Kent Science Park, one of the largest science parks in the UK

Science matters

Brief:

• Raise the Park’s profile as a regional centre for knowledge-based businesses, especially those involved in environmental technologies, life sciences and ICT.
   
• Assist the Park, near Sittingbourne, in achieving its expansion plans including a £15-20m investment and opportunity to create 500 new jobs.
   
• Emphasise the role of the Science Park as integral to the economy of Thames Gateway, Kent and Swale, thanks to its 80 businesses and the 1,200 employees on site.

Results and highlights:

• The Park recently secured planning permission from Swale Borough Council for a four hectares (10 acres) expansion and the provision of a further 12,000m2 (129,170ft2) of business floorspace, to create a home for a further 500 employees.
   
• As part of the planning process, Maxim prepared briefings for the local authority, undertook community briefings, organised and event managed public meetings and established a consultation website, as well worked closely with the press.
   
• Announcing new arrivals and expansions has been at the heart of Maxim’s work, as well as hosting senior press visits and developing a series of case studies to highlight the work of tenants in tackling key challenges e.g. healthcare and climate change.
   
• Important projects have included the visit of the Prime Minister to the Park, the opening of the Kent Science Resource Centre and ‘Park Life’, a series of profiles of the Park’s tenants for BBC South East Today.
   
• The Park is now synonymous with science, technology and the future prosperity and economic development of Kent