NEW business opportunities have been created for companies wishing to grow.

The flourishing Heath Business and Technical Park in Runcorn has freed up laboratories and can offer firms immediate occupation.

A new building will soon enable resident companies to move out of multi-occupancy buildings into their own unit, freeing up more space.

Around 170 businesses employ almost 2,000 people at the site, once HQ for chemical giant ICI.

Lesley Lunt, sales and marketing manager of SOG Limited who own and operate the park, said: “These are very exciting times and there is a real buzz among the companies based here.

“We are uniquely placed to provide start-up or growing companies with immediate access to high quality laboratory space which our technicians can redesign and adapt to bespoke requirements.”

She said they also have the land and capability to design and construct purpose-built facilities that can be operational within nine months.

Mrs Lunt said: “It’s a formula that has proved immensely popular with our residents because businesses locating here can start work virtually immediately and then have the flexibility to expand operations without interrupting their business flow.”

Specialists on the 60-acre site include precision engineers, scientific glassblowers, researchers, designers and IT experts,

Mrs Lunt added: “We have experts just along the corridor who our residents can talk to for expert advice and support.

“We are a key employment centre and make a significant contribution to the region’s economy.

“Our flexibility and can do attitude are key.

“We take pride in delivering solutions to even the most difficult of business problems.”