Pictured above: John Barnes

A man who has helped hundreds of fledgling businesses get off the ground in Warwickshire and the wider West Midlands has retired.

John Barnes has stepped down from his role as manager of the University of Warwick Science Park's Warwick Innovation Centre to spend more time with his family and to pursue his other passions of cycling and West Bromwich Albion.

John was part of the hugely successful Science Park team for more than 11 years and supported a range of companies, particularly high-tech and innovative new businesses.

He had previously worked for six years with Staffordshire Business Link and Chamber of Commerce having run his own business following a career in the engineering equipment and supplies sector.

Barnes was originally manager of the Science Park's Business Innovation Centre in Binley, Coventry, but moved over to Warwick on a temporary six month basis to oversee the third phase of development there in 2001. He stayed in nine years!

David Rowe, the chief executive of the University of Warwick Science Park, paid tribute to Barnes' contribution to helping innovative businesses.

He said: "Our centre managers are often called upon to carry out a wide range of duties for our tenants giving help and advice along the way. Starting a new business - particularly when it's a brand new idea of concept - is not easy and John understood that.

"He knew the stresses and strains that businesses were under and was often adviser, counsellor and father-figure all rolled into one! That was along with the day-to-day duties of managing the centre. 

"We all wish him the very best in his retirement."