Fast on the heels of the announcement of the creation of BioCity Scotland, further evidence of BioCity’s widening geographical reach has been provided by the recent staging of a BioEntrepreneur Boot Camp in Bangalore, India between 11^th to 13^th January.

Annual ‘Boot Camps’, where bioscience researchers and academics explore the world of enterprise and entrepreneurialism with a view to starting their own ventures, have long been a successful feature at BioCity Nottingham and the same approach has now been taken to Bangalore.

BioCity Nottingham ran the event with the Centre for Cellular and Molecular Platforms (C-CAMP) in Bangalore which is a local enabler of success in bioscience research and entrepreneurship. Other partners were the University of Nottingham, the Indian Institute of Management Bangalore and the Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur.

Dr. Taslimarif Saiyed is Director of Strategic Alliances and Business Development for the Indian hosts, C-CAMP. He says, “We have really enjoyed working with BioCity Nottingham on this project. They bring exciting ideas on how to communicate the skills needed to run a commercial company to people who are more used to a research or academic background. The delegates found the experience both stimulating and challenging. We are hopeful that many of them will take their ideas forward to the Bio Business Plan competition which is part of the BioPharm 2020 event, a major UK and India Science Bridge that the University of Nottingham and C-CAMP are helping stage in Bangalore in March.”

Dr Nick Gostick, who led the boot camp for BioCity says, “The fundamentals of a BioEntrepreneur Boot Camp in Bangalore are very much the same as in Nottingham, as the skills and core knowledge required for establishing a business are universal. The 27 delegates were taken through the fundamentals of intellectual property, the regulatory environment that applies in India and crucially, what it is that makes a good entrepreneur. Creation of a business plan and the role of finance and marketing were also covered in the three days which ended by giving the delegates the opportunity to pitch their business idea in a ‘friendly’ Dragons Den environment.”

Professor Kevin Shakesheff, who heads the University of Nottingham Science Bridge with India said “I’m delighted that the University’s long standing bridge with India has created an opportunity for BioCity to promote the East Midlands and the UK. The UK can prosper economically and scientifically from close links with India. There are many synergies in pharmaceutical research across the 2 countries and the UK is an excellent location for Indian companies to launch products into the EU.”

The Indian Boot Camp is the first which has been run in Asia and it is hoped that there will be a spreading network of such camps. A similar Boot Camp is to be run at the new BioCity Scotland site in April.

BioCity Nottingham Director Toby Reid says, “Supporting researchers and academics to make the leap from the laboratory to running a thriving business is the core of what we do here at BioCity. The business world is global and if, by sharing our expertise, we can build links with growing bioscience businesses across the world, that can only be good for the businesses in our incubator here in Nottingham and therefore for the East Midlands BioScience sector as a whole.”

Ends

Media Contact

Louise Third, Integra Communications Ltd, 0115 912 4350, louise@integracommunications.co.uk

A picture is attached, large file is available if required: Caption – BioEntrepreneur Boot Camp Co-ordinator Dr Nick Gostick (far right) with Dr Lloyd Hamilton, University of Nottingham (2nd right) and participants at the Bangalore Boot Camp.

About BioCity Nottingham Ltd

BioCity Nottingham Ltd has developed and operates one of the largest bioscience incubators in Europe. Home to around 70 early-stage businesses it is a hot-bed of entrepreneurial activity in the sector. As well as providing very flexible laboratory and office facilities, BioCity Nottingham is able to provide on-site a whole range of non-core but vital services to businesses which would otherwise be costly and inefficient for them to develop in-house. This ensures that companies with BioCity Nottingham have maximum opportunity for success and investors see the most efficient use of their funds. For more information go to www.biocity.co.uk

www.biocity.co.uk

University of Nottingham

Notes to editors: The University of Nottingham, described by The Sunday Times University Guide 2011 as ‘the embodiment of the modern international university’, has award-winning campuses in the United Kingdom, China and Malaysia. It is ranked in the UK’s Top 10 and the World’s Top 75 universities by the Shanghai Jiao Tong (SJTU) and the QS World University Rankings. It was named ‘the world’s greenest university’ in the UI GreenMetric World University Ranking 2011, a league table of the most environmentally-friendly higher education institutions.

The University is committed to providing a truly international education for its 40,000 students, producing world-leading research and benefiting the communities around its campuses in the UK and Asia. Impact: The Nottingham Campaign, its biggest ever fund-raising campaign, will deliver the University’s vision to change lives, tackle global issues and shape the future. For more details, visit: www.nottingham.ac.uk/impactcampaign

More than 90 per cent of research at The University of Nottingham is of international quality, according to the most recent Research Assessment Exercise, with almost 60 per cent of all research defined as ‘world-leading’ or ‘internationally excellent’. Research Fortnight analysis of RAE 2008 ranked the University 7th in the UK by research power.

