Sciontec appoints first independent chair

Liverpool-based science and technology business Sciontec has appointed Barbara Spicer CBE as its first independent chairperson.

The organisation, which owns and operates Liverpool Science Park, CENTRAL TECH and Sciontec AI, is also developing a new office and labs building called HEMISPHERE at Paddington Village.

Barbara brings extensive leadership experience from local and central government, including Salford City Council and the Skills Funding Agency, as well as the private sector, contributing to major projects such as MediaCityUK and Salford Central. 

Most recently, she served as chief executive of Plus Dane Housing Group in Merseyside.

Barbara said: “The board and team at Sciontec have achieved an incredible amount in a short period of time, and I am excited to join them at this point in their journey. 

“I am sure we will continue to strengthen this innovative partnership, broadening our portfolio and giving more opportunities to those pioneering people and businesses who will play a key role in growing the city region’s economy. 

“Personally, it is a privilege to be able to contribute to such an exciting agenda in my home city.”

Barbara’s appointment marks a transition from a rotating chair model drawn from shareholder organisations to an independent leadership role, strengthening Sciontec’s strategic governance as it continues to expand its science and technology campus and serviced space offerings in Liverpool.

Professor Mark Power, vice-chancellor at Liverpool John Moores University, will hand over the reins on November 24 and will remain part of the Sciontec board alongside leaders from fellow shareholder organisations. 

Professor Power added: “It has been a privilege to chair Sciontec over the past three years, a period during which we have achieved significant occupancy growth across our portfolio of innovation assets with the arrival and inception of numerous businesses, while also adding a new location, CENTRAL TECH, to our roster. 

“We are pleased to have been able to attract somebody of Barbara’s calibre to lead the board onwards and are looking forward to working with her.”

Colin Sinclair, chief executive of Sciontec and KQ Liverpool, added: “Sciontec creates sustainable spaces where innovative businesses can collaborate, develop ideas and expand their commercial horizons. 

“With Barbara as our first independent chair, we feel confident she can bring to bear an impressive track record across major organisations that will help us to expand our innovation portfolio, whilst also enabling us to continue to contribute to the development of the world-class innovation ecosystem here in the KQ Liverpool Innovation District.”

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