NEWSLETTER MARCH 2016

MENU Our Vision Working with our partners in the UK’s high-performance technology and motorsport cluster, located in and around Silverstone Park, we are creating a global destination for engineering, innovation and business development.

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OFFICES WORKSHOPS AND STORAGE UNITS Virtual tenancy and serviced office space available now in New, flexible accommodation at MEPC Silverstone Park. Silverstone Park’s Innovation Centre designed to accommodate Now part of MEPC’s 2.7 million sq ft development. businesses between 1-20 people on flexible terms. Visit our website for further details, or contact Visit our website for further details. James Watson at DTRE on 020 3328 9080. BACK NEXT

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MENU Welcome Ready for take off These are the most exciting months we’ve witnessed at Silverstone Park since MEPC took charge of the estate in September 2013.

MEPC’s on-going commitment to developing Silverstone Park as a global business destination for high-performance technology and motorsport (HPTM) continues at a fast pace.

In this March edition of the newsletter, you’ll read how things really are about to skyrocket.

In collaboration with Hexagon we’re about to open a new metrology facility right here in our Innovation Centre – it will provide support for SMEs, networking opportunities, training and school visits.

The cluster study we’ve commissioned reviewing the high-tech business activity in the area is also nearly complete. Researched by SQW which produced the highly influential Cambridge Phenomenon report in the Eighties, this study stands to legitimately mark out the region as an engine room of the UK economy and will provide a strong platform to help attract investment.

Meanwhile the value of a Silverstone Park address has been further underlined by Europe’s largest motorcycle manufacturer KTM’s decision to re-locate its UK HQ offices here. Its plans look fantastic and what another great brand to have on board!

Certainly our availability – from industrial units and workshops to office space and meeting rooms for hire – is really capturing the imagination for many businesses. In this newsletter, you’ll see how the Innovation Centre has become the ideal place for SMEs to achieve their ambitions – the evidence is crystal clear!

ROZ BIRD COMMERCIAL DIRECTOR

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MENU Metrology Facility coming soon to Silverstone Park

MEPC’s development of Silverstone Park as a global business destination for high-performance technology and motorsport (HPTM) companies is about to skyrocket with the installation of a state-of-the-art metrology facility that could revolutionise the fortunes of the region’s SMEs and start-ups operating in advanced engineering.

Asset manager MEPC has agreed with Hexagon Companies using the facility will also be able to Manufacturing Intelligence, a world leader in ‘reverse-engineer’ components already manufactured metrology solutions, to supply and run the facility or trialled back into CAD designs through the likes of when it opens inside Silverstone Park’s iconic contact-probing, cameras and laser-scanning. Innovation Centre building. The facility has also Roz Bird, Commercial Director for Silverstone Park, received considerable support from Northamptonshire said: “We are absolutely delighted to be able to Enterprise Partnership. announce this news and wish to thank Hexagon Metrology delivers inspection, validation and Manufacturing Intelligence and NEP for the great ultimately quality control of components – support that they have shown throughout the concept predominantly those made of metals, plastics or phase of this project. A metrology facility, right at composites. Hexagon Manufacturing Intelligence is the heart of a region that is so rich in HPTM activity recognised as one of the best metrology solutions is just what the industry needs and we want to make specialists in the world – companies that Hexagon this facility accessible to companies whether they are Manufacturing Intelligence works with and supports based on-site or in the surrounding area. include most of the Formula 1 teams based in the UK, plus automotive manufacturers including Ford, Jaguar Land Rover and Rolls Royce.

