NHS Clinical Research Network chooses Coventry as base to support regional operations

Linda Porter, research delivery manager at CRN, with Cathy Foreman, Pat Ryan, Jenny Warmington, Shelley Grant, Elizabeth Vassell and Penny Robb, centre manager at Binley Business Innovation Centre.

The West Midlands Clinical Research Network (CRN: West Midlands) has chosen Coventry as a base to support its regional operations.

The Network is part of the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) which operates nationally to deliver medical research for the NHS and commercial industry.

The Network covers the entire West Midlands region, and has recently taken office space at the University of Warwick Science Park’s Business Innovation Centre in Binley.

The West Midlands Network is the largest of all 15 clinical research networks in England, and its new Coventry offices on Harry Weston Road will support research studies by providing research governance and business intelligence functions.

The Network has been responsible for supporting and facilitating research studies and clinical trials which have made significant advancements in the treatment of strokes, diabetes and cardiovascular diseases, as well as various illnesses that affect children and the elderly.

Linda Porter, research delivery manager at CRN: West Midlands, said the offices at the Business Innovation Centre were ideal for the Network’s needs.

“The Network operates from a number of locations in the region and to best serve the Coventry locality we need a presence in the area.

“The space at the Innovation Centre suited the team’s requirements perfectly.

“It has space to accommodate our staff who are permanently based here as well as hot desks which can be used by staff from further afield, who meet colleagues in Coventry or Worcester, and nurses who work at local hospitals and need a meeting base.

“The Network’s links with the University of Warwick’s Medical School with its esteemed scientific standing were also major determining factors in the decision to move here.”

Penny Robb, centre manager at Binley Business Innovation Centre, welcomed CRN: West Midlands.

“We are delighted to welcome another prestigious organisation to the centre.

“The Network’s decision to settle here is once again testament to the fact that this is a great base and it’s another organisation that has cited the benefit of having links to the University of Warwick. We look forward to assisting the Network in any way we can with future growth.”