Local Immigration law firm, Migrate UK has moved to Harwell, the UK’s leading science & innovation campus, to help support a growing UK skills shortage across technology, science and life sciences.
With over 200 organisations based at Harwell campus, the site is known for bringing together some of the world’s brightest minds, from groundbreaking academic research to innovative new technologies. Other science and innovation sectors represented at the site range from the environment and energy to life sciences and quantum tech. It’s also home to 14 leading facilities, including the European Space Agency’s European satellite and space telecommunications centre (ECSAT).
Migrate UK’s 12-strong team will sit alongside other businesses at Harwell’s Innovation Centre. The centre recently celebrated 25 years since opening and has now supported over 300 businesses since its inception, from pioneering start-ups to growing scale-ups.
Jonathan Beech, Managing Director at Migrate UK comments : “We knew this move was right for us after receiving a Harwell-based business enquiry even before we moved in! While we loved our previous time at East Hendred, we realised that we could provide face-to-face support to so many firms in minutes if we moved to the campus.
“We also recognised that the Innovation Centre will not just provide us with office space, but wider business support and greater opportunities to develop with such a collaborative and inspirational range of businesses which are leading the world in science and technology.
“Thanks to our work with science and technology organisations nationwide, we’re already familiar with the talent shortages many face and the need for highly skilled employees. For example, latest reports suggest that there will be a 133,000-worker deficit in the UK life sciences sector by 2030.
We’re used to managing and supporting clients in overseas talent recruitment and navigating the ever-changing immigration rules. Our own new start-up, the online global talent firm, Immpact, will work alongside Migrate UK to support firms in an even wider range of sectors meet their global talent needs.”
Adds Michelle Webb, Centre Manager, Harwell Innovation Centre, Oxford Innovation Space: “I’m pleased to welcome Migrate UK to the Harwell Innovation Centre bringing together specialist immigration consultancy with one of the UK’s most dynamic science and technology ecosystems.
“They will offer valuable support to the many international and high-growth companies based here and their services are particularly relevant to the diverse and fast-growing sectors represented on campus, including life sciences, space, energy, and quantum computing.
“Migrate UK will enhance the campus’s collaborative environment by providing tailored immigration services crucial for attracting and retaining global talent. I’m looking forward to working with them to host webinars and drop-in sessions giving our community direct access to expert advice and practical support on immigration and compliance matters. They are now embedded in a thriving innovation community with access to cutting-edge research, a high-tech talent pool, and strong links to academia and government initiatives.”
