About

Creating innovation spaces where ambitious businesses can achieve sustainable, high-growth

A flexible and inspiring environment, sound business and financial advice, and opportunities to network and collaborate with peers. These are the ingredients required for great businesses to succeed. 

For more than 35 years, this is what we’ve specialised in. From our humble beginnings back in 1987, we have created the largest network of innovation centres across the UK & Ireland. 

Whether it's advice you need, project management to bring your centre to life, or the management of the facility once it's operational, we've got you covered. We understand how to establish and operate innovation centres that work.

We support local authorities, universities and developers from concept to fit-out but it doesn’t stop there. For many of our clients, our real value comes in how we manage their buildings day-to-day. 

A couple of men sitting in front of a laptop computer at innovation centre
A group of people in lab coats and goggles.
Two people standing on a balcony in Ashton Old Baths innovation centre
A couple of people that are walking outside of an innovation centre.
A man and a woman having a meeting in an innovation centre
Our story

Founded by entrepreneurs,
to support entrepreneurs

In 1987 Oxford Innovation Space was created to support entrepreneurs with the challenges of growing a business.

Having experienced these challenges themselves when starting Oxford Instruments, Sir Martin and Lady Audrey Wood felt inspired to support their peers in the world of science and technology.

Today, we provide businesses with Advice, Finance and Space, through our three companies under the Oxford Innovation brand.

Oxford Innovation Space is now the largest operator of innovation centres in the UK & Ireland with 925,000+ sq.ft of managed space, supporting 850+ businesses.

A story we are very proud of.

our mission

To transform local economies by creating environments where dynamic and innovative businesses come together and thrive

Our Values

Making a positive impact for our clients, communities and businesses

People First

People first

We are a business that champions people. Our commitment to the wellbeing and development of our employees, clients, and communities inspires innovation.

Environmentally Friendly

Environmentally conscious

From initial construction to managing the workspace on a day-to-day basis, sustainability and the environment are a key touchpoint in everything we do.

Focus on outcomes

Focused on outcomes

We run innovation and enterprise hubs that meet commercial objectives and have positive socio-economic impacts.

Regeneration

Passionate about regeneration

We help transform places by fostering innovation, encouraging talent, and providing support to the SME community.

Communities

Curating communities

We create engaging, sector focused clusters of ambitious businesses, often on or near university campuses, research facilities or other centres of expertise.

Innovation

Driving innovation

We enable entrepreneurs to innovate, collaborate, develop their technologies and grow their businesses.

Our People

The people behind
the mission today

With 50+ years of combined success in delivering innovation centres, you’re in safe hands.

Jo Stevens

Jo Stevens

Managing Director

Tim Smith

Tim Smith

Deputy Managing Director

Jon Foster

Jon Foster

Finance Director

Elaine McKechnie

Elaine McKechnie

Commercial Director

Rob Wyatt

Rob Wyatt

Operations Director

Neil Griffin

Neil Griffin

Business Support Director

Lisa Richardson

Lisa Richardson

Director of Organisational improvement

Kathryn Seys

Kathryn Seys

Head of HR

What our big thinkers say

Creating environments for entrepreneurs & visionaries to flourish

"Our partnership with Oxford Innovation Space is pivotal in achieving our goal of a prosperous, forward-looking community."

Jason Frehill
Jason Frehill
Director of Economic, Enterprise & Tourism Development

"Oxford Innovation Space has been instrumental in creating a thriving ecosystem for entrepreneurship and innovation."

Steve Burgess
Steve Burgess
CEO

"With the support of the (Oxford Innovation Space) team, we have been able to shape the building for the future, attracting both new and growing businesses to the area.”

Councillor Jack Naylor
Councillor Jack Naylor
Executive Member for Inclusive Growth, Business & Employment

"Oxford Innovation Space understands our vision for a shared future in West Belfast, and their expertise has been instrumental in turning it into a reality."

Lisa Toland
Lisa Toland
Senior Manager, Place & Economy Department

"Oxford Innovation Space's ability to navigate complex challenges and align the project with the needs of both our stakeholders and the targeted industries was invaluable."

Nic Rumsey
Nic Rumsey
Founder & Managing Director

"With guidance from Oxford Innovation Space, we've been able to unlock the full potential of our research initiatives and create a dynamic ecosystem for innovation and entrepreneurship."

Tracey John
Tracey John
Director of Research, Business and Innovation

Oxford Innovation space

Our ESG Commitment

Creating spaces that are successful & sustainable

Rows of solar panels on the roof of an innovation centre

Environmental

Oxford Innovation is committed to environmental sustainability and recognises the importance of environmental stewardship while contributing to the well-being of our clients, customers, employees, suppliers and wider community and a sustainable future for the planet.

We’re making a promise to the planet that all areas of the business will consider those aspects and impacts that might have a detrimental effect on the environment. We are committed to complying with and where appropriate exceeding all relevant legislative, regulatory and good practice requirements.

  • Environmental Management System
  • ISO14001 accreditation
  • Partnered with Positive Planet
  • Good Business Charter accreditation
  • Carbon Literacy Training Programme
  • Supplier Code of Conduct
  • Net Zero by 2030
A man in a suit and a man in a hat discussing business

Social

We are dedicated to creating positive social impact through innovation across multiple locations within the UK and Ireland.

We foster socio-economic impact that enables urban and rural growth by nurturing our clients' success through the delivery of innovation-rich, engaging, sustainable flexible workspaces together with tailored business support.

Our Social Value Policy outlines our commitment to integrating Social Value into the core of our operations, projects, and partnerships. We aim to contribute significantly to the well-being of the communities in which we operate and the wider society.

  • Good Business Charter accreditation
  • Equality, Diversity, Inclusion in the workplace
  • Employee wellbeing
  • People First Policy
  • Learning and Development Programme
  • Real Living Wage
  • Employee Engagement Survey
Two people standing on a balcony in Ashton Old Baths innovation centre

Governance

A core value of Oxford Innovation Space is to uphold responsible and fair business practices. We are committed to promoting and maintaining the highest level of ethical standards in relation to all of our business activities. Our reputation for maintaining lawful business practices is of paramount importance.

We have a well-defined governance policy setting out where accountability, responsibility and authority lie within our business.

Our policy provides guidance on how decisions are made in the business and the process of decision-making, alongside a wealth of policies to ensure we adhere to ethical business practices.

  • Group Executive Board oversight
  • Quality Management System
  • ISO9001 accreditation
  • Good Business Charter accreditation
  • Risk Tolerance Register
  • Cyber Essentials Plus accreditation
  • Supplier Code of Conduct
  • Procurement Policy
  • Whistleblowing Policy