Introducing HatHats Coffee Company: New Tea and Coffee Supplier at Discovery Park

Discovery Park is thrilled to welcome HatHats Coffee Company as our new tea and coffee supplier. Committed to supporting communities locally and globally, HatHats brings not only exceptional coffee but a mission to give back.

Founded in 2022, the HatHats Foundation is a grant-giving charity that uplifts communities surrounding HatHats’ outlets and funds crucial projects for coffee-growing communities worldwide. Through this initiative, HatHats actively supports local community projects while extending their impact to developing regions in need.

Recently, HatHats partnered with a Ugandan organisation dedicated to building and funding schools, ensuring access to free education for children who otherwise couldn’t afford it. During HatHats’ first week facilitating Discovery Park’s conferencing, the hospitality tenants helped HatHats purchase enough coffee to fund a Ugandan teacher’s salary for an entire month, making a direct impact on educational access in rural Uganda.

To support this initiative, every meeting and hospitality event at Discovery Park will now serve HatHats’ exclusive Ugandan blend for all filter coffee orders. For every 15kg of beans supplied, a teacher in Uganda is funded for another month, creating a cycle of support and opportunity through each cup.

Additionally, visitors will notice a unique item on HatHats’ menu – the ‘Invisible Latte.’ This donation-based menu option goes directly to the HatHats Foundation, supporting further projects in the UK and Uganda.

For a closer look at HatHats’ community work, watch this video of team members, including Charlotte, our HatHats Discovery Park Manager, as they visit one of the boreholes funded by the foundation: HatHats Community Impact Video.

With HatHats Coffee Company, Discovery Park is proud to offer an inspiring coffee experience that extends beyond our site, reaching and impacting communities across the globe.

Junior DMPK Scientist – Sandwich, Kent

York Bioanalytical Solutions is the premier, independent UK-based provider of bioanalytical, metabolism and ADME services to the world’s pharmaceutical industry.  As such, we have strong ideas about the value of our staff in providing a top quality service to our clients and recognise the importance of providing an environment in which our employees feel valued and can develop to the best of their abilities.

We require the following individual to join our friendly, professional team, performing laboratory-based scientific research in support of drug discovery and development at our facility at Discovery Park in Sandwich, Kent.  Specific duties will include sample preparation, LC-MS bioanalysis and in vitro experimentation, together with relevant automation techniques.  With our in-house expertise in DMPK science, the role offers the opportunity to acquire excellent scientific training of relevance to the pharmaceutical industry and related sectors.

 

The ideal candidate will have:

  • A sound understanding of a fundamental scientific discipline relevant to DMPK activities, such as chemistry, biochemistry or pharmacology
  • A strong desire to work in a laboratory environment to support the development of novel pharmaceuticals
  • Enthusiasm for science and participating in scientific research
  • The willingness to learn new scientific skills and to develop their scientific knowledge
  • The ability to work effectively under pressure and deliver high-quality data to challenging timelines
  • A meticulous approach to record keeping

 

Candidates will be educated to degree level (or higher) in a relevant scientific subject.  Previous industrial experience is desirable but not essential, such that the role is ideal for a new or recent graduate.  The salary associated with this role is dependant on experience and qualifications.

 

If you would like to work in a friendly and flexible environment and feel you have the right qualities, please send a detailed CV to:

Rosemary Maghames, York Bioanalytical Solutions, Discovery Park House, Discovery Park, Ramsgate Road, Sandwich, Kent, CT13 9ND

rosemary.maghames@yorkbio.com; www.yorkbio.com

 

Ten businesses embark on Discovery Park’s ‘Discovery Spark’ programme

In a bid to enable future success and growth, ten entrepreneurial life science and technology businesses have begun the immersive Discovery Spark programme, with a prize package worth over £50,000 up for grabs.

