Business Secretary Vince Cable praises Sussex Innovation Centre
Posted on behalf of: University of Sussex and Sussex Innovation Centre
Last updated: Friday, 18 January 2013
Mike Herd (right) shows Business Secretary Dr Vince Cable MP around the Sussex Innovation Centre.
On his visit to the Sussex Innovation Centre, Dr Vince Cable MP (centre) met Steve Cliffe, Business Development Director for Plessey, and Professor Robert Prance from the University of Sussex.
Dr Vince Cable MP, Secretary of State for Business, yesterday (17 January) described the Sussex Innovation Centre (SInC) as “a real asset for the local economy”.
Dr Cable was visiting SInC at the University of Sussex's Falmer campus to see how it has helped a range of high technology and innovative businesses to grow.
He met representatives of several of the businesses, including Sussex Professor of Engineering Robert Prance, whose Electrical Potential Sensor (EPS) is being developed by Plessey Semiconductors Ltd for a range of applications in health and security.
He also joined a round-table discussion with representatives of companies at SInC and University academics to discuss finance and funding issues and how universities can work as engines of economic growth.
SInC, which is a subsidiary of the University of Sussex, currently provides professional office space and a range of in-house support services for some 80 companies. Since its creation in 1996, more than 160 businesses have been based at SInC, and their cumulative revenue is now more than £250 million.
Dr Cable said: “The centre is a real asset to the community. It is home to some truly innovative businesses that are creating hundreds of jobs for the local community and will help keep us at the forefront when it comes to developing new technologies.
“SInC is a great example of what can be achieved when academia and ambitious, innovative young companies come together.”
The Director of SInC, Mike Herd, said: “We’re seeing a high demand for our specialist business support from new innovators, entrepreneurs and research academics. We’re able to provide them with the environment and resources that give them the confidence to realise the potential of their ideas.”