Loughborough University Science and Enterprise Parks are at the heart of a new Enterprise Zone (EZ) bid which will make Leicestershire a magnet for science, innovation and hi-tech manufacturing companies looking for research facilities and industrial and office space to base and expand their business.

The bid, submitted to the Government by Leicester and Leicestershire Economic Partnership, builds on Leicestershire’s already excellent reputation in research, innovation and product development. The University – and its significantly expanding Science and Enterprise Parks – make a major contribution to this capability.

Loughborough’s Vice Chancellor, Professor Robert Allison, said: “The University is delighted to be at the heart of the Enterprise Zone proposal for LLEP. This exciting proposal reinforces the unstinting commitment of Leicestershire’s three universities to make a significant impact on the economic prosperity of the area, through the provision of a world-class R&D base, skilled graduate supply and innovation partnership opportunities.”

The intention is to replicate the existing, extremely successful EZ model at MIRA Technology Park, on a broader basis across the science, innovation and hi-tech manufacturing sectors. The proposal for the new Loughborough and Leicester Science and Innovation EZ – stretching from Loughborough to Leicester City Centre – has been developed in conjunction with Loughborough University, Leicester City Council, Leicestershire County Council, Charnwood Borough Council and Charnwood Campus (the former Astra Zeneca site in Loughborough).