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What support is there
for start-up businesses?
Southampton Science Park
has developed an environment specifically designed
to accommodate the needs of start-up businesses. The
Chilworth Business Incubator offers small companies
the opportunity to benefit from flexible leasing
arrangements (including “easy-in/easy-out”
facilities) and access to shared facilities (for
example meeting rooms and photocopiers). In
addition, support is available through the
Southampton Enterprise Hub and other companies which
are located on the Park and which offer services
ranging from financial support to web development.
What if my company
out-grows its accommodation?
The Science Park gives
priority to existing tenants wishing to expand their
accommodation footprint. We will work with you to
find appropriate space on the Park and allow you to
surrender your existing lease without a penalty.
My company is at an
early stage and I’m not sure I can afford the
commitment of a lease. Is there anything you can do
for me?
Southampton Science Park
operates a ‘Virtual Tenancy’ scheme which allows
companies to enjoy many of the benefits of residency
without the commitment of taking on a lease. For a
small fee, companies can use the Science Park
address, have a dedicated phone line answered in
their name and have access to a range of other
services.
Why should I base my
business at Southampton Science Park?
Southampton Science Park
is a 45-acre development in a prime Hampshire
location. It has good communication links, being
just a mile from the M3 and M27 motorways, 1 hour
from London and close to Southampton International
Airport. The Science Park provides high quality
office and lab space in attractive landscaped
surroundings and is home to science and technology
based companies of all sizes, from fast growing
start-ups to international household names. The
Science Park is owned by the University of
Southampton and the the two organisations enjoy
close links, giving tenant companies access to some
of the UK's leading scientific expertise. A wide
range of facilities is also available on the Park,
including a business incubator and enterprise hub
with support services for SMEs, real broadband,
generous parking, and an on-site luxury hotel and
leisure club – Chilworth Manor.
Could my company have
its own building on the Science Park?
The Science Park offers
two options for larger companies wanting a dedicated
building. A tenant can take a lease on a building on
a sole occupancy basis, with scope for customisation
as required. Alternatively, there are some
opportunities for companies to acquire Science Park
land on long-lease terms, allowing them to construct
their own custom-designed buildings.
What is it like to work
on Southampton Science Park?
Southampton Science Park
is situated on part of the Chilworth estate, a quiet
area of parkland to the north-west of Southampton.
The Park maintains an ethos of academic endeavour
and high tech. industry in an environment
characterised by mature trees and green space.
Working for a company on the Park, you will be part
of a thriving entrepreneurial community in
attractive landscaped surroundings. The Science Park
shares the estate with Chilworth Manor, a former
Victorian mansion which is now a luxury hotel and
conference centre with a leisure club (from August
2007) open to employees of companies on the Park.
Also adjacent is the Chilworth Conservation Area, a
40 acre open-access area incorporating ancient
woodland, an ecology meadow, an arboretum and lake.
The Park has good transport links, making it easily
accessible, and is close to the thriving university
city of Southampton.
As a Science Park
tenant, how can I develop links with the University?
Southampton Science Park
is owned by the University of Southampton. There are
close links between the two organisations and this
gives tenant companies access to some of the UK's
leading scientific expertise. Some of the companies
on the Park are spin-outs from the University with
contacts in the academic schools and links with the
University can readily be developed through
networking.
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