On a recent visit to Cheshire, the Chancellor of the Exchequer announced that he wanted the North to lead the world in scientific innovation. He also used the occasion to launch a consultation on R&D tax credits, “to ensure that small firms have the best-possible Government support to invest in research and innovation”.
On his trip, George Osborne visited Sci-Tech Daresbury and Thornton Science Park. Both sites have benefitted from a share of £5.9 billion of Government investment in science in the past five years, the Chancellor said. The Hartree Centre at Daresbury has received £113 million to substantially expand one of the world’s most powerful computers, while the Natural Environment Research Council at Thornton Science Park has received funding to research energy technology.
The visits came a week after the Prime Minister and Mr Osborne set out their new six-point long term economic plan for the North West. A key part of this is to make the region “a global centre of outstanding scientific innovation”, with a particular focus on material science, bio-medicine, super-computing and energy, along with “major investments in the local universities and NHS teaching hospitals”.
Speaking at Sci-Tech Daresbury, Mr Osborne said: “Science is a key part of the Government’s long-term economic plan and lies at the heart of our plan to build a Northern Powerhouse. I’ve prioritised science investment in difficult times because our on-going ability to capitalise on our cutting-edge science base will create new jobs and innovative businesses and allow us to take the lead in new markets.
“That’s why I’m launching a consultation on R&D tax credits, to ensure that we’re supporting Britain’s small businesses as much as we can. Visiting these two innovative science parks, just 20 minutes apart but both home to extraordinary businesses conducting cutting-edge research, has reinforced my determination to ensure that the North leads not only the UK but the world in scientific investment and innovation.”
Michael Gleaves, head of business development for the Hartree Centre, said: “This investment will support one of the world’s leading high-performance computing centres and the next generation of scientific discovery, ensuring UK science and industry remain at the forefront of global research and development.
“The next generation of scientific discovery will be data-driven. It is really encouraging that the Government recognises the critical role that the relationship between science, innovation and industry plays in supporting economic growth in the UK.”