Silverstone Park’s metrology facility is scheduled to open early in 2016. The facility will provide measurement services, crucial for the HPTM sectors to achieve accuracy and high-performance. Equipment will include two Hexagon CMMs (co-ordinate measuring machines), an OPTIV multi-sensor system, a Leica tracker system for large volume measurement and a ROMER articulated scanning arm plus an assortment of other precision instruments and measuring systems. Roz Bird with John Drover, Hexagon’s Regional Sales Manager BACK NEXT

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“Funded by MEPC and Hexagon, we will be running a Sajeeda Rose, Chief Operating Officer, NEP metrology network, offering reduced rates on contract added: “Northamptonshire is home to a strong inspections to new SME businesses and providing industry cluster of over 1,000 high-performance access to young people for training, in order to help technology companies, employing 21,000 people address the metrology engineer skills shortage in the and contributing £2bn to the local economy. The HPTM cluster.” continued development of this cluster is a key priority for NEP and the investment in advanced and John Drover, Hexagon’s Regional Sales Manager, accessible R&D facilities, such as the metrology centre commented: “This is a massively exciting project for at Silverstone Park is vital to the continued growth of Hexagon Manufacturing Intelligence to be involved in the cluster. NEP looks forward to working with MEPC – MEPC has some very ambitious plans for Silverstone to promote the availability of this facility to the wider Park and we want to be a part of that, looking ahead. engineering community, predominantly made up of It is the perfect location for a facility of this type and innovative, fast growth SME companies.” we are sure it will prove extremely popular with SMEs and start-ups which don’t have the finances to invest in equipment like this. This is a massively exciting project for Hexagon Manufacturing Intelligence to be involved “The degree of accuracy to which our systems in – MEPC has some very ambitious plans for Silverstone Park and we want to be a part of measure these days is mind-boggling, I suppose – we that, looking ahead. It is the perfect location for a facility of this type and we are sure it will are talking a sub-micron (ten millionth of a metre), prove extremely popular with SMEs and start-ups which don’t have the finances to invest in and for any company to come away from this facility equipment like this. with a measurement report to say their product has passed the inspection means that they have the John Drover, Hexagon’s Regional Sales Manager right credibility and peace of mind when taking their prototype to market.”

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MENU Europe’s biggest motorcycle manufacturer KTM relocates UK HQ to Silverstone Park

Silverstone Park is proud to announce that KTM Sportmotorcycle UK, the world’s leading manufacturer of off-road motorcycles and the largest European motorcycle manufacturer, is to relocate its UK headquarters to new premises on the high-performance motorsport and technology (HPTM) business estate.

The announcement of KTM’s move adds yet further credibility to asset manager MEPC’s development of Silverstone Park as a premier global business destination for the HPTM sectors.

The Austrian-founded company is currently busy fitting out more than 13,000 sq ft of property at Silverstone Park to include offices, brand rooms, a conference suite, workshops, an internal ‘bike wash’ facility and a sales and marketing centre to work with its 38 dealerships across the UK.

KTM’s new HQ will also be home to its Husqvarna motorcycle brand when it completes the move in May.

Matt Walker, KTM Sportmotorcycle UK’s General Manager, comments: “Everything about what MEPC is doing with Silverstone Park is right for us. We are responsible for two quality premium brands that are growing rapidly and we want to present ourselves in a way that reflects our position in the market, which we can’t do in our current location.

Everything about what MEPC is doing with Silverstone Park is right for us.

BACK NEXT Matt Walker, KTM Sportmotorcycle UK’s General Manager

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“All 20-plus employees will move with manufacturer Ducati. HPTM is defined “KTM’s decision to move here further us and we are hugely excited about as: anything from software design to endorses just what an exciting business how this is going to raise our image advanced engineering and everything proposition MEPC has made of Silverstone and enable us to recruit and train more in between including electronics, Park since taking over the management people. MEPC has fully embraced CAD, manufacturing, R&D and the and development in September 2013. what we want to achieve and couldn’t professional service companies that With some 2.7m sq ft of planning consent have been more helpful – the business support these activities in sectors such at our disposal on 130 acres of land that proposition that it has created at as aerospace, medical devices, defence, surrounds the Silverstone Formula 1 Grand Silverstone Park made it the obvious marine and motorsport. Prix circuit, there is terrific scope for HPTM choice. Furthermore the designers we companies to consider their future with us Roz Bird, Commercial Director for have used have done an absolutely and operate from a world-famous address Silverstone Park, says: “This is fantastic stunning job on the design of our that is rich in HPTM skills and know-how.” news for Silverstone Park. The KTM new headquarters premises. name is iconic and truly represents We can’t wait…” excellence in engineering, technology KTM’s high-profile name adds to and performance – it fits perfectly those already based at Silverstone therefore with everything Silverstone Park serving the HPTM sectors – Park stands for as a leading global notably they also include legendary business destination for HPTM. Italian /street motorcycle BACK NEXT

