The latest Business updates from the science industry


Leading Organisation to Anchor Canary Wharf Cluster by Heather Hobbs


Genomics England, a global leader in advancing and delivering genomic medicine and genomic research, is moving its headquarters to London’s Canary Wharf during autumn, following the announcement in March of a joint venture by Canary Wharf Group (CWG) and Kadans Science Partner to develop a life science focused laboratory on the London site, as the fi rst phase of plans for a leading health and life sciences cluster.


With 750,000 ft2 of space across 22 storeys, situated on the 3.3-hectare North Quay site located next to the new Elizabeth line station, the new facility, to be delivered in 2026, will be the largest commercial, wet lab enabled life science building in Europe. It will offer fl exibility for core laboratory space on all fl oors and house SME’s and academics as well as global healthcare and pharmaceutical companies creating a campus under one roof.


The London site is already home to several leading healthcare and life sciences-focused organisations, including Barts Health NHS Trust, the Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency, Medical Defence Union, General Pharmaceutical Council and NHS Transformation.


”Securing a company of Genomics England’s stature is a signifi cant endorsement of our vision to establish Canary Wharf as a world


class life sciences hub in the UK. Canary Wharf offers Genomics England an unrivalled and exceptional working environment with access to great transport, power and cloud infrastructure, more than 300 shops and restaurants, 20 acres of green spaces and 5 km of waterside boardwalks,” said Shobi Khan, CEO of Canary Wharf Group.


“Attracting a cluster of innovative companies to Canary Wharf, in advance of opening our purpose-built laboratory enabled space at North Quay, is part of our strategy to make Canary Wharf one of the UK’s leading centres for life sciences.”


Chris Wigley, CEO of Genomics England Limited added: “Genomics England is delivering an ambitious agenda, in partnership with the NHS and others that will ensure the UK continues to lead the world in genomics. The move to Canary Wharf will enable us to deliver this agenda more effectively, benefi tting our workforce as well as moving us to a more modern estate in close proximity to our partners in the NHS and Life Sciences sector.”


Having enabled the world’s fi rst national Whole Genome Sequencing service in the NHS Genomic Medicine Service, Genomics London helps researchers use the data to help fi nd the causes of diseases and to work on new treatments. At the cutting edge of global


research into the human genome, it is regarded as one of the most valuable organisations of the UK’s life science sector.


Canary Wharf Group was advised by CBRE and JLL, SHB Real Estate acted for Genomics England.


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Scientific Laboratory Supplies (SLS) acquire controlling interest in Aurora Scientific


Scientifi c Laboratory Supplies (SLS), the UK’s largest independent supplier of scientifi c products, is pleased to announce it has acquired a controlling interest in Aurora Scientifi c, one of the leading water utility suppliers.


Aurora Scientifi c was founded in 1988, specialising in sampling equipment for the UK water industry and has grown to become a leading supplier, supporting over 70% of regional water utility companies, as well as large laboratories that conduct microbiological and chemical analysis for all water types. Aurora is known and trusted for their specialist supply of validated sample containers to the water industry, which heavily relies on consistently high-quality validated products and an assured continuity of supply.


The recent changes in world market conditions, from Brexit and COVID-19 to environmental challenges and increased raw material and energy costs has exerted pressure on Aurora’s operations. To maintain supply in the face of changing market conditions, Aurora and SLS engaged in discussions to develop a partnership that will allow for Aurora to continue to deliver and develop exceptional quality products to the water testing market.


SLS are well established in the water utility markets and the two businesses have readily synergised operations, increasing the availability of products to both entities, allowing their customers to streamline analysis and reduce laboratory costs. The agreement will secure the continuation of ongoing product developments and bring new lines and product innovations to the market.


Brian Hepburn, Managing Director of Aurora commented on the deal: “This new working relationship with SLS is a major plus for our customers. For over twenty-fi ve years, we have offered a wide range of reliable, high-quality and customer specifi c products to the food, environmental pharmaceutical, and water industries. However, with the current emphases on cost and pressures in the supply chain, it was becoming extremely unlikely that Aurora Scientifi c could continue in its existing format. We can now look


Empowering Business and Communities in Yorkshire


A new business hub to help support the region’s entrepreneurial community with dedicated facilities and expertise has been launched by the University of York. Enterprise Works, will be based at the newly-renovated Guildhall, which has just been acquired by the University on a 15-year lease following a multi-million pound renovation The hub will offer a range of business services, including offi ce space; conference facilities; shared workspaces; training and networking events, as well as building on existing services offered to University staff and students.


Professor Kiran Trehan, Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Partnerships and


Engagement, said “Enterprise Works will support the region’s entrepreneurs and businesses, but more than that, enhance the power of enterprise and entrepreneurship to support communities, economies, and lives.


forward to packaging the combined expertise of both companies together and helping our customers through what are diffi cult times. We will continue to be the best value in the market for water related laboratory products. We are proud of our history and this deal secures our future and for our products manufactured here in the UK.”


Bob McLaughlin, Sales Director of SLS added: “This deal is exciting for all involved, as it allows us to work closely together in delivering the best quality solutions for the water testing industry. We are two businesses with a primary focus on both the customer and quality, which allowed for such positive discussions to take place. We look forward to working with SLS and Aurora customers to ensure we continue to service their requirements with superior customer service and the highest quality products available.”


SLS has grown to become the UK’s largest independent supplier of laboratory equipment, chemicals, and consumables. Because of its independence, the company is unique in its approach to sourcing and supplying the highest quality, best value products and brands.


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“We want to ensure that everyone who wants to be enterprising is supported to do so, whatever their background, and to make enterprise everybody’s business.”


Enterprise Works will also help to develop small business training and offer funding opportunities to entrepreneurs across York and the wider region. It will deliver a wide-range of events to bring together thought leaders, business owners, policy makers and researchers to work on crucial social and business issues, as well as create a new community allowing entrepreneurs to access expertise and peer support.


Director of Enterprise Works, Sam Gardner, said “Community is at the heart of Enterprise Works, and we are thankful for the generosity we have seen from our alumni and the local business community for this initiative so far.


“We are excited to support local businesses at every stage of their entrepreneurial journey and to work with them to shape this community in the future.”


Helen Simpson, Chair of York and North Yorkshire LEP, said: “The next generation of entrepreneurs will grow some great new businesses, which will support the development and expansion of our regional economy.


“We’re delighted to see the University’s commitment to entrepreneurship and to developing our talent base. We look forward to continuing to work with the University in the development of partnerships across the city and the region to ensure holistic, connected support for our start-ups.”


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