26th March 2012
Boots moving its innovation work out of Swansea University centre
By South Wales Evening Post Saturday, March 24, 2012
HEALTHCARE giant Boots is closing a multi-million pound innovation centre at Swansea University.
The Boots Centre for Innovation (BCI) will close at the end of next week after five years of working with inventors, innovators and entrepreneurs to develop new product innovation for Boots brands.
The BCI was the first flagship tenant of the Institute of Life Science (ILS) at Swansea University, designed to help researchers and entrepreneurs from around the world to develop new products.
The centre was originally offered a £300,000 Regional Selective Assistance grant from the Welsh Assembly Government but this was never drawn upon.
Boots is now looking to consolidate its innovation activities at its main site in Nottingham.
A spokeswoman for Boots confirmed the decision to close the centre at Swansea University was a natural evolution of the company’s long term strategic view for innovation and said: "As the world’s leading pharmacy-led health and beauty retailer, innovation has always been at the forefront of our brand vision and strategy.
"Since opening our doors in 1849 we have built a long history and reputation for realising the new products and technologies that enable us to provide the support our customers need and want.
"As part of this journey, in 2007 we opened, together with Swansea University, the Boots Centre for Innovation to work with inventors, innovators and entrepreneurs to develop new products for Boots brands and across the retail product offering.
"As we look to the future we have decided to consolidate all innovation activities at our main site in Nottingham and as such will shortly be closing the BCI. Innovation remains core to our strategy and what we have gained and learned from our experience will be integrated into our future plans.
"We are working closely with the BCI team and the university to ensure a seamless transition.
"We thank everyone involved for their commitment and dedication."
A spokesman for Swansea University said the university will continue its working relationship with Boots.
He said: "Of course, we’re always sorry to part with friends but understand that times change — and they have been with us for five years already.
"During that time, the BCI was instrumental in a number of great initiatives including the best-selling iPulse product developed by CyDen in Swansea, manufactured by Sony in Bridgend and sold throughout Boots stores.
"That success was undoubtedly helpful in CyDen’s recently-announced deal with Procter and Gamble.
"Regarding the vacated space — business space at the ILS is at a premium, with new companies joining us on a regular basis. We’ve had a number of expressions of interest and welcome the opportunity to house new companies in this ever-growing sector."