Friday 10th February, saw NEPIC hold a successful stakeholder consultation event for the region’s pharmaceutical manufacturing community.
The purpose of the meet, requested by the Office for Life Sciences (OLS), was to assist in the formulation of Government’s Life Sciences sector deal – an important component of its overall Industrial Strategy.
Present were senior representatives of eight regional pharmaceutical companies. The five regional universities were also represented, together with colleagues from the North East Local Enterprise Partnership, RTC North and Centre for Process Innovation.
David Griffiths-Johnson of OLS presented Government’s thoughts relating to a life sciences strategy, whilst Matthew Doherty of Astra Zeneca outlined the role of the recently formed Medicines Manufacturing Industry Partnership.
The group then considered how Government could provide support to the sector under the areas of ‘Technology & Innovation’ and “Thriving & Competitive Business Environment”. Discussions centred around challenges relating to Tax & Fiscal Environments; Support for Clusters; Account Management; Nurture Existing Manufacturing, Support Growing SME’s & Attract Inward Investment and Innovation Infrastructure & Support.
NEPIC’s Pharma Specialist, Philip Aldridge, who coordinated the meet, commented:
“The workshop content will now be distilled by NEPIC and reported back to participating companies before an agreed message is delivered to Government. I suspect that a Life Sciences sector deal will be the first of a number offerings announced by Government this year.”
The workshops were followed by networking reception were many participants expressed their positive views about the engagement process facilitated by NEPIC.
Philip added:
“Our response to Government will be made public in due course. In the meantime, may I once again take this opportunity to thank all of those involved and for their valued contribution and on-going support.”