BioCity Scotland makes major appointment
BioCity Scotland, the centre for life science businesses in Newhouse, Lanarkshire, has appointed Jane Kennedy as Operations Manager from 10<sup>th</sup> April. Jane will assist in the day-to-day management of the 23 acre complex which launched in January this year.
Formerly marketing and tenant liaison manager at Roslin BioCentre, a co-partner in BioCity Scotland, Jane has been heavily involved in the early establishment of the new facility including managing site visits, liaison with prospective and new tenants, and assisting with marketing and promotion. BioCity Scotland has already attracted six companies and Jane will be on hand to help them make the most of the facilities available.
Based near Penicuik, Mrs Kennedy’s career has taken her from advertising roles in local Scottish media, to project management with Dynamic Advertising Group and into the part-time customer services and communications role at Roslin BioCentre which has seen occupancy levels increase from just over 30% to almost 100% full over a period of six years. She becomes the first full-time employee of BioCity Scotland as the organisation prepares for a busy schedule of events, visits and new company arrivals.
Commenting on her role as Operations Manager, Jane said: “I have represented Roslin BioCentre within the UK BioIncubator Forum, working alongside the team at BioCity Nottingham, and have always been impressed by their drive, energy and enthusiasm. We have an exciting opportunity to create a community at BioCity that is central to the success of life sciences in Scotland. In my new post I’ll take responsibility for delivering our services and coordinating a range of networking opportunities that will encourage collaboration between the companies on site and the wider Life Science community.”
Roslin Biocentre CEO Malcolm Bateman has worked with Jane since 2005: “She has done a fantastic job for us, helping to create a vibrant life science incubator facility here at Roslin. I’m confident that her enthusiasm, experience and drive will similarly benefit BioCity Scotland”
BioCity Scotland managing director Ian Webster said: "Jane's appointment reflects the increasing amount of activity on the site as tenant companies arrive ahead of schedule. With her sheer ebullience and knowledge of the local life sciences scene, Jane is perfect for the job."
Jane and colleagues will be in action for the first BioEntrepreneur Boot Camp being held at the Newhouse site from 25th – 27th April. This three-day intensive programme is for pre-start and early-stage life sciences firms and details can be found at http://bootcamp.biocity.co.uk.
Potential tenants, university representatives and organisations interested in becoming involved with BioCity Scotland should make contact via the website www.biocity-scotland.co.uk