Roadshow highlights blueprint for UK's Life Sciences

09/02/2010

Firms across Yorkshire and the Humber are being offered the chance to help shape the future of the UK’s Life Sciences industry as a special roadshow begins a tour of the UK.

The Life Sciences Roadshows offer a chance for those in the industry to find out about and help influence the Office for Life Sciences’ plans for the future of the sector.

Organised by UK Trade & Investment (UKTI) and the Office for Life Sciences (OLS), the free events kick off in Wales before heading to York Science Park at the University of York on 17 February.

UKTI Chief Executive Sir Andrew Cahn explained:

“The UK has the largest Life Sciences sector in Europe and our research remains the strongest and most productive in the G8. Here is an industry where we are world-class and have the potential to go further. UKTI helped to bring in £500 million in research and development investment in the last two and a half years, of which the largest share was in pharmaceuticals.

“A fifth of all medicines globally are developed in the UK and we have been awarded more than 20 Nobel Prizes in Life Sciences. But it’s vital that we work together to ensure we remain competitive and continue to innovate and adapt.

“The Office for Life Sciences Blueprint, published in July, outlines what is being done to support this vital industry and the roadshows offer companies the chance to find out how they can make a difference, the support available to them and how they can get involved in shaping the industry’s future.”

The OLS has brought together the UK Life Sciences industry with Government departments, including the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills, Department of Health, UKTI, The Treasury, Regional Development Agencies and devolved administrations to work collectively to maintain the UK’s place as a global leader.

During the events, UKTI will also be running an interactive programme of workshops covering a range of topics including market intelligence, a marketing workshop with one-to-one support, selling into the NHS, exhibition training, the challenge of China (with a free, exclusive report from Ernst & Young) and accessing finance in the downturn.

There will also be a comprehensive Life Sciences “Question Time” and a networking reception.

The roadshow will be visiting a number of other regions across the UK during February and March. For more information or to register log onto the website at www.olsroadshows.ukti.gov.uk

Notes to Editors

  • UK Trade & Investment is the government organisation that provides integrated support services for UK companies engaged in overseas trade and foreign enterprises seeking to locate in the UK. It brings together the work of teams in British embassies and FCO posts overseas and government departments across Whitehall. In England, international trade support is coordinated by nine International Trade Directors working in partnership with each Regional Development Agency.  UK Trade & Investment services are delivered locally through a network of International Trade Teams.  The devolved administrations in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland have their own arrangements for local delivery of services. For more information visit the web site www.uktradeinvest.gov.uk.
  • Yorkshire and Humber companies can find out more about the wide range of support services available through UK Trade & Investment by contacting the regional International Trade Hotline on 0845 6048 048 or visiting the www.tradeyorkshire.com website.

Media enquiries

Paul Butler, COI News & PR – 0113 346 6088, paul.butler01@coi.gsi.gov.uk

Issued on behalf of UKTI by COI News and PR Yorkshire and the Humber