Cambridge, 20th May 1998

The Generics Group, founded in 1986, is a major technology and business consulting and investment organisation, with an international reputation for the successful exploitation of emerging science and technology into commercial markets. It employs over 200 staff. The majority of its work is undertaken on behalf of large international companies but it also works with small, start-up companies, many of which are spin-outs from its own organisation.

1   Meetings with Dr Gordon Edge, Executive Chairman, The Generics Group, Dr Peter Hyde, Managing Director, Dr Mike Crossfield, Director, Engineering Division, Mr David Ely, Senior Consultant, Sensors Division, and Mr Mike Reynolds, Consultant, Communications Division, and others, Scientific Generics

Topics discussed: Cambridge and technology-based companies; intellectual property; start-ups and spin-out companies; fostering a innovative culture in companies; liaison with customers; the importance of developing and maintaining brand recognition; risk aversion in the UK.

2   Meeting with Dr John Haine, Head of Research, Ionica plc (a spin out from Generics plc).

Topics discussed: The importance of targeting the right market; developments in telecommunications; provision of finance for companies without a product stream.