High Performance Technologies Northamptonshire
High Performance Technologies The design and manufacture of innovative technologies, engines and products, incorporating low carbon engineering and the application of light weight materials and composites; and with linked applications and activity in renewable energy and sustainable construction
Northamptonshire is at the centre of the UK’s world leading High Performance Technologies cluster: • World leading design and manufacture of performance race cars and engines • At the forefront of low carbon engineering in vehicles, renewable energy and sustainable construction • Advanced development and application of lightweight materials and composites • Supported by a range of industry focused business and creative services With its distinctive concentration of over 1500 high performance technology companies, Northamptonshire has developed a unique and comprehensive industry supply chain that significantly contributes to the economic growth of the county and enhances its prominence within the High Performance Technologies sector.
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Since its formation in 1958 and its origins in motorsport and high performance engines, Cosworth has developed to become a world leading provider of high performance technologies in a diverse range of industries including Sport, Aerospace, Defence, and Automotive. The company’s head office in Northampton is home to leading edge engineering, world class manufacturing and comprehensive test facilities. “Cosworth is based in Northamptonshire for a variety of reasons; the excellent transport links by road, rail and air while simultaneously placing us in the middle of a technology cluster which provides us with an essential support infrastructure and rich pool of engineering talent for our business.” Jog S Lall, Director, Cosworth
Scott Bader is a £200 million multinational chemical firm employing 600 people worldwide. Headquartered at Wollaston in Northamptonshire the company is a pioneer in the development of structural adhesives and advanced resin materials suitable for the production of both carbon fibre and glass fibre composite parts; the end markets served include structural assemblies, transportation, marine, construction and wind energy. “Innovation is critical for the future success of Scott Bader and I see real benefit from the High Performance Technologies network of businesses. Northamptonshire is truly open for advanced technology development.” Philip Bruce, Group Managing Director, Scott Bader
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The Rolton Group headquartered at Higham Ferrers in Northamptonshire is a multi disciplinary engineering company in the built environment with a particular expertise in low carbon technologies, sustainable construction and in the development of renewable energy projects utilising technologies such as anaerobic digestion, biomass combined heat and power, wind, hydro, ground source heat, pumps and gasification and pyrolysis. “We engineer our future from Northamptonshire and the decision to base our national and international businesses in the county is founded on the excellent transport links and the central location. Being at the heart of a region that is leading on developing technologies coupled with the high quality of the surroundings and sensible cost of living gives support and reward, not just to the company, but also all its stakeholders.” David Rolton, Director, Rolton Group Ltd
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Stuart Banks Engineering Ltd utilises 20 years experience of engine design and programme management including Formula 1, Moto GP, WRC and performance road going projects. The company is one of a large number of small, specialist technology companies that characterise the Northamptonshire High Performance Technologies cluster. “Northamptonshire has extensive engineering resources ideally suited to the rapid delivery of high quality solutions to engineering problems from design through to manufacture” Stuart Banks, Director, Stuart Banks Engineering Ltd
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The British Institute of NDT is the professional institute for all those engaged in non-destructive testing and condition monitoring. It is concerned with the education and training of its members, and the advancement of the science and practice of the subject. Over its 50 years, the Institute has established itself as one of the country’s leading engineering institutions, and has achieved Nominated Body status with the Engineering Council “Northamptonshire’s manufacturing heritage, its industry responsive education and training sector and resident word-class engineering companies make it an ideal location for new or relocating High Performance Technologies businesses.” Matt Gallagher, CEO, British Institute of Non Destructive Testing
Northamptonshir The Right Environment For Your Busin Case Study:
“Northamptonshire can rightly claim to be at the very heart of the motorsport industry in the UK. From our headquarters in Brackley, Mercedes GP PETRONAS has access to a vastly skilled and enthusiastic workforce, along with a crucial chain of valued suppliers based in the county.” Nick Fry, CEO, Mercedes GP PETRONAS
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Northamptonshire offers:
Influenced and led by industry
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An impressive network in excess of 1500 companies and organisations designing and creating the materials, components and products which support this internationally recognised cluster
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A government recognised enterprise area with a range of incentives and funding support to help assist the expansion of advance technologies, precision engineering, low carbon technology, sustainable construction and high performance engineering companies
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A strong network of innovation and enterprise centres that stretch across the county and support the development of new and growing companies
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A concentrated and joined up approach between industry, education and training providers to develop the skills needed at all levels to drive the sector forward
