Technology-led businesses network in Milton Keynes

A Sparc product story

Edited by the Engineeringtalk editorial team Jul 7, 2006

Sparc, a new network for knowledge-based technology-led businesses based in Milton Keynes and the surrounding regions enjoyed its official launch recently at the National Hockey Stadium.

Sparc, a new network for knowledge-based technology-led businesses based in Milton Keynes and the surrounding regions enjoyed its official launch recently at the National Hockey Stadium.

Over 150 of the region's most innovative business leaders, academics and specialist advisors attended to hear about the network's objectives, forthcoming events and special guest speakers.

Guests also took part in an icebreaker task and were treated to an example "Pitch Battle", a competition where two companies pitch their business to the networking group, who then vote for the best pitch.

The overall Pitch Battle champion will be awarded at the annual dinner to be held in February 2007.

Funded by a collaboration of lead organisations and commercial sponsors, each month Sparc will facilitate and support face-to-face contacts, link the regional technology-led community to international markets and suppliers, potential investors, and promote the Milton Keynes region as a centre for entrepreneurship within the Oxford to Cambridge arc.

Chris Dunkley, Network Director and host for the launch commented: "I am delighted with the high attendance at the launch with businesses from Buckinghamshire, Bedfordshire, Hertfordshire, Northampton and Oxford".

"This confirms the growing need in the Milton Keynes region to provide an environment for effective interaction between technology-led companies and industry".

"It is important SMEs take the opportunity to become involved as there is a great deal of support available".

The network is also supported by a specifically designed website.

The site will offer information on up-coming events, lists and biographies of future guest speakers, live film footage from each event, news and information on membership application.

It will also include a member's page with contacts and brief biography.

Businesses from technology related sectors can apply online for free membership of Sparc, and will enjoy discounted admission for future events.

Grant Seeley, Director of Investment at Milton Keynes Partnership attended the launch and spoke of his support: "The launch of Sparc is a valuable step forward in progressing Milton Keynes' accelerated growth of technology related sectors".

"These are fast emerging from academia, incoming businesses and start up enterprises".

"Already Milton Keynes has some significant statistics - 80% of businesses located in Milton Keynes are entrepreneurial, and 55% of Taiwanese companies, known for high technology, based in the South East are located in Milton Keynes".

"The next step is to provide a 'Technopole', which will provide accommodation and support to start up companies and technology based businesses".

"A feasibility study is currently in progress".