New centre to boost next generation life sciences firms

A new centre to support the next generation of health and life sciences businesses is being set up in Daresbury.

The Health Tech Business Incubation Centre (Health BIC) will be established at the Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC) Daresbury Laboratory following a £1.8m innovation zone grant from the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority.

It will provide tailored support to nurture new and early-stage businesses working in the health and life sciences sectors.

Support will include:

A spokesman said the four-year programme will be looking to recruit businesses with high-growth potential that demonstrate an ability to be coached. Tailored support and funding will be given to each applicant over an 18-month incubation period.

Paul Vernon, executive director for the Business and Innovation Directorate and Head of Daresbury Laboratory at STFC, said: “The Health BIC will be part of a family of business incubation facilities at STFC’s Daresbury Laboratory.

“We work with partners such as the Medical Research Council, Medicines Discovery Catapult and industry bodies and universities to create a rich package of support.

“The model has resulted in 20 times return on investment on economic activity from businesses who have participated in our incubation programmes to date. We hope to replicate that successes as we work with businesses from Liverpool City Region to drive more innovation in the sector and see more investment in the region.”

Halton is on of six member councils of the Liverpool City Region. The Health BIC is among the first of 21 Life Sciences Innovation Zone projects that are expected to create 8,000 new jobs and attract up to £800m investment to the Liverpool City Region over the next 10 years.