Member Article

City of York Council become sole owner of Science City York SME support provider

The Science City York Board has accepted a proposal by City of York Council to become the sole owner and member of SCY, the company.

The board is comprised of representation from the City of York Council, University of York, York St John University and the chairs of SCY’s sector networks.

The council said the move will enable the city to more effectively align the activity of SCY with the work of a new company which will be created to deliver a “joined up approach” to marketing, culture, tourism and business development.

This alignment is expected to help enable the city’s consolidation of business support to create the best business environment possible for both indigenous and inward investing businesses.

The move builds on the success of SCY over the past decade, in which time it has successfully brought in significant public and private sector funding and contributed to the creation of jobs and GVA growth.

Over coming weeks, the council will work with both Universities and the sector chairs to develop proposals for the continued commitment to businesses in SCY’s sector networks.

David Dickson, acting chair of SCY, said: “This proposal represents the next chapter in SCY’s development and is a step towards a more cohesive offer of support for the city’s businesses.

“I, and the SCY Board, have been working closely with City of York Council to ensure this proposal represents the best possible value for SCY and the businesses it supports.

“The University of York and York St. John University remain absolutely critical partners to the delivery of Science City York ambitions, and I look forward to working with them and the council over coming months to develop the next phase of SCY as a business.”

Professor Koen Lamberts, vice chancellor of University of York said, “The University of York supports the council’s desire to develop a more integrated approach to its delivery of marketing, culture, tourism and business development in the city and recognises that this has implications for some existing structures such as SCY.

“However, it is important to stress that Science City York’s core mission - creating growth through innovation in high-tech businesses and supporting key sectors - will continue to involve the University of York, alongside other existing partners.

“The University and council will continue to work in partnership across this agenda, including in delivery of projects like Biovale. For its part, the University is taking the opportunity to enhance its own contribution to promoting local growth and support for the city’s economy.”

Professor David Fleming, vice chancellor of York St. John University said: “Since its inception SCY has made an invaluable contribution to the economic development of the city; this proposal will now bring even greater coordination to the work of all key partners.

“The Universities have a crucial role to play in its continued success and York St John University is delighted to continue its support and commitment to this important initiative.”

Kersten England, director of SCY and Chief Executive of City of York Council, said “We are delighted by the Board’s decision which will open the door for the city to more strategically join up its offer to business – whether they are already located in York, seeking to relocate to York or exploring collaborative business opportunities with the city.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Clare Burnett .