Tees Valley is at the forefront of life sciences opportunities in the UK with four highly-regarded NHS trusts, a world-class university producing 8,350 health and social care students and the new National Biologics Manufacturing Centre, all supporting the wealth of global healthcare, biologics and pharmaceutical companies already thriving here. The Tees Valley Combined Authority (TVCA) helps life sciences companies to locate and grow their operations in Tees Valley, providing assistance with business accommodation, skills support, financial incentives and supply chain integration. TVCA is the combined authority for the Tees Valley urban area in England consisting of the following five unitary authorities: Darlington, Hartlepool, Middlesbrough, Redcar and Cleveland and Stockton-on-Tees, covering a population of approximately 700,000 people. It is a strategic authority with powers over transport, economic development and regeneration.