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1- Greater Cambridge Area – The context The Greater Cambridge Area is situated in the East of England, within easy reach of the Midlands to the North and London to the South. For international travellers, London Stansted airport lies just 25 miles from the centre of Cambridge, London Gatwick and London Heathrow are 2 hours drive and Luton airport just one hour away. The historic city of Cambridge lies at the heart of the sub-region. Famed traditionally for it’s historical colleges and architecture, Cambridge and the Cambridge sub-region is increasingly being recognised for its advancements in research and development and hitech growth (reported widely as 'The Cambridge Phenomenon / report1'). The area is also referred to as the ‘Cambridge Technopole’, a geographic area of intense hightechnology innovation activity encompassing the city of Cambridge at its heart and the sub-regional Greater Cambridge hinterland of approximately 20-mile radius. Cambridge sits in the wider region of the East of England2, one of the fastest growing regions in the UK. The Cambridge Technopole area has grown significantly since 1985 – it is now home to over 3,500 high technology ventures employing around 50,000 people3 and makes a contribution of £7,6bn to the UK economy4. Greater Cambridge attracts hundreds of business enquiries and visitors each year who wish to benefit from the area's support for innovation and start-ups, its expertise in research and development and hi-tech industries, and an increasing number of business and science parks. Source: Cambridge City Council The Cambridge Phenomenon – The Growth of the High-technology industry in a university town, Seqal Quince & Wicksteed, 1985. This report has recently been updated and can be obtained via www.sqw.co.uk 2 The East of England comprises of the six counties of Norfolk, Suffolk, Cambridge, Bedfordshire, Hertfordshire and Essex. For more information on the East of England see www.eeda.org.uk. 3 Data from PACEC (www.pacec.co.uk). Data on Cambridge companies can be obtained from Cambridgeshire County Council Research Group (http://wwwcamcbty.gov,uk/sub/resrchgp/). 4 Greater Cambridge Partnership, 2003 1 2 - Key Facts about Greater Cambridgeshire Cambridge has been acknowledged as one of the world’s leading hightechnology business clusters by publications including Time, Fortune, and Wired. E.g., Time recently assessed the top 50 ‘hottest’ high tech companies in Europe – 9 of which are based in Cambridge. Growth in the Cambridge economy is on par with leading regions in the USA and the sub-region makes a significant on-going contribution to the economy - £7.6bn GVA5. Cambridge is one of a handful of regions to be consistently ranked by the European Commission as ‘excellent for its support for high tech start-ups6’. Numerous significant scientific discoveries and inventions have been made at the University of Cambridge. This is reflected in the fact that the University has more Nobel Laureates than any other university in the world – 80 in total. University of Cambridge people and technology have been at the heart of over 180 new high-tech ventures in the past 10 years, many of which now lead their industry sectors. 3 - The Success of Cambridge It has been suggested that one of the reasons underpinning the success of Cambridge is not so much what the individual organisations do, but the way in which they do it. This can be summed up as: 5 6 Community – in Cambridge there is a sense of being part of something significant and special that makes a real impact on the world. The Cambridge Network’s strap line of ‘Cambridge ideas change the world’ perhaps best sums this up. Collaboration – because of the sense of community, organisations and individuals are typically very willing to help each other. This is reflected in the high level of engagement of the business community in educational activities throughout Cambridge. Constructive Chaos – there is no group that ‘organises’ Cambridge. New initiatives are continuously springing up – some succeed and some fail. This may be perceived as inefficient from one standpoint, but does not result in a highly entrepreneurial environment. Greater Cambridgeshire Partnership, 2003 See www.cordis.lu/paxis 4 - The Economy The economy in Greater Cambridge remains one of high activity, characterised by the growth of hi-tech clusters, new and expanding businesses in key growth areas of the UK economy, a highly qualified workforce and low unemployment. This does however understate differences across the area with much of the growth in the hi-tech and business services sectors concentrated in Cambridge and South Cambridgeshire, and an increasing presence of new and expanding manufacturing and distribution businesses in the market towns. Hi-Tech