3rd March 2010

Workers left jobless by the closure of a pharmaceutical plant in Loughborough will be given help to start new businesses in Nottingham.

Around 1,200 workers employed at AstraZeneca face losing their jobs when the company shuts its R&D Charnwood site next year.

But following yesterday's announcement BioCity – the UK's largest bioscience and healthcare innovation centre – said it would try to help employees.

Glenn Crocker, CEO of BioCity, said: "This is obviously terrible news for all those faced with losing their job. However, we must act fast to turn this around and save what we can".

"For some at AstraZeneca that could well mean starting up their own businesses. To support this I'm pleased to announce that BioCity will provide free accommodation for up to 12 months for anyone from AstraZeneca setting up a new business – as well as intensive, hands-on support in getting the business off the ground. In addition, we are offering 10 extra places at the forthcoming annual Bio-Entrepreneur School  which is taking place at BioCity on the 10th – 12th March 2010".

For space enquiries or a place on the bioentrepreneur school, please contact Miranda Knaggs at m.knaggs@biocity.co.uk