A leading Midlands science park has strengthened its commercial leadership team as it upgrades its facilities and launches a new business support offer designed to attract more cutting-edge firms to call it home.
The University of Warwick Science Park has appointed James Chaffer as Head of Commercial (Property), while existing senior team member Dirk Schaefer has taken on the new role of Head of Commercial (Innovation & Growth).
James joins the Science Park on a 12-month contract, bringing extensive experience from across the UK’s science park sector.
He was previously Chief Executive of the UK Science Park Association (UKSPA), where he worked closely with science parks nationwide to support innovation-led businesses, following a stint as Operations Director at the University of Nottingham Innovation Park.
Earlier in his career, James developed specialist customer relationship management software that was adopted by science parks across the country, giving him a unique understanding of the sector and the needs of its occupiers.
In his new role, James will lead on the commercial property offering for the Science Park, with a particular focus on attracting high-growth science, technology and life sciences businesses to its growing portfolio of scale-up space.
A key priority for James will be supporting the launch of the Vanguard Centre, the Science Park’s £6 million redevelopment which is transforming the building into a state-of-the-art life sciences facility featuring high-quality laboratory and office space for scaling businesses.
James said: “I’ve worked with science parks throughout the UK for many years and have seen first-hand what helps create successful innovation environments. That experience has given me a clear understanding of what ambitious businesses are looking for and how science parks can create the right conditions for them to thrive.
“The University of Warwick Science Park already has an outstanding reputation, and with exciting developments such as the Vanguard Centre on the horizon, there’s a fantastic opportunity to attract more high-quality companies, particularly in the life sciences sector. I’m looking forward to being part of that journey.”
Alongside James’s appointment, Dirk Schaefer has taken on responsibility for leading the Science Park’s Innovation & Growth Services as Head of Commercial (Innovation & Growth).
One of his first initiatives has been launching of the Science Park’s Innovation & Growth Services, which will connect businesses with the wider University of Warwick ecosystem and provide access to research expertise, specialist facilities, talent, and innovation resources. It will help start-ups, scale-ups and those looking to expand internationally.
The new service will also help organisations harness emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence. It will facilitate strategic partnerships while supporting companies to increase productivity, create jobs and attract investment.
Dirk said: “The launch of our Innovation & Growth Services is an important step because it brings everything we offer together in one place and makes it easier for companies to get the support that’s right for them.
“We have a mix of companies at the Science Park. Some are ambitious start-ups looking to grow quickly and become profitable, while others are looking to consolidate early success by hiring new staff or expanding their footprint.
“Every business is different, and Innovation & Growth will be able to help no matter the goal of that business.”
Mark Tock, Chief Operating Officer at the University of Warwick Science Park, added: “We’re delighted to welcome James to the Science Park and congratulate Dirk on his new role.
“James brings deep understanding of the UK’s science park landscape and a proven track record of working with innovative businesses, while Dirk has more than 25 years of experience supporting our tenants and wider innovation community.
“With major developments such as the Vanguard Centre progressing alongside the launch of Innovation & Growth Services, their appointments will help us support the next generation of high-growth businesses and continue improving the Science Park.”
