Matthew Taylor’s Report Highlights Framlingham Technology Centre

A Government report has highlighted the Technology Centre in Framlingham as an example of best practise in rural enterprise. The Taylor Review, commissioned by the Prime Minister and published on 23rd July, examined the sustainability of rural communities and used the Technology Centre as a case study of a rural business hub supporting a diverse range of successful businesses. The review emphasizes that providing affordable housing has to be balanced with providing real opportunities for residents to work near where they live and that this formula is critical in the successful regeneration of communities.

The review, by Matthew Taylor MP for Truro and St Austell, examined, amongst other issues such as affordable housing, how land use and planning can better support rural business. Matthew Taylor MP visited the Technology Centre earlier this year as part of his research for the review and it was included in the final report as a case study of successful and sustainable rural innovation. Tony Stockman, the Technology Centre’s Chairman, who hosted the MP’s visit, said: ”We are delighted the Technology Centre has been referenced in this landmark report. It highlights the diverse range of business we have at the Centre and shows how business can be successful and sustainable in a global setting whilst still enjoying a rural quality of life.”

The Technology Centre, established in 2001 as a purpose built business centre aimed at supporting business growth, offers office accommodation, laboratory and workshop space, reception services, high-spec broadband, networking facilities and conference and meeting rooms. The Centre is now home to 24 separate businesses in diverse fields such as Nanaocrystal Technology, Fibre Optics and Product Design and Development. Since 2001, the Centre has generated 77 new jobs, 42 new business start-ups and in excess of £16 million in worldwide trading.