Science park to recruit figureheads to work with entrepreneurs

A HIGH profile recruitment process is underway to appoint three entrepreneurs in residence to drive and expand Birmingham Science Park Aston’s support programmes for start-up companies.

Over the past three years, 68 new innovative technology businesses have been born in the science park’s Entrepreneurs for the Future (e4f) centre, which to date have already created 128 new employee and director positions.

In addition, the park’s Venture Programme – run as part of the Europe-wide Climate Knowledge Innovation Community initiative – created 11 start-ups last year, with plans in place to expand the programme during 2013.

Two entrepreneurs in residence with considerable experience of tech start-ups are being sought for e4f, while the third new recruit is required to have the equivalent relevant experience to work with climate change start-ups.

Each new post will receive £10,000 per annum to cover at least four days per month to be spent working at the science park with the start-up companies, as well as driving the wider expansion of the programmes.

Dr David Hardman MBE, CEO of the science park, said: “Our Entrepreneurs for the Future centre has been highly successful in its first three years, but the time is now right to drive a step change.

“We are seeking high calibre, dynamic, respected entrepreneurs in residence to be ambassadors for our incubation programmes. Using their contacts, knowledge and experience, we are looking to them to turbo-charge the support activity we offer to ensure the fast growth of our innovative start-ups.”