Liverpool innovation hub, Sciontec, appoints first independent chair

Sciontec appoints Barbara Spicer CBE as its first independent chairperson.

Barbara brings extensive leadership experience from local and central Government, including Salford City Council and the Skills Funding Agency, as well as working closely with the private sector, on developments including MediaCityUK, Salford Central and Greengate. Most recently Barbara was the Chief Exec of Plus Dane Housing Group in Merseyside. 

Professor Mark Power, vice-chancellor at Liverpool John Moores University, will hand over the reins (November 24th) and will remain part of the Sciontec Board alongside leaders from fellow shareholder organisations. 

Previously chaired on a rotating basis from within its shareholders – comprising Liverpool City Council, University of Liverpool, Liverpool John Moores University and Bruntwood SciTech – Barbara will become the first independent chair at Sciontec. 

Professor Mark Power, said:

“It has been a privilege to chair Sciontec over the past three years, a period during which we have achieved significant occupancy growth across our portfolio of innovation assets with the arrival and inception of numerous businesses, while also adding a new location, CENTRAL TECH, to our roster. 

“We are pleased to have been able to attract somebody of Barbara’s calibre to lead the Board onwards and are looking forward to working with her.” 

Barbara Spicer said:

“The Board and team at Sciontec have achieved an incredible amount in a short period of time, and I am excited to join them at this point in their journey. I am sure we will continue to strengthen this innovative partnership, broadening our portfolio and giving more opportunities to those pioneering people and businesses who will play a key role in growing the City Region’s economy. Personally, it is a privilege to be able to contribute to such an exciting agenda in my home City. 

Colin Sinclair, chief executive of Sciontec and KQ Liverpool, said:

“Sciontec creates sustainable spaces where innovative businesses can collaborate, develop ideas and expand their commercial horizons. 

“With Barbara as our first independent chair, we feel confident she can bring to bear an impressive track record across major organisations that will help us to expand our innovation portfolio, whilst also enabling us to continue to contribute to the development of the world-class innovation ecosystem here in the KQ Liverpool Innovation District.”

Find out more about Sciontec here.

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