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A dedicated High Performance Technology county lead to facilitate company to company contact, promote networking opportunities, publicise opportunities and work with government and the academic sector to address barriers to growth in the industry
The development of support for High Performance Technology companies in Northamptonshire is led by a representative group of key technology companies and organisations: Mercedes GP PETRONAS Cosworth Silverstone Scott Bader Rolton Engineering Stuart Banks Engineering Delta Motorsport The University of Northampton The British Institute of Non Destructive Testing
Innovation & Enterprise Centres Northamptonshire has a strong network of innovation and enterprise centres that stretch across the county, supporting the development of new and growing companies. Here are five examples from the network:
iCon, Daventry: A new £8.7million building, owned and managed by the University of Northampton focused on environmental technologies and sustainable construction and providing 60 business units. The iCon is also the home of the Sustainable Construction iNet providing tailored business support and services for new and growing environmental technologies and sustainable construction companies Scott Bader Innovation Centre, Wellingborough: Opened in September 2011, the Scott Bader Innovation Centre is specifically aimed at start-up companies in the specialty chemicals, composites and coatings sectors. Located within the grounds of Scott Bader, the innovation centre provides shared laboratory space and high quality offices in refurbished buildings at the company’s state-of-the-art research and development headquarters Corby Enterprise Centre, Corby: Opened in early 2011 CEC works with small and growing, early stage technology companies and provides business support, strategic advice and flexible accommodation for start-up companies
Portfolio and Avenue Innovation Centres, Northampton: Owned and managed by The University of Northampton at their Avenue Campus, both of these centres have a strong focus on design and new product development, supported in particular by the University’s NVision virtual prototyping and testing facility and support services Silverstone Innovation Centre: Provides a serviced environment to foster the growth of advanced engineering and motorsport related businesses. With a range of conference and meeting room facilities within a cutting edge architectural environment, Silverstone Innovation Centre can accomodate up to 40 companies
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Axon Automotive is a small but growing car company located in Wellingborough in Northamptonshire. It aims to manufacture the most fuel efficient cars in Europe. Axon is a specialist in carbon fibre which is used to make cars light safe and fuel efficient. New manufacturing techniques mean this formula 1 technology is now affordable for eco cars. Axon also produces vehicle bodies for other manufacturers. “The extensive mix of big and small high tech players in the automotive and related industries means we are able to engineer solutions quickly and in depth. Our collaboration with Scott Bader on specialist resin and adhesive development is a case in point.” Steve Cousins, Managing Director, Axon Automotive
Skills and Training Development Northamptonshire is working with schools, further and higher education providers across the county to develop engineering and technology skills and qualifications amongst young people and also supporting those in employment to develop new and broader skills
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University Training Colleges (UTCs) The Silverstone Academy is one of the UK government’s new University Technical Colleges and is planned to open by September 2013 allowing up to 600 young people aged 14-19 from the area to train for a career in High Performance Engineering and Motorsport in realistic working environments at one of the UK’s most prestigious performance engineering venues The Daventry New Technologies University Technical College is planned to be open by 2013 and will cater for up to 600 pupils aged between 14 and 19, allowing them to take full time technically orientated courses. The UTC facility will allow pupils to specialise in a vocational curriculum in sustainable new technologies, alongside the core GCSE subjects
The University of Northampton offers a variety of courses and qualifications in mechanical, electrical and electronic engineering. The University prides itself on excellent links with the local engineering industry, giving students the opportunity to undertake a paid work placement during their course, this creates a pool of industry-ready engineers to support the Northamptonshire area Northamptonshire is surrounded by some of the UK’s leading engineering and new technologies Universities. Cranfield, Loughborough, Oxford and Warwick Universities are all within a 30 minute drive of Northamptonshire
“Home of World Famous British Motorsport at Silverstone Circuit, and companies such as Mercedes-Benz, Cosworth and Force India, Northamptonshire is ideally situated for those wishing to study engineering. At the heart of the Midlands with superb transport links, The University in collaboration with the ‘Northamptonshire Engineering Training Partnership’ offers paid placements at 14 well known engineering companies, which ensure up to date curriculum and a high quality learning experience supported by professional links to all engineering areas.” Professor Kamal Bechkoum, Executive Dean, School of Science and Technology, University of Northampton
Funding schemes are in operation across Northamptonshire in order to support the growth necessary to sustain the county’s world-leading status within the High Performance Technologies industry. Those schemes include:
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Northampton Enterprise Zone: The Waterside Enterprise Zone will offer reduced business rates to businesses establishing new facilities within the Enterprise Zone area before 2015 The Zone comprises 21 sites along the Waterside surrounding key existing High Performance Technologies employers such as Cosworth, Mahle Powertrain and Mugen Euro INV-ENT: The Northamptonshire Enterprise and Innovation Fund: Aimed at small to medium sized businesses, accessed through a call for proposals Supports High Performance Technology businesses with the potential for growth and job creation
