01 July 2005

The UK’s largest bioscience innovation and incubation centre, BioCity Nottingham, was attracting attention from the global Biotechnology industry at BIO 2005 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania last week.

L to R: Ken Larkin from emda with Miranda Knaggs and Glenn Crocker from BioCity.

In addition to 19,000 delegates from 56 countries, the convention was attended by representatives from BioCity and the East Midlands Development Agency (emda). Their aim was to raise awareness of BioCity and encourage foreign-owned companies to take advantage of the benefits and opportunities available to them in the region.

Together with the BioCity team, Dr Ken Larkin, international investment manager for healthcare technologies at emda, met with company executives considering future expansion plans within the UK, or collaborations with the UK’s research base.

Dr Glenn Crocker CEO, BioCity Nottingham said: “BIO 2005 provided a great opportunity to keep abreast of the latest trends and developments in bioscience. It was also a chance to position BioCity Nottingham on a global platform, demonstrating the world class facilities we offer to industry colleagues.”

emda’s role in attending the convention linked to its objectives of attracting new investment and expertise to the East Midlands and to improve the transfer of knowledge from universities and other research institutions.

Dr Larkin added: “The convention provided an ideal opportunity for us to raise the profile of the thriving regional healthcare and biotech sector. BioCity offers some of the best facilities in the UK for the bioscience industry and the opportunity to join a community of like-minded individuals in a supportive environment – ideal for innovative companies to grow and prosper.”

BioCity Nottingham's attendance at the convention was supported by EastsideCity - the development team responsible for plans to transform the east side of Nottingham city centre. Their £900 million regeneration scheme will breathe new life into the 17 hectares of former industrial land which currently surrounds BioCity.

For further information on BioCity contact: Dr Glenn Crocker, CEO, BioCity Nottingham on 0115 912 4287.

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