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MENU SILVERSTONE PARK INNOVATION CENTRE: MEETING BUSINESS NEEDS Under MEPC’s influence, Silverstone Park’s Innovation Centre has rapidly emerged as an ideal location for start-ups and SMEs to surpass expectations – for themselves and their clients.

The Innovation Centre is very much a ‘des res’ for any of the companies on its three floors, for they immediately inherit an address right next door to the Silverstone Formula 1 circuit. That’s cool enough, but there’s far more to it than that.

Considerable investment from MEPC these past 24 months means the whole building looks, feels and functions better for its occupiers and their customers than ever before. Its fully serviced offices make for a professional environment for companies to attract and motivate the best staff and do business with clients and suppliers.

Just read what they have been saying about what the Innovation Centre does for their fortunes. And there are equally positive noises coming from companies using the building’s plush meeting room facilities to host conferences, training sessions and important meetings with prospective clients. “Companies benefit from the serviced office environment – they like the smart What people say... reception and friendly staff to look after them and their customers. There are meeting rooms for hire, a telephone answering service and flexible superfast broadband. The Innovation Centre has a modern and relaxed working It is the premium building at Silverstone Park and is a truly ‘buzzy’ place to work,” environment, easily accessed without the traffic and parking worries comments Roz Bird, Commercial Director, Silverstone Park. of the major towns close by. But still has excellent communication She adds: “It is also no coincidence that some of the companies based here now can and logistic links, nationally and internationally which works well rightly sell themselves as among the most innovative in high-performance technology for our business. and motorsport (HPTM). Bringing together so many like-minded individuals under the same roof always brings out the best in entrepreneurial minds. The energy here Stephen Carway, Vesalius UK Ltd is extraordinary.” The facilities that MEPC have provided have been absolutely first-class and the whole team there has been nothing but supportive. The Innovation Centre is the ideal place for us to accommodate internal project meetings – whether it’s just two of us or a larger group. Likewise it’s provided an excellent backdrop for us to meet our potential international new business clients.

Edward Ashley-Carter, Director, GPF One (coloured carbon fibre) BACK NEXT

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MENU WHAT’S ON OFFER AT THE SILVERSTONE PARK INNOVATION CENTRE

Bob Hillier

We needed to take that extra leap and Silverstone Park was the obvious choice.

“Firstly it’s a much, much better place for everyone to work – at the Innovation Centre there’s a real Grade A Offices TO LET New Meeting Rooms sense of community, whether that’s Ranging in size from 212 sq ft to 3,000 sq ft, Arena, Capital, National and International being surrounded by lots of fellow all units are carpeted and decorated to a high meeting rooms are priced at just £12.50 per standard and have heating, air conditioning hour or £75 for the day, and range in size from professionals or the social activities and opening windows. a six to 25-person (boardroom style). The rooms that MEPC runs for companies and provide a smart business environment to their staff here. It’s something we impress clients and motivate staff. Any company (on or off-park) can book a room. just didn’t have before. “Secondly it’s a much, much better place for us to bring customers. It’s so obvious. We were at a customer’s premises talking to them about the next stages of their data management system and mentioned we’d re-located to Silverstone. Everyone’s eyes lit up and all they wanted to know was ‘when are you running a training course!?

Edward Ashley-Carter, Director, GPF One (coloured carbon fibre) Hot Desk Virtual Tenancy From £5 per hour to £1200 for an annual From £100 per month; includes the use of subscription (5 days a week). The facility the Silverstone Park address, a telephone includes: desk, chair, lockable draw, free wifi, answering service and mail receipt. free tea and coffee and free parking.

