Macclesfield MP David Rutley is giving his full support to a new mentoring scheme for start up companies at the BioHub on AstraZeneca’s site at Alderley Park. This is a further development of the life sciences ecosystem that is being driven by AstraZeneca and Biocity to provide a sustainable future for the site.
Those attending the launch on Friday 7th February heard about The LifeScience Mentoring Network; a diverse group of life-science and business experts interested in advising and guiding new start up businesses based at the BioHub. Speakers also included Cllr Michael Jones, Leader of Cheshire East Council, and Chris Doherty, Vice President, at AstraZeneca.
The initiative brings together experienced, successful former AstraZeneca staff and the new start ups at the Alderley Park site. The AstraZeneca alumni will act as mentors to help the start ups get up and running, and to act as a sounding board for those companies already established and to those who are considering starting a business at the site. Alumni who have already signed up as mentors include Mike Rance, former AstraZeneca senior leader and chairman of Macclesfield Town Football Club, and Stuart Cooper, Chief Executive of the Adelphi Group.
Some of the new entrepreneurs, including current and former AstraZeneca employees, also spoke at the event. The evening also gave those interested in becoming mentors the opportunity to find out more about the role.
Chris Doherty, Vice President, Global Medicines Development at AstraZeneca, said, “I am very pleased by the response from many former senior AstraZeneca colleagues who came to the event to help the redevelopment of the site. It is a critical element of the ecosystem around the site that their key skills at successfully discovering and developing new medicines can be applied to new start up ventures and companies at the site. This aspect on top of the unique building assets, talented staff and a very supportive Cheshire East Council makes the overall site package compelling as the key northwest life sciences asset.”
David said, “It’s good to see new businesses arriving at the BioHub and the strong interest from others who are planning either to form there or to relocate there in the future. The new mentoring scheme will ensure that the new companies get off to the best possible start. Initiatives like this will help create a sustainable future for the Alderley Park site and help further strengthen our local economy. I wish this exciting initiative every success.”