The University’s vision is to be recognised around the world for its signature contributions, especially in global food security, energy & sustainability, and health. The University won a Queen’s Award for Higher and Further Education in 2011, for its research on global food security. More news from the University at: www.nottingham.ac.uk/news

In most countries high growth policies are focused on innovation support with schemes to support young technology businesses and commercialising university research through spin-offs.

However, research on high growth companies in Scotland challenges this strong link between technology-based firms and high growth. “The most remarkable feature of our study of Scottish high growth firms is their enormous variety” says Professor Mason. The study found high growth firms amongst all ages and sizes of firms and they were not confined to any particular industry sectors.

The very small number of high growth firms in technology sectors and the virtual absence of university spin-offs is also noteworthy. Mason says that “this should prompt policy-makers to question whether commercialisation policies – at least in their present form – are an effective means of stimulating the emergence of high growth firms.”

The study also emphasises that by no means all high growth firms begin as conventional start-ups – many have actually emerged out of existing businesses, notably through management buy-outs and management buy-ins

“The obvious conclusion”, says Mason, “is that it is dangerous to adopt policies which pre-judge where high growth firms will emerge. Our findings provide the Government with five ways of intervening which could lead to a dramatic increase in the number of such firms.”

“First, ensure eligibility rules for support are flexible.  Even restricting support to manufacturing is unwise because many high growth firms have ‘product-as-service’ business models in which a package of services is built around a product (e.g. consultancy, design and build, installation, maintenance, training).”

“Second, find ways to stimulate MBO and MBI activity. There are lots of potential growth businesses ‘imprisoned’ within large businesses that would flourish if they were independently owned and managed.”  Mason suggests that some of the public funding that supports start-up and early growth firms could be redirected to support small MBO funds.

“Third, re-think the emphasis on university commercialisation initiatives. Our research confirms other studies that high growth firms rarely have their origins in universities.” “Too much support is based on ‘technology-push’” says Mason “Instead there needs to be much more emphasis on support for technologies that can demonstrate market potential.”

“Fourth, the standard business support tool kit is less appropriate to the needs of high growth firms, especially once they are beyond the start-up stage. They are more likely to benefit from relationship support which enables assistance to be tailored to their specific needs.”

“Finally, it is a fact of life that many high growth firms will end up being acquired by bigger businesses, especially if they have raised venture capital. So policy-makers must ensure that high growth firms are anchored and embedded and so less amenable to being uprooted and moved elsewhere. This suggests some kind of pro-active aftercare service to local companies that have been acquired”.

ENDS

C Mason & R Brown: Creating good public policy to support high growth firms, Small Business Economics, pre-publication version available online. http://www.springerlink.com/content/yq80402413373441/

Media contact for Professor Colin Mason (photo available)

Louise Third: 0115 912 4350 / 07773 288342

Professor Colin Mason can be contacted on 0141 548 4259 (office) or 078021 270087 (mobile)

This joint venture between BioCity Nottingham and Roslin BioCentre unlocks over 130,000 sq ft of purpose-built laboratories and offices on the 23 acre site capable of supporting drug discovery and development by a range of independent, ambitious companies. In addition there are administrative and conference facilities to provide support and networking capabilities for the client companies.

The rejuvenated site will complement the existing provision of space for life science firms in Scotland by catering for growing companies wanting a central base on the M8 just 15 miles from Glasgow and 33 miles from Edinburgh city centres. In addition to over 130,000 sq ft of pharma-quality fully-fitted laboratory and office space, BioCity Scotland provides access to a wide range of state-of-the-art equipment, available to rent at very competitive rates. On site business support will ensure that companies are able to tap into a developed support system and funding opportunities to assist their growing business needs.

Speaking at the announcement of the deal, BioCity Scotland, Chairman Louis J. Nisbet said: “BioCity Scotland is much more than a property proposition – it will be a unique, vibrant community of scientific companies. Just a short drive from Scotland’s two largest cities, it is ideally situated to attract the cream of life science talent. BioCity Nottingham’s success in nurturing and growing over 70 new companies since 2003, and Roslin’s expertise in life sciences innovation and facilities management makes this team the perfect commercial partnership. The work starts now, the prospects are boundless.”

According to the 2011 UK Life Science Start up report, almost half of all life science start ups are located in a UK bioincubator or biopark, and news of this deal adds further weight to Scotland’s claim to being a major centre for life sciences and at the forefront of drug discovery and commercialisation.

