Seda Wins Bionow Investment Deal of the Year 2024

Seda Pharma Development Services has proudly received the prestigious Bionow Investment Deal of the Year 2024 award. This honour recognises the transformative impact of their £5.5 million Capital Growth funding from Santander NW Ltd, which has been crucial in developing their state-of-the-art GMP manufacturing facility.

This innovative funding deal combined traditional financing with tailored structures to support Seda’s growth. Santander’s phased disbursement plan ensured funding was aligned with construction and commissioning milestones, with interest accruing only on drawn-down funds. These flexible terms were essential in mitigating challenges, such as revenue downtime before MHRA inspection. Over a trusted nine-year partnership, open dialogue and a shared commitment to UK life sciences have solidified this collaboration. Choosing bank financing over VC or PE funding allowed Seda to maintain operational autonomy, ensuring a steadfast focus on client service excellence.

The launch of Seda Clinical Manufacturing Services strengthens the UK’s position as a global leader in life sciences, generating over 50% of its revenue from international markets and repatriating contracts typically outsourced to lower-value regions like China. Beyond exports, the facility stimulates local economic growth, creating up to 100 high-skilled jobs and fostering collaboration within Manchester’s thriving biotech ecosystem. By showcasing the UK’s capabilities in pharmaceutical innovation, Seda is contributing to a stronger, more competitive global presence for the nation’s life sciences sector.

This partnership between Seda and Santander NW exemplifies the impact of strategic, flexible financing and visionary leadership. Together, they are setting new benchmarks for fostering innovation, driving economic growth, and advancing life-saving therapies on a global scale.

Debbie Worthington, Relationship Director Commercial Clients, Corporate and Commercial of Santander said of the award;

“Congratulations to Seda’s well deserved win at the Bionow awards for the Investment Deal of the year. We are delighted to see a company that has banked with us since inception grow so rapidly and have such an exciting future. Seda are making a significant and positive contribution to medical science globally. As their banking provider, we feel proud and privileged to be able to support this next phase of their growth.”

Seda CEO, Paul Stott, remarked;

“We are deeply honoured to receive the Bionow Investment Deal of the Year Award. Debbie and the team at Santander have been exceptional partners throughout our journey, providing invaluable patience, guidance, and flexibility to support our growth and expansion.”