Growth In a little over 20 years, the number of hi-tech firms located around Cambridge has grown nearly eight fold. Growth of the Hi-tech Industry in Greater Cambridge Source: Technopole Report Today, there are over 1,500 hi-tech firms concentrated predominantly in Cambridge and the immediate surrounding area, employing approximately 44,000 people. The growth of hi-tech businesses in the area - or the 'Cambridge Phenomenon' as it is known - has been acknowledged in a number of leading publications as one of the world's premier hi-tech clusters, earning Greater Cambridge the label 'Silicon Fen'. The European Commission in recognition of its support of innovation and start-ups, and the growth of hi-tech has also twice named greater Cambridge as a ‘Region of Excellence’ and business clusters in the area. The key business sectors are: Information technology Mobile telecommunications Biotechnology Instrumentation There are a number of agencies and organisations across the sub-region assisting the growth and development of the hi-tech businesses and supporting services. 5 - Other Sectors Occupational Structure of Employed Residents 2000 (Cambridgeshire) Manufacturing is the second largest employment sector after the service industries, accounting for around 16 - 20% of total employment. This sector is particularly important to rural communities, which account for over 40% of total employment in this sector. Primary industries play a significantly smaller part in the local economy (approximately 5% of the total employment). Agriculture plays a more significant role to the local economy in the rural communities. Tourism generates more than £500 million annually for the area, and supports 5,500 full time jobs (8% of the jobs total for the city) in Cambridge alone. The Greater Cambridge Area - particularly Cambridge and the market towns - is very popular with both domestic and international visitors. Almost half of all visitors are from the UK, although the area attracts visitors from around the world especially North America and Europe. In addition to leisure visitors, the area also attracts business visitors and conferences. This provides additional revenue with the average staying corporate conference delegate spending approximately £140 per day. Distribution, banking and finance are also important to the local market towns. Self-employment accounts for an estimated 13% of all jobs in the Greater Cambridge area. New and Expanding Businesses The proportion of new businesses within the services sector continued to grow in the period July 1999 to June 2000. This was particularly so in South Cambridgeshire with 92% of all new businesses in this sector. At a sub-regional level, the distribution and business services sectors dominated the emergence of new businesses. The growth in the hi-tech sector has slowed with the global turndown. However, it is becoming apparent that some expanding hi-tech businesses are developing sites further from Cambridge, thus spreading the economic benefit of the 'Cambridge Phenomenon' further into the sub-region. GDP GDP per capita for the East of England is above the UK average. The latest regional data (1998) showed the East of England to have the third highest GDP per capita in the UK, preceded only by London and the Southeast. Similarly, the personal disposable income per capita, or the amount residents have to spend on goods and services, is significantly greater than the UK average. 6 - Universities There are three universities within the Cambridge Technopole area: the university of Cambridge, Anglia Polytechnic University and the Open University. University of Cambridge University of Cambridge is one of the largest in the U.K. Its reputation for outstanding academic achievement is recognized world-wide. It has over 15,500 fulltime students. www.cam.ac.uk Anglia Polytechnic University (APU) APU has some 24,000 students (of which 2/3 are mature students) & courses are delivered with a strong vocational emphasis. Open University is the largest provider of undergraduate parttime education in the East of England supporting over 16,000 students. www.anglia.ac.uk Open University (OU) www.open.ac.uk The above universities are part of a £4.5m collaborative project to maximize business innovation and economic growth through partnership with the higher education in the East of England. The Regional Infrastructure for Innovation (RII) is made up of 10 of the region’s Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) and supports business by mobilizing the resources and capabilities of the HEIs towards their innovation needs (www.rii.org.uk) In recognition of the role that the University of Cambridge plays as the UK’s premier teaching and research university, the UK Government awarded UK£65 million to establish the Cambridge-MIT Institute (CMI). CMI