Minister for Universities and Science David Willetts said: “The expansion of BioCity Nottingham to Scotland is a boost to both the local economy and the UK life sciences industry. It will drive growth and help create new businesses, as well as providing the right environment for existing companies to expand and develop innovative new products and services.”

Chris Hill, MSD Vice President and the former Head of MSD’s Newhouse facility said: “This is a fantastic outcome for the Life Sciences community in Scotland and the wider UK.  We are delighted to have secured such an accomplished investor and a viable and exciting future for the site in such a short period of time.  The ongoing commercial operation of the site will attract investment to the local area generating employment opportunities for local communities and the success of this development will play a significant role in securing the future of Life Sciences in Scotland”.

Dr Glenn Crocker, CEO BioCity Nottingham has worked closely with MSD and Roslin BioCentre to broker the deal: “If the UK’s life science sector is to flourish we must create the  best support and funding infrastructure where this can happen. Our plan is to create the UK’s largest bioscience business incubator at BioCity Scotland, a resource available to national and international companies.”

Potential tenants, university representatives and organisations interested in becoming involved with BioCity Scotland should make contact via the website www.biocity-scotland.co.uk

ENDS

Media briefing documents available at www.biocity-scotland.co.uk

Media contacts

BioCity Scotland:

(Scottish media) Greg Russell, Integra Communications: 07889 404933 greg.russell@integracommunications.co.uk

(UK/International media) Louise Third, Integra Communications: 07773 288342/ 0115 912 4350 louise@integracommunications.co.uk

MSD:

Meral Nugent  Communications Manager MSD UK, Tel 01992 452358, Mob 07884 232042. meral.nugent@merck.com

About BioCity Scotland

www.biocity-scotland.co.uk

About BioCity Nottingham Ltd

BioCity Nottingham Ltd has developed and operates one of the largest bioscience incubators in Europe. Home to around 70 early-stage businesses it is a hot-bed of entrepreneurial activity in the sector. As well as providing very flexible laboratory and office facilities, BioCity Nottingham is able to provide on-site a whole range of non-core but vital services to businesses which would otherwise be costly and inefficient for them to develop in-house. This ensures that companies with BioCity Nottingham have maximum opportunity for success and investors see the most efficient use of their funds. For more information go to www.biocity.co.uk

About Roslin BioCentre

Roslin BioCentre, located on the south side of Edinburgh and at the heart of the ‘Edinburgh Science Triangle’, is owned by the Roslin Foundation and Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC). It is home to a thriving Life Scientific community, reflected by the wide range of flourishing commercial and academic organisations based on site. Whilst able to meet the needs and business demands of the largest occupiers, Roslin BioCentre is also focussed on providing support and solutions to help energetic and vibrant new businesses grow. For more information visit www.roslinbiocentre.co.uk

About MSD

Today’s MSD is a global healthcare leader working to help the world be well. MSD is a tradename of Merck & Co., Inc., with headquarters in Whitehouse Station, N.J., U.S.A. Through our prescription medicines, vaccines, biologic therapies, and consumer care and animal health products, we work with customers and operate in more than 140 countries to deliver innovative health solutions. We also demonstrate our commitment to increasing access to healthcare through far-reaching policies, programmes and partnerships. For more information, visit www.msd.com or www.msd-uk.co.uk.

Dr Anthony Baxter, Chief Executive Offer at Cyprotex said, “We are delighted to have extended our strategic alliance with Sygnature.  The quality of their work and their desire to help customers achieve scientific success has enabled both of us to form a formidable combined offering in medicinal chemistry-driven integrated drug discovery and ADME-Tox services.  Since we commenced this relationship there have been several changes to both companies.  Both Sygnature and Cyprotex have expanded considerably, with Cyprotex acquiring Apredica, a Boston based ADME-Tox specialist CRO and the assets of Cellumen Inc, through which Cyprotex can now offer proprietary high content toxicology assays under the Cellciphr® brand name. Sygnature have grown organically over the past two years and recently announced the formation of a strategic alliance with Saretius Limited, a pre-clinical experimental services company offering ‘gold standard’ models in pain, CNS disorders, inflammatory and metabolic diseases.  Our experience with Sygnature over the past year has led us both to conclude that we can successfully deliver integrated drug discovery services to our customers, and we wish to strengthen this offering in the future.”

