Keele businesses optimistic for the future
HIGH growth companies at Keele University Science and Business Park are optimistic about the future with hopes high of new jobs and investment.
The KUSBP Business Barometer canvassed the views of 35 growing businesses based at the site. The firms cover a broad spectrum but nearly three quarters (72%) of those surveyed said they felt confident or very confident about the future, with more than half (53%) of respondents saying they feel more optimistic about the year ahead than the past 12 months.
In addition, 40% of businesses expected to see significant growth in 2013, with none expecting to scale back their operations. In a boost to the region’s economy, 42% of businesses said they would be taking more staff to facilitate growth.
The majority of companies (65%) will be investing in new products, with many making the most of the university’s academic expertise to support product development. More than half (52%) are looking to boost business in Britain, with one in seven looking to international markets in order to grow. With the economic recovery still fragile, businesses are citing the lack of consumer confidence as their main barrier to growth.
The results appear to buck the trend compared to the rest of the UK, with recent surveys claiming confidence is at its lowest since 1992.
Caroline Mairs, Head of Keele University Science and Business Park, said: “The science and business park has always been a thriving environment for businesses but it is still fantastic to see this level of confidence among the companies here and we are pleased to see so many going for growth in the coming year. The fact that many are looking to bring international business to Staffordshire and take on new staff is also great news for the wider region.
“Many of the companies on the science park are in high-tech industries that really benefit from access to academics and skilled graduates from Keele University. However, other companies are just starting out and are benefiting from the support offered by the KUSBP management team and networking opportunities with more established businesses on the park.”
The science park is situated at the entrance to the Keele University and is home to four flagship innovation centres and the Nova Centre – an enterprise hub for start-up businesses. The site is currently home to 42 businesses including Siemens Wind Power Research & Development, Navman Wireless Vehicle Tracking Systems, Assured Recruitment and Ordnance Survey.
