Centre gains (pounds) 120,000 to aid web start-ups

AN innovation centre in East Lothian has been given grants of up to (pounds) 120,000 to help internet start-up companies.

The Simpson Research consultancy company based at Elvingston Science Centre, has been recognised by the Internet Incubator Fund, awarded by UK Business Incubation (UKBI) and the Department of Trade and Industry.

The science centre provides help, support, advice, management consultancy and premises for new or existing internet businesses keen to trade on their experience and knowledge of internet opportunities and technology.

Janice Simpson, of Simpson Research, said the funds would allow the company to develop its services to help client businesses.

"I am delighted our incubator has been given this award which will help us build on the services we offer," she said.

Malcolm Buckler, chief executive of UKBI, said the grants could make a real difference to the success of start ups.

"Much has been made in the press about the failure of dot.com companies, but with the support of business incubators, the success rate is much higher," he said.

"Internet incubators have a mentoring team with the skills to offer help and advice on business development, technology funding, marketing and PR and other areas associated with high-tech start up companies."

Elvingston Science Centre is a research centre which is part of Napier University, Edinburgh. The Simpson Centre is named after its chairman David Simpson, the scientist and entrepreneur who was an original member of Hewlett-Packard.

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