Commenting on the partnership Dr Simon Hirst, Sygnature’s CEO said, “We have found the strategic alliance with Cyprotex to be highly beneficial to our clients over the past two years. Working with Cyprotex is a key component of our portfolio of pre-clinical services as we have grown and expanded to offer our clients integrated drug discovery services.  Cyprotex has an enviable reputation as a CRO whichprovides premium ADME-Tox/DMPK services, so I am delighted that we will continue working together for two more years to offer our clients an exceptional, fully-integrated drug discovery service.  At Sygnature, we strongly believe that modern drug discovery requires the marriage of medicinal chemistry, biology, in vitro ADME and disease-specific models.  Our team of over 50 medicinal chemists are experienced in using ADME data to drive programmes forward into proof-of-concept studies.  Over the past four years, Sygnature and Cyprotex have collaborated on a number of drug discovery programmes for clients.  We have a dedicated project manager at Cyprotex focused on our clients’ projects, and scientists from both organisations have established a very close working relationship.  I am confident that future customers will see the benefits of working with Sygnature, Cyprotex and Saretius, acknowledged centres of excellence in their particular fields, to accelerate their drug discovery programmes forward into development.”

Ends

Notes for Editors

About Sygnature Discovery Limited

Sygnature Discovery is a leading UK-based provider of integrated drug discovery services.  Sygnature employs over 50 laboratory-based medicinal chemists and bioscientists (in vitro biologists) in a modern, purpose-built facility in BioCity Nottingham. Most of these scientists have PhDs and many have 10-22 years drug discovery experience with companies such as AstraZeneca, Pfizer, Merck and OSI Pharmaceuticals.  Sygnature’s industry-experienced team adds considerable value to clients’ discovery activities by undertaking complete drug discovery programmes and key elements of the drug discovery process, such as hit finding, hit-to-lead and lead optimisation.  Sygnature’s scientists also provide significant intellectual input into clients’ projects; thereby generating novel intellectual property.  Key areas of expertise include medicinal chemistry, bioscience, molecular modelling, ADME/toxicity(through a strategic alliance with Cyprotex Discovery) and pre-clinical experimental services (through a strategic alliance with Saretius).  For more see www.sygnaturediscovery.com .

About Cyprotex PLC

Cyprotex is based in Macclesfield, near Manchester in the UK, and Watertown, Boston in the US and is listed on the AIM market of the London Stock Exchange (CRX). The company was established in 1999 and works with more than 600 partners ranging from small biotechs to large pharma companies. Cyprotex acquired Apredica and the assets of Cellumen Inc. in August 2010 and the combined business provides support for a wide range of experimental and computational ADME-Tox and PK services, extending from early drug discovery through to IND submission. The company’s core capabilities include high quality in vitro ADME screening services, mechanistic toxicology and high content toxicology screening services and predictive modelling using PBPK and QSAR techniques, including Cloe® PK for in vivo PK prediction.  For more information, see www.cyprotex.com.

Contacts:

“The £180 million catalyst fund needs to be directed to early clinical trials which can be very costly for emerging life science businesses and it is at this stage that promising companies often grind to a halt for lack of investment. The government might look at the USA’s Therapeutic Discovery Project, which funds 50% of the costs of therapeutic product development. I would suggest that the greatest benefit for the investment of this resource will be in small companies outside the South East of England where research is relatively underfunded. Clearly the small print of the catalyst fund has yet to be worked out and I would encourage the government to consult with those in early stage life science companies as it develops its policies.”

Dr Crocker was very disappointed at the focus of the debate around links between the NHS and drug discovery activity.

“Surely it could have been made much clearer that the debate is not about data protection and privatisation of the NHS but is about the removal of red tape around activities that are already currently being undertaken today for the benefit of all. The marshalling of vast NHS resources to accelerate drug discovery and make the UK an attractive location to undertake pharmaceutical research and development is enormously important but the agenda has been allowed to wander into areas which really aren’t central to the issue.”

Ends

Media Contact: Integra Communications – 0115 912 4350

Dr Glenn Crocker is Chief Executive of BioCity Nottingham Ltd and a director of a range of early stage life science companies and of the Mobius Life Sciences Fund. He is author of the 2011 UK Life Science Start up report ‘Transition’ published this month. He was previously author of Ernst & Young’s Annual European and US Life Science Reports.

BioCity Nottingham Ltd was launched in 2003. The company develops and operates bioscience and healthcare-related incubation and innovation facilities. The first facility opened in September 2003, and Phase 3 in the form of grow-on space, opened in October 2008. BioCity is currently home to 66 fast-growing companies, including R&D and business support services.

BioCity was founded by Nottingham Trent University, the University of Nottingham and East Midlands Development Agency.

www.biocity.co.uk

The overall picture is of an industry in transition, with a changing base of businesses and an evolving funding ecosystem.

