Science park takes the sting out of growth for biotech Cobra 

THE expansion of a Staffordshire biotech has been used to highlight the importance of the UK’s science and business park network.

Cobra Biologics, which was formed in 1992, was one of pioneers of the Keele University Science and Business Park (KUSBP).

The firm, which is still based at the science park, now employs around 200 people. It has grown from a start-up based in a single office to a global operation with operations in Sweden and the United States.

Cobra’s success is being hailed by the United Kingdom Science Park Association (UKSPA) as the embodiment of its strategy to create the right environment to support both the creation and growth of technology-based businesses.

KNSBP said Cobra’s success showed the science park was an ideal location for start-ups to set-up, incubate and grow.

KUSBP, set up 30 years ago, forms an important extension to the North West Biotech Cluster – the third largest biomedical network in the UK, generating £5bn of annual sales – which includes the likes of Manchester University, Astra Zeneca, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Lilly and Actavis.

Julian Hanak, commercial director at Cobra, said: “When we first started out we took up just one room within the building that we now completely fill and biotechnology was seen as a niche and pioneering area within the pharmaceutical industry.

“Now, more than two decades later, the top three selling drugs across the world are biopharmaceuticals and all of the top ten large pharma companies have significant biotech portfolios and pipelines.” 

Women on top at Genting as all female trio take the reins in Birmingham

A GAMING company has done its bit to promote more women into top positions by assigning responsibility for its three Birmingham casinos to a trio of ladies.

Genting said it was the first time all its city casinos had been run by women.

Julie Eden has been appointed general manager at Genting Casino Chinatown while Nikki Vinter is the new general manager at Genting Casino Star City. Completing the hat trick is Carol Summers, who has held the top job at the company’s Edgbaston venue since January 2012.

Jason Kirsch, director of operations in the Midlands said: “The appeal of our industry in the leisure and hospitality sector has changed over the years. Women are increasingly playing an important role and we believe in recognising and nurturing that talent.

“The fact that our three high profile Birmingham casinos now have women at the top is something we are proud of and is likely to encourage more women to enter our industry. We run female-friendly casinos which offer a safe, fun environment for women to enjoy a safe and sociable night out.”

Genting has also recent appointed Nicky Clements to manage its casino in Stoke-on-Trent. 

Ironbridge firms share in flooding compensation scheme

A GOVERNMENT pot has been divided up between 17 businesses in the Ironbridge Gorge to part compensate them after they were adversely affected by last winter’s flooding.

The move follows an assessment of business need in the area by Telford & Wrekin Council.
 
The Business Support Scheme is operated by the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills. Businesses that had water enter their premises and businesses that suffered a drop in trade as a result of road closures are eligible for a share of the money.
 
The £57,500 funding will be used to help the firms implement recovery plans and contribute to their clean-up costs.

The Ironbridge Antiques, Arts and Crafts Centre at Dale End was one of the 17 businesses to have benefited.
 
Owner Nigel Byard said: “Living in a place like Ironbridge you become accustomed to the risk of flooding but last winter was exceptional and it was a very difficult period for all the businesses down here.

“We didn’t really expect to receive any financial support as a result and we are delighted that we have been successful in our application for a share of the government fund.
 
“It has restored our faith in the process of grant funding and it is very heartening that the difficulties endured by businesses in the Ironbridge area have been acknowledged by the government.”