Menai Science Park announces first resident companies

The first tenants of the new science park in Anglesey (UK) have just been announced, creating an initial 100 jobs.

Menai Science Park (M-SParc), an IASP member, already has 11 companies ready to move in when the park opens in early 2018. They range from start-ups like Ambionics, a local company developing life changing prosthetic arms for children, to Irish firm FarmLab Diagnostics, a provider of diagnostic testing services. M-SParc had a 15% occupancy target for the first year, but it looks set to open with over a third of the building let.

M-SParc Director Ieuan Wyn Jones said “We set ambitious but realistic targets for tenants coming in on day one, but it’s very pleasing to have exceeded those targets by some margin.

“Our goal is to help companies grow and we needed to ensure we had the physical space for them to do this within the building. The demand has always been there, but as interest in M-SParc grew so did the demand.

“It’s heartening to see many of the companies being local to the region, as well as some inward investment, and also to be able to help very new companies in a supportive environment where business support is part and parcel of what we offer.”

Ben Ryan, founder of Ambionics, said “Having a place like M-SParc in the region really changes how a company like Ambionics can operate. The business support I’ve received as a virtual tenant has been invaluable, and I can’t wait to move in and start networking with other like-minded people.”

Bobby Williams, CEO of another new tenant Loyalty Logistix, said “Our work involves a dedicated team of developers staying on the cutting-edge of this technology, while also maintaining a worldwide customer base. M-SParc provides the perfect setting to create the right impression for our company, as it is an impressive building.

“Its flexible design also means that expanding the company is possible without needing to relocate the business, which is a bonus as this helps with staff retention. Many of our employees are graduates of Bangor University, and like the idea of being able to work in an area they are familiar with and have enjoyed studying in. It’s also great to see that North Wales can be a business hub.”

M-SParc has larger units available for resident tenants, who can upscale on site without the need to relocate elsewhere. In turn this releases accommodation for businesses at the early stage of their business cycle.

Bangor University’s Vice-Chancellor Professor John G Hughes said: “The new science park is already providing a great opportunity for local people and companies to establish themselves in the area and to benefit from world- leading expertise within the University. I am delighted with the progress made so far, and I look forward to seeing it go from strength to strength as it creates new opportunities and jobs in the region.”