The UK Life Science Start-up report 2011 is the second comprehensive study of early stage life science firms. This new study considers companies formed in the period 2006-2010 and allows a comparison with the findings of the 2010 report which looked at the period 2005-2009. The findings provide an insight into where the new start-ups are coming from, what fields they specialise in and the investment they are raising.

Author of the report and CEO of BioCity, Dr Glenn Crocker will draw from these findings, and call for action, in his presentation to the gathering of life science industry experts at the 2011 Genesis conference in London on 1^st December.

Key report findings:

• The number of life science start-ups has dropped in the period 2006-2010 compared with the period 2005-2009
• Four-fifths of the decline in the number of start ups can be accounted for by a drop in university spin-outs.
• Two-thirds of the new firms are in the service or med-tech sub-sectors
• Almost half of all life science start ups are located in a UK bioincubator or biopark
• Total investment raised by life science start ups declined by 12% in the period 2006-2010 (£329 million) compared with 2005-2009 (£372 million)
• The largest fall in investment activity was seen in the number of companies receiving investment in the sub-£500k range.
• 74% of total investment into life science start ups went to companies in the South East and East of England.
• Significant funds provided by Imperial Innovations, Oxford, Cambridge, UCL and Manchester have created a Premier League of institutions, attracting good quality people and providing a high quality research base.
• 40% of the total funding raised by the start ups is concentrated in just 8 companies
• Early stage businesses are starting to turn to to China for funding, although this invariably means transferring activities to the country
• The increasing professionalization of university drug discovery for large clients, is creating new research engines for the pharmaceutical industry.
• There are greater opportunities for pharmaceutical investment into small firms (£66 million raised annually by the start ups equates to just 1% of Roche’s annual R&D budget).

Report author Dr Glenn Crocker believes the changing global landscape in the life sciences sector presents both opportunities and challenges. Opportunities for new, enterprising teams capable of early stage drug discovery, and challenges as the funding regime continues to squeeze this innovative start up community.

“If the report tells us one thing it is that we need to step-up our collective efforts to help high quality start-up firms to benefit from the transitions in our industry. Now is the time to extend tax incentives for private investment into firms with potential and to create the right fiscal environment for large pharmaceutical financing of new ventures.

“Bioscience incubators, such as BioCity, have been working for some years now alongside commercially-astute top scientists who have spotted international market opportunities. Many are former employees of major players like AstraZeneca, Pfizer and Merck. It is possible to retain their knowledge and expertise if we take them and their business ventures seriously. My hope is that this report helps the government to seize the moment and work with us all to build a strong, sustainable and world-beating life science industry.”

The UK Life Science Start-up report will be published each year based on a rolling five-year period in order to undertake further trend analysis. To receive a copy of the 2011 report email m.knaggs@biocity.co.uk  or download at http://tinyurl.com/Transition-Report. Join the debate on LinkedIn BioCity Group.

ENDS

Press enquiries, and to request a pdf of the report:

Louise Third

Integra Communications

T: 0115 912 4350

E: louise@integracommunications.co.uk

For Genesis information please email Anya de Iongh

adeiongh@schwartzmsl.com / Mobile: 07949857303

Dr Glenn Crocker is available for interview. Please request a high-res photo.

NOTES

Dr Glenn Crocker is Chief Executive of BioCity Notitngham Ltd and a director of a range of early stage life science companies and of the Mobius Life Sciences Fund. He was previously author of Ernst & Young’s Annual European and US Life Science Reports.

Mobius Life Sciences Fund

The Mobius Life Sciences Fund is the first investment fund in the Midlands region dedicated to the life sciences sector. It is operated by a subsidiary of BioCity Nottingham Limited and receives its investment funds directly from BioCity.

Mobius provides seed level equity investment into early stage bioscience, pharmaceutical, medical technology and healthcare businesses.

The Fund leverages this early stage investment through a collaboration with Nottingham City Council, which provides unsecured loan finance to investees, and by supporting businesses to use the investment to match against grant and other funding.

Mobius adds further value to investee companies by taking a seat on the Board of Directors and using an extensive industry network to access advice and support to the business.

Mobius will also co-invest alongside other early stage investors, including business angels, and will act as a feeder to later stage funds.

www.mobiuslifesciences.com

BioCity Nottingham Ltd was launched in 2003. The company develops and operates bioscience and healthcare-related incubation and innovation facilities. The first facility opened in September 2003, and Phase 3 in the form of grow-on space, opened in October 2008. BioCity is currently home to 66 fast-growing companies, including R&D and business support services.

