Major Pharma Conference comes to Tees Valley

Tees Valley has for the first time (16 May) played host to leading national pharmaceutical conference. The Bionow Pharma Manufacturing Conference is a one-day event exploring the challenges and enablers in the sector across the North.

More than 100 delegates attended CPI in Darlington for the summit, with representatives from GlaxoSmithKline and FUJIFILM Diosynth Biotechnologies also giving keynote speeches.

The health and life sciences industry is one of the key sectors for economic growth within the region, currently contributing £450million of economic output with more than 500 businesses employing around 38,000 people.

It is supported by organisations such as CPI, a leading independent technology innovation centre and a founding member of the UK Government’s High Value Manufacturing Catapult.

The conference also aimed to kick-start a wider programme of collaboration of manufacturing sites across the North. Talks on Digitalisation, Complex Medicines and Innovation in Analytics took place throughout the day alongside networking opportunities.

Mayor Houchen said: “The life sciences and healthcare sector is a big deal in the Tees Valley and we’re home to many global household names that have huge confidence in the region.

“That’s with good reason - we have the right expertise in CPI and the National Horizons Centre, the right skills coming from Teesside University and the right companies already working and growing here.

“I am delighted that we can attract such an important event in the pharmaceutical calendar. This enables us to further showcase the best our region has to offer to other major players, while working to drive forward the sector across the North.”

CPI CEO Nigel Perry said: “We are delighted to have hosted this year’s Bionow conference. This event is of great importance to us as we look to play an increasing role in supporting local businesses in the Government’s modern Industrial Strategy and the direction of pharma across the Northern Powerhouse.

“CPI acts as a catalyst bringing together academia, businesses, government and investors to translate bright ideas and research into the marketplace.  Our vision is to enable innovations that help create a healthier society, a cleaner environment and a vibrant UK economy enabled through leading capabilities in science and technology innovation.”

Geoff Davison, CEO of Bionow, said: “After a successful event last year in Liverpool, Tees Valley seemed like a natural host for this conference. We recognise the region as a centre for excellence in the sector, with many assets.

“It will play a central role as we look to start a conversation across the North to further influence academia and Government support.”

The Tees Valley Mayor, Tees Valley Combined Authority, global animal health company Elanco and CPI have all sponsored the event.

ENDS 

NEWS RELEASE: ISSUED ON BEHALF OF TEES VALLEY COMBINED AUTHORITY

CONTACT: Craig Peacock on 01642 524411.

Notes to Editor:

Tees Valley Combined Authority
The Tees Valley Combined Authority was created in April 2016. Its purpose is to drive economic growth and job creation in the area. It is a partnership of five authorities; Darlington, Hartlepool, Middlesbrough, Redcar & Cleveland and Stockton-on-Tees, working closely with the business community and other partners to make local decisions to support the growth of our economy.

Tees Valley Mayor
On 4th of May 2017, residents of Darlington, Hartlepool, Middlesbrough, Redcar and Cleveland and Stockton-on-Tees elected Ben Houchen (Conservative) as the first Tees Valley Mayor. The Mayor chairs the Combined Authority and works alongside the five Tees Valley Councils to improve the economy of the area, bring in new investment and create jobs. He has responsibility over transport, homes & communities, culture & tourism, skills & education, business growth & investment and devolution.

To find out more please visit http://www.teesvalley-ca.gov.uk