Companies at the Centre will benefit from a range of high quality offices and workshops on flexible terms, access to investment networks that match investors to businesses, and training initiatives, as well as a tailored package of business advice and support.

The appointment was marked by a special event on the theme of funding for high value manufacturing companies held at the Centre today. Presenters included Dr Neil Morgan, Lead Technologist for High Value Manufacturing at the Technology Strategy Board (TSB), who described TSB initiatives to support innovation in manufacturing companies. Leo Dunne, Manager of Thames Valley Investment Network, outlined the funding options available to growing companies while Steve Cousins, Managing Director of Axon Automotive, which is developing a sustainable, 100 miles per gallon petrol car, shared his experience of the fundraising process.

The new partnership between CEME and Oxford Innovation is part of a longer term plan that responds to the national push to realign manufacturing in this country, by helping local companies compete on the global stage and by linking them to the development of new sustainable technologies. CEME and Oxford Innovation intend to help high growth technology start-ups take advantage of the significant opportunities now available for modern technology based companies in the Thames Gateway, an area and sector that the London Development Agency and central government have prioritised for investment.

Bill Williams, Chief Executive of CEME, said: “It is crucial for high-tech, high-growth companies to have the right environment and business support package in their early years. We are delighted that with the support of Oxford Innovation and CEME’s own business support team, CEME Innovation Centre can now provide access to the mentoring, networking and investment funding these companies need in order to grow and enhance the prosperity of this region.

“We hope to grow the number of innovative technology based companies in the area using models that have worked well in other parts of the country; this is an important next step and will complement our existing offer to established businesses and individuals.”

Oxford Innovation already has an impressive track record and unique experience of nurturing technology businesses. It manages 14 other innovation centres across the UK and offers business support services, such as access to its business angel investment networks, to more than 400 start-up companies.

Dr Alex Smeets, Project and Incubation Director for CEME Innovation Centre, said: “We are very pleased to have this opportunity to be a part of the growth of modern manufacturing and innovative technology in the Thames Gateway. We look forward to working with CEME and other stakeholders to develop a community of ambitious early-stage technology businesses that will address some of the world’s major opportunities and challenges, including those related to energy, the environment and global warming.”

Viridis Technology is the first company to benefit from the new partnership and an example of the sustainable technology companies the Centre hopes to attract. Viridis is the Latin for green; and the innovative company is using the latest internet and wireless technology to solve issues relating to energy conservation and the environment by creating systems that allow organisations to track energy usage and optimise performance.

Incorporated this year, Viridis has grown from one to eight employees and is now on the brink of breaking into Europe. Managing Director, Raymond Stack chose to base his new venture at CEME Innovation Centre because of its position in the Thames Gateway area.

He said: “I wanted to locate in an area that would develop and grow with the company. The Thames Gateway is not only encouraging new technology companies to locate here but also training up the local workforce and this is going to encourage other innovative companies to set up here.”

“The expertise CEME and Oxford Innovation are offering is hugely beneficial. CEME have already helped with the training and development of my staff and through the provision of their prototyping equipment; we plan to make CEME itself a live showcase of Viridis’s technology for potential international clients. Oxford Innovation has introduced us to a prospective partner in Europe who could provide the financial backing and stature to take the company to a whole new level. This sort of help and support is priceless.”