BioCity was founded by Nottingham Trent University, the University of Nottingham and East Midlands Development Agency.

www.biocity.co.uk

Genesis. Now firmly established as one of the premier Life Science & Healthcare networking conferences, Genesis will continue its tradition of facing up to the issues holding back the success of what should be both a key UK and European sector.  Held again in London on 1st December 2011, Genesis is a jewel in the One Nucleus event portfolio. With membership of One Nucleus growing on a daily basis, this has resulted in an even broader and more stimulating programme with a strong international bias.  This year sees Genesis welcome a UKTI hosted International Zone into its fold with groups of companies attending from over 15 overseas markets.  There will also be a Technology Showcase under the auspices of ABC Europe, of which One Nucleus is a partner.

http://www.onenucleus.com/genesis-conference

PHOTO CALL: Nottingham, Lace Market Square, Thursday 1^st December 10:30 AM GMT / Launch of the Cup of Kindness campaign.

Picture opportunity of an open-air festive dinner setting for 12 at a dining table, this includes campaign supporters from businesses, academia and Emmanuel House service users and volunteers.

Interviewees: Ruth Shelton, CEO, Emmanuel House / Amarjit Basi, Principal and CEO, New College Nottingham, Solicitor from Rothera Dowson and an Emmanuel House user.

—————————————————————————————————————————

Emmanuel House will launch its ‘Cup of kindness’ Christmas Campaign at 10:30 on Thursday 1^st December in Lace Market Square with a reminder to all in Nottingham that many homeless and vulnerable adults could go without a main meal this winter season. The ‘outdoor dinner party’, staged with the help of New College Nottingham and CHC-Land Ltd, sets the scene for the launch which will be led by Emmanuel House CEO Ruth Shelton, supporters and service users.

The aim of the campaign, which will run from 1^st December to 6^th January, is to reach a target of £10,000 by asking everyone enjoying a festive meal or party to donate just 50p each – the price of a cup of tea – to the Cup of Kindness campaign. This will help pay for a festive meal for one homeless person in Nottingham.

Emmanuel House provides the only city day centre drop-in facility that is open daily in Nottingham for homeless and vulnerable adults. The busy centre on Goose Gate, Hockley has provided practical support, access to healthcare, affordable meals and training since 1976 through its small team of dedicated staff and over 100 volunteers.

Ruth Shelton, chief executive officer believes this campaign will allow all Nottingham residents, businesses and schools to show a little kindness this Christmas.

“We’d like everyone organising a festive party or meal to consider donating just 50p each to the ‘Cup of Kindness’ campaign. Every donation counts as each 50p will help provide vital ingredients for a hot Christmas meal for one homeless person. So, families feeding four could send us £2, or donations from a company party of 200 people would add up to £100 from a mere 50p per head. It’s up to each person to decide how to support this appeal.”

Already committed to the campaign are Nottingham solicitors Rothera Dowson and property company Spenbeck Limited.

Anton Balkitis, marketing partner at Rothera Dowson says: “We are wholeheartedly behind this campaign; it is simple to understand and easy for everyone to take part in. I hope the Nottingham business community come on board by asking their Christmas party revellers to contribute collectively.  This way we’ll ensure everyone, whatever their circumstances, enjoys a main meal in the coming weeks.”

Making the donation to the Cup of Kindness campaign is easy.  Either go to www.justgiving.com/cupofkindness to make a donation by credit or debit card or text, or cheques can be made out to Emmanuel House and sent to Emmanuel House 53-61 Goosegate, Hockley, Nottingham NG1 1FE.   Further information is available on the Emmanuel House website: www.emmanuelhouse.org.uk

ENDS

Media Contact

Louise Third/ Shilpa Parmar

Intergra Communications

Email: louise@integracommunications.co.uk

Telephone : 0115 912 4350 / 07773 288342

Emmanuel House Contact:

Natasha McCracken

Fundraising and Marketing Manager

Emmanuel House

Tel: 0115 950 7140 / 07792 503 815

Gogglows can be used as a fancy flashing goggle to encourage younger swimmers to put their face into the water as well as a standard non-illuminated goggle for swimming lessons. The lights flash for thirty seconds then automatically turn off and flash when the buttons on each side are pressed. A patented light shield protects the user’s eyes from the LED lights.

It was during a visit to their local pool in Dartford that swimming enthusiasts Clare and David Fryett came up with the idea for an innovative range of products which could make swimming even more fun for children and adults. They were watching their daughters, Holly and Olivia, train when a little girl walked past wearing a large, ugly pair of black goggles. Then a little boy ran past wearing LED flashing shoes. That gave them an idea. When they got home, they searched the internet for “flashing swimming goggles” and found nothing.

