Osborne drives science investment message
SCIENCE was the theme for Chancellor George Osborne as he continued to carry the standard for his Northern Powerhouse initiative in Cheshire.
During his visit to Sci-Tech Daresbury and Thorton Science Park, Ince, Mr Osborne also launched a consultation on research and development tax credits to ensure that small firms have the best possible government support to invest in research and innovation.
Both sites he visited have benefited from a share of £5.9bn of government investment in science. The Hartree Centre in Daresbury has received £113m to substantially expand one of the world’s highest performing computers, while at Thornton Science Park, the Natural Environment Research Council and British Geological Survey, working with the University of Chester, have received a share of £31m of investment to research energy technology.
The visits come a week after the Prime Minister and Chancellor set out their new six-point long term economic plan for the North West. A key part of this is to make the region a global centre of outstanding scientific innovation, with a particular focus on material science, biomedicine, supercomputing and energy with major investments in the excellent universities and NHS teaching hospitals of the region.
He said: “Science is a key part of the government’s long term economic plan, and lies at the heart of our plan to build a Northern Powerhouse.
“I’ve prioritised science investment in difficult times because our ongoing ability to capitalise on our cutting edge science base will create new jobs, innovative businesses and allow us to take the lead in new markets. That’s why I’m launching a consultation on research & development tax credits, to ensure that we’re supporting Britain’s small businesses as much as we can.
“Visiting these two innovative science parks, just 20 minutes apart but both home to extraordinary businesses conducting cutting edge research, has reinforced my determination to ensure that the north leads not only the UK, but the world, in scientific investment and innovation.”
At Thornton Science Park, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Chester, Professor Tim Wheeler, said: “This is a far sighted investment by government to ensure Britain’s future energy security over the coming decades in a manner that is both sustainable and sensitive to the need to protect our environment.”
Michael Gleaves, head of dusiness development for the Hartree Centre, added: “This investment will support one of the world’s leading high performance computing centres, and the next generation of scientific discovery; ensuring UK science and industry remain at the forefront of global research and development.
“The next generation of scientific discovery will be data-driven. It is really encouraging that the government recognises the critical role that the relationship between science, innovation and industry plays in supporting economic growth in the UK.”
