About Cluster Partners

We work with Innovation Districts and Investment Zones to design and implement clusters that drive social and economic success.

We believe that social and economic success is driven by thriving clusters of interrelated enterprises – be that private, public or third sector. Successful clusters are self-sustaining, generating a life of their own. What makes a successful cluster is well understood, though stimulating their development is more an art than a science.

It’s a multidimensional challenge that covers established businesses, new ventures, Universities and other research institutions, accelerators/incubators, investment firms, training and testing centres, cultural attractions, hospitality (restaurants - coffee shops – bars), transport infrastructure, digital systems, financial services, engagement and exchange mechanisms. We have a deep understanding of where to start the flywheel turning.

We have a good understanding of the interest of different sovereign wealth funds investing in the UK which we can access/develop as opportune.

It is likely that a ‘Scale Space’ like facility would enormously benefit a district that includes a leading research university.

Meet the Team

  • Lord Richard Harrington

    Richard Harrington, Lord Harrington of Watford is a British businessman and politician. He was enobled in 2022 with a life peerage after a successful business and political career spanning four decades.

    Following a successful 30 year career in business, he took his expertise into politics, where as an MP and Minister, and later appointed a Peer, he delivered on the government’s key objectives from co-writing the Industrial Strategy to implementing the ground-breaking Homes for Ukraine Scheme.

    His expertise is in cross government working, being the first ever Minister to hold office in 3 departments together, and on partnerships between the private and public sectors.

    Most recently he used his unique experience and insight to write a well received report on Foreign Direct Investment for Chancellor Jeremy Hunt, which recommended a reorganisation of Government towards attracting investment to the UK. It was accepted by the Government, opposition and business groups across all sectors.

    He currently advises large firms on their growth and engagement strategy as well as being a trustee for an organisation that supports UK start-ups, in addition to being on the board of notable charities and a regular media contributor.

  • Dr. Richard Broyd

    Dr. Richard Broyd has broad international experience having worked in UK, USA, Japan, and Europe, and broad company experience having worked in healthcare, advanced materials, digital ventures, bio-technology, chemicals, construction, automotive, consulting, private equity, asset management, and venture capital.

    Richard has been an active investor with various family offices, including Bertarelli and Heerema, and is currently on the Limited Partner Advisory Committee of an international venture capital fund, and on the Direct Equity Investment Committee of an international family office, he was also a managing director of a $600m+ private equity fund.

    Richard has a long career in regional economic development starting from a PhD in Regional Economic Development from Cornell University, USA, and the United Nations Center for Regional Development, Nagoya, Japan. He then worked at Monitor Company with Prof. Michael Porter on cluster development, more recently he has contributed to the Harrington Review of Foreign Direct Investment and was Chairman of Scale Space from it’s conception to steady state in White City District of London.

    His pro-bono work has included collaboration with Larry Ellison Foundation, Digital Awareness UK, Start Network, Reach to Teach, and the MIT Center for Development and Entrepreneurship, as well as mentoring several start ups.

    Richard has five children and loves theatre, rugby, history and cooking.