Major Pharma conference comes to Tees Valley

Tees Valley has for the first time 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, which was launched by Tees Valley Combined Authority’s business development growth manager Michael Kendall (pictured above).

Representatives from GlaxoSmithKline and FUJIFILM Diosynth Biotechnologies also gave keynote speeches.

The health and life sciences industry is one of the key sectors for economic growth within the region, currently contributing £450m 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.

Tees mayor Ben 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.