Pig Improvement Company moves into new Innovation Centre
6 June 2011
Colworth Science Park is growing its scientific community with the first letting at The Exchange. PIC UK (Pig Improvement Company), part of Genus world leaders in animal breeding, which are delivering genetic improvement to all sectors within the UK pig supply chain, has moved into 1,000 sq ft of lab space in the Innovation Centre to develop a new A.I. Centre of Excellence to support the UK pig industry.
Joint developers of Colworth Science Park, Goodman and Unilever, developed The Exchange, which features an 35,000 sq ft Innovation Centre to meet the demand for fully serviced laboratory space and office suites with the flexibility to accommodate large or small occupiers on ‘easy in/ easy out’ leasing terms. It was recently opened by David Willetts MP, Minister for Universities and Science.
A wide range of fit-out options are available from fully fitted wet and dry labs to office and write-up space. Companies can walk into brand new units ranging from 360 – 3,700 sq ft of laboratory space or 180 – 2,100 sq ft of office suites. Occupiers with large or small individual requirements can also be catered for with bespoke solutions.
Dr Sally Ann Forsyth, Director of Colworth Science Park, said: “While PIC is working to improve the pork supply chain, at Colworth we’re improving the supply of much needed flexible lab and office space in the region. Despite the economic downturn, we are continuing to see resilient levels of demand for smaller business and lab space at Colworth.
“We realise the advantages of locating within an environment that actively helps to foster innovation. Providing a supportive and nurturing culture not only attracts the right people and businesses, but equally enables them to interact with others and we hope The Exchange will play a pivotal role in the future success of PIC”, adds Forsyth.
Occupiers in The Exchange will have direct access to new state-of-the-art meeting and conferencing facilities for up to 200 people and a café-restaurant. This means occupiers can take advantage of ‘pay as you go’ meeting space and avoid paying higher rent for in-house meeting rooms that are infrequently used.
Being the home to one of Unilever’s global research centres, Colworth Science Park also features a range of comprehensive scientific support services which uniquely include microbiological services, measurement science, sensory science, prototype engineering and printing and graphics services.
PIC joins a number of organisations including Biocontrol LTd, Leksing, F&F Projects, and Mediwatch that have moved to Colworth to take advantage of its flexible space and to be part of the collaborative culture that is fast becoming a national centre of excellence in food, health and wellness.
As part of biotechnology leader Genus plc, PIC is committed to supporting the UK pig industry to retain the UK’s competitive position in a rapidly developing global market. The company’s breeding programme, tailored for the UK market, delivers continual genetic improvement to support all sectors of the industry, selecting for traits to improve the efficiency of production and improve eating quality. PIC has been working with pig producers for over 40 years, during which time it has expanded to 30 countries on six continents, aiming to breed the best pigs to ensure customers remain competitive within a volatile and challenging market.
Included in the price at The Exchange are a range of services including reception, security, cleaning, waste disposal (including clinical) as well as all business rates and utility costs with the added benefit of use of shared lab services including autoclave and glass washing equipment with shared kitchenette facilities, showers, break out area among many other benefits at no extra cost. Tailored business support is also provided by The Exchange’s dedicated Innovation Manager.
Forsyth said: “Companies moving to The Exchange have access to dining, conference and meeting facilities located at the heart of this prosperous scientific hub. Occupying this new and state of the art workspace is an efficient and cost effective approach for many businesses, because one agreement and one payment covers a whole of host of inclusive services.”
Alongside the outstanding business and research facilities, the Park offers a number of amenities to occupiers including a nine hole golf course, tennis and squash courts, day nursery and a shop.