Based in Sandwich, Kent,  Discovery Park is a leading science and innovation campus offering a range of impressive facilities for dynamic start-ups through to global corporations. Now in its third iteration, the Discovery Spark programme equips early stage life science and technology businesses with the skills and tools to lay healthy foundations in their business, refine their commercial strategy and achieve investor readiness.

The ten entrepreneurial businesses securing a coveted spot on this cohort and looking to advance their organisation are:

  • AminoPlus
  • Bioflares
  • Gutsee
  • Peachy Healthcare
  • Phlow
  • RS & RS Scientific
  • Simplex Molecular
  • SmileScaff
  • UltraBiOmics
  • We Are Eden

This group of businesses spans biotechnology and healthcare, each focused on innovative solutions to advance healthcare and scientific research through novel technologies.

The free, six-week programme helps early-stage companies grow by leveraging  Discovery Park’s top facilities, people and networks. Candidates gain valuable insights from industry experts and successful founder ambassadors, exchange experiences with fellow founders, and build meaningful connections.

The experience culminates in a competitive pitch day to showcase the skills gained to investors, and after being scored, the winning business will receive a prize package worth over £50,000. This package includes one year of free lab or office space at state-of-the-art Discovery Park, plus wrap-around business support and dedicated mentoring from a series of companies. 

Discovery Park’s Head of Innovation, Renos Savva, who leads the Discovery Spark programme, said: “We are just at the start of this programme and already the energy and enthusiasm of this new cohort has been tremendous. Together with industry experts we’ll mentor the group and cover essential topics such as intellectual property, startup legalities, branding, financial planning, ESG, data security, and regulatory compliance. 

“We’re equipping these businesses for future success and  I look forward to working alongside them to help them harness their innovations and flourish in the market.”

Mayer Schreiber, CEO at Discovery Park, added: “Discovery Spark is building a legacy in our industry. Previous winners include BugBiome which harnesses the power of skin microbiome to create effective, long-lasting pest repellents, and Canterbury menopause care provider Minter Hormone Health who are both going from strength to strength. It’s exciting to see what will come next and we’re proud to play our part in supporting a thriving life sciences community.” 

Chamber Connections

Join us for the next Chamber Connections Networking event, to be held here at Discovery Park in Sandwich and receive a warm welcome from your Chamber representative on arrival, who will be on hand to help you meet new members of the business community.

7th November 2024 10:30 am –  12:00 pm

Raleigh Suite – Non-Member Price – £30 fee to attend

This informal event will give you an opportunity to promote your business and make invaluable connections with local businesses in Kent. ‘Chamber Connections Networking’ is a new networking event. Each month will be in a new location, so to be inclusive of all businesses in Kent.

Any business, any size, we know and understand the pressures and ambitions your business has. Imagine what you could achieve being part of a local, national and international business community.

‘It is not just who YOU know, its who they know – the power of connections!’.

Find out more here.

Breast Cancer Awareness Webinar

Join Cummins and Breast Cancer Now on Monday 28th October at 11am for a free webinar covering:

  • Breast cancer facts and figures
  • The signs and symptoms of breast cancer
  • The importance of early detection
  • Learn about how you can help reduce your risk
  • Myths and misconceptions

Register here

The 8th K.EN.T Endoscopy Course

The 8th K.EN.T Endoscopy Course on Endo-surgical Insight into Colorectal and Oesophageal Submucosal Space

A warm welcome to the K.EN.T Endoscopy Course 2024, a 3–day course which is taking place in Discovery Park, Sandwich, Kent on the 8th-10th of October 2024, now in its 8th successful year. The hands-on training day will be held at the academic premises of Discovery Park on the 10th of October 2024.

For ticket pricing and applicable discounts, please see below:

Members of the BSG, WEO, ESGE, ASGE, Hellenic Society, and EKHUFT staff are eligible for a discount on all Consultant tickets, online tickets, and the hands-on training day ticket cost.

