The Ashtenne Industrial Fund was established in July 2001. The Fund invests in industrial and office properties throughout the UK. The focus of the Fund is intensive asset management, with a view to generating both a high income return and consistent capital returns.

AIF completed on the formation of a new Limited Partnership with NWDA, in December 2006, which is rebranded as Space Northwest. The vehicle consists of 40 separate assets including Liverpool Innovation Park together with property in Merseyside and Cumbria regions valued at £136.75m.

Science and Innovation Strategy

The growth of the science and innovation sector in the Northwest is key to the region's future success. The Northwest Regional Development Agency (NWDA) recognises the importance of developing the region's science base in ensuring the region can compete internationally and is committed to investing in the continued development the Northwest's knowledge economy.

In Merseyside, this includes major investments in projects such as Liverpool Science Park, the Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, the growth of Daresbury Science and Innovation campus, the National Biomanufacturing Centre and Liverpool Innovation Park. We are also working to encourage closer collaboration between businesses and higher and further education institutions in order to speed up the transfer of innovation and technology.

Through continued investment and by providing strategic leadership, the Agency will continue to support major science and knowledge driven projects across the Northwest in the drive to transform the regional economy. Working closely with businesses, the learning and education sector and public and voluntary organisations, we are committed to build an innovative and globally competitive economy for the Northwest.