Home to over 40 science and technology based businesses and covering 230 hectares, Norwich Research Park is dedicated to developing a thriving science and innovation park by supporting spin out businesses and attracting inward investment from large corporate organisations involved in science and technology.
To help achieve its objectives, Kenny Lang, Victoria Thompson and Matthew Poll have joined the existing team and will be working closely with Norwich Research Park’s partners and stakeholders.
Dr Kenny Lang joins the team as business development director and will be focused on developing Norwich Research Park as a destination for businesses to locate to.
A former research scientist in fermentation and microbiology, Kenny specialised in the commercialisation of life sciences at Babraham Research Campus in Cambridge, before moving to the North East to develop a specialist consultancy focused on creating economic value at the company and cluster level through commercialisation of the life sciences.
Victoria Thompson takes up the role of head of marketing. Previously employed as head of communications for the North East Business and Innovation Centre (BIC) in Sunderland, Victoria successfully helped to develop the BIC from a small incubator into a thriving business community, which today is home to over 140 independent businesses.
With responsibility for estates and facilities is Matthew Poll. An experienced estates and facilities manager, who started his career as an engineering apprentice with NNHS in 1980 and went on to work for one of the largest property management companies in Europe, Matthew will work with both the in-house team and suppliers to ensure facilities on site are maintained and developed to the highest possible standards. A member of the Institute of Facilities Managers, Matthew will also work with contractors on the development of bespoke facilities to meet clients’ individual needs.
Dr Sally Ann Forsyth, chief executive officer at Norwich Research Park said:
“I am delighted to welcome Kenny, Victoria and Matt to the team.
"The vision of the Norwich Research Park partners and local government stakeholders is to develop a thriving science and innovation park by supporting spin-out and start-up companies. I am confident that that their combined expertise and experience will provide a significant step to helping us achieve our objectives and further illustrate the superb range of facilities and services available from the Park.”
Matthew Poll, estates and facilities manager added:
“A great deal of consideration has obviously gone into future proofing new buildings like the Centrum. The result is a superb portfolio of space that is ideal for new and growing science based businesses.
“As a local man I have witnessed Norwich Research Park grow enormously over recent years and it is wonderful to be involved with its development going forward.”