Future Space, an innovation centre offering shared and dedicated laboratory and office space for entrepreneurs and growing companies, has welcomed a new centre director following impressive results during its second year in operation.

Marty Reid joins Future Space from a background in engineering, having worked at Rolls-Royce for over ten years in roles spanning corporate business strategy, global account management and customer service.

Reid takes over from Elaine McKechnie who has moved on to the role of business development director within Oxford Innovation (OI) which manages Future Space on behalf of the University of the West of England (UWE Bristol). OI is an organisation with a track record of success in incubating and accelerating high-growth SMEs, managing a network of 23 innovation centres across the UK.

With a Master’s in Mechanical Engineering with Aeronautics from the University of Strathclyde and having participated in academic exchanges in engineering at the University of Toronto and in robotics at the Tokyo Institute of Technology, Reid is highly accomplished in the science and technology field.

Commenting on his appointment, Reid said:

“Innovation, science and technology can have a hugely positive impact on society and economic development, not only through solving problems, but also in creating wealth and employment both regionally and nationally. I’m passionate about developing and driving the strategies to provide support and generate investment in the sector.

“I’m delighted to have become part of such an exciting community of innovative businesses; in just two and a half years, something amazing has been created at Future Space but there’s a lot of potential for further collaboration and growth with the broader ecosystem in the South West.

“There’s a great deal to learn but the success of this hub is a result of start-ups, scale-ups and researchers within UWE Bristol learning together and there is a really fun, engaging and supportive culture here, so I think I’m in a good place.

“Looking ahead, I’m excited about planning the next phase of development for Future Space and building relationships with businesses and decision-makers throughout the South West so we can work together for the benefit of the region.”