30 Sep 21

Newly appointed UK science minister visits Evince

George Freeman MP – the newly appointed Minister for Science, Research and Innovation – has been introduced to Evince Technology at NETPark today within a week of taking up his new government post. The visit was part of a wider initiative showcasing the region’s capabilities across the interrelated Advanced Material Electronics, Space and Resilient Communications sectors.

£50M NETPark expansion

Mr Freeman explained that his first visit to NETPark was 25 years ago, when the site was just fields with a vision to create the largest science and technology business hub in the North East. He was singularly impressed by just how far the park has advanced and welcomed the announcement by Durham County Council of a massive 11 building expansion to the park (totalling 38,000 sq metres) that coincided with his visit.

During their in-depth discussions, Mr Freeman was keen to understand first-hand the issues facing leading-edge companies in the region such as: government innovation support, access to finance, skills and ensuring the UK properly capitalises on its ability to punch way above its weight when it comes to technological innovation.

It’s testimony to the government’s commitment to take its levelling up agenda far beyond words that the first place George Freeman wanted to visit in his new role was the north east of England. Our region can boast four societally-changing inventions that have globally improved lives, and we look forward to further engagement with Mr Freeman in the coming months.
Gareth Taylor, CEO at Evince

The UK science minister’s visit to one of the UK’s top and fastest-growing science and technology parks follows on from meetings in July between Evince and Dr Kwasi Kwarteng, Secretary of State for Business Energy and Industrial Strategy.