That was six years ago. Now the Fryetts have launched their very own range of innovative swimming products which includes Gogglows, the only LED flashing swimming goggles in the world. They filed their first patent application in 2005 and started work on the first prototype of the flashing goggles. One of their proudest moments came when they took one of the early prototypes to their daughters’ swimming club.

“Olivia was wearing the Gogglows prototype and you could see the lights flashing from one end of the pool to the other,” says Clare. “Within a few minutes, she had a large gathering of children around her. The other children kept asking Olivia to switch on the lights. When she swam up and down with the Gogglows flashing it was a proud moment watching from the poolside. We realised the true uniqueness of the product we had created and made the many years hard work well worthwhile.”

Whilst they were researching Gogglows they realized there was a market for other innovative swim-related products. So they formed their own company, Swimglows, and have developed a range of products which has turned their hobby into a business. The Swimglows range includes Gemglows and Coinglows, the first purpose-built dive toys in the world with LED flashing lights and timers; the Swimdana, a stylish adjustable bandana-style swimming cap made from material which protects the head from harmful ultraviolet sunrays; and Chameleon Caps, colour-changing swimming caps. Their products are manufactured in China.

David is a seasoned inventor. Back in 2005, he produced a builders’ tape measure with a built-in FM radio which used the five-metre steel measuring blade as the FM antenna. More than 30,000 items were sold. Two years ago he recorded a podcast with fellow inventor Trevor Baylis, who swam for Great Britain in his youth and invented the clockwork radio.

The Swimglows range of products are available from www.swimglows.com

ENDS

CONTACT DETAILS

For media enquiries please contact Clare or David Fryett

T: 020 8310 4193

M: 079 5058 2631

E: sales@swimglows.com

NOTES TO EDITORS

High res images available on request

With increasing fragmentation in the drug discovery industry and the dramatic reduction in government-funded support for early-stage firms, BioCity Nottingham is providing office and laboratory facilities, infrastructure support and finance for smaller bioscience companies who are discovering new market opportunities. Dr Nisbet will oversee the expansion of BioCity services to cater for the increasing demand from both UK and international tenants. The recent arrival of former AstraZeneca and Pfizer employees launching new ventures, as well as the rapid growth of several existing tenants, makes the BioCity bioscience cluster an attractive central UK business location.

Marlow-based Dr Nisbet is Venture Partner with Kurma BioFund, Paris, and is a highly regarded health industries professional. His early pharmaceutical career in drug discovery research with Roche, Glaxo and Smith Kline gives him a global insight into the issues surrounding the development and commercialisation of new healthcare products and businesses. He will devote time in Nottingham with fellow Board directors to addressing the specific needs of new life science companies, especially their financing requirements.

Speaking ahead of his first Board meeting as Chairman, Dr Nisbet said: “I believe BioCity’s strong reputation puts us in a unique position to respond to the growing demand for highly-specialised facilities, support services and funding. Life science and bioscience companies wanting to grow need early stage venture capital but this is presently scarce.  We will be looking to work with our clients and the large pharmaceutical companies, as well as private investors, to find innovative solutions to facilitate partnerships and financing which suit everyone.”

Dr Glenn Crocker CEO of BioCity says: We are looking forward to working with Louis as BioCity continues to evolve. Under his guidance we will be able to plug any gaps in the provision of incubation facilities and services and further develop the Mobius Life Sciences Fund. His world-wide connections will enable us to continue our collaborations with the US, India and the UK life science community to provide the best possible start for promising new companies.”

ENDS

Media contact:

Louise Third – BioCity public relations

Tel: 0115 912 4350 / 07773 288342

louise@integracommunications.co.uk

NOTES

About BioCity

www.biocity.co.uk

BioCity Nottingham provides business support, finance, labs & offices to bioscience, pharmaceutical, med-tech & healthcare companies. It operates one of Europe’s largest bioscience business centres, which is currently home to nearly 70 fast-growing companies, including R&D and business support services.

BioCity invests in early stage life science companies through its subsidiary, Mobius Life Sciences (launched in October 2009), which is the first investment fund in the Midlands region dedicated to the life sciences sector. www.mobiuslifesciences.com

The mix of careers profiled in the book is an interesting and positive reflection on the YINI programme. The scene is set by the entry for the first year of YINI, 1986, when Kate Daly worked with Kleeneze and Bendix before going to Nottingham University to study Production Engineering. She now works for BP as CIO for BP Lubricants. The 1988 entry Michael Calloway spent his placement at the Central Electricity Generating Board which undoubtedly coloured his career as he has subsequently worked in all sectors of the nuclear industry and is now at the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority. Twenty four years on Dr Steve Denton still works with his placement company Parsons Brinkerhoff but, while in 1987 he was a trainee, he is now Director of Engineering for their UK business and a visiting Professor at the University of Bath.

