• Concentric Solutions, a high-growth technology consulting company, has become the first to move into Keele University’s newest Innovation Centre after relocating its head office from London to Staffordshire. 
• Managing Director David Watson said the relocation represents an “exciting chapter” in the company's journey. 
• This is the latest development in Keele's Science and Innovation Park’s rapid growth, with eight Innovation Centres now housing nearly 1,000 full-time equivalent staff across 60 businesses. 

From London to Keele 

A high-growth technology consulting company specialising in advanced business analytics and reporting solutions has become the first to move into Keele University’s newest Innovation Centre, after relocating its head office from London to Staffordshire. 

Concentric Solutions has now moved into its new home in Innovation Centre 7 (IC7) based on Keele’s Science and Innovation Park. Innovation Centre 7 provides workspace for new and existing small to medium sized businesses in the IT sector alongside Keele’s Digital Society Institute which brings together major strands of expertise from across the University that can contribute to a digital economy and society.  

Concentric Solutions has realised the benefits of colocation with Keele University, with Managing Director David Watson completing a six-month long innovation leadership programme designed by leading Keele business school academics, and the business establishing an internship and graduate programme resulting in a talented Keele student pipeline that is filling roles as the business continues to expand.  

Last year, the business received a ‘Breaking the Mould Award’ for cultivating Keele student talent through both Keele’s internship and digital advisor programmes, that have resulted in the firm creating four support analyst roles and a digital marketing role.  

An “exciting chapter” for the company 

Managing Director David Watson said: “This relocation represents an exciting chapter in our company's journey. The new collaborative workspace will not only enhance our team's productivity and innovation, but also helps reinforce our position as a leader in business analytics and financial reporting solutions.” 

“We are excited about the opportunities this move brings, enabling us to better serve our multi-national customers, forge meaningful partnerships, and attract exceptional talent from the student pool here at Keele.” 

Paul Hodgkinson Director of Planning and Strategic Projects at Keele said: “I am absolutely delighted that Concentric Solutions have chosen to relocate to Staffordshire and the Keele Growth Corridor University Enterprise Zone. Their co-location with like-minded businesses and the University will enable further collaboration and I look forward to seeing their growth on the Science and Innovation Park.” 

Signalling rapid growth 

Since 2017, Keele's Science and Innovation Park has seen rapid growth. Eight Innovation Centres now house nearly 1,000 full-time equivalent staff across 60 businesses, which provide £60m gross value added (GVA) in Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire, and £75m in the wider West Midlands, supporting 1,630 jobs. 

Spaces are now available for businesses looking to become tenants of Innovation Centre 7 and take advantage of the support programmes, infrastructure, and expertise on offer. The building brings together businesses, academics and state-of-the-art infrastructure all under one roof, providing unique access to the facilities, support and talent pool of future employees that will enable businesses to learn, diversify and grow in emerging digital markets. 

For more information about becoming a tenant in IC7, click here.