Three startups launch at York Science Park

STARTUP space at York Science Park, Springboard, has seen three new businesses open.

Springboard is designed to for early stage businesses whilst they become established and its latest residents comprise a company registration agent, a software company specialising in the education sector and a company providing innovative IT solutions and support for SMEs.

Tracey Smith, managing director, York Science Park, commented: “We have had a very strong start to 2015 with a continuous flow of enquiries for our start-up space, Springboard.

“There is a real sense of optimism and opportunity around at the moment and it’s great to see these three entrepreneurial business start life at York Science Park where I am sure they will make the most of the support and networks we offer.”

Located in the Ron Cooke Hub on the University of York’s Heslington East campus development, Springboard enables entrepreneurs and businesses to easily access business people, academic departments and world class researchers leading to innovative solutions and business opportunities.

Springboard was established in 2010 by York Science Park Limited and has already helped many new businesses grow and flourish.

Accommodation is free for the first three months and then is on a sliding scale depending on the size of office taken.

The three businesses include Superformation, a Company Registration Agents that offer a online incorporation service for people wishing to register and incorporate new companies in the UK.

Second firm Tivoli IT provides locally developed, multi-platform software for sport in the education sector, targeted specifically at school sports organisers.

Third up is Atom Stream which provides IT and telecoms services to SMEs.
Company founder, John Benson, worked in the IT industry for over 20 years in London and decided to return to his home county of Yorkshire to set up AtomStream.

Mr Benson said: “We chose to base ourselves at Springboard as it allowed us to start up a new business with minimal capital investment. This has meant we can invest in taking on more staff, which we otherwise would not have been able to do until the business was larger.”

Mark Gillett, director of Tivoli IT said: “Springboard offers the perfect location for a start-up company such as ours. I know how time consuming and costly setting up a new office is, but with Springboard you just move in and everything is done for you – no communications and technology infrastructure to sort out, no long and complicated premises lease to tie you up, no office furniture to buy, no local café to seek out.”