TWO ‘leading’ international firms have announced that they will be moving to a new £17.8million office development.

Australian firm Blackmagic Design and China-based Geek+ will become the first tenants at Sci-Tech Daresbury’s Project Violet.

The sign-ups have been described as a ‘significant coup’ for the science and technology campus.

Chairman John Downes said: “We are very excited to welcome Blackmagic Design and Geek+ to the Sci-Tech Daresbury family.

“These international companies prove that Violet has made the campus an extremely desirable location for cutting edge and scaling businesses from across the world, and this expansion of our community is yet more evidence that the north west – and specifically the Liverpool City Region – is taking great strides in supporting the UK’s progress in being a technological superpower.”

Creative video technology manufacturer Blackmagic will be using a 19,000sq ft plot at the site as its ‘base of operations’ for Europe, the Middle East and Africa.

Director Stuart Ashton said: “We are delighted to be joining Sci-Tech Daresbury.

“It's a vibrant community with outstanding facilities that will bring a lot of energy to our business.

“The north west is a thriving hub for innovation with access to many leading technical colleges and universities that will be important to our future growth and success.”

Meanwhile Beijing-headquartered global tech business Geek+, which specialises in smart logistics, will employ at least 30 staff at its new Daresbury home.

Head of sales for the UK and Ireland Simon Houghton said: “We are really impressed by what Sci-Tech Daresbury and Violet have to offer.

“From the high-quality offices, lab space and workshops to the research and development, leisure and catering facilities, everything is all in one location and it provides the perfect base from which to grow our business in the UK.

“We are looking for local talent to join the Geek+ team and help develop our brand in UK, enabling us to provide the best services to our end customers.

“With our brilliant new base at Sci-Tech Daresbury, we believe we can nurture a powerful team and support our expansion in UK.”