Talent shortages and growth ambitions are forcing some of the UK’s most promising science and technology businesses to re-evaluate their building strategies according to a new research report. As a result over half are planning to relocate over the next three years and over one in six (16%) are planning to move overseas. The report, Building a Future for Science and Technology, by Ridge and Partners, the multi-discipline property and construction consultancy, suggests a UK science and technology sector with big expansion plans. The 103 science and tech companies interviewed expect to grow by an average 52% over the next three years. However, they are being inhibited by premises and location concerns which have ramifications for the local authorities, developers, city planners, and science parks looking to attract them. These issues and shortcomings are impacting on the sectors’ ability to recruit and therefore grow. For instance, over a third are struggling to fill crucial support roles such as lab technicians and admin staff – personnel who are massively affected by public transport and local housing costs. Meanwhile, almost half (48%) are having difficulty filling more senior roles. These issues have become so pronounced that almost a third (31%) report they need to be nearer a larger pool of talent. For many, that may involve moving overseas. Liz Sparrow, Partner, Science and Tech Lead at Ridge and Partners, comments: “There’s no lack of ambition or opportunity for growth within the science and tech communities. Indeed, a third of the companies we studied expect to grow by over 60% over the next three years. But they need to be in the right environment to do this. That means somewhere with the right infrastructure, transport links, housing, and premises to attract the partners, suppliers, and talent they need.” Ridge’s research also highlights how highly dependent small and large science and technology-based businesses are on each other. Irrespective of size, 31% want to be located nearer to other science/tech businesses.  This drive to operate in such ‘eco-systems’ has made tech and science parks the preferred solution for 98%. However, the report shows that these eco-systems aren’t working as they should, with 19% reporting that their science park landlords are not in tune with their needs. A third say that there aren’t enough good suppliers near them, while 24% need to be closer to major academic institutions. Such proximity would make collaboration and innovation easier and create a greater magnet for the specialist talent and suppliers the sectors collectively need. A sizeable 45% strongly agree that science parks can all seem the same and 80% say they feel rather ‘out of town’, an issue exacerbated by public transport problems.  Conscious that their choice of building reflects on their own brand, 81% believe their science park should prioritise sustainability.  A fifth want their science park to be a more high-tech and greener space to help them attract talent with an array of things on wish-lists such as visible renewable energy sources (19%) and impressive front of house or showcase areas for visitors and partners to use (20%). Liz Sparrow, again: “It’s important that we note these needs, as every company which exits these diverse eco-systems and relocates overseas, or simply fails to thrive, weakens things for everyone else. To protect one we must plan and build for all. “But with such a diverse mix of building, housing, and infrastructure needs to address no single body alone can do this. Joined-up thinking is needed between the public and private sectors, between the UK’s government, its cities, regions, construction sector, and science parks. Collaboration is key if we’re to create, grow – and keep – the UK’s tech/science powerhouses.” The Building a Future for Science and Technology Report is free to download.

Hortons’ Estate Ltd has delivered the new UK headquarters of international hydraulic and pneumatic specialist Brennan Industries Inc. – one of two new developments at an established industrial park in the West Midlands. The independent property company has completed construction of 35,000 sq ft of new industrial/logistics accommodation at Anchor Brook Industrial Park near Aldridge town centre. The new building has been divided into two separate units of 17,500 sq ft, one of which will be occupied by Brennan Industries Inc. as a distribution hub with integral office space, and the other will be let. US-based Brennan Industries Inc. has purchased the land and both new units on a long lease from Hortons and will relocate its UK team from an existing facility in Walsall. It is the largest of two new developments to have been delivered by Hortons at the business park, following completion of a new retail unit on an adjacent plot that will be occupied by Greggs. Matt M. Stahr, vice president of operations at Brennan Industries Inc., said that the company’s new distribution hub would support its recent and anticipated growth, and could create new employment opportunities. He said: “We are incredibly excited about our new facility at Wharf Approach. This new distribution hub will allow us to more easily service the UK market, return value to our customers, and make for an enjoyable place for our employees to work. Thank you to the Hortons team for their world-class expertise, communication, and efficiency.” James Slater, head of building surveying and development at Hortons said: “It’s very pleasing to have completed this nine month development programme at Anchor Brook Industrial Park. “We’ve worked closely with Brennan to deliver a facility that meets its needs, both now and in the future. We’re confident that the quality of the building, and the park’s convenient location near the national motorway network, will provide an ideal platform for business growth. “We have a good relationship with Greggs having worked together to develop a similar facility in Cannock and its new retail unit will undoubtedly enhance the offering for existing occupiers of the business park and surrounding area.”