Fabian SEYMOURInnovation Manager Cels Group

North East England’s healthcare and life sciences industry is one of the key sectors for future regional economic growth. The region is committed to the growth and development of the sector and aims to be one of the top 10 places in the world to do science-based business.

North East England has a thriving healthcare economy which is worth £8bn and employs 172,000 people. Over the last six years, more than £200m has been invested in developing world-leading expertise in emerging technologies and their commercial exploitation. The region is already internationally recognised as being one of the major global locations for pharmaceuticals, with 33% of the UK’s pharmaceutical GDP being generated here.

The region’s growing and dynamic industrial base spans from multinational pharmaceutical corporations, such as GlaxoSmithKline to innovative spin-outs and start-ups. Other global pharmaceutical firms such as sanofi-aventis have operations in North East England, as well as world-leading biologics manufacturers such as Avecia Life Sciences and rich sub-clusters of companies in medical devices, assistive technology and health informatics. North East England’s research and clinical base has much to offer investors in the fields of oncology; ageing and health; genetics; plant biotechnology; stem cells and regenerative medicine; infectious diseases; biologics; systems and cell biology, and diagnostics and medical services.

Cels, (the Centre of Excellence for Life Sciences) plays a significant role in bringing together these strengths and driving the growth of the healthcare economy, creating a compelling environment for business development and growth.

North East England is home to five world class universities that are renowned for their translational research, a range of growing businesses in the healthcare and life sciences sector as well as a comprehensive business support and supply chain infrastructure.

This presentation will highlight particular research expertise in the region, which includes stem cell and regenerative medicine based at the North East England Stem Cell Institute (NESCI), linked to superb state-of-the-art clinical trials facilities and biomanufacturing facilities, at the University of Newcastle and three major hospitals.

For South Korean companies interested in collaborative ventures or inward investment opportunities in North East England, the presentation will demonstrate a clear and straightforward route to doing business in the region, and routes to access the National Health Service through Cels.