Prime Minister backs Birmingham tech start-up scheme
LATEST attempts to support the development of technology start-ups in Birmingham got the Prime Minister’s seal of approval during a visit to the city.
David Cameron was a guest of Birmingham Science Park Aston, which has just enrolled the 50th firm into its start-up programme Entrepreneurs for the Future (e4f).
The visit, during which Mr Cameron was accompanied by Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte, was also in recognition of the park’s designation as the first network ‘node’ in Cisco’s National Virtual Incubator, an initiative launched by the Prime Minister last week.
During his visit he was given a demonstration of the system with a three-way conference between BSPA, London and Amsterdam.
The system, which helps link the start-ups with potential global investors and partners, eliminates the need for unnecessary travel allowing fledgling businesses to focus on their development.
Mr Cameron said afterwards: “This is much better than the technology we have at No 10 for my conferences with Sarkozy and Obama.”
The Prime Ministers were also given a virtual tour of Birmingham’s new central library, which has been designed by BSPA tenant Daden, in conjunction with Mecanoo.
Birmingham City Council leader – and BSPA chair – Cllr Mike Whitby, who also attended the visit, said: “It has been tremendous to welcome the Prime Minister to Birmingham Science Park Aston to acknowledge this success. In only two years, 50 new technology start-ups have been enrolled onto the e4f incubator scheme.
“In that time, over 40 jobs have already been created for local people. 90% of the start-up businesses are still trading – some two years after formation – and many of the companies are profitable.
“Given the competitive selection process, it is highly rewarding to consider the wealth of talent that is based at Birmingham Science Park Aston, and these new businesses are now acting as a magnet and attracting more entrepreneurs to the e4f centre at the park.”
The 50th firm enrolled is newly-formed social gaming business 2Fold20 Play Ltd, a subsidiary of London-based digital media and animation specialists TwoFoldTwenty and which opted to base itself in Birmingham rather than with its parent company.
