by Tony Jones, CEO, One Nucleus
Email [email protected]
Michael Porter’s Cluster Theory, proposed over 40 years ago, was a watershed explanation of the value of like-minded stakeholders being in close proximity to drive innovation, growth, and in this context, translational research to create better patient outcomes.
The adage that success attracts success has also proven true when one looks at the enviable track record of success from leading international clusters such as Greater Boston, San Francisco, San Diego, Medicon Valley, the United Kingdom and Germany, where there has been a flywheel effect. These dynamics continually evolve as new entrants join the game and the global innovation ecosystem becomes increasingly connected. Much like Simon Sinek’s explanation of business, life science innovation is indeed akin to an infinite game where new entrants join at any time, not just at the start; the end never arrives, and the goalposts keep moving.
The UK as a Cluster
In the new era of bio-innovation being global, the UK represents a high-calibre destination in terms of the discovery and invention of new approaches to treating the pathophysiologies of disease, lifestyle and ageing. On that global scale, considering the UK as a single cluster appears a valid view when considering where to start. Grow or expand your biotech company. Within that UK cluster are hubs, such as Cambridge, Oxford, and London. A drug discovery company would be in good company in these areas based on deals secured by their peers in the past year.
Absolutely, the ultimate choice of where to locate is determined on a case-by-case basis that best suits any particular company. Navigating the UK landscape can appear complicated with a combination of private and public sector organisations willing to ‘help’. Confusingly, many have ‘UK’ within their organisation name and act nationally, but there is large variation in what is offered. When wanting to explore and integrate into a world-class ecosystem, great connections, insights and support can often best be delivered where there is a local focus. This tends to be where relationships, trust, and a collective ownership in that region are uppermost.
One Nucleus is proud of its >25-year heritage in London and Cambridge, two powerhouses in life science innovation, entrepreneurialism, finance and international collaboration trading. Reviewing the last three years of venture investment into drug discovery across the UK as reported on PitchBook, there is a dominance of the London-Cambridge corridor. The effect is likely exacerbated by the presence of the HQ for many companies listed as London, which in itself emphasises the global dealmaking role London plays. Centric to this region to deliver activities such as its flagship conferences, One Nucleus is not exclusive to this region when it comes to membership.
At a time when major multinationals can be located anywhere, in general they choose established innovation hubs. Often not the cheapest locations but where talent, investment, infrastructure and related disciplines are neighbours. Innovation is a contact sport where collaboration is vital to translating leading-edge research into real-world impact for patients, investors and innovators.
There perhaps has never been a time when the required elements of suitable laboratory space and available talent pool have never been more favourable to growing a biotech company in this exciting cluster, subject to available capital to make it happen. For companies with the capital, One Nucleus has a suite of Facilities Management advice, detailed overleaf, to help you find, occupy and grow in the optimal location for you.
Current clients include: Babraham Research Campus Ltd, Broken String Biosciences Ltd, Cambridge Science Park, Forth Therapeutics Ltd, Gen Two Real Estate, Healx Ltd, Howard Sawston Ltd and Insmed Innovation UK Ltd.
Ask Richard Dickinson, Chief Technical Specialist, One Nucleus
Richard has over 30 years’ experience as a facilities manager and has worked for more than 40 years in the life science sector. Richard has been with One Nucleus for 17 years and has worked with over 40 companies in this time with many companies returning for his services.
Contact: [email protected] www.onenucleus.com
What’s Available?
Through being embedded in the network, One Nucleus brings insight and knowledge of available lab spaces, sometime as sub-lets, before they are publicly disclosed.
Impartial advice?
Working with all our members and network with no carried interest such as leasing commission, One Nucleus can provide independent and impartial advice on the best location and facility to suit your needs.
What Does It Cost?
First-hand knowledge of rental, fit-out and operating costs, One Nucleus offers discounted facilities consultancy support to members to help manage the identification, design, fitout and management of the lab space.
Who Do We Need?
One Nucleus has a set of trusted and preferred lease negotiation along with strong supplier and contractor relationships to minimise fit-out and relocation costs.
Can We Save on Lab Supplies Going Forward?
Via One Nucleus membership, access to heavily discounted laboratory supplies and services for on-going laboratory operation.
Do We Need a Facilities Manager?
If your company is not yet at the stage of requiring a dedicated facilities manager on pay roll or whilst you recruit, One Nucleus an offer on site facilities management services to ensure you and your employees are concentrating on your R&D activity.
What If We Need to Move?
Whether due to growth, restructuring, lease ending or company closing, there are times when your company will vacate the facility. One Nucleus can offer advice and management of dilapidation requirements when exiting a current facility.