is a joint venture between Cambridge and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology focused on improving the Uk’s productivity, competitiveness and entrepreneurship (www.cmi.cam.ac.uk) 7 - Networks and Conferences in Cambridge Examples of the key technology business related networks operating within Cambridge are given in the table below. Cambridge Chamber of Commerce Cambridge Chamber of Commerce www.cambridgeshirechamber. represents the views of its membersco.uk and lobbies government, at local, regional and national level. Also provides the information, networking opportunities, business skills training courses and offers a full export documentation service as well as information on all aspects of international trade. Cambridge Europe and Technology Club (CETC) Cambridge High-Tech Association of Small Enterprises (CHASE) Cambridge Network (CN) Cambridge University Local Industry Links (CULIL) Eastern Region Biotechnology Initiative (ERBI) Enterprise Link Cambridge University Institute for Manufacturing (IFM) Group of high tech businesses and service providers aiming to improve profitability, technical and business skills and market penetration CHASE is an association of small businesses in the Cambridge area working in, or associated with, high technology. Focused in 1987, CHASE focuses on technology start-ups and small enterprises, particularly catering for the needs of those with fewer employees. Cambridge Network enables its members to work together & leverage their collective resource in new ways for the benefit of technology-enabled enterprise in the Cambridge sub-region. Founded in 1988, CN has more than 1,100 members across business, government CULIL is a forum for dialogue between the University & local businesses. It provides a natural space for contact between different commercial and academic communities in the region, where issues of common interest can be discussed. The Eastern Region Biotechnology Initiative was established in 1997 as a networking and communications organization to enhance the growth and development of biotechnology in Cambridge and the East of England. Enterprise Link offers support for early-stage technology-based businesses. Assist the growth of companies through networking, & providing first-level advice, signposting & contacts. Launched in 1999 – now has 200 members. IfM helps manufacturers grow & become more competitive by helping to raise their www.nwallace.demon.co.uk/ce tc/ www.chase.org.uk www.cambridgenetwork.co.uk www.clo.cam.ac.uk/culil www.erbi.co.uk www.enterprise-link.co.uk www.ifm.eng.cam.ac.uk/events manufacturing skill base, developing innovative tools and techniques, & industrial problem solving; Best practice & new technique deployment services; Business networking. 8 - Science parks and Incubators The Greater Cambridge Area is home to a range of specialist accommodation for knowledge -intensive and early stage ventures.7 Babraham Bioincubator Started in 1988 – www.babraham.co.uk combined office and laboratory space for start-up and early stage ventures. Cambridge Science Started in 1970 – www.cambridgesciencepark.co.uk Park Premises for over 60 science-based firms. Granta Park Research & development www.grantapark.co.uk park, covering 86 acres, 7 miles south east of Cambridge. Melbourn Science Park Premises for technology- www.ttp.com based firms. Park now owned by TTP. St Johns Innovation Started in 1987 – www.stjohns.co.uk Centre Provides business support and accommodation for early stage 50 knowledge based companies. Peterhouse Technology 12 acre R&D park N/a Park Cambridge Research 112 acre R&D and office www.cambridgeresearchpark.com Park park. 9 - Support for new and growing ventures in Greater Cambridgeshire There are a number of publicly funded (or part-funded) agencies that deliver support for entrepreneurs and established businesses in Greater Cambridgeshire. For more information see “Development Sites” section of Greater Cambridge Partnership website – www.gcp.uk.net 7 Cambridge Enterprise Agency Support, advice, training and mentoring for start-ups and established businesses www.cambsenterprise.co.uk Business Link for Cambridgeshire Provides range of Business Link services to meet local businesses needs. www.cambs.businesslink.co.uk Cambridgeshire Chamber of Commerce Cambridge Chamber provides a variety of business support & information to help new, developing & established companies www.cambridgeshirechamber.co.uk 9 - Organisations within the University of Cambridge have developed specific competence to support start- up, growing and mature ventures. Cambridge Enterprise Institute for manufacturing …… linking technology, management & operations Judge Institute of Management Corporate Liaison Office The new technology venture support activities of the Entrepreneurship