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England’s Northwest is one of the UK’s top three clusters for the biomedical sector, including biotechnology, pharmaceuticals and healthcare. Its strength is based on the presence of several major pharmaceutical companies in the region, a rapidly expanding biotechnology community and internationally renowned academic and clinical research strengths.
The Northwest is home to some 230 biomedical companies, including seven multinational pharmaceutical firms employing 20,000 people. The region is the highest exporter of pharmaceuticals in the UK and the cluster has a rich heritage, dating back to the industrial revolution and the development of the chemicals industry.
Major international companies include:
- AstraZeneca
- Avecia Biotechnology
- Sanofi Aventis
- Covance Inc
- GlaxoSmithKline
- Novartis
- Pfizer
- Smith & Nephew
- Bristol – Myers Squibb
- Eli Lilly & Co
- MedImmune Inc
The Northwest sector includes some 95 core companies, including the global research and development base for AstraZeneca, while the cluster also contains over 100 suppliers to the industry. Through our specialist cluster development group Bionow, the NoE will continue to ensure that the region remains at the forefront of the next wave of biotechnology growth in Europe.
As the Agency’s biotechnology cluster organisation, Bionow is helping to create a vigorous and successful regional biotech industry that will continue to be a major source of wealth and employment in the Northwest, contributing to the nation’s biotechnology industry at large.
Bionow assists both existing companies and new ventures in the region by supporting strategic infrastructure programmes, in addition to hosting a vibrant networking community and promoting the science and research base. Bionow is the region’s key source of information promoting the Northwest as home to a significant commercial bio-pharm sector and a world class centre of excellence for basic and clinical research.
Bionow manages a strategic project portfolio worth in excess of AUD137 million. Key projects include:
- The National Biomanufacturing Centre (NBC) in Liverpool, a AUD67 million project developed by the NoE for product development and early stage biopharmaceutical manufacturing
- The Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, a medical school dedicated to the development and treatment of tropical and infectious diseases, that is expanding with the help of AUD19 million in funding from NoE
- The Core Technology Facility in Manchester, a AUD53 million project supported by the NoE that provides a grow-on space and specialist services for companies moving from the Manchester biotechnology Incubator
- UK BioBank in Manchester, a AUD127 million project supported by NoE, that will look at genetic and environmental factors that impact on human health and disease
- Nowgen, the Northwest Genetics Knowledge Park based in Manchester and supported by the NoE
Case studies: AstraZeneca
Testimonials
Life Sciences Case study: AstraZeneca
AstraZeneca houses its primary drug research, development and manufacturing complex, employing 7500 people just south of Manchester.
In 2002, the company announced a AUD$124 million investment in a new cancer research building at its site in Cheshire. The facility houses state-of-the-art laboratories and equipment for 243 discovery scientists, chemistry and biosciences staff.
“The Northwest represents a superb location for attracting and retaining highly skilled professional staff. We benefit from the research centres in Manchester and Liverpool, particularly in cancer, genetics and informatics. The Northwest is in a highly productive phase with the basic science progressing rapidly. I know AstraZeneca will have an increasing need for the vibrant networking of universities, biotech companies and healthcare providers in this region to maintain its leading position.”
John Stageman, Global Vice President and Head of Enabling Science & Technology, AstraZeneca.
Testimonials: Life Sciences
“Renovo is a biopharmaceutical company with a portfolio of over 300 patents and patent applications worldwide and have four drugs in clinical development. Our excellent links with the University of Manchester have helped us build Renovo into a strong company on par with the best international biotechnology cluster in the region. The skills we need are readily available and we are able to attract and retain the highest calibre staff.”
Prof Mark Ferguson, CEO, Renovo
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