North West life sciences sector to benefit from new Deloitte online service
18th September 2020, 2:48 pm
The North West’s strong life sciences industry is set to benefit from a new Deloitte centre of excellence, targeted at supporting growth in the sector’s innovative businesses.
The business advisory firm’s Life Sciences Catalyst service offers a collaborative platform to solve challenges faced by the sector. Via a virtual events programme, a database of whitepapers and an extensive business surgery programme, the Life Sciences Catalyst facilitates connections between people, businesses and investors to support companies of all sizes.
The North West has become a stronghold for life sciences in recent years, with high performing clusters in the likes of SciTech Daresbury and Alderley Park. As a result, the region currently employs 125,000 people in the sector, contributing 11 per cent of the UK’s total life sciences workforce – higher than the capital. Companies in the region also add a total of £4.5bn in GVA to the Exchequer.
In order to support the next generation of life sciences businesses, the Life Sciences Catalyst also offers ‘Deloitte Propel’ a service designed for ambitious and fast-growth start ups and SMEs. The tailored programme of support includes a range of topics, from basic tax compliance statutory reporting and technology selection through to full financial management and growth planning.
Kathie Haunton, partner at Deloitte in the North West, said: “The launch of our Life Sciences Catalyst service recognises the significance of the UK’s life sciences sector – something that has been thrust further into focus as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“As one of the North West’s stronghold sectors, the region has played a key role in driving innovation in the UK’s life sciences industry, contributing a significant proportion of jobs and GVA. This new service will provide businesses with a platform to access valuable business management information and share knowledge with their peers, as well as offering insight into how to maximise long-term growth.”
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