Longbridge is measuring up nicely for Select Research Ltd

Andrea Fullard, Innovation Centre Manager and Jacqui Currie, Select Research

30 September 2008

Pioneering research company Select Research Ltd is undertaking a ground-breaking study into the development of obesity management from the Innovation Centre at Longbridge Technology Park, developed by St Modwen.

Using the latest 3D scanning technology, the Longbridge-based team is playing a crucial role in a global research project which aims to investigate the body shaping and sizing of at least 200 children from the local area. These results will form part of the findings of the overall study - one of the biggest research projects ever conducted into obesity measurement - which is expected to prove invaluable in facilitating a clearer diagnosis of obesity and related health risks.

The Body Benchmark Study has already found that the widely used Body Mass Index (BMI) does not take into account where mass and body fat is stored on the body and the research partners involved in the Study believe a review of obesity measurement is long overdue given that BMI was first developed in 1830. The Body Benchmark Study is set to revolutionise the way body fat is analysed, by creating a new automated obesity measurement, called the Body Volume Index (BVI).

Seven years ago, Select Research Ltd used the 3D body scanner technology, now being used at the Innovation Centre, to measure 11,000 people on behalf of the Department of Trade and Industry for the first National Sizing Survey since the 1950s. This national survey included 1,197 men and women from Birmingham and the surrounding area. Select has also pioneered significant sizing surveys for major high street retailers including Next and Marks & Spencer.

Lisa Aytok from Select Research Ltd explained why being based at the Innovation Centre has been vital to the success of the Body Benchmark Study. Lisa said: "Select Research Ltd is already a member of the Central Technology Belt, and therefore the Innovation Centre was always on our radar when it came to looking for office space in the Midlands. With the nature of the other occupiers, and the level of innovation and technology within the building, we felt it was an appropriate place to set up our new base.

"The fact that the Innovation Centre provides a full range of business support facilities and a serviced reception gives us a highly convenient and professional environment in which to conduct our research. Due to the nature of our work, we welcome many visitors to the office, all of whom have been suitably impressed.

"The flexibility of the letting terms is ideal for the changing nature of our business. Being project led it is important that we are not tied into a base for a particularly long length of time. However, we are very keen to stay at the Innovation Centre for the foreseeable future, as it fulfils our requirements perfectly.

"The Body Benchmark Study has enabled to team to meet many local people as we have been relying on the participation of children in Longbridge to collect the data. We have been overwhelmed by the response from the community, and even at this early stage we have been able to draw some tentative conclusions; however we still need more children aged four to 16 years to be part of this pioneering study."

Longbridge Technology Park is one of the first stages of the £750 million regeneration of the former MG Rover works, which is being undertaken by St Modwen and Advantage West Midlands. The Innovation Centre and the neighbouring Two Devon Way are the first two completed office buildings at the Technology Park. The 45,000 sq ft Innovation Centre is already more than 85 per cent let and is home to a diverse range of technology-led companies.

Andrea Fullard, Innovation Centre manager, has worked with Select Research Ltd to ensure their move to Longbridge was a success. Andrea said: "Select Research Ltd is one of many occupiers at the Innovation Centre leading the way in a range of technology-focused areas, and as you would expect the environment is very conducive to this kind of work. Being based in such a thriving centre makes for a very enjoyable work-life and there really does seem to be an infectious, inspirational atmosphere, quite unlike anywhere I have worked before."

For more information on Select Research Ltd, please visit www.selectresearch.com. If you are interested in taking part in the pioneering 'Childhood Obesity' trial on BVI at the Longbridge Innovation Centre please telephone 0870 727 1658 or visit www.bodybenchmark.org for information on how to register your child.

Technology Park news ...