A science and business park in Wolverhampton is changing its name to reflect a greater focus on support for enterprise initiatives.

Wolverhampton Science Park on Glaisher Drive has been renamed the University of Wolverhampton Science Park.

The new name reflects the University’s major role in supporting new small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) in the West Midlands to launch, develop and be more competitive.

The Science Park supports the development of innovative businesses working in science, technology, knowledge-based and creative sectors by providing a high quality environment and associated support services. It is now home to around 80 tenant businesses working in a broad range of disciplines.

As part of the rename and rebranding, the University has brought together its business engagement operations at the Science Park into the Business Solutions Centre, a partnership which launched in 2010 to provide integrated support to companies.

This has enabled space to be reallocated on the park to cater for the increased demand from companies wishing to locate there and benefit from the expertise and services available from the University.

Professor Ian Oakes, Pro Vice-Chancellor Research and Enterprise, said: “The Science Park is a tremendous asset for the University and plays a key part in stimulating economic growth in the region.  We are keen to raise awareness of the benefits the University can offer to businesses in the region to help them grow and become more competitive.

“In addition, we are committed to ensuring our students and graduates have access to work placements and internships to enable them to hone their employability skills and gain employment in the region following graduation. From this academic year, we are providing all students with a placement opportunity as part of their course and our links with organisations across the park enable us to do this.”

The Science Park was formed in 1993 as a joint venture between the University of Wolverhampton and Wolverhampton City Council.

As well as business support services, it offers office accommodation and workshop/laboratory areas for companies working in technology, knowledge-based, or creative sectors and conference and meeting facilities for both tenant organisations and clients from outside the Science Park.

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