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MENU Le Mans 24 Hours ambition for FF Corse with all-new 488

FF Corse has revealed a first glimpse of legendary Italian supercar manufacturer Ferrari’s 488 race car that the company will soon have at its Silverstone Park headquarters, ahead of the most ambitious racing programme in its history – an entry into the new, pan-European Le Mans GT3 Cup.

Technically advanced, the 488 is among the most “It will be the first time for us in a GT3 championship approach it rightly full of enthusiasm and confidence. eagerly awaited racing machines of 2016 and it is a at international level and fits in perfectly with a After all, other they fettled in 2015 won the natural fit for FF Corse which enjoys an illustrious past business plan we had in mind which was to work Britcar Endurance crown, as well as both class and with Ferrari. with the 488,” says FF Corse Managing Director outright titles in the GT Cup. Anthony Cheshire. Come May, FF Corse’s 488 will be on the grid for the And if further racing success comes FF Corse’s way opening round of the Le Mans GT3 Cup at the “This is a big step up for us. But we’ve made no in the Le Mans GT3 Cup, the future prospects are spectacular circuit in , close to secrets that we want to compete at this level and mind-boggling. Ferrari’s famous Maranello base. From there the eventually take on the best in the world. This moves “The champions will have the opportunity of an entry calendar moves on to other iconic venues around us forwards to that. It is a big moment in FF Corse’s in the Le Mans 24 Hours in 2017,” explains Anthony. Europe, including the Le Mans 24 Hours race weekend history.” “The 488 GT3 car uses the same platform (chassis) in France and the Belgian Formula 1 Grand Prix circuit Once the 488 arrives at FF Corse’s workshops, its that we’d need to upgrade to the GTE class to of Spa-Francorchamps. engineers and technicians will begin preparing the car compete in the 24 Hours. It’s somewhere I very much for the new adventure ahead – and each will want to take the FF Corse name…”

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MENU Study into high-tech cluster around Silverstone Park reaches final stages

Silverstone Park asset manager and developer MEPC has been handed a final draft version of the SQW study, looking at the evolution of the high-tech cluster in the surrounding area. The study is the first of its kind for the area to consider whether there is evidence of a cluster.

The ingredients of a cluster usually include: While we await final publication of the report we confidently predict it will show that there is a high-tech cluster in the area surrounding Silverstone Park, which has global • Businesses that benefit from operating in close proximity to each other significance and which should be considered by Government as an engine room of • A specialist skills pool the UK economy – worthy of investment and promotion.” • The movement of people between businesses in the area during their career SQW was commissioned to carry out the research by MEPC because of its experience • The creation of new start-up, high-growth businesses in carrying out other similar studies such as the ‘Cambridge Phenomenon Report’ • Corporate venturing, venture capitalist and business angel investment of the 1980s. • University involvement As part of its work SQW has carried out case studies among individuals and • Specialist import and export activity companies operating within the high-performance technology and motorsport • The interest of large well established businesses that want to take advantage (HPTM) sectors and based within a geography of roughly half an hour of Silverstone. of the specialist nature of the local business activity The term HPTM is defined as: anything from software design to advanced The draft report is the result of six months’ intense work by SQW, a leading engineering and everything in between including electronics, CAD, manufacturing, independent provider of research, analysis and advice in economic and social R&D and the professional service companies that support these activities in sectors development. such as aerospace, medical devices, defence, marine and motorsport.

