KUSBP is going for growth in 2013

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Posted on 24 May 2013
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.

Confidence is high among companies at Keele University Science and Business Park (KUSBP) according to a survey which shows many are looking to bring trade and create jobs in the region.

The KUSBP Business Barometer canvassed the views of 35 growing businesses based at the Science and Business Park from a diverse range of industries.

Nearly three quarters (72%) of the companies 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 based at KUSBP 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.

These results appear to be bucking the trend compared to the rest of the UK, as the latest research shows confidence is low among businesses nationally#.

Caroline Mairs, Head of Keele University Science and Business Park, comments: “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.

“We also have an ongoing business support programme, comprising of one to one support and a series of industry related events. For example, we are hosting an event in March for businesses interested in exporting their products or services, aimed at helping the companies based here and in the region achieve success overseas.”

Located at the entrance to Keele University and home to four flagship innovation centres and the Nova Centre - an enterprise hub for start-up businesses, our site has become a proven business location for local, national and international companies and is currently home to 42 businesses including Siemens Wind Power Research & Development, Navman Wireless Vehicle Tracking Systems, Addeco Enterprise and GVA Acuity Ltd.

#BDO Business Trends report, February 2013

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