The latest Business updates from the science industry


by Gwyneth Astles


Construction starts on Aspen Building to strengthen Oxford science cluster


The Oxford Trust has broken ground on the Aspen Building, a £7 million expansion of its Wood Centre for Innovation in Headington, Oxford. The project marks a key milestone in the Trust’s 40th anniversary year and responds to growing demand from start-ups and early-stage companies for laboratory and offi ce space within the Headington Science Cluster.


Due for completion in summer 2026, the new 17,000 ft2 facility will provide CL II level laboratories, fl exible offi ce space, and a STEM resources room to support the Trust’s Science Oxford education and outreach programmes. Once operational, it is expected to create up to 80 new jobs, further strengthening the city’s life sciences ecosystem.


Sustainability is central to the development, which is targeting


BREEAM Excellent. Features include photovoltaic panels, a green wall, rainwater harvesting, cycle facilities, and a 10% Biodiversity Net Gain to enhance the surrounding 15 acres of woodland and ponds.


Beard Construction, which also built the existing Linden Building and Science Oxford Centre in 2018–19, has been appointed as construction partner. Steve Burgess, CEO of The Oxford Trust, described the project as “a major milestone” that will deliver “essential lab and offi ce space for start-up and early stage grow-on science and tech companies, helping to strengthen the Headington Science Cluster and wider innovation ecosystem.”


The Aspen Building at Oxford Trust’s Wood Centre for Innovation (CGI).


Offi ce and lab spaces in the Aspen Building are available to pre-let, giving incoming tenants fl exibility in design.


Founded in 1985 by the late Sir Martin and Lady Audrey Wood,


The breaking ground ceremony for the Aspen Building at the Wood Centre for Innovation. L-R: Sam Payne (Project Manager, Beard Construction); Steve Burgess (CEO, The Oxford Trust); John Boyle (Chair of Trustees, The Oxford Trust), Mark Beard (Chair, Beard Construction), Nicki Campling (Director of Innovation and Operations, The Oxford Trust); Dave Fisher (Commercial Manager, Beard Construction).


The Oxford Trust has supported science innovation and public engagement in Oxford for 40 years, combining the management of innovation spaces with its Science Oxford education and outreach programmes.


More information online: ilmt.co/PL/yWDb 65825pr@reply-direct.com


Exclusive partnership unlocks premium antibody access in the UK & Ireland


Europa Biosite is proud to announce a strategic new partnership that will give researchers across the UK and Ireland streamlined access to best-in-class functional monoclonal antibodies. Bio X Cell has selected Cambridge Bioscience, a longstanding member of the Europa Biosite network, as its exclusive distributor in the region.


This collaboration combines Bio X Cell’s globally recognised portfolio - renowned for exceptional quality, purity, and consistency in in vivo, ex vivo, and emerging research methods - with Cambridge Bioscience’s four decades of expertise in life science distribution. Their established relationships with leading academic institutions, including the University of Cambridge, University of Oxford, University College London, and Trinity College Dublin, make them an ideal partner to support cutting-edge research.


Sune Schmolker, CEO of Europa Biosite, said: “Expanding our


collaboration to the UK and Ireland strengthens our mission to provide researchers with the highest-quality reagents and unparalleled support. This exclusive agreement is a testament to the trust and shared commitment between our organisations.”


Christopher Conway, CEO of Bio X Cell, added: “Partnering with Cambridge Bioscience allows us to better serve the scientifi c community in the UK and Ireland. Their customer-focused approach ensures researchers have the resources and support needed to advance critical biomedical studies worldwide.”


For further details on Bio X Cell’s products and to explore the UK & Ireland distribution partnership, please visit the website.


More information online: ilmt.co/PL/nXw0 65704r@reply-direct.com


Illustration of a monoclonal antibody.


Charity expands to support scientists alongside engineers in business


A leading UK charity dedicated to helping technically trained professionals develop business expertise has broadened its scope to reflect the country’s growing focus on science and technology.


Formerly the Engineers in Business Fellowship (EIBF), the organisation will now be known as the Engineers and Scientists in Business Fellowship (ESBF). The new name follows its 2024 decision to extend support to scientists, in addition to engineers.


Founded in 1987 by Lord Sainsbury of Turville, the fellowship


began with the prestigious Sainsbury Management Fellows (SMF) scholarships, which provide more than fifteen £50,000 awards each year for individuals undertaking MBAs at world- class business schools. Since its launch, over 400 fellows have graduated, going on to create more than 300 companies worth nearly £5 billion and generating upwards of 21,000 UK jobs.


In addition to scholarships, ESBF now backs more than 50 enterprise competitions annually at universities across the UK, encouraging students and researchers to develop entrepreneurial ideas.


David Falzani MBE, President of ESBF, said: “This change reflects our wider mission to support both engineers and scientists to turn technical expertise into commercial impact. By strengthening the pipeline of innovation and leadership, we aim to contribute to the UK’s ambition of becoming a science and tech superpower.”


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