YORK'S largest dedicated centre for science and technology based businesses has reported a surge in innovation as nearly half of all resident firms introduced a new product or service in the past year.

The York Science Park Annual Residents Survey also revealed strong growth from the city's science sector with 72 per cent of resident companies reporting an increase in turnover over the last year, while 39 per cent increased staff numbers, and 61 per cent stated they are planning to expand in the next year.

Part of a programme of reports compiled by York Science Park to provide an overview of activity, the Annual Residents Survey this year compiled data from 122 of the Science Park's residents.

A strong focus on innovation was reported, with 49 per cent of residents introducing a new product, service or licensed technology in the past year. These have included a wide range of items from appetite suppressing compounds from biotech company Optibiotix, to a knowledge management system for lawyers from Purple Frog and a unique music programme for early learners from Bumblebeats.

Evidence of international activity was also highlighted in the survey, with 22 per cent of York Science Park residents having office space overseas, such as software company Simomics which has an operation in San Diego, and StarCompliance with offices in Washington DC and New York.

Tim Ward, vice president of product management at StarCompliance, which specialises in regulatory compliance software serving the financial services industry, said: "Our employees in the UK bring an international perspective and sensibility that has really helped us to design a leading global product.

"The investment in high speed communications across the city combined with superb facilities for expanding businesses, plus a well-regarded Computer Science Department at the University, all underpinned our decision to choose to move back to York Science Park for the company's expansion plans."

Ambitions for growth through acquisitions and mergers was also reported, with 10 per cent stating they had been involved in such activity over the last year.

Tracey Smith, managing director, York Science Park said: "It is always fascinating to run this survey and be able to have an overview of how all the companies on York Science Park are performing.

"I am very encouraged to see such positive results and ambitions from our residents, who are focussed in the knowledge intensive areas of creative, digital media, IT and bioscience.

"As well as providing high specification space for established companies, one of our main remits is to provide flexible space and facilities for early stage and mid stage companies which enables them to grow.

"As these results show, with 61 per cent planning to grow in the next 12 months, having this flexibility can be critical to their future success.

"While some may choose to move elsewhere many will stay with us and we have the support and infrastructure in place to enable them to do this."

The survey revealed 54 per cent of the Science Park's residents only occupy up to 500 sq. ft of space, and another 25 per cent occupy between 500 – 1600 sq. ft, showing a prominence of small businesses on the site.

Steve Brown, managing director of Make It York, the new company set up to promote the city, said: "I am very encouraged to read the York Science Park Residents Survey results, which shows that innovation and entrepreneurship is alive and well in our city.

"The results also demonstrate what a vital role York Science Park plays in supporting and generating economic growth in York and North Yorkshire and we look forward to seeing it continue to fulfil this role and helping the city to prosper."