Medway Enterprise Hub Launched at University Campus
Jonathan Shaw, MP for Chatham and Aylesford, and Paul Clark, MP for Gillingham, were among guests at the official launch of Medway Enterprise Hub, at the University of Greenwich at Medway’s campus at Chatham Maritime.
The Hub is the last in a network of 21 Hubs set up by the regional development agency, SEEDA, to support start-up and young businesses – particularly technology and knowledge-based companies.
Led by director Ray Wynne, the Hub is already supporting a number of Medway businesses and university spin out companies. The Hub is providing access to business planning tools, market research facilities and potential sources of investment alongside low-cost serviced offices and meeting rooms.
The Hub is working in partnership with SEEDA, Medway Council, the University of Greenwich, Business Link Kent and the University of Kent under the leadership of its local business champion, Bernard Spring – former managing director of Rank Hovis McDougall (RHM) Frozen.
Marc Hume, Director of Enterprise for the University of Greenwich, was the keynote speaker at the launch.
He said: “We are very proud to be in partnership with Medway Enterprise Hub supporting not only the university’s enterprise agenda but also the Medway economic agenda generally.
“The University of Greenwich at Medway has a strong science and technology base, which is ideal for young, innovative companies to engage in technology and knowledge transfer, developing their competitiveness in the regional, national and international economies, through innovative product design and development.
“The Hub is about more than simply providing space for new companies. It also provides a point for these companies to access a wealth of facilities such as specialist equipment and labs as well as the expertise that is available on the campus.”
And Mr Hume outlined how the university’s commitment to Medway Enterprise Hub and the proposed Medway Innovation Centre, at Rochester Airport contributed to its ongoing bid to build its expertise and establish more effective links with business.
“The University of Greenwich is the only university south of the Thames to serve the whole of the Thames Gateway. We have more than 18,000 students, of which 20 per cent are engaged in postgraduate research, and more than 800 academic and technical members of staff.
“Our annual turnover for applied research work is currently £18 million and we will be growing that by at least 20 per cent over the next five years. We are the fastest growing modern, post ‘92, university in the UK for research with industry.
“We are contributing to regeneration and economic growth in the Thames Gateway, Medway, Kent and across the South East. “
For further information about Medway Enterprise Hub call: 01634 883615, email: info@medwayenterpriseHub.co.uk or visit www.medwayenterpriseHub.co.uk
ENDS
For further media information, broadcast, photographic and interview opportunities, please contact:
- University of Greenwich at Medway Public Relations, tel: 020 8331 9420
- Delphine Houlton, Andrew Metcalf or Jez Durrant, at Maxim, tel: 01892 513033