking for premises that would offer a flexible tenancy that would allow them to grow. Starting with just one room, Assuria has expanded and has now moved to larger premises on the Whiteknights campus in the Science and Technology Centre. We are looking forward to the impending move to the Enterprise Centre.
"In addition to the flexibility offered, another key attraction of the university enterprise environment for Assuria is the interaction and shared sense of community with other companies. We have also participated in a number of student placements including the Summer Enterprise Experience & Discovery (SEED) scheme, which have been great for our business."
The new facility will offer 55,000 sq. ft. of high quality space. Flexibility in the space means the Centre can accommodate a range of company sizes. The building is being part fitted out to enable early occupation of smaller suites from 100 - 1,000 sq ft (9.3 - 93 sq m) and larger bespoke floor plates are available from 1,000 - 10,000 sq ft (93 - 930 sq m).
Amenities in the new Centre include full reception services; telephone system with dedicated number and voicemail system; broadband Internet access available in every office as standard; meeting rooms; on-site security, central atrium with meeting space, networking area and coffee shop, on-site car parking, cycle sheds and showers.
Business enquiries to David Gillham, Director of Research and Enterprise Services at the University.