The prestigious award recognises successful ‘Business Incubators’, programmes designed to accelerate the development of entrepreneurial companies. In particular, those that have shown excellence in supporting world-class businesses and entrepreneurs, impacting on local, regional and national economies while at the same time creating a sustainable environment for the future.
The SETsquared Centre in Bristol is one of four centres in Southern England, set up to accelerate new technology businesses. The Centre uses in-house expertise and utilises a network of entrepreneurs, investment advisors, professional services firms and academics to provide the support that emerging technology companies of the future require.
The Centre also creates links between the University and new high-tech companies, which could lead to potential research collaboration, student employment, and general collaborative links between the University’s departments and commercial companies.
Nick Sturge, Centre Director said: “I am proud to receive this award which demonstrates the hard work and dedication of the Bristol SETsquared Business Acceleration team. It proves that we are really making a positive impact on the high-growth technology sector by providing the best quality support environment.”
Dr Neil Bradshaw, Director of Enterprise at the University of Bristol, added: “The UKBI ‘Established Business Incubator of the Year 2008’ award, is testament to the successes that have come out of the SETsquared Centre in the past year. The University has an on-going commitment to supporting these activities as part of its long-term vision of delivering economic impact in the local economy.”
The Bristol SETsquared Business Acceleration Centre experienced growth in the last year with six further companies joining and three graduating. Currently, there are 37 companies attached to the Centre employing approximately 200 people between them. Twelve of these companies have between them raised over £23million in funding in the last year alone.
The UK Business Incubation (UKBI) is the industry body for incubation and incubator centres in the UK.