Home of innovation
Home of Innovation
Braintree is the home of innovation
From the cloth trade to the Courtaulds and Warners & Sons to Francis Crittall, pioneers have written our district’s story. But innovation isn’t just the story of our past, it’s the next chapter too.
We’re excited about the sheer number and quality of innovative projects setting up home in our district. We have got global brands, life-saving technology and new thinking when it comes to battling climate change.
Cell and Gene Therapy Catapult
The innovation and manufacturing centre in Braintree is designed to support the advanced therapy industry and accelerate manufacturing operations at clinical and commercial scales.
Cell and Gene Therapy Catapult is an independent innovation and technology organisation committed to the advancement of the cell and gene therapy industry, with a vision for a thriving industry delivering life-changing advanced therapies to the world.
Its team of experts cover all aspects of advanced therapies and, by applying its unique capabilities and assets, the organisation collaborates with academia, industry, and healthcare providers to develop new technology and drive innovation.
Next generation construction
British Offsite is bringing extra speed, flexibility and reliability to traditional construction with its next generation light gauge steel framing system and infill panels. The pre-manufacture of more components on wall, floor and roof panels is an innovative way of streamlining processes and increasing productivity.
This modern method of construction delivers products more quickly, speeds up the construction process as well as offers a more sustainable way of building projects.
Horizon 120 – A sustainable place to work
The growth of Horizon 120, the new 65 acre business and innovation park located off the A131 in Great Notley, is an example of how we’re leading the way when it comes to green and sustainable development.
This new business park is an exemplar site offering modern, flexible business accommodation, state-of-the-art energy efficient buildings, best in class fibre optic connectivity and electric vehicle charging points.
The site is attracting the attention of several well-established firms keen to relocate their growing businesses to the future-proofed site. It has the potential to create up to 2,000 jobs.
UK electric charging first for Braintree
GRIDSERVE opened the UK’s first Electric Forecourt® in Braintree in what has been called a major breakthrough for electric vehicle charging infrastructure.
The Electric Forecourt® is part of GRIDSERVE’s wider ‘sun-to-wheel’ initiative, built to deliver low cost, net zero carbon energy. Electricity is generated from both the solar power canopies above the chargers, and a network of hybrid solar farms, also operated by GRIDSERVE.
The site is the first of more than 100 Electric Forecourts® being built by GRIDSERVE over the next five years, providing people with the confidence that the UK will have the charging infrastructure required for mass EV adoption well ahead of the 2030 ban on petrol and diesel cars.