Biocontrol expands its business at Colworth Science Park
14 December 2011
Biotech company Biocontrol Ltd, a subsidiary of AmpliPhi Biosciences Corporation (APHB.PK) is expanding its business operation at Colworth Science Park by taking further office and laboratory work space to double its presence on the park.
The company, which is working to develop the biological answer to antibiotic resistance, has taken a further 1,112 sq ft of work accommodation, expanding from its existing base in suite 130 in Colworth House Annexe.
Since relocating in May last year from its previous headquarters in Nottingham, the company has expanded its business following successful clinical trials of its lead product BioPhage-PA and its combination with US biotechnology company Targeted Genetics to form AmpliPhi Biosciences.
Dr Sally Ann Forsyth, Director of Colworth Science Park, said: “It is tremendous to see companies such as Biocontrol grow their business at Colworth. Existing companies taking more space is testimony to the environment we have created in helping incubate companies. At a time of continuing economic uncertainty and anxiety, it is encouraging to see successful companies prospering in what is a key growth sector for UK business and commerce.
Biocontrol Ltd is among a number of organisations including Leksing Ltd, Advanced Microbial Diagnostics Ltd, and Mediwatch Biomedical Ltd that have moved to Colworth to take advantage of its flexible space and to be part of a growing scientific community.
The company had outgrown its previous location due to the company’s expansion since it was founded in 1997 by Chief Scientific Officer, Dr David Harper, with a team of just three people. It now employs 16 people working to develop safe, specific, effective and adaptable biological agents, targeted at markets where current chemical drugs are failing or ineffective.
Dr Harper said: “Colworth provides a unique environment for science, with comprehensive on-site support and room for expansion. It provides our staff with a positive working experience in an excellent location for business".
In May this year Goodman, the joint venture partner of Unilever at Colworth, completed The Exchange – a new complex that provides 21,000 sq ft of dining, conference and meeting space complemented by a 35,000 sq ft Innovation Centre, all located at the heart of the park.
The Exchange has enhanced the Park by providing modern flexible laboratory and office suites designed to accommodate growing businesses, a café-restaurant, plus modern meeting and conference facilities for up to 200 people. These facilities are open to businesses off site to use in addition to those on the campus.
Colworth Science Park is situated between Cambridge and Oxford in the village of Sharnbrook, near Bedford. It sits in 120 acres of natural parkland providing an outstanding research environment. Occupiers have access to a wide range of specialist scientific services and facilities. Accommodation services, including 24 hour manned security, on-site printing and graphics services, plus IT support to ensure occupiers are able to communicate with maximum efficiency.
In addition, Colworth Science Park has a wealth of leisure and sports facilities on site, including tennis and squash courts, football and cricket pitches and a 9-hole golf course. There is also a convenience store, café and restaurant, and Bright Horizons day nursery, providing secure professional childcare.