The Epicentre Extends News Growth Accelerator Programme To Help Its Occupiers Build For The Future

The EpiCentre is extending its growth accelerator programme because of the significant interest it has generated from prospective and current occupiers at the centre in Haverhill.

The programme, with two unique options – the EpiFund and EpiBoost to suit startups, R&D spinouts, and established SMEs – originally had an application deadline of 31st January, 2025 but will now be extended indefinitely.

Gary Jennings, Innovation Director at The EpiCentre, says: “ We are very pleased with the level of interest that has been shown in both these accelerator options and so it makes sense to continue the programme without imposing a specific deadline.”

The programme is aimed at occupiers of The EpiCentre or those intending to move to the centre:

• The EpiFund works towards helping The EpiCentre’s clients apply for Angel Investment. It is offering support to selected businesses towards accessing angel investment of between £100,000 and £2,000,000 from its sister company, OI Finance, one of the UK’s largest Angel Investment networks. With dedicated business support from The EpiCentre’s Innovation Director Gary Jennings, Research & Development focused companies are coached and mentored to become investment-ready, moving directly to the second round of Angel Investment consideration, bypassing early competition.
• The EpiBoost provides cash injections and tailored business support for companies at the centre. It is designed to help small and medium-sized businesses thrive. By securing an office, laboratory bench, or dedicated desk at The EpiCentre, a company will receive personalised 1-on-1 business support from Gary Jennings. Set business goals will be agreed for the next six months, and if these targets are met it will qualify for a cash injection to help with new products, launches, or other growth initiatives.

Jennings says: “At The EpiCentre you don’t have to go down the university spin-out route, you can be your own boss, you can get all the business support and the facilities you need, and with the EpiFund we can support your application to the most active business angel network in the UK.

“For the EpiBoost if a company has been with us for six months and they have grown they will get a cash injection to go out and buy something that aids its growth such as a laptop or test equipment,” adds Jennings.

The EpiCentre is dedicated to helping innovative businesses thrive and is home to a community of ambitious innovators, start-ups and growing businesses and is located on the Haverhill Research Park, within easy reach of surrounding towns in Cambridgeshire, Suffolk and Essex.

It is managed by Oxford Innovation Space, the UK’s largest innovation centre operator, Founded by The Oxford Trust to provide support to science, technology, and knowledge-led early-stage companies. With over 30 years of experience, Oxford Innovation has a network of 30+ centres across the UK, housing and nurturing over 1,000 early-stage and start-up businesses.

Please see link for further information on the Growth Accelerator Programme: https://www.epicentrehaverhill.co.uk/growth-accelerator-programmes/