We were delighted to recently welcome to our campus a large delegation from the Knowledge Alliance for Business Parks in the Netherlands (SKBN).

The SKBN is a network of public, semi public and private partners, striving to create a sufficient, efficient and sustainable work landscape for business spaces across the Netherlands, contributing to an economically strong country.

Their trip to London this month took in a number of key sites across East London, including the London Centre to meet with the NLA (New London Architecture) and the GLA (Greater London Authority) to discuss industrial land development across London.  This included a tour of the new film studio developments in Barking and Dagenham, showcasing an innovative, stacked industrial development.

A visit to CEME was next on their list, and they were keen to hear about CEME’s new strategy acting as a catalyst for economic regeneration, accelerator for green tech businesses, and a champion for inclusive business growth. The developments across our region, and our ambition to become net zero, were a big focus for the group, as well as how we are tackling the development of new green skills to support growth.

We gave the delegation a tour of our campus, and Noorzaman Rashid (CEO), and Tracey Wright (Director of Skills Development and Engagement) presented them with an excellent overview of the workings of the campus, and explored how our partnerships, business support programmes, skills and community development work is integral to prosperity for our region.

We invited the team from our long-standing tenants FusionBlu, showcasing the ability to reduce emissions by up to 80 per cent in vehicles and generators, and how CEME are supporting their business growth and development.

We were also joined by Marta Oliveira, associate at Ikigai Capital, to present how a Hydrogen ecosystem is being created in the South East, supporting the UK’s mission to become net zero by 2050.  

With CEME campus confirmed as the venue for a Hydrogen Living Lab, Marta discussed the Living Lab concept – providing a hub for next generation research and development of hydrogen technologies and the opportunities this would open in our region for green innovation and business growth.

A great visit was enjoyed by all, and it was a brilliant opportunity to share ideas supporting both the UK and the Netherlands on becoming more sustainable and better prepared for the challenges and opportunities of the green and digital transitions.