MSZ Business Forum gather at Edinburgh Technopole

Midlothian Science Zone Business Forum attendees enjoyed the first “in person” gathering since launch in December 2020.

Over a working lunch, hosted in the grand surroundings of Bush House on Edinburgh Technopole, we were welcomed by John Mackenzie, recently appointed as Director (Scotland) for We Are Pioneer Group (WAPG) who provided us with an update on his his new role. 

The Forum were also introduced to William Turley, new Site Director at Edinburgh Technopole with many years of operational, financial and managerial experience in all aspects of Facilities Management. 

WAPG build and operate life science and technology parks and have grown rapidly as a result of a merger between Trinity Investment Management and the BioCity Group. WAPG manage ten Science and Business Parks across the UK of which Edinburgh Technopole is one, the other in Scotland being BioCity, Glasgow.

The focus of WAPG is to help life science high-tech businesses thrive, from start-up to large corporate, with the support of their venture building activities and connected ecosystems.

There are ambitious plans ahead for the 90% occupied Edinburgh Technopole as part of a masterplan which included the opening the Pioneer Buiding in 2020, and construction of the Moubray building is expected to commence within the next few weeks; with further development and larger scale manufacturing units within the extensive park area as demand dictates.

A new project currently underway is the repurposing of the Caretakers Cottage at Bush House to create private guest room accommodation with shared kitchen and lounge facilities. This is due for completion at the end of July and will be available for overnight bookings for Edinburgh Technopole tenants and their visitors, modelled on Airbnb accommodation rental.

WAPG are passionate about nurturing their business community. The café in the Pioneer Building will reopen later this summer with a new catering supplier and will be restricted access for tenants and guests of Edinburgh Technopole. It is hoped that later in the year, this access will be extended to occupiers within the Midlothian Science Zone partnership. 

Workplace environment and wellbeing is of prime importance to science parks in the zone, making the most of their greenspace and surrounding landscape. Edinburgh Technopole has installed such facilities as an outdoor gym in the stunning grounds of Bush Estate and offer yoga classes for tenants, host office community events and participate in business networking and engagement with Midlothian Science Zone and the Midlothian & East Lothian Chamber.

John Mackenzie a strong advocate of community spirit and nurturing entrepreneurial talent and is very much invested in Midlothian Science Zone as Chair of the Steering Group and having been previously the CEO of Roslin Innovation Centre for over seven years, his knowledge of the zone will be transferred to these exciting plans for Edinburgh Technopole - which is great news for Midlothian and MSZ!

The purpose of MSZ Business Forum is to create an opportunity for discussion, collaboration and awareness of other businesses 'in the zone'. The next event will be held in September 2022, hosted by Pentlands Science Park and home to the world-leading Moredun Research Institute, to showcase facilities, share future plans and provide an introduction to tenant companies for potential collaborations.

To be kept informed of forthcoming events or opportunities for collaboration, please contact Emma McCallum, Project Coordinator.