Final publication of the report is expected in the Spring. Its findings could help attract SQW Director, Chris Green says: “We have found evidence of new firms being significant investment, plus Government support for high-tech companies located formed and growing through networks of relationships within a specialist labour within Silverstone’s neighbouring counties. market. Whilst it has deep historical roots, the process of evolution is on-going. New applications for the surrounding technologies are emerging, many of which MEPC’s Roz Bird, Commercial Director for Silverstone Park, comments: are linked to low carbon solutions in automotive, aerospace and other sectors.” “This draft version brings us closer to uncovering the evolution of a high-tech cluster In addition to MEPC, the study has been in partnership with Barclays and PwC and in the area surrounding Silverstone Park. has been sponsored by: the Motorsport Industry Association (MIA); Buckinghamshire “It also provides a fascinating insight into the behaviour, achievements and County Council; Northamptonshire County Council; Aylesbury Vale District Council; requirements of the start-ups, the SMEs and larger companies – from supply chain South Northants Council; Cherwell District Council; Buckinghamshire & Thames to Tier 1 to OEMs – in the area. Valley Local Enterprise Partnership (BTVLEP); Northamptonshire Enterprise Partnership BACK NEXT (NEP); South East Midlands Local Enterprise Partnership (SEMLEP).

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MEPC continues smooth progress at Silverstone Park

It’s a billiard table-smooth stretch of asphalt befitting of the Silverstone Formula 1 Grand Prix circuit, except it’s on the other side of the fence – on the Silverstone Park business estate.

Asset manager and developer MEPC’s MEPC’s Roz Bird, Commercial Director on-going commitment to invest in for Silverstone Park comments: “These the estate and enhance its image and latest resurfacing works not only further facilities has just seen completion of improve the look and feel of the estate resurfacing works between the long- which we took over in September standing row of industrial units 14-23. 2013, but also raise the image of the This follows MEPC giving those units companies based in units 14-23. Added a considerable facelift for current and value for occupiers is something MEPC prospective occupiers. prides itself on greatly…”

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MENU Speedsport still winning after 30 years at Silverstone Park

Ruthless on the track in his day, Mike O’Brien enjoys life at a rather more sedate pace these days, with as keen an eye for motorsport art as he has attention to detail when it comes to preparing historic racing cars under his Speedsport company’s roof at Silverstone Park.

2016 marks 35 years since Speedsport was founded and 30 since the company moved into its current premises (next to the circuit’s once-famous Abbey corner). When it comes to art, Mike is a keen collector and seller of paintings, sketches and photos that capture the moments and characters that have shaped motor sport history. These include pieces bearing original autographs of Formula 1 world champions Clark and Hawthorn and world land and water speed record holders, Malcolm and Donald Campbell.

Our gallery certainly doubles up as a pretty cool office to do business with customers! explains Mike.

But it is exploits on-track for which Mike’s company is perhaps best known. He was a triple champion in the Eighties with success in the high-profile Sports 2000 category before a promising spell in British Touring Cars. Mike then applied his magic touch to team management as he took the Speedsport name into Formula 3 – the UK’s premier single-seater racing category. Famous wins in 1996 and 1998 in F3’s ‘blue riband’ race that supported Silverstone’s British F1 Grand Prix with driver will forever be highlights. The success continues to this day and in 2015 Speedsport clinched the HSCC’s hotly-contested historic Formula Ford 1600 title with its Merlyn Mk20. Elsewhere, Mike’s son Michael has emerged as a race-winner in the BRDC’s category. “Certainly winning those F3 races in front of the British GP crowds were very special moments in our history, but I take just as much pleasure now when our cars win in historic competition,” says Mike.

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MENU Big FYSHE on both sides of the pond A close examination of Fyshe’s products at its new Silverstone Park base quickly reveals that not all race-wear for racing drivers is cut from the same cloth.

Chris Nurse’s company is the exclusive global licensee and distribution partner in motorsport for sportswear giant adidas. Furthermore it is also the UK importer and distributor in car racing for crash helmet giant Arai.

The multi-billion dollar industries of NASCAR and Indycar in the USA and the sportscar scene – currently in the middle of a boom – are among those supplied by Fyshe.

Chris explains: “The business essentially runs the entire global motorsport It’s very interesting that MEPC, as a professional property company, category for adidas – from product design and creation, new material technology are taking a very active role in the future of the Silverstone area. development through to sales, marketing and distribution and driver and team relationships. We very much see Silverstone as our home for a considerable period of time, as our facility at Silverstone Park has the capacity to allow us “We have over 120 specialist motorsport retail partners around the world. to grow in the future. Our European head office is at Silverstone, although we have a regional operation Chris Nurse, FYSHE in Miami and we will be setting up another elsewhere in the world in the next 12 months.”

