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Multinational chemical firm, Scott Bader, has announced today that it is creating a new innovation centre for start-up companies in the specialty chemicals, composites and coatings sectors. Opening on 1 July, Scott Bader Innovation Centre will provide shared laboratory space and high quality offices in refurbished buildings on the company’s state-of-the-art R&D headquarters site at Wollaston, Northamptonshire.
Scott Bader was founded in 1921 and in 1951 founder, Ernest Bader, decided to make it a common trusteeship company in which all employees had a stake. Today, Scott Bader is a £180 million multinational chemical firm, employing 600 people with manufacturing sites in Europe, the Middle East and South Africa. Core products are polyester resins, structural adhesives and polymers used by firms in the building, marine and chemical containment sectors.
Around 20 early stage companies at Scott Bader Innovation Centre will benefit from shared laboratory space and high quality offices on flexible terms, as well as access to investment networks that match investors to businesses, mentoring and business planning advice and networking events.
Scott Bader has appointed Oxford Innovation, a leading operator of business and innovation centres, to manage the new innovation centre. Oxford Innovation has an impressive track record in supporting the growth of innovative companies and operates the highly successful DiagnOx laboratory facility in Oxfordshire, which provides shared laboratory space, equipment, offices and business support for early stage companies in the medical diagnostics sector.
The company already manages four centres in the East Midlands region - Wellingborough Innovation Centre and three centres in Nottinghamshire - which form part of a portfolio of 20 centres across the UK used by over 400 companies.
Philip Bruce, group managing director of Scott Bader, said: “Our reputation has been built on technology, innovation and service to our customers while working closely with the communities in which we operate. So we are delighted to announce the launch of Scott Bader Innovation Centre in partnership with Oxford Innovation, as part of our strategy to support the next generation of innovative chemicals companies and the development of future technologies.”
Chris Allington, managing director of Oxford Innovation’s business and innovation centres division, said: “Working with Scott Bader, our aim is to develop a thriving innovation centre that is a focal point for innovation and enterprise at the heart of the prestigious Scott Bader site. The companies at Scott Bader Innovation Centre will benefit from a complete support package as well as the perfect environment for collaboration with other science and technology companies.”
The new innovation centre will be managed by Mick Judge. He said: “We believe that this facility at Scott Bader Innovation Centre will prove to be very popular in satisfying an unmet need. I welcome enquiries from companies who are seeking shared laboratory space, equipment and offices on flexible terms.”
Companies interested in finding out more about the innovation centre should contact Mick Judge, centre manager, on Tel: 01933 303000 Email: m.judge@oxin.co.uk
 Signing the contract for Scott Bader Innovation Centre: Philip Bruce,
group managing director of Scott Bader, and Chris Allington, managing
director of Oxford Innovation’s business and innovation centres
division.
About Scott Bader Innovation Centre
Scott Bader Innovation Centre provides shared laboratory space, equipment and offices for 20 companies on Scott Bader’s R&D headquarters site at Wollaston, Northamptonshire. The site is located within easy access of the M1 and A45 and within five minutes from Wellingborough rail station which has a regular service to London St Pancras.
Laboratory space, equipment and offices are available on flexible licence agreements so that tenants are free of any long-term letting commitments. The centre also offers a virtual office service for entrepreneurs that require a professional address and telephone answering service.
For more information, contact Mick Judge, centre manager, on Tel: 01933 303000 Email: m.judge@oxin.co.uk www.scottbader-ic.co.uk
About Scott Bader
Scott Bader was established in 1921. Today it is a £180 million multinational chemical company, employing 560 people worldwide. It is a common trusteeship company, having no external shareholders, with a strong commitment to support its customers, workforce and the environment.
Scott Bader’s headquarters is based in the UK where they have purpose-built, state-of-the-art technical facilities that provide R & D as well as complete evaluation, testing and application support. They have manufacturing facilities in the UK, France, Croatia, The Middle East and South Africa.
For further information regarding Scott Bader, please call +44 (0)1933 663100, visit www.scottbader.com or e-mail info@scottbader.com.
About Oxford Innovation
Oxford Innovation is a leading operator of business and innovation centres that provide office and laboratory space to companies throughout the UK. The company also provides innovation services to entrepreneurs, including business planning advice, coaching and mentoring.
Oxford Innovation also manages three highly successful investment networks that link investors with entrepreneurs seeking funding from £20,000 to £2m. During the last five years, the investment networks have helped over 90 companies raise £19.5m. For more information: www.oxin.co.uk
Oxford Innovation is part of SQW Group. Other divisions and associated companies include SQW, a leading provider of research, analysis and advice on sustainable economic and social development solutions to the public and private sectors, and SQW China, which operates from Hong Kong providing economic and management consultancy services to China and the international market. For more information: www.sqwgroup.com
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