The UK Science Park Association (UKSPA) has elected Sci-Tech Daresbury’s business development manager John Leake as a director to its board.
Leake has been at Sci-Tech Daresbury since 2006 with responsibility for attracting and supporting companies on-site and developing strategic partnerships.
The campus is now one of the UK’s leading national research and innovation hubs and is home to over 130 technology companies, including IBM, Perfectus Biomed, Atos and Hitachi High-Technologies Europe.
“I’m honoured to be taking a position on UKSPA’s Board and to be involved in the next chapter of this important journey as we work to raise the profile of science parks across the country,” he said.
“I’m very proud to be representing Sci-Tech Daresbury on such a prestigious platform and to cement our position as one of the UK’s leading science and innovation campuses. Through UKSPA, we can ensure a joined-up approach with other science parks across the UK to achieve a shared vision for the future of our sector.”
Alongside his role at Sci-Tech Daresbury, Leake also sits on the Cheshire & Warrington LEP science and innovation strategy board and Liverpool City Region LEP’s digital & creative sector and investment boards.
As one of 10 directors on the board, Leake will share his insight and expertise to support UKSPA’s goals to drive forward the UK’s science park and innovation sector.
David Hardman MBE, honorary chairman of the UKSPA board, said: “John’s wealth of experience within the industry means that he will be a highly-valued addition to our team, as we continue to ensure that UKSPA represents the diverse range of membership organisations we work on behalf of.”
UKSPA promotes and supports the planning, development and operation of science parks and other innovation locations and the innovative, high growth, knowledge-based located on their sites.