To receive your relevant discount code, please email samantha.husbands@nhs.net to confirm the following:

  • Ticket you would like to purchase
  • Society membership
  • Level (Consultant or Trainee)

WEO members can access the relevant discount codes on the WEO membership portal, or by emailing membership@worldendo.org

Please note, applicable discounts are only valid at the point of sale.

Face-to-face tickets:

K.En.T Course F2F ticket costs

Face-to-face benefits include:

  • Parallel breakout sessions catering to smaller groups, centred around specific, specialised topics, chaired by expert members of the multidisciplinary team
  • Live, immersive experience taking delegates right into the operating theatre via VR headsets
  • Full, livestreamed cases simulcast from global sites

Online tickets:

Online ticket costs

Hands-on training day tickets:

Hands-on training_SOLD OUT

Members of the BSG, WEO, ESGE, ASGE, Hellenic Society, and EKHUFT staff are eligible for a discount on all Consultant tickets, online tickets, and the hands-on training day ticket cost.

To receive your relevant discount code, please email samantha.husbands@nhs.net to confirm the following:

  • Ticket you would like to purchase
  • Society membership
  • Level (Consultant or Trainee)

This course has become an extremely popular and prestigious event amongst our UK gastroenterologists and surgeons and has gone from strength to strength over the last seven years. It is the only endoscopy-surgical training course dedicated to complex colorectal and oesophageal procedures (EMR, ESD/SSD, SCOPE, POEM, G-POEM, Z-POEM, STER, TAMIS), comprising sections with live lectures, live endoscopy cases, and hands-on experience delivered by our international faculty.

Our international faculty, including Professor Yutaka Saito (NCCH, Tokyo), Professor Norio Fukami (Mayo Clinic, USA), Dr. Leon Moons (UMC Utretch, Netherlands), Dr. Mohan Ramchandani (Asian Institute of Gastroenterology, India), Dr Seiichiro Abe (NCCH, Tokyo), and many others, provide experience and insight of real-time endoluminal therapy, offering our worldwide delegates a sound understanding of technique and practice.

The internationally recognised faculty will again join our prestigious, well-respected UK national faculty, and we look to surpass all expectations and hence establish a unique National and International training course.

This year, the K.EN.T Endo-surgical Course 2024 (8th to 10th of October 2024) will advocate an Immersive-Hybrid event (FIRST OF ITS KIND IN ENDOSCOPY IN UK) offering two separate platforms for delegates to join: (a) physical attendance/F2F access with a Virtual Reality experience, (b) the remote live streaming platform. This is an innovation in the field of endo-surgery training. Additionally, we will incorporate face-to-face training with hands-on experience on the 10th of October 2024, the ONLY training course which offers delegates a unique and fascinating experience.

The Royal College of Physicians has accredited this event for 22 CPD points.

Endorsed by:

Sponsor Logos Kent 2024

Thank you to our sponsors.

Kent 2024 Sponsor Logos (v4)

Please note, tickets for face-to-face attendance are limited. If you are no longer able to attend face-to-face, please email kent.team@sayso.health to change your ticket type to online only.

An invitation letter for overseas delegates can be provided to facilitate the issuing of a visa.

Apprenticeships for Micro & SMEs in Science & Supporting Functions

Join us for a Lunch & Learn Event and discover how Pfizer, along with other global leaders in science, technology, and manufacturing, have successfully utilised apprenticeships over the last decade. Hosted by Cogent Skills, Pfizer’s trusted apprenticeship provider, this event will provide valuable insights for employers looking to unlock the benefits of apprenticeships within their organisation.

DATE & TIME:

  • Thursday 10th October 2024
  • 11:30am – 1:30pm
  • Turing Suite, Discovery Park

WHO SHOULD ATTEND:

This event is ideal for employers, HR professionals, and anyone interested in growing talent through apprenticeships.

