Versarien plc is an advanced engineering material group with its HQ in Longhope. It’s an international leader in the field of graphene and related layered materials production, that has grown through the acquisition of spin out companies from the University of Manchester and the University of Cambridge. 

CEO Dr Stephen Hodge and his team showed the Labour candidate Matt Bishop around and explained the work they do here in our constituency. 

“It is fantastic to see leading edge science driving a growing business in the Forest of Dean. It’s just what we need for a green economy that provides exciting jobs and skills. The development of graphene shows the value of partnership between business and universities but it also highlights the importance of international research and industrial application.

“We need a government that is on the side of such businesses and giving young people the paths to exciting careers in their own back yard.”

Graphene is a material that is extracted from graphite and is made up of pure carbon, one of the most important elements in nature, which is found in daily objects like the lead of a pencil. Graphene is tough, flexible, light, and with a high resistance. It’s 200 times more resistant than steel and five times lighter than aluminum. With these properties, graphene has applications in the energy, construction, health, and electronics sectors.

Company’s like Versarien are on the cutting-edge of this technology, and can help bring innovation and future jobs to The Forest.

Dr Stephen Hodge, CEO of Versarien said: 

“This week is an incredibly important week for the UK, and Versarien is ready to be at the forefront of a UK revolution that will support our science and industrial strategies. We see our disruptive graphene and 3D construction automation technologies as pivotal in driving new projects that will create new jobs and bring new skills to local people. The visit of the Forest of Dean Labour candidate Matt Bishop was a great opportunity to showcase these innovations and demonstrate their potential benefits to the Forest of Dean and wider communities.”

Versarien’s innovative work includes the development of water based graphene mixes that can create low-carbon concrete, reducing the usage of cement, improving the durability and lifetime of structures and reduce the impacts of CO2. 

Versarien is pioneering 3D construction printing and has partnered with Building For Humanity to support in the delivery of the first UK 3D printed houses. The project is made up of 46 affordable homes and a community hub for a site in Accrington. It’s hoped this will provide a blueprint for other brownfield sites and communities that are severely lacking in affordable and social housing. 

Matt Bishop wants to champion innovators in the Forest of Dean. 

“It’s companies like Versarien who can help us achieve a greener future. Labour will introduce a new industrial strategy and work with our excellent research institutions, professional services, advanced manufacturing, and creative industries. We will ensure a pro-business environment, with a competition and regulatory framework, that supports innovation, investment, and high-quality jobs.”