Science firms have formula for growth

FIRMS based at science parks in the Lothians have helped generate more than £104 million in revenue, a new study has found.

Research showed that there had been a 6.6 per cent year-on-year rise in revenue at Edinburgh Science Triangle, the collective name for a number of different science parks.

Companies based at Alba Innovation Centre in Livingston, Heriot-Watt Research Park, Pentlands Science Park and Edinburgh Technopole were questioned for the research, the results of which also include the data from Roslin BioCentre - the home of Dolly the sheep.

Malcolm Bateman, chairman of the Edinburgh Science Triangle, said: "These are difficult times and it is really encouraging to see the progress that the tenant companies are making. What particularly stands out is the investment in research and development and the international dimension of these businesses, which is vital for Scotland's economic development."

Councillor Russell Imrie, Midlothian Council cabinet member with responsibility for economic development, added: "The Edinburgh Science Triangle study highlights some welcome signs of business growth.

"Midlothian is well represented within the Edinburgh Science Triangle, being the location for the Pentlands Science Park, Roslin BioCentre and Edinburgh Technopole. This underlines the importance of the science sector to the local and national economies."