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Bidwells highlights Oxford biopharma cluster


Bidwells property consultancy firm has just published its first Oxford Biopharma cluster report. This is a ground-breaking piece of research undertaken by Jeanette Walker of letscellit.com and based on more than 15,000 data points, which provides a comprehensive highlighting of a significant cluster of companies located within a 20-mile radius of the Carfax Tower which are engaged in the therapeutic supply chain, ranging across disease prevention, prediction, diagnosis, treatment and monitoring.


Walker, director of letscellit.com and author of the report, explained: “For this study we identified the companies that fell within the scope of ‘biopharma’ and then collated data about their age, nationality, primary focus, activity and location. The focus is on the nature and extent of the biopharma cluster and does not cover company financing rounds or deals.”


In terms of activity, 39% of the companies are engaged in R&D; 10% in process development, production and manufacturing; 9% in technical consulting; 18% in scientific services/products; 29% in distribution, sales and marketing.


Recognising the significant importance of this sector to Oxfordshire’s economy, Bidwells, which already works with many of the companies, universities and science parks operating in Oxfordshire, commissioned the research to gain a better understanding of the cluster’s strengths and weaknesses.


Some of the strengths are that the University of Oxford ranks first in the world in life sciences, clinical, pre-clinical and health; that the 244 companies involved in this sector include Immunocore which in 2015 secured the largest European life-sciences fundraising total ever at $320 million; that two companies have been listed in the prestigious “FierceBiotech’s Fiercest 15” in the past five years; that there are nine publically-traded companies with a combined market cap of $1.83 billion; and, that two of the world’s top-10 pharmaceutical companies, J&J and Sanofi/Genzyme, have a presence in the cluster.


Some distinguishing features are that 16% of the companies are University of Oxford spinouts; that 85% of the companies employ fewer than 50 people and 97% employ 250 or fewer; and, that 57% of the companies are based on a park, the top three locations being Milton Park, Oxford Science Park and Harwell Campus.


The Oxford cluster report was undertaken in parallel with the Cambridge Biopharma Cluster report, copies of each and the cluster maps can be viewed at bidwells. co.uk/research/cambridge-and-oxford- biopharma-clusters.


Reading to benefit from high-street regeneration programme


Business in the Community’s ‘Healthy High Streets’ programme aims to increase footfall by 10%, reduce the number of vacant properties by 20% and stimulate the creation of new jobs in 100 towns over three years. The programme first launched in June 2014 and is backed by some of the UK’s biggest high-street brands – Boots UK, EE, Exterion Media, Greggs, Marks & Spencer and Santander and new partner Wilko.


Reading has become one of 33 new towns added to the 67 already benefiting from Business in the Community’s ‘Healthy High Streets’ programme. The programme aims to increase footfall


by 10%, reduce the number of vacant properties by 20% and stimulate the creation of new jobs in its targeted 100 towns over three years.


As a result of being selected, Reading will receive a bespoke package of support, including access to skills and expertise. The businesses supporting the programme will work together with the local partnership team, local authority and relevant local partners to devise an action plan to address the specific challenges facing the town.


Over the past year of the programme, it has brought into 67 UK high streets


THE BUSINESS MAGAZINE – THAMES VALLEY – SEPTEMBER 2016


support and resources worth £17 million, made up of investment in property upgrades in Healthy High Street towns, the cost of High Street Champions’ time across the 67 towns and senior- management support from across the partner businesses,


Business in the Community is a member of the Government’s Future High Streets Forum and supports the High Street Pledge. The Pledge is currently supported by over 40 of the UK’s leading businesses. They are committed to using the leadership expertise, skills and resources of their business to help UK high streets achieve their full potential.


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