SP/ARK nominated for National Awards

SP/ARK, West Midlands’ specialist business incubator for digital creative industries at Wolverhampton Science Park, has been nominated for the second time in a row for the prestigious UK Business Incubation (UKBI) Best Established Incubator of the Year Award. Since it was set up in 2004, SP/ARK has had tremendous success in assisting start-up companies in the digital creative industries to establish themselves and to develop by providing state-of-the-art office space, specialist IT equipment, mentoring, workshops and networking opportunities.

Marina Ibrahim, Marketing Manager of SP/ARK, remarks: “I am delighted that SP/ARK has been nominated for the UKBI Awards for the second time back-to-back with last year. It amplifies recognition and reward for all the efforts, passion and commitment we have put into this project. Our success is also due to great working partnerships locally, regionally and even nationally: The University of Wolverhampton, Wolverhampton City Council, City of Wolverhampton College, Wolverhampton Art Gallery, Light House Media Centre, Wolverhampton Community Radio, Creative Wolverhampton, Black Country Small Business Services, Business Link West Midlands, Learning and Skills Council, The Prince’s Trust, Skillset, Screen West Midlands, Arts Council England, Birmingham City University, Advantage Creative Fund, Creative & Cultural Skills, just to mention a few, all of them have provided invaluable support for the creative industries and their business sustainability.”

Malcolm Buckler, Chief Executive of UKBI is equally positive about SP/ARK’s achievement: “I’m really pleased that SP/ARK has got through from a total number of 23 applicants, to the final six for our Award. It has clearly demonstrated a commitment to business incubation and ultimately in supporting its clients as they develop and grow their businesses. SP/ARK offers a tremendous service to its clients and should be viewed as a great example to others working with start-up businesses and entrepreneurs.”

UKBI is the UK’s authority on the development and support of incubation environments. Each year, the awards give UKBI the opportunity to reward those who strive to support world-class businesses and entrepreneurs, influencing local, regional and national economies whilst at the same time creating a sustainable environment for the future. It also provides the opportunity to showcase world-class entrepreneurs being supported through business incubation.

The winners of the Awards will be announced at the International Gala Dinner of the yearly UKBI Conference BI 9: Business Incubation, Innovation and Entrepreneurship - The Global Challenge, on Thursday, 29^th November at The Grand Hotel in Brighton.