Agri-Tech opportunities in the Enterprise M3 region were highlighted to investors in China during an online event organised by The Department for Business and Trade (DBT).
The event focused on the UK’s growing Agri-Tech sector and in particular DBT’s High Potential Opportunities Programme (HPO) which aims to increase inward investment from around the world.
It gave British Agri-Tech companies and Local Enterprise Partnerships (LEPs), including Enterprise M3, which covers north and central Hampshire and west Surrey, the chance to promote opportunities to 20 investors based in Shanghai.
Chris Burchell, EM3 Head of Enterprise and Innovation, discussed the region’s growing animal health sector and the role innovative new digital technologies are playing in transforming veterinary health. He also spoke about the region’s strengths including the highly regarded Animal Health Innovation Network (AHIN) which brings together academia, research organisations and industry to drive innovation across the sector.
Chris said: “This was a valuable opportunity to represent EM3 and showcase our world leading Animal Health Innovation Network to the Chinese market which is increasingly prioritising the sector for investment.
“It also provided a great opportunity to highlight the significant locational advantages the EM3 region offers to businesses looking to start-up or relocate here.”
Chris added: “I was particularly pleased that following the event, a number of businesses are keen to engage with us to explore inward investment opportunities in more detail.”
The EM3 region has the second largest workforce in the UK, where 12% are employed in life sciences and includes more than 1,800 highly skilled individuals who are employed in the animal health sector.
It is also home to five leading universities and generates around 10,500 industry-ready graduates annually, specialising in veterinary medicine, biology, engineering, digital innovation and business.
In addition, there are three further education colleges which offer animal management, conservation and laboratory sciences.
If you would like to know more information about investment opportunities in the EM3 region, please email chris.burchell@enterprisem3.org.uk
Where
Address:
Belvedere House
Basingstoke
RG21 4HG
United Kingdom
From 1 April 2024, the responsibility for LEP functions across the Enterprise M3 LEP region has transferred to Hampshire County Council and Surrey County Council.
The Enterprise M3 Board met for the last time in March 2024 and Enterprise M3 LEP is no longer operating as an organisation.
For any enquiries relating to economic development across the counties of Hampshire and Surrey, please visit the Hampshire County Council website and Business Surrey respectively.
Please note that Enterprise M3 LEP staff have transferred to Hampshire County Council to continue to deliver services and activities in Hampshire, including the Growth Hub, the Careers Hub, work on key business sectors, and trade and investment.
They can be contacted at economic.development@hants.gov.uk.
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