Science groups win aid

May 15 2008 by Peter McCusker, The Journal

MORE than £1.65m has been given to the body that works for the region’s process industry to help it achieve its ambitious growth plans.

Development agency One NorthEast has given the aid to the North East Process Industry Cluster to ensure its growth in the next three years.

Nepic gives 500 drugs, biotechnology, chemical and support companies a network to share best practice.

It aims to let members work together to attract science firms to the region, improve manufacturing capability and raise the industry profile.

ONE business and industry director Ian Williams said: “The process industry is making a massive contribution to the region’s economy, with 20% of the UK’s production capacity based here and five of the world’s leading speciality chemicals companies with significant assets here.

“Nepic plays a central role in support of the development of the industry in the region. The organisation is expecting the sector to grow by 50% to £13.3bn by 2015 and create an additional 12,000 jobs.”

Nepic chief executive Stan Higgins said: “The success of Nepic arises from the industry leadership of all its activities.”