Industrial Strategy Plans Launched by Prime Minister at STFC’s Daresbury Laboratory

After meeting senior STFC staff during a visit to Sci-Tech Daresbury in January, Prime Minister Theresa May held her first regional cabinet meeting at Daresbury Laboratory’s Campus Technology Hub (CTH), where she launched proposals for a Modern Industrial Strategy. This green paper, open for consultation and inviting responses from people in all industry sectors, outlines plans for investment in science, research and innovation, development of technical skills in science, technology, engineering, maths and digital proficiency and support for businesses and entrepreneurs as they start and grow.

STFC Chief Executive Dr Brian Bowsher said: “It was fantastic to welcome the Prime Minister and her colleagues to Daresbury Laboratory to showcase UK science and innovation at its very best and to talk with her about opportunities for us to support the UK’s industrial ambition.”

Tim Bestwick, Executive Director of Business and Innovation at STFC said: “We welcome the Industrial Strategy and its commitment to science, innovation and skills. We are in a strong position to support it and the work here at Sci-Tech Daresbury is an excellent example.”

The Prime Minister saw the facility’s Versatile Electron Linear Accelerator (VELA,) used for research and product development and met some of the apprentices and former apprentices working on site, including mechanical technician Luke Bladen: “I felt really proud to meet the Prime Minister and represent the apprentices of STFC. Apprenticeships are so important to industry, not only here but all around the country,” he said.

Campus business leaders, comprised of tenants based at the site, also welcomed the opportunity of a round table meeting to talk with the Prime Minister about the Government’s Industrial Strategy and how it could support innovation and growth.

Dr Diane Cresswell, Executive Director Business Development, Bionow, said: “The Prime Minister’s decision to engage directly with technology SMEs on the day the Industrial Strategy was launched is most welcome. The Prime Minster listened closely to insights about the challenges in sourcing the investment, funding and skills that SMEs need to drive their businesses forward.”