Scientific centre at the heart of groundbreaking work
Nov 11 2009 by Andrew Mernin, The Journal
Where once our export routes were forged by the kings of heavy industry, it is now North East scientists who may hold the key to our future international success. Andrew Mernin finds out how the life sciences sector is going global.
AS the foundations were being laid for Newcastle's Centre for Life in the late 90s, few people at the time could have imagined the pace at which the region's life-sciences reputation would grow in the decade that followed.
Like the millions of cells being grown, modified and analysed at Tyneside’s hub of scientific endeavour, an industry has multiplied and expanded out across the region and, more recently, to the rest of the world.
The Centre for Life may be the most iconic symbol of the North East’s white coat-clad revolution, but behind the scenes, from the Tweed to the Tees, an army of scientific minds is now supplying products and expertise to firms and institutions all over the globe.
Meanwhile, if the potential of many small but promising enterprises is realised, the ongoing development could accelerate even faster in the coming years.
The export appeal of our life sciences industry stretches far and wide, according to UK Trade and Investment (UKTI).
UKTI international trade adviser Keith Stockdale, who specialises in the chemicals, pharmaceutical and life sciences industry, has witnessed a number of world markets beating a path for North East laboratories in recent years.
“The North East is well-respected around the world. There’s a lot of activity in life sciences across all markets at the moment,” he says.
Mr Stockdale highlights France, Malaysia, Singapore, China and the US as the handful of stand-out export markets for the North East life scientists.
“The States is always busy, it’s always been a consistent market. China was up and coming and they increasingly looking for Western medicines,” he adds.
“That’s an area that’s a long-term market and they are keen to work actively with us. There’s a lot of demand in the more westernised Chinese cities where younger people get more wealth and are turning to Western medicines. There are also a lot of private hospitals growing up.
“The set-up in Malaysia and Singapore is different but they are also looking for western medicines. People like Western brands and there’s a conception that they are better.”
* IN the new year, the North East’s life science firms will have the opportunity to learn about international development at an event in Newcastle. The Office for Life Sciences, in partnership with UKTI, will host a roadshow on January 28 on its future plans and how businesses can benefit from them. For details go to nebusiness.co.uk/events To find out more about UKTI, call the North East International Trade Hotline on 0845 050 5 054.
Page 2: Firms put North on world stage
