MEMBERS of Gwent’s business community came together to mark the opening of a new innovation centre aimed at supporting new companies.

The Springboard Innovation Centre on Llantarnam Park Industrial Estate, Cwmbran, was yesterday unveiled as the latest member of the pan-Wales Technium network.

Technium aims to support science and technology-based companies with high growth potential.

The centre, now called Technium Springboard, will be linked to the University of Wales, Newport, to encourage entrepreneurship in Torfaen and the wider area.

Developed in partnership between Torfaen council and the Welsh Assembly leadership in 2005, the centre aims to promote enterprise and entrepreneurial activity, helping businesses to grow.

The centre has 33 units and has helped produce 34 businesses to date, with 24 of those companies expanding and moving to larger premises.

Gareth Hall, director of the Assembly’s department for the economy and transport, said: “When you operate out of a building like this when you are a small business you can punch above your weight.

“Becoming part of the wider Technium network will provide a boost for businesses based in the new centre as they will now have access to the wide range of facilities, events, services and technical and business support available through the Technium network.”

A plaque commemorating the event was unveiled by Mr Hall and Torfaen council leader Bob Wellington.

Mr Wellington said: “The Springboard Innovation Centre has always been our flagship venture in creating the knowledge economy in Torfaen and making it part of the Technium network will do nothing but enhance this mission.”