Bioscience incubator’s first virtual tenants mark two year anniversary

Above:  L to R: Sally Price, Chris Doherty, Steve McConchie, Dan Tromans, Steve Rayner and Anita Cawley

A celebration has been held at Alderley Park to mark the second anniversary and significant growth of two companies who were part of the first cohort to occupy the BioHub incubator as virtual tenants.

Clients, colleagues, associates and fellow BioHub companies came together last week to celebrate the growth of Aptus Clinical and Zool who, since taking up some of the BioHub’s first hot desk space  in 2014, have gone from strength to strength. Both companies have recently further expanded their  office space  to accommodate the additional staff required for their growing businesses.

Aptus Clinical, a research provider formed by three former AstraZeneca colleagues, aims to be the partner of choice for biopharmaceutical companies and academic researchers, by supporting them in their quest to develop new and valued medicines. From virtual beginnings in the BioHub, co-founders Jonathan Lewis, Steve McConchie and Anita Cawley  have built a team of eleven  who are now enjoying their new, permanent office space on the second floor.

The company also has a database of around 150 expert clinical research professionals who it can call upon to support its clients’ drug development projects. Steve said: “The support we’ve received from the BioHub through mentors, networking and business boot camps has been second-to-none. Combined with the experience and hard work of our expert team, the BioHub has been the perfect environment to grow our business.”

Multi-channel marketing agency, Zool was formed by life-long friends Steve Rayner and Dan Tromans. Previously from different business backgrounds, their combined passion for technology and digital media led to the birth of the company – originally in a garden shed! Following a move to virtual office space in the BioHub, they have now re-located their 10-strong team into their new home on the second floor.

Zool also took the opportunity to reveal their new brand name and identity at the event. Previously Zool Digital, the agency has evolved from specialising  in providing digital marketing services to offering design & print and branding to both fellow Alderley Park businesses and external clients. “We wanted to hold the event to celebrate our growth and success with friends and colleagues who have supported us along the way.” said Dan. “The support given by Alderley Park and the BioHub has been invaluable and we are really excited to increase our office space here as part of our future growth plans.”

The celebration was held on Thursday 1 September in the Conference Centre of Alderley Park and hosted 60 guests who enjoyed an informal late afternoon of networking, refreshments and music.
Sally Price, Incubation Manager for the BioHub, said: “It was great to celebrate with the teams and rewarding to have been part of their growth and success.  We wish them the very best for the future and are looking forward to offering them our continued support.”

Alderley Park is owned by Bruntwood, Manchester Science Partnerships and Cheshire East Council and its world-class facilities and infrastructure aims to support the growth and development of successful start-ups into scalable businesses in a vibrant life science community. Chris Doherty, Managing Director for Alderley Park, added: “A great event which  was enjoyed by all who attended.  Alderley Park is the leading life science facility in the North of England and it’s very rewarding to see our first virtual businesses enjoy such growth and be able to take up permanent residence with us.  I’m very much looking forward to following the journeys of Aptus Clinical and Zool and wish them every success.”