Grand opening of the new Essex Technology & Innovation Centre

As part of National Enterprise Week and ëEssex in Boomí celebrations, the Essex Development & Regeneration Agency (ExDRA) today launched the exciting new Essex Technology & Innovation Centre.

Located at the heart of the county, this new centre is an excellent example of the way in which business development, innovation and entrepreneurship is being promoted through ExDRA and the Essex Innovation Network.

The transformation of this site over the past few years is a positive example of the many business development opportunities in Essex. The county has for many years been renowned for its entrepreneurial spirit, and ExDRA is keen to ensure that this spirit is harnessed for maximum impact and benefit in the 21st century.

ExDRA and Essex County Council aim to harness the creative and innovative spirit in Essex by working in partnership with a range of organisations including the University of Essex, Anglia Ruskin University, Business Link, the Learning and Skills Council, large and small businesses, business angels and many more.

Statistically it is often said that Essex has more researchers than Cambridge and this new and innovative approach to development will help to reposition Essex as a leading light of the region with a significant amount of untapped potential.

There is a long tradition of research and development in Essex, pioneered in the past by large companies such as Marconi, Nortel, Keymed and Glaxo Smith Kline. Through this new facility at Ongar we want to support this culture of invention and innovation and to encourage these strengths in small and large businesses right across Essex.

ëOn behalf of Essex County Council and the Essex Development & Regeneration Agency I am pleased to be able to officially open this fantastic new facility. The Essex Technology and Innovation Centre will provide the county with an exciting new and innovative approach to ideas development, business generation and entrepreneurship in the 21st centuryí. Cllr Peter Martin, Essex County Council Cabinet Member for Planning, Environment and Culture

ëThis is a fantastic new facility for Essex and is part of a long term vision for enterprise hubs and innovation facilities working together across Essex. I am delighted to be here today on behalf of EEDA to support this exciting new facility for Essex and the East of Englandí. George Kieffer, Deputy Chairman of EEDA.