INSIGHTS / News

The University of Southampton Science Park is pleased to announce the appointment of Mike Austin and Neil McLocklin as Non-Executive Directors to its Board.

Chair of the Board, Professor Mark Spearing, said, “I warmly congratulate Mike and Neil on their appointments to the University of Southampton Science Park Board. It is an important and exciting time for the Science Park as we build on our position as the premier innovation hub within the Central South economy. With major investment in world-class facilities tailored to science and technology businesses, and in our net zero transition, we are already beginning to realise ambitions set out in our 25-year Masterplan. Mike and Neil will bring valuable perspectives during this journey, as an experienced entrepreneur and resident, and an independent property expert, respectively.”

Mike Austin is a serial software and tech entrepreneur. Over a 40-year career, he has founded and built several businesses, including two based at Southampton Science Park since 2004. Following the successful exit of Fresh Relevance in 2023, he now advises AI-native start-ups and brings strong customer insight to the Board.

He said, “I understand the start-up world and now want to contribute to the local business community and to help early-stage entrepreneurs. I am passionate about the importance of start-ups in the economy and firmly believe that the Science Park environment was instrumental in helping my businesses to succeed. I look forward to working with the Board to provide the best possible environment and culture for growing visionary companies.”

Neil McLocklin is a highly experienced management consultant in the real estate sector. He has worked with global businesses to identify sustainable, scalable markets aligned with their growth aspirations. His brings to the Board insight into clients’ critical success factors and a broad understanding of how the global science park community is evolving to attract inward investment.

He said, “Southampton Science Park’s innovation-led community, spanning sectors such as life sciences, software, clean tech, health and engineering, is diverse and dynamic. I have experience of working across all these sectors and am passionate about creating smart workspaces that enhance experience, collaboration and wellbeing. I am pleased to have the opportunity to support the growth of current and future tenants through building the Park’s excellent culture and facilities.”

Southampton Science Park, located in Chilworth, is home to a thriving ecosystem of around 100 scientific, technical and entrepreneurial companies ranging from start-ups and spinouts to global leaders. These companies employ over 1,000 people and contribute more than £500 million in Gross Value Added to the local economy. The Park recently broke ground on Infinity Labs, a £16 million investment which will deliver vital laboratory space to support scientific discovery and equip the South Central economy for further growth and enterprise.