'Silicon Valley' in Yorkshire

A multi-million-pound technology hub, which is set to create a centre of excellence for businesses within the technology sector, is to open in Yorkshire. The Globe Innovation Centre will be located at Globe Mills, a 150,000ft2 multi-storey former textile factory at Slaithwaite, near Huddersfield, which itself is part of a multi-million-pound regeneration project.

The £3 million centre is the result of a joint venture between investment and property business the Hartley Group, technology company 3M, the University of Huddersfield and Kirklees Council.

Hartley Group and 3M will act as ‘angel investors’ for promising entrepreneurial businesses in the technology sector. When the first phase of the development is completed in 2013, tenants will be able to access a range of flexible research and business support services designed to help them grow into successful producers of technology.

Stefan Gabriel, president of 3M New Ventures, said: “Innovation is at the heart our philosophy, and I am excited about how the Globe Innovation Centre can support our work to identify the technologies of tomorrow.”

Alan Lewis, chairman of Hartley Group, said: “Our vision, with our partners, is to establish Colne Valley as a major national business hub for the low-carbon economy, effectively a ‘Silicon Valley’ of technology development, including environmental technology.”

Hartley Group was advised by a team from law firm Gordons, led by the head of its corporate department James Fawcett.