Government minister and Leeds South MP Hilary Benn has welcomed a new scientific facility as a much-needed way to “nurture the next generation of scientists and researchers”.

Quick Labs, a member of our Phase One Incubator Programme, was created by entrepreneur Victoria Garcia after her own experiences showed how difficult it is for researchers and start-ups to access lab space without it costing a lot of money or equity.

The Royal Society of Chemistry highlighted the nationwide shortage of chemistry labs for research and development in its Unlocking Innovation report last autumn.

Garcia said: “I’ve created open access, equipped laboratory space in Leeds that is affordable for early-stage start-ups.

“They are the businesses that are really impacted by the shortage of facilities. Once a business has raised Series A funding, it is very easy to go and pay for a lab. But if you don’t have money and you just have a great idea then it is very difficult.”

Quick Labs has just launched a mentoring programme, backed by Leeds City Council, where people who are developing a business idea can benefit from grant-writing support, 1-2-1 expert mentoring, and pitch practice. Applications are currently open with places available for an immediate start.

Benn said: “It was a pleasure to see what Quick Labs is about – providing much-needed laboratory space for entrepreneurs and start-ups who have got ideas they want to test out.

“We have a proud history of innovation in our country, but we need to nurture the next generation of scientists and researchers and their great ideas.”

Garcia, who is a current Royal Society of Chemistry change maker, added: “There is the demand from policymakers locally and nationally to see more businesses created that can produce high-value jobs.

“R&D businesses are blocked by the lack of affordable facilities, which we are addressing first in Leeds, and we have the ambition to grow next into other cities in the North.”