|
The world economy, the strength of the
pound and the importance of knowledge-based businesses to future
prosperity ... just some of the issues raised with Mervyn King, Deputy
Governor of the Bank of England, during a visit to Southampton Science
Park in August. Mr King was on a fact finding mission to South Hampshire
looking, in particular, at businesses which lead the world in both the
development and implementation of new technology. During his visit to
Southampton Science Park, Mr King met a number of businesses, including
AHA, which is developing new wireless communications products for the
European market. AHA is based at the Chilworth Business Incubator and
Managing Director Dr Garegin Markarian told Mr King that the support
offered by the Science Park during the company's start-up phase had been
instrumental in the success achieved so far.
Next on the itinerary was a
visit to Southampton Photonics, which leads the world in the design and
manufacture of fibre optic components for the telecommunications
industry, and which recently secured a GBP37 million investment to
support a major expansion programme. Prof. David Payne spoke to Mr King
about the technology behind the company's stunning success and the
interest of US investors in the business.
Commenting on his visit, Mr
King said: "It has been extremely useful to hear about business
conditions in this part of Hampshire, and particularly those facing
technology-based firms. Along with all the data on the national economy,
input from businesses plays a useful part in the monthly interest rate
decisions taken by the Monetary Policy Committee. We will continue to
aim to keep the economy on track with low and stable inflation."
Said
Don Fox, Southampton Science Park Chief Executive: "We were delighted to
show Mr King just some of the many success stories on the Park - and to
provide our occupiers with the chance to voice their own opinions about
the economy. "We were also able to demonstrate that locations such as
Southampton Science Park are extremely important to the development of
businesses rooted in science and technology - not just in terms of
buildings, facilities and support services but in opening doors to our
leading universities."
|