From Arai’s helmets to adidas’s race attire, the very latest technologies and thinking in sports science are used in the pursuit of extra performance. “The latest Arai helmet we supply is manufactured from the same carbon fibre Boeing uses to construct the wings on its Dreamliner jet airliners,” adds Chris. “We also incorporate Climacool technology into our adidas racewear range. There is a very real link between heat and stress management and driver performance and teams are coming to appreciate that as much as finding performance from an engine.”

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MENU The stuff that dreams Healthy social calendar are made of… bringing workforce together

It seems barely believable but 2016 marks 25 years since, out of humble surroundings As part of an on-going commitment to enhance the work-life balance for its in Unit 21, Silverstone Park, the name Jordan first appeared on the Formula 1 grid… companies’ employees, Silverstone Park developer MEPC’s 2016 calendar of social activities at the estate is well under way with Pilates and ‘boot camp’ fitness Today, the 3,400 sq ft building is occupied by Brembo motorcycle brake specialist Mode sessions. Performance. It is hard to believe that an F1 team was formed here, but it’s true. And what a story it was… Pilates, using calming exercise techniques, is held inside the estate’s Innovation Centre with boot camp sessions taking place outdoors in Silverstone Park’s See Silverstone-park.com for an exclusive interview with Jordan team designer Gary landscaped grounds. Anderson about how one of F1’s most memorable adventures took off and, along with it, the career of . MEPC’s Roz Bird, Commercial Director for Silverstone Park, says: “These types of events have proved a real hit with businesses and their staff as have other social activities such as quiz nights, coffee mornings, a summer barbecue, pizza parties and breakfast networking.” BACK NEXT

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MENU Silverstone Park’s Superbike School setting the standard across Europe

California Superbike School UK based at Silverstone Park has been officially recognised as Britain’s and very possibly Europe’s leading specialist in on-track rider training for motorcyclists, after becoming the only organisation of its kind to be awarded ‘Gold Standard’ accreditation by the MCIAC (Motorcycle Industry Association Accreditation Centre).

The status means CSS is seen as the benchmark for professional on-track motorcycle training within the UK. For the record, MCIAC courses are recognised by the DVSA, the Government department responsible for driving and testing standards. The UK is the only country in Europe to have such a framework… CSS already enjoys a partnership with legendary motorcycle manufacturer Ducati via the Italian firm’s UK headquarters, which are also at Silverstone Park. The MCIAC stated: “There is no doubt that the California Superbike School UK are utilising excellent coaching techniques and are a benchmark for the aspirations of the wider motorcycle rider training industry’s desire to deliver ‘client centred learning’.” CSS Manager Richard Browne commented: “We are committed to providing specialist track based rider training that creates a complete package of control and confidence and this accreditation is a credit to our team’s professionalism and dedication to the art of cornering motorcycles.”

Accommodation – TO LET

A range of accommodation is currently available TO LET at Silverstone Park, ranging from small flexible office units in our Innovation Centre to industrial/workshop units from 2,000 sq ft. Please visit www.silverstone-park.com/availability for the full list of options or contact Silverstone Park Commercial Director Roz Bird or DTRE’s James Watson direct for more information (see their details on the contact details page). BACK NEXT

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CONTACTS

CURRENT OCCUPIERS: AVAILABILITY ENQUIRIES: MEDIA ENQUIRIES: Zain Daniels Roz Bird Carl McKellar Estate Manager Commercial Director Silverstone Park Press Officer Tel: 01327 856000 Tel: 01327 856000 Mob: 07786 138 905 MEPC Silverstone Park James Watson Innovation Centre, Silverstone Park, Dowley Turner Real Estate Towcester NN12 8GX Tel: 020 3328 9080 BACK NEXT

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