WHAT YOU’LL LEARN:

• Pfizer’s 10-Year Apprenticeship Journey: Learn how apprenticeships have contributed to their success.
• Making the Most of Funding: Understand how the apprenticeship levy works and how to maximise its potential for your business.
• Apprenticeship Opportunities: Explore the variety of apprenticeships available
• Employer FAQs: Find out answers to key questions about hiring apprentices and their impact on your business.
• Q&A opportunity: Bring your questions and discover how apprenticeships can benefit your organisation
• Opportunity to discuss undergraduate and graduate placements within the business.

For more information and to secure your spot, please email:
Tim Mahoney – Skills Account Manager for Kent – timothy.mahoney@cogentskills.com

From concept to commercialisation: Why coworking labs are essential for Life Science startups

As an early-stage life science startup, you’re navigating a landscape filled with potential yet marked by challenges. For founders transitioning from academia or spinning out from a university, the journey from concept to commercialisation is both exciting and daunting. A key decision you’ll face is where to establish your operations. While university labs can be a great starting point, they often limit growth potential and make attracting investment difficult. This is where coworking labs come in – offering a dynamic, collaborative environment that not only supports innovation but also strengthens your commercial appeal.

Why coworking labs matter

Coworking labs are more than just shared spaces, they are incubators of innovation and growth. For early-stage life science startups, these spaces provide several key advantages:

1. Investor appeal: Startups in professional labs are often seen as more commercially viable than those based in universities, which can often be perceived as research projects. Investors are more likely to back companies operating in professional, supportive environments. Moving to a coworking lab positions your business as a serious commercial venture and makes it more attractive to potential backers.

2. Cost-Effectiveness: Setting up a lab from scratch can be financially overwhelming. Coworking labs offer access to high-quality equipment and facilities without the significant upfront investment, enabling startups to focus resources on research and development rather than infrastructure.

3. Access to expertise and resources: Being part of a larger ecosystem offers startups invaluable access to resources and expertise. Coworking labs often partner with universities and industry experts, giving businesses access to advanced research facilities, academic support, and technical advice. Look for coworking spaces that also offer access to additional business support, mentoring, and growth programmes, as these elements are crucial in helping startups transition from concept to commercialisation.

4. Fostering Community : Collaborative environments are vital for innovation. These spaces bring together entrepreneurs, fostering the exchange of ideas, partnerships, and collaboration that can drive growth. The role of the founder can be lonely and co-working spaces provide opportunities for peer-to-peer learning – and a sounding board for your ideas!

5. Flexibility and Growth: Startups need the flexibility to grow at their own pace. Many coworking labs offer flexible rental agreements that allow businesses to scale operations without the risk of outgrowing their space too soon. As your company expands, these labs often provide the necessary infrastructure to support larger operations, making your growth journey easier.

CoLab at Discovery Park: The ideal launchpad

Located in the thriving life science community of Discovery Park, CoLab is specifically designed for early-stage life science companies. It offers a CAT 2 lab with flexible bench space and comprehensive specialist equipment, as well as access to advanced research facilities and academic support through its partnership with Canterbury Christ Church University. Additionally, CoLab provides access to Discovery Park’s on-site Barclays Eagle Lab, which not only offers access to professional meeting rooms but also tailored business support services and investor readiness programmes –helping you to work in your business and on your business simultaneously.

One of the standout features of CoLab is its six-month free membership for eligible businesses. This offer is a game-changer for startups, providing a cost-free period to focus on advancing research and preparing for commercialisation without financial strain. During this time, you can fully leverage the lab’s resources and support network to transform your innovative ideas into investor-ready propositions.

Conclusion

For early-stage life science founders, the journey from concept to commercialisation is filled with both challenges and opportunities. By choosing a coworking lab like CoLab at Discovery Park, you not only gain access to state-of-the-art facilities and expert support but also position your business in a professional, investor-friendly environment. With flexible offerings, collaborative spaces, and comprehensive business support, CoLab provides the ideal first step in derisking your innovation and setting the stage for long-term success.

 

For more information about the CoLab click here.