The North East offers expertise and facilities in developing, testing, manufacturing and the adoption of patient-centred treatments, therapeutics and medicines at a time of demographic change.
Our vibrant research and innovation community features world-leading life sciences companies, a research-active public health system and a strong research and clinical trials network. We are renowned for our centres of excellence in personalised medicine, digital health, advanced therapies and biopharma manufacturing.
From world-leading health research organisations to vibrant SMEs, the region offers investors the opportunity to locate beside some of the most pioneering companies in the life science sector. There are internationally recognised R&D companies within the region such as QuantuMDx, Kromek, Changing Health, IDS (Immuno Diagnostic Systems) and Kunasan.
We are home to exceptional research and development (R&D) and science facilities such as Newcastle Helix, CPI, NETPark and the International Centre for Life. Companies locating to the North East can enjoy premium laboratory and office space, plus a range of bespoke soft-landing packages to support their move to the region.
The North East has a highly skilled talent pool, with 7,000 people currently employed in life sciences and a further 116,000 in the manufacturing sector. The region is extremely well-connected by excellent rail, road, air and port networks that offer great export potential to the pharmaceutical manufacturing sector.
The North East has a unique combination of medical and technology assets, networks and academic expertise to support businesses and investors in the region. It also benefits from closer integration with regional academic, NHS, and innovation support organisations including the North East and North Cumbria Academic Health Science Network (AHSN NENC)
North East England has a range of accelerator programmes to support businesses starting up and growing in the region including the Sustainable Advanced Manufacturing (SAM) programme that supports product/process and technology development in manufacturing SMEs in the region. The SONNET (Smart cONNected tEchnology InnovaTion) programme supports SMEs in the development of new digital technologies and their application in solving real-world problems. Finally, the North East SME Innovation Programme helps SMEs realise their innovative possibilities by providing expert advice on applying for grants and creating a competitive edge.
Supporting your move to the North East
Life sciences companies choosing to locate in North East England will benefit from a wide range of business support and cluster networks primed to offer guidance and advice across a range of topics. To support a smooth transition to the region, Invest North East England can provide a range of services, including property searches, data on skills and guidance on incentives, as well as making introductions to specialist networks and academics that can offer guidance and links to potential customers, opportunities and R&D support.
