End of an Era for UMIC and Martino Picardo

A message from Martino as UMIC merges with UMIP . . .

 "I think it is fair to say that 2010 was as challenging as it gets, not only for UMIC but for our growing portfolio of tenants (greater than 75 SMEs) across five facilities and all market sectors.  Despite this, the statistics showing survivability being enhanced through business incubation has proven correct again and we have had only one casualty this year.

There have been a number of notable successes, complemented by continuing growth amongst others, too many to mention.  Renovo, Epistem and Conformetrix on the biotech side, all continue to prosper, whilst Greenlight Computers and Winning Pitch also have shown positive growth.  The news throughout the year of Nanoco’s drive towards the market has been incredible.  

Despite the lack of investment, it is encouraging to see a growing number of service-based businesses surviving and growing throughout the year, including sri Forensics and Euprotec.  Long may this continue and we hope that the new NWest Equity Fund and the initiatives being driven by New Economy Manchester and pro.manchester will make a difference this year.  The City needs a proof of concept fund across the market sectors soon.

Many will know that I am due shortly to depart from UMIC, after 11 years, to become the CEO of the new Stevenage Bioscience Catalyst.  You will appreciate that it has been both a reflective and emotional time, leaving many friends and colleagues behind.  It was a great privilege to be honoured with the North West Biomedical Personality of the year award; also a good indication that is was time to go!  

There have been so many highs that it is impossible to communicate the pleasure and enjoyment of watching (from 1999) a successful incubation environment prosper, our companies drive forward economic growth and the resultant accolades for UMIC.  I will always say that it is the success of the tenants that counts and is the only thing that matters.  I am excited at the prospects for UMIC moving forwards and the new challenge that lies ahead for me personally.

It has been a real pleasure and privilege to serve as Managing Director of UMIC and I have been blessed with having so many hard working, professional colleagues - all of them have served UMIC and myself personally extremely well.  I am privileged to have been acquainted with so many fantastic entrepreneurs and so many truly dedicated professional service providers.  All of you have helped to create this fantastic innovation-led environment in Manchester.  I know that with the pending merger of UMIC and UMIP (two brands with International leading reputations) that the future is bright for commercial exploitation associated with the University.  

I wish all of you my very best wishes and every success for a challenging 2011, but hopefully an exciting one for us all. Thank you for your continued support of UMIC."

Martino Picardo 

“All of us at UMIP wish Martino every success with his new challenge at the Bioscience Catalyst. We have been very fortunate to work alongside Martino over many years, including through the creation of the new University project and through some especially tough economic times, when his enthusiasm and commitment to the University’s enterprise activities have been strong and constant, as has been his support and loyalty to those of us in UMIP. We are sorry to see him go but were delighted to hear that he has found a new challenge for which his UMIC experience at Manchester has prepared him very well……and we look forward to working with him in his new role on many IP collaborations in the future.”

Clive Rowland, CEO, UMIP.