ONE of the busiest men in York's flourishing scientific business community has just got even busier.

Not content with an impressive array of professional and voluntary roles, Professor Tony Robards has become a non-executive director of a York Science Park software firm.

The HSBC Professor of Innovation at University of York has played a key role in the growth of the bioscience industry in York and developing links with businesses worldwide.

Now he will lend his expertise to LG01, a company that helps managers in the education, health and public sectors simplify complex data to enable them to identify trends and simplify decisions.

The Heslington data management consultancy derives its name from early meetings in a basement office in Leeds known as Lower Ground 01.

It creates analytical products and services for some of the largest vehicles and telecoms companies, as well as 18 universities including the University of Hull.

David Roberts, managing director of LG01, said: "We are delighted that Professor Robards has accepted our invitation to become a non-executive director of LG01. We have enjoyed excellent growth since our formation in 2000 and our plan is to broaden our product development and our reach into new sectors.

"This new phase will demand broader leadership and Professor Robards will provide that capability."

Prof Robards said: "I have followed the progress of LG01 with great interest and have supported the investment they have made in the City of York.

"They have an excellent business proposition and have demonstrated their ability to deliver technology that meets the needs of their clients.

Prof Robards holds a number of external appointments, including director of the award-winning Yorktest Group and Yorkest Laboratories.

He is also a past president of York and North Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce.

Until recently he held the role of pro-vice-chancellor for external relations at the university, a position he held for 13 years. He began his career in York as a lecturer in 1966, when he arrived to set up the electron microscope laboratory in the newly-established biology department.

Updated: 11:29 Tuesday, December 21, 2004