A leading Midlands science park celebrated its 40^th anniversary by bringing together innovative companies both old and new to mark the occasion.

The University of Warwick Science Park was officially opened in February 1984 by the former Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher, when it just had one building to its name.

Forty years on, firms who had made the Science Park their home came along to a celebratory event at the Venture Centre – the first building the Science Park ever had - along with current tenants, Science Park staff and VIPs.

Around 80 invited guests enjoyed welcome drinks and food before speeches by the Science Park’s current Chief Operations Officer Mark Tock, and Saqib Bhatti MP, the Minister for Tech and the Digital Economy.

A plaque was then unveiled by Saqib Bhatti and Stuart Croft, Vice Chancellor of the University of Warwick, to honour the occasion, followed by a ceremonial cutting of cake.

Mark Tock, COO of the University of Warwick Science Park, said: “It was such an honour to welcome so many people to our 40^th anniversary celebrations and savour this historic milestone.

“Seeing some of the Science Park’s most established tenants share stories with those who are here now was lovely to see. While so much has changed in that time, the drive of companies here to bring their innovative ideas to life remains constant.

“Our work to improve and grow the Science Park does not stop, and we are already looking to the future with a plan to grow to 400-plus companies in the next 10 years, with further enhancements also on the horizon.”

Saqib Bhatti MP added: “It’s a great privilege to have been here at the 40^th anniversary of the University of Warwick Science Park.

“It’s a huge contributor to the national and regional economy, and science parks like this one are crucial to realising the commercial value of innovative ideas to truly benefit society.

“The University of Warwick Science Park is so important to our commitment to the UK becoming a technology and science superpower by 2030. All of the work going on at the Science Park is contributing to that.”

Stuart Croft, Vice Chancellor of the University of Warwick, said: “The University of Warwick is very proud of our Science Park and all that has been achieved since its official opening in 1984.

“Many of our students past and present have either interned at, worked for, or even founded highly successful firms based at the Science Park, and this exchange of knowledge is so important for us as a university and to the Midlands economy.

“We really enjoyed celebrating the occasion and we are looking forward to continuing our successful partnership in the years to come.”

ENDS