20th September 2005

A new business incubator facility at Aston Science Park – specially designed to accommodate growing SMEs within the IT and communications sector - was officially opened today (September 20) by Councillor Mike Whitby, Leader of Birmingham City Council.

The iBIC (ICT Business & Innovation Centre), which is located within the Science Park’s Holt Court development, provides almost 24,000 sq ft of space – and is already 60 percent fully occupied.  “That’s a sure sign not only of the Science Park’s continuing popularity as a base for fledgling companies but also of its key role in job-creation and the on-going development and promotion of Birmingham as a City of Hi-Tech Enterprise and City of Science”  Councillor Whitby commented.

Councillor Whitby, who is also chairman of the board of directors at Birmingham Technology Limited, Aston Science Park’s management company, added: “This initiative is important for the introduction of the development of technological businesses supporting Birmingham’s growth in the knowledge based economy.”

Since iBIC opened its doors in June, a number of companies have relocated from the Science Park’s former Business & Innovation Centre, now being demolished as part of the Park’s re-development programme. Newcomers include Parrot UK, a subsidiary of a French telecommunications company, Datacom, which has moved from Southampton, and The Solutions Group, previously based at Blackburn, Merlin Internet, Frank-Ann Consulting and web-designers Logica IT.

In addition to 20,000 sq ft of incubator space, iBIC provides reception accommodation, five meeting rooms, post-room and refreshment facilities, while tenants also have the benefit of networked telephony, high-speed broadband Internet access and business development and mentoring support the Science Park’s core team. Another advantage to tenant companies is that iBIC is located next to iCentrum, an Advantage West Midlands-funded ICT project aimed at helping SMEs to grow and compete with their bigger rivals in the information and technology sector.

Dr Derek Harris, chief executive of Aston Science Park, commented: “Today’s launch of iBIC is an exciting development not just for the Science Park but also for Birmingham and the wider region. On the bigger stage, iBIC will also make a significant contribution to the proposed Eastside Technology Park, enabling the development to become increasingly attractive to inward investment opportunities.” Stuart Webb, Acting Head of ICT Policy, Advantage West Midlands, said that through AWM the project had been part funded by the European Regional Development Fund. He added: “It is very encouraging to hear that iBIC has attracted companies that have relocated from other parts of the country.  This demonstrates that the West Midlands is gaining a reputation as a world class place to do business for leading edge ICT companies.”    PICTURED: Councillor Mike Whitby, Stuart Webb and Dr Derek Harris outside the  iBIC building.    For further information contact: Charlotte Kerr, PR Executive, Aston Science Park, 0121 260 6182 This email address is being protected from spam bots, you need Javascript enabled to view it