RUNCORN’S Heath Business and Technical Park is a model that should be replicated across Europe, according to the latest politician to visit the former ICI site.

North West Euro MP Sajjad Karim said the facility offered the potential for “duplication” throughout the EU.

The Heath was created by former managers at the ICI site a decade ago and more than 2,000 people now work at the site.

Mr Karim met businesses located at The Heath and met specialist technicians of SOG, the site’s owner and operator, who provide bespoke technical support to scientists.

The technical services division evolved from SOG’s purchase of the former ICI chemicals headquarters in 2000 which also involved transfer of a number of highly-skilled technicians from ICI to the newly formed company.

The team, including scientific glassblowers and engineers, now offers specialist support, not only to businesses based at the science park but to companies across the UK and worldwide.

Unlike other business parks across the region, The Heath has been developed without any public subsidy.

Mr Karim said: “I think there’s real potential, bearing in mind the economic cycle we’re currently in, the sorts of challenges we’re going to be facing – not just in the UK but right across the European Union.

“I think there’s real potential for duplication of what I’ve seen here today.

“The hi-tech skills base that continues to exist here is really cutting edge. It’s right there on the innovative front, pushing the boundaries forward – that’s quite clear to me.

“And it’s absolutely vital that if we, as a country, are going to grow in the years to come, that those skill bases are protected and given the right environment in which to flourish.”

SOG chairman Dr Peter Cook and managing director John Lewis spelt out their vision for developing and enhancing facilities at The Heath over the next 20 years and briefed Mr Karim on their Fusion initiative – to replicate their achievement at other locations across the UK.