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.”

The development of the Innovation Centre was supported by funding from the Fit for Market programme. In operation since 2004, FFM is delivered by Northamptonshire Enterprise Partnership on behalf of the County Council as part of the Northamptonshire’s Growth Area Funding allocation. The FFM programme provides financial assistance to stimulate a wide range of commercial development projects, enabling private sector investment in Northamptonshire. Scott Bader was awarded £140,000 from the FFM programme towards the cost of redeveloping the site which will provide specialist laboratory and office space for companies, as well as advice and support to help businesses to grow. Paul Southworth, Chairman of Northamptonshire Enterprise Partnership, said: “We are very excited by the opening of the Scott Bader Innovation Centre which will add to our growing network of centres across the county, creating opportunities for high quality business development and job creation”.

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