Five questions with Mark Tock

1. Hi Mark! What’s involved in the role of Chief Operations Officer?

"As Chief Operations Officer it’s my job to lead the strategic development of the University of Warwick Science Park and its skilled and professional team, to deliver the business behind it.  

Together we strive to deliver internationally recognised facilities and support that enables entrepreneurs, companies and researchers to expand knowledge, innovate and effect societal and economic benefit.

In doing this, we deliver a commercially successful business for the University which creates added value in terms of: enabling industry-academic collaborations that drive and de-risk innovation; opportunities for student placements, projects, and employment; and economic impact to our host communities across the West Midlands.

My remit includes oversight of day to day operations of the Science Park, curation of its portfolio of business support activities, and achieving local, regional, and international recognition as a leader in our field through engaging a diverse range of stakeholders." 

2. How have your past experiences prepared you for this position? 

"Originally a published life scientist, I transitioned from postdoc to establishing a biotech business incubator for Sheffield, before spending the next 15 years in leadership positions in a number of commercially sustainable UK science parks.  

Most recently, I led the Operations Team at Nexus Leeds which is a new 10,000 sqm innovation hub wholly-owned and on the campus of the University of Leeds. In my 3 years there we navigated COVID and grew our community to over 120 member businesses engaged in collaborative university research and/or providing student opportunities. Our aim was to establish Nexus as a key driver of the region’s innovation ecosystem. 

My previous experiences afford me both a broad view of operating different kinds of innovation environments and an appreciation of the absolute importance of people in what we do. It’s my view that while property and environment are integral foundations of science parks, the delivery team is critical to enabling a vibrant community of entrepreneurs and innovators. This will very much be core to my approach at UWSP." 

3. What kind of work takes place on the Science Park and what are the benefits to the wider innovation agenda and Warwick Community?  

"In 5 locations across the West Midlands, the University of Warwick Science Park provides a home to over 120 tech and knowledge-based businesses driven by entrepreneurs and innovators. Many members of our innovation community are engaged with the research expertise, facilities, and talent of University of Warwick. Typically these businesses are also engaged in R&D, light assembly, or technical service delivery from offices, workshops, and labs on site. 

The range of companies operating across multiple sectors that are based with us is truly impressive and includes start-ups (Spotless AI Ltd, Cytecom Ltd, & Lidarscan ltd), scale-ups (Medherant Ltd, Nanosyrinx Ltd, & Cypher Surgical Ltd) and established organisations (Bosch, TATA Steel, & LYRA Electronics).  

Our professional team ensures delivery of high quality environments and a portfolio of business support able to assist entrepreneurs from idea and start-up to scale up and setting up an HQ site close to the University of Warwick. Support is delivered by an experienced team and covers start-up, marketing, managing business growth, investor readiness, and angel funding."

4. How can University staff get involved in Science Park initiatives? 

"There are a number of ways colleagues can engage with the Science Park and our community. 

One of the raison d’etres of the Science Park is to enable the co-location of key industrial partners and companies engaging with University of Warwick research. In many cases this can help deepen and broaden the relationship with the company.  

We’re always keen to hear from academic research colleagues with industrial partners who we can assist on a commercial basis. A good example of this is the relationship and regular dialogue we’ve built with WMG to support relationships with companies such as Bosch, TATA Steel, JLR, and Lotus. 

In addition, our Business Support Team offers wide ranging support to University of Warwick departments, spin-outs, and students through workshops, mentoring, joint projects, internship/graduate recruitment, the Access to Finance programme, and incubation programme. 

As part of our strategic development we will also be looking where it's appropriate and sustainable to expand these programmes." 

5. What’s your vision for the Science Park going forward? 

"As one of the UK’s first, the University of Warwick Science Park already has a rich innovation heritage. Our challenge is to continue and build on this. 

My vision for the Science Park is for a connected catalyst for creativity, collaboration and community that changes the world through impactful innovation. 

To achieve this, we strive to deliver internationally recognised facilities and support that enables entrepreneurs, companies, and researchers to expand knowledge and innovate through effect societal and economic impact. 

In doing this we will: 

• Deliver inspiring sustainable spaces that speak to the ESG and Health & Wellbeing imperatives as workers return to the hybrid workplace.  

• Evolve our business support to increase the survival rates of innovation-driven enterprises in key areas including: Future mobility; High Value Manufacturing; Data, Digital & Creative; MedTech; and Emerging Tech.  

Success will be evidenced by the growth, increased diversity, and vibrancy of our community and its connections with University of Warwick research. 

The plan of how we will achieve this is my first priority and is a challenge I very much look forward to working with colleagues on!"

Mark Tock