Blur Group, the online s-commerce platform that has been described as the eBay of marketing, has named Exeter Science Park as its global headquarters. The company announced last year that, following the launch of an R&D centre in the city, it was preparing to shift its operations from London to Devon.
Now it has made the move into its newly built state-of-the-art building. Forty employees will be based there initially but this is expected to rise to 100 by the end of next year as marketing and other services relocate to the 820,000 sq ft property.
Now it is hoped that other tech companies will follow Blur Group in creating a vibrant tech cluster in the South West, providing a boost to the region’s property market and wider economy.
The company certainly does not lack confidence in the venture, with CEO Philip Letts describing Exeter as having the ingredients to become Europe’s San Francisco – and south west England, the new Silicon Valley.
“The South West combines innovation and technology excellence, a great mix of universities with both academic and venture focus and an established reputation in attracting leading tech firms while providing great incubation and support for earlier stage businesses,” he said.
“It’s a combination that has worked well for the US and has the potential to do the same in the UK.”
This sentiment is echoed by Exeter MP, Ben Bradshaw, who sees parallels between California and the South West.
“Silicon Valley was all about bringing young people to a place looking for quality of life – we have a fantastic environment and a forward-looking and innovative university here,” he said.
Shadow Business Seretary Chuka Umunna, who recently visited Exeter Science Park, praised the move as a welcome departure from the UK’s London-centric business outlook. He hopes more companies will now see the potential for growth in a location where innovation and quality of life go hand in hand.
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