High performance technology report gains speed

Members of the report's steering group

Silverstone Park asset manager and developer MEPC has been handed a final draft version of the SQW study looking at the evolution of the high-tech cluster in the surrounding area.

The study, co-sponsored by SEMLEP, is the first of its kind for the area and is designed to consider whether there is evidence of a cluster of high-performance technology and motorsport (HPT&M) businesses located around the world-famous motor racing circuit.

Experts believe this report could be significant in attracting support from investors and the UK government for South East Midland-based companies working in these technology sectors.

The ingredients of a cluster usually include:

• Businesses that benefit from operating in close proximity to each other
• A specialist skills pool
• The movement of people between businesses in the area during their career
• The creation of new start-up, high-growth businesses
• Corporate venturing, venture capitalist and business angel investment
• University involvement
• Specialist import and export activity
• The interest of large well established businesses that want to take advantage of the specialist nature of the local business activity

The draft report is the result of six months’ intense work by SQW, a leading independent provider of research, analysis and advice in economic and social development.

Final publication of the report is expected in the Spring. Its findings could help attract significant investment plus Government support for high-tech companies located within Silverstone’s neighbouring counties.

MEPC’s Roz Bird, Commercial Director for Silverstone Park, commented: “This draft version brings us closer to uncovering the evolution of a high-tech cluster in the area surrounding Silverstone Park. It also provides a fascinating insight into the behaviour, achievements and requirements of the start-ups, the SMEs and larger companies – from supply chain to Tier 1 to OEMs – in the area.

“While we await final publication of the report we confidently predict it will show that there is a high-tech cluster in the area surrounding Silverstone Park which has global significance and which should be considered by Government as an engine room of the UK economy – worthy of investment and promotion.”

Hilary Chipping, acting chief executive at SEMLEP, added: “We are delighted to be working with MEPC Silverstone Park and are excited about this Cluster Report which we are confident will reinforce this area’s global reputation as a cluster of excellence for high performance technology and motorsport.”

SQW was commissioned to carry out the research by MEPC because of its experience in carrying out other similar studies such as the ‘Cambridge Phenomenon Report’ of the 1980s. As part of its work SQW has carried out case studies among individuals and companies operating within the high-performance technology and motorsport (HPT&M) sectors and based within a geography of roughly half an hour of Silverstone.

The term HPT&M is defined as anything from software design to advanced engineering and everything in between including electronics, CAD, manufacturing, R&D and the professional service companies that support these activities in sectors such as aerospace, medical devices, defence, marine and motorsport.

SQW Director Chris Green said: “We have found evidence of new firms being formed and growing through networks of relationships within a specialist labour market. Whilst it has deep historical roots, the process of evolution is on-going. New applications for the surrounding technologies are emerging, many of which are linked to low carbon solutions in automotive, aerospace and other sectors.”