Birmingham’s Science Park Aston celebrated its 50th start-up high technology business by rolling out the red carpet for two Prime Ministers, British leader David Cameron and his Dutch counterpart Mark Rutte.
They visited creative company 2Fold20 Play, a social gaming developer which is the 50th to be enrolled into the business park’s Entrepreneurs for the Future Programme.
City council leader Mike Whitby, who is chairman of the Science Park said: “It has been tremendous to welcome the Prime Minister to Birmingham Science Park Aston to acknowledge this success.
“In only two years, 50 new technology start-ups have been enrolled onto the Entrepreneurs for the Future (e4f) business incubator scheme. In that time, over 40 jobs have already been created for local people and 90 per cent of the start-up businesses are still trading – some two years after formation – and many of the companies are profitable.
“Given the competitive selection process, it is highly rewarding to consider the wealth of talent that is based at Birmingham Science Park Aston, and these new businesses are now acting as a magnet and attracting more entrepreneurs to the e4f centre at the Park.”
The visit was also in recognition that the Park is the first network ‘‘node’’ in Cisco’s National Virtual Incubator, an initiative that was launched by Mr Cameron last week.
2Fold20 Play is a subsidiary of London-based digital media and animation specialists TwoFoldTwenty – which works with national and international clients.
The founders took the decision to locate in Birmingham due to the benefits of working amongst a like-minded community where assistance to develop a business plan, seek further funding, and specialist knowledge input is on hand. 2Fold20 Play’s founders have a wealth of experience working in the gaming, film, digital and animation sectors for leading global brands including Warner Bros, Impact BBDO, Disney, Philips, and Turner.
Neill Watson, CEO of 2Fold20 Play said: “We are thrilled to be forming this new company in Birmingham and the funding from the Creative Advantage Fund will enable us to get to work on our first social gaming concept immediately. The support and welcome we have received made it a very easy decision to base ourselves in Birmingham and we are very excited about what the future holds.”
Science Park chief executive Dr David Hardman said the firm is exactly the kind of occupier it wants.
“Start-ups such as this, which have high growth potential, could create many new jobs for local people, which is exactly what Birmingham’s economy needs in order to thrive.”
He added: “In recognition of the fact that 2Fold20 Play is the 50th company accepted onto the e4f incubator programme, we are also pleased to offer them an extended period of support of 12, rather than the usual six months’ free enrolment.”
A unique incubation programme, e4f offers free support for technology start-up companies, providing the opportunity to achieve growth and commercial success through funding support, expert advice and mentoring for six months. Companies taking part in the programme also benefit from office or desk space, alongside access to telephone and internet services.
Based at BSPA, the e4f incubation scheme is part funded by the European Regional Development Fund. Since launching in November 2009, the e4f programme has contributed to the creation of more than 40 jobs. Following the launch of the programme’s third phase earlier this year, e4f is now looking for more start-ups to join what is fast becoming the centre of Birmingham’s tech community.
