Sci-Tech Daresbury’s John Leake joins National Science Park Association Board

6th November 2018
John Leake

John Leake

The UK Science Park Association (UKSPA) has elected Sci-Tech Daresbury’s Business Development Manager, John Leake, as a director of its Board.

John has been at Sci-Tech Daresbury since 2006 with responsibility for attracting and supporting companies on-site, and developing strategic partnerships.

The campus is now one of the UK’s leading national research and innovation hubs and is home to over 130 technology companies, including IBM, Perfectus Biomed, Atos and Hitachi High-Technologies Europe.

In 2017, Sci-Tech Daresbury was awarded the “Setting the Pace” award by UKSPA, recognising its role as an important regional facility for supporting and developing the high-tech economy.

Alongside his role at Sci-Tech Daresbury, John also sits on the Cheshire & Warrington LEP Science and Innovation Strategy Board and the Liverpool City Region LEP Digital & Creative Sector, and Investment Boards.

As one of ten directors on the Board, John will share his insight and expertise to support UKSPA’s goals to drive forward the UK’s science park and innovation sector.

UKSPA promote and support the planning, development and operation of science parks and other innovation locations and the innovative, high growth, knowledge-based located on their sites.

John Leake said:

“I’m honoured to be taking a position on UKSPA’s Board and to be involved in the next chapter of this important journey as we work to raise the profile of science parks across the country.

“I’m very proud to be representing Sci-Tech Daresbury on such a prestigious platform and to cement our position as one of the UK’s leading science and innovation campuses. Through UKSPA, we can ensure a joined-up approach with other science parks across the UK to achieve a shared vision for the future of our sector.”

David Hardman MBE, honorary chairman of the UKSPA Board, said: “We’re delighted to be welcoming John to the Board. John’s wealth of experience within the industry means that he will be a highly-valued addition to our team, as we continue to ensure that UKSPA represents the diverse range of membership organisations we work on behalf of.”

MORE ABOUT SCI-TECH DARESBURY

Sci-Tech Daresbury is a world class location for high-tech business and leading-edge science based in the Liverpool City Region.  It provides a unique environment for innovation and business growth, with knowledge sharing, collaboration and networking.

Home to the ground-breaking STFC Daresbury Laboratory as well as over 130 high-tech companies, the site was originally established in 2006. In December 2010 a new private-public joint-venture partnership was created to spearhead the longer-term development of the campus. Partners in the private-public joint-venture partnership are developers, Langtree, Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC), and Halton Borough Council.

The campus was granted Enterprise Zone status in April 2012. Enterprise Zone status allows business rates to be reinvested in the campus, potentially creating up to 15,000 skilled jobs and providing funding for new specialist office, laboratory and technical space. Enterprise Zone status will also allow the campus to leverage more than £150 million in private sector investment.

For more information visit sci-techdaresbury.com

6th November 2018