An overview of the Enterprise Zones in Leicestershire

Leicestershire is fortunate enough to be one of the few areas in the UK that can boast two Enterprise Zones. The first, at MIRA Technology Park near Hinckley, was granted Enterprise Zone status in August 2011. As well as being Europe’s largest transport technology R&D cluster, it is now regarded as one of the top performing EZs, and is the only transport sector focused Enterprise Zone in the UK.

In 2016, the LLEP was granted a second EZ comprising three unique sites, two in Loughborough and one in Leicester. This multi-site Science and Innovation Enterprise Zone capitalises on the huge commercial market that lies between research and the commercial world, by creating an ‘area of excellence’ that will support new and growing businesses to bring their innovative ideas and products to market. Each site has a distinctive commercial offer targeting high value employment uses by capitalising on the individual research, development and innovation capabilities of three first-class universities. These comprise:

• Loughborough University Science and Enterprise Park (LUSEP) specialising in advanced engineering and manufacturing, high value research and development, energy and low carbon.
• Charnwood Campus with specialist high quality laboratory accommodation and serviced office facilities supporting bio-medical and pharmaceutical industries.
• Leicester Waterside offering bespoke space for development of high value research and manufacturing facilities; Grade A office accommodation; the development of the University of Leicester National Space Park adjoining the National Space Centre, with space for spin out or related businesses.

This event will hear from representatives of all of these Enterprise Zones plus an overview from David Wright at the LLEP where they will talk about the progress to date along with any development opportunities. There will be an opportunity to ask questions of all speakers and an opportunity to network with fellow attendees.