Access to Finance
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Northamptonshire Business Angels: Harnesses expertise and secure investment to support local businesses and help them grow
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Focuses on high-growth potential products or services and investment at the start up or early growth stages
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Business Angels offer good contacts and credibility to assist growing businesses
Property Opportunities and Technology Parks Northamptonshire has a wide range of flexible and affordable property solutions, here are five examples of property and development land opportunities: Northamptonshire Enterprise Partnership provides a single point of contact for investors and growing companies interested in what Northamptonshire has to offer www.northamptonshireep.co.uk
Northampton Enterprise Zone: The Waterside Enterprise Zone will support the location and expansion of advanced technologies, precision engineering, low carbon technology, sustainable construction and high performance engineering companies. The Zone comprises of 21 sites along the River Nene in Northampton, including existing key High Performance Technology employers such as Cosworth, Mahle Powertrain and Mugen Euro Silverstone Technology Park: Silverstone is a global centre for the development and production of performance cars. The proposed further development of the Technology Park will see the development of up to 6 million sq ft of mixed use accommodation over the next 10 years. The expansion of the Technology Park will provide a wide variety of development options – both freehold and leasehold, including fast-track design and build to occupiers specifications
Rockingham: With 228 ha of developable land, the Rockingham site is a prime consideration for automotive and technology led businesses looking to relocate into the area. A differentiated economic development, offering a portfolio of land and premises with multifunctional green infrastructure and excellent public transport links Hampton Brook: Hampton Brook’s proposals at Wilby Grange, Wellingborough centre on a hightechnology park in a highly visible location at the hub of the Silverstone/Rockingham /Santa Pod triangle. Its strategic location lies at the heart of the motorsport valley with excellent infrastructure connections. The scheme will provide flexible and bespoke building solutions with a focus on innovation, research and development and high performance technologies Cransley Park: Cransley Park is one of the region’s most important development sites, strategically located at a highly visible landmark location immediately adjacent to the A14 and A43. Cransley Park is set to become Kettering’s premier business location and has been conceived as a truly mixed use business park. The park will extend over 32 acres with access to major train and motorway links nationwide
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Delta Motorsport, based at Silverstone are developers of new and innovative low carbon vehicles. Their battery powered electric E4 performance road car has a top speed of 150mph and range of 200 miles and can accelerate from 0 to 60 in less than 5 seconds. “We became involved with the design of hybrid and electric vehicles because they share many of the engineering challenges associated with motorsport – lightweight parts, aerodynamic efficiency and innovate packaging solutions” Simon Dowson, Managing Director, Delta Motorsport
Northamptonshire Enterprise Partnership The Northamptonshire Enterprise Partnership (NEP) launched in May 2011 has a straight forward purpose; to develop the Northamptonshire economy for the benefit of the county’s communities, visitors and businesses and to attract new business investment. These are simple ambitions but challenging and complex to realise. Success will be achieved and measured through a wide range of activities and initiatives. We offer a single point of contact for companies interested in what Northamptonshire can offer, particularly companies interested in becoming part of Northamptonshire’s vibrant and growing High Performance Technologies community.
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Getting in touch Northamptonshire Enterprise Partnership Enterprise House 30 Billing Road Northampton United Kingdom NN1 5DQ + 44 (0) 1604 609 393 info@northamptonshireep.co.uk www.northamptonshireep.co.uk Tim Bagshaw Head of Investment + 44 (0) 1604 609 392 tim.bagshaw@northamptonshireep.co.uk
Sunderlan A1(M) A74(M) A1 A1(M)
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Sheffield
Liverpool
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Oxford Swindon A419 M4 Bristol
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Julia Schumacher Business Partnership Manager + 44 (0) 1604 609 386 julia.schumacher@northamptonshireep.co.uk
Innovation & Enterprise Centres 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.
Northamptonshire
Property Opportunities & Technology Parks
iCon Scott Bader Innovation Centre Corby Enterprise Centre Portfolio & Innovation Centre Silverstone Innovation Centre
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Northampton Enterprise Zone 7. Silverstone Technology Centre 8. Rockingham 9. Hampton Brook 10. Cransley Park
Loughborough 50 mins from Northampton
A6003
A43
A6 Corby
M6 Birmingham 50 mins from Northampton
A43
M45
Kettering
A14
A5
A5199
A5123
A45 Daventry
A425
Cambridge 50 mins from Northampton
2 9
Northampton
1 A45
A6
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Luton Airport 40 mins from Northampton
A43
A361 Towcester
Cambridge A14
0 Wellingborough
A428
A361
A14
10
A508
J17 M1
Warwick 35 mins from Northampton
A14
A6116
M1
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hire
A45
3 8
A427
Felixstowe
London
A508
5 7 A43 Brackley
London Heathrow 1hr 10mins from Northampton
M1
A5
Cranfield 35 mins from Northampton
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Oxford 60 mins from Northampton
UK
London Gatwick 1hr 45mins from Northampton London Stansted 1hr 30mins from Northampton
NORTHAMPTONSHIRE
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