Centre, Technology Transfer Office and Challenge Fund are integrated Ifm works closely with companies in areas of strategy and performance, technology management, international manufacturing and supply networks through research, education and direct support. www.cec.cam.ac.uk www.rsd.cam.ac.uk/tto www.challengefund.cam.ac.uk www.clo.cam.ac.uk Through its Entrepreneurship Consulting projects, Major Consulting projects, and individual projects the Institute encourages MBAs and undergraduates to collaborate with local companies on specific projects. Provides the business liaison gateway for the University of Cambridge to find out relevant information about the university, such as research, intellectual property, executive education etc. www.jim.cam.ac.uk www.ifm.eng.cam.ac.uk www.clo.cam.ac.uk There is a now significant level of interaction between local start-ups and the University of Cambridge through the numerous student in-company projects organised via various departments. Information for potential host companies is given at www.ifm.eng.cam.ac.uk/student projects. 10 - Public Bodies in the East of England There are a number of bodies in the East of England that are responsible for ensuring that the growth of Cambridge is linked to the broader issue of economic development of the local and wider region and national government policy. District Councils Responsible for public services within the five districts of Cambridgeshire. www.camcnty.gov.uk/sub/links/districtcoun cils.htm Greater Cambridge Partnership Cambridgeshire Chamber of Commerce Cambridgeshire County Council Business Link for Cambridgeshire East of England Development Agency Invest East of England Government Office for the East of England An umbrella organization of public and private sector interests for the region. Represents the views of its members & Lobbies Government at local, regional and national level. Responsible for public services in the county of Cambridgeshire Impartial advice and business support for Cambridgeshire businesses Development & Implementation of strategies for economic development of the East of England. Responsible for attracting and supporting overseas investment into the region Represents central government in Cambridge www.gcp.uk.net www.cambridgeshirechamber.co.uk www.camcnty.gov.uk www.cambs.businesslink.co.uk www.eeda.org.uk www.investenglandofengland.com www.go-east.gov.uk Increasing emphasis is now being placed on linkages between initiatives and Organisations. One example is ‘Innovation East’ which is set up by EEDA. This group’s remit is to provide “coherent strategic monitoring for the East of England Innovation priorities in order to provide value added outcomes for the region’s economy”. ______________________________________________________________________ Summary - The development of Cambridge 1209: Scholars leave Oxford to seek refuge in Cambridge – leads to formation of University of Cambridge. 1511: St John’s College founded 1534: Trinity College founded 1881: Horace Darwin establishes ‘Cambridge Instrument’ (now part of Leica) 1960: Cambridge Consultants formed “to put the brains of Cambridge University at the disposal of the problems of British Industry” 1969: Mott Report published with recommendation for an expansion of ‘science-based industry’ in Cambridge. 1970: Inspired by Mott Report, Trinity College establishes Cambridge Science Park. 1970s: Acorn Computers and Sinclair established in Cambridge. 1978: Barclays Bank begins to support new technology ventures. 1985: ‘Cambridge Phenomenon’ report published by SQW – highlights growth of hightechnology business activities in Cambridge. 1987: St John’s Innovation Centre established. 1990: University of Cambridge Judge Institute of Management established. 1997: Ionica plc becomes first Cambridge company to have US$bn valuation 1997: 1st Cambridge Enterprise Conference held. 1998: University of Cambridge Institute for Manufacturing established. 1998: Cambridge Network formed to provide a voice for the high-technology business community. 1998: Greater Cambridge Partnership established. 1999: University of Cambridge Entrepreneurship Centre, University Challenge fund and Cambridge University Entrepreneurs established, University Technology Transfer Office activities enhanced. 1999: Publicly quoted Cambridge companies, including ARM and Autonomy, reached multiple billion US$ valuations. 2000: Cambridge MIT institute established in Cambridge with £65m of Government funds to promote entrepreneurship, productivity and competitiveness. 2000 & 2002: Cambridge recognized by the European Commission as being a “region of excellence for the support of high tech start-ups”. For further information contact Lucy Kemp East of England Development Agency The Business Centre Station Road Histon CB4 9LQ [email protected] 07764301374