A HAMPSHIRE MP has met with the high-tech entrepreneurial business community in Southampton.

Eastleigh MP Mims Davies visited the University of Southampton Science Park for a meeting with the park’s chief executive Peter Birkett and SETsquared centre director David Bream.

The Southampton University-owned centre for Hi-Tech aims to be one of the top university-linked science and innovation campuses in the UK, focusing on facilitating the growth of high quality technology businesses.

Following her visit to the centre Ms Davies said: "I was fascinated to hear about the many success stories that started out at this science park and the business who have benefited from the excellent facilities, flexible approach and IT infrastructure.

"These companies have gone on to produce incredible innovations in technology which will in time - and in some cases already are – improving our daily lives, from genetic detection of viruses such as Swine Flu and Ebola, to sensing rogue nuclear materials and creating futuristic knee and hip replacements."

The businesses based at the Science Park also provide Southampton University students with training and work experience.

"It was great to hear that one of the key reasons that businesses choose to base themselves at the park is to access good quality graduates in our area,”Ms Davies said.

And added: "My thanks to Peter and David for showing me around and for taking the time to discuss the successes and challenges that the entrepreneurial community faces with me. I am confident that policymakers, businesses and innovation champions like Southampton Science Park will find inventive ways to overcome these challenges in the not too distant future. I look forward to supporting this excellent local initiative to expand in the coming years."

Science Park’s chief executive Peter Birkett said: “I often find that new visitors are surprised and excited by the enormous amount of innovation that goes on here and the impact of the resulting technologies on societies across the world. Ms Davies was clearly impressed and we’re delighted that she will help put the important work of our community of businesses on the UK innovation map."