It’s not just heavy engineering that is represented either; some of the mid 1990’s cohort work in the mobile phone industry with 1995 trainee Simon Vaitkevicus now Senior Mechanical Design Engineer at Nokia and a Visiting Teaching Fellow of the Royal Academy of Engineering.  James Browne followed him on YINI in 1996 and, despite a placement with Nuclear Electric, is now a network architect responsible for sewing together the mobile networks of recently merged companies Orange and T Mobile.

Not all students stayed in engineering however. Kevin and Elaine Lister met on the 1994 programme and married in 2001. Elaine has moved into accountancy while Kevin left Jaguar in 2009 to start a new career as a secondary school maths teacher. The year 2000 entry will be a familiar voice to many as, despite a highly successful placement with Black and Decker, Steph McGovern moved into the media, having the responsibility for producing Robert Peston during the credit crunch crisis, and now moving in front of the microphone herself as a full time business presenter on 5Live, Radio 2 and BBC Breakfast TV.

There are many others with stories to tell and in all over 12,000 students have completed “the Year in Industry” during its 25 years. Graham Chisnall, Managing Director Commercial Aerospace and Operations, ADS Group is chairman of EDT and rightly proud of the achievements over 25 years. He says,

“The longevity of the YINI scheme is an endorsement of its quality and continuing relevance. The need for increasing numbers of talented young people with “work ready” skills to take up careers in science, engineering and technology is as important today as when YINI was launched.”

The booklet however speaks for itself as different contributors pay generous tribute to what they have gained from The Year in Industry.

Simon Vaitkevicus perhaps sums up their views when he says,

“YINI is… an essential stepping stone for any young aspiring engineers to get into engineering, design or technology industries; you cannot learn at university what the YINI will teach you”.

Ends

Editor Notes

Media Contacts

Andrew Third, Integra Communications Ltd,

0115 9124350,            andrew@integracommunications.co.uk

Penny Tysoe, Marketing and Communications Manager, EDT,

01707871528              p.tysoe@etrust.org.uk

About EDT

The EDT is the leading organisation working to inspire young people into careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) through business/education links. Having worked in this area for 25 years and having national reach, EDT is expert in encouraging students to focus on the opportunities that STEM careers can offer. The recent merger with the Industrial Trust has consolidated the support which is available so that the EDT is the largest partner for schools, colleges, and businesses looking to encourage STEM careers and is also the partner offering the most diverse range of activities.

Informing Choice

The EDT works in partnership with schools, colleges, universities and businesses to allow students from the age of twelve through to graduate level to interact with people in businesses that rely on STEM skills, providing them with the insights and role models that will allow them to make informed subject choices at GSCE, A Level and degree level. Programmes can be as short as one day or as long as a year and currently engage almost 30,000 students each year. The EDT has a strong base of evidence showing the effectiveness of these programmes in influencing students towards STEM choices and, given the right support, aspires to engage twice this number of students in STEM activities to inform their career choices.

Widening participation

The EDT is particularly keen to engage hard to reach groups including girls, children from ethnic minorities, and children in families where they are the first to be able to pursue courses and careers in STEM subjects. For this reason a range of “widening participation” programmes of just a single day have been developed for these groups alongside the EDT’s core programmes.

About the Year in Industry

The Year in Industry (YINI) is the UK’s leading student placement expert.

We provide high-quality, paid, degree relevant placements for students in their gap year before or during their degree course.  The scheme specialises in placements for students interested in all areas of engineering, science, IT, e-commerce, business, marketing, finance and logistics. Students are carefully matched with companies throughout the UK and placements generally run over a 9-12 month period in line with the academic year.

Why YINI?

We place students with 300 top UK companies every year including Shell, Rolls Royce, British Energy, L’Oreal, Network Rail and AstraZeneca.

Students 

All our placements give students the skills and knowledge employers are looking, the experience will help them make the most of university – and earn while they learn.

Teachers & Parents

YINI guarantees that students are set on the fast track to their future career.  At this crucial stage of their education students have many decisions to make about going to university and the merits of a gap year placement. Finding out more about YINI will help with these important decisions.

75% of YINI students go straight into employment after graduation

25% of YINI students in recent years are being sponsored through university