Minister hails life sciences sector as one of Britain’s great assets

Minister Fairhead promotes Britain's life sciences at ABPI conference, setting out how the new export strategy will help support UK based businesses.

Picture of Baroness Fairhead speaking at ABPI conference.

Baroness Fairhead, Minister of State for Trade and Export Promotion, today (Thursday 26 April) highlighted the importance of the UK’s life sciences sector to future trade at a major pharmaceutical event.

The Association of the British Pharmaceutical Industry’s (ABPI) annual conference was attended by Britain’s leading pharma businesses, and showcased the UK’s world leading capability to develop solutions to ever changing health risks around the world.

Speaking in London, Baroness Fairhead set out how the forthcoming Export Strategy will work closely with the Department for International Trade’s Life Sciences Organisation to deliver practical support to both domestic and global businesses who use the UK as a manufacturing and export base.

The minister also detailed how a combination of top universities, research institutions and increasing government support means that the UK is a fantastic place for the sector to invest.

The UK is now one of the top 3 life sciences hubs globally, with businesses based across the country exporting more than £30 billion of goods and services last year.

Speaking at the ABPI conference today, Baroness Fairhead said:

When it comes to world trade, I know that the life sciences sector is one of Britain’s great assets – so let me promise you, the government understands how important it is to our prosperity and public health.

Our shores are the place to develop, manufacture and commercialise medicines. Our open and innovative environment has supported our world-leading research capability, established secure platforms for clinical trials, and ensures efficient access to supply chain and service partners. We are home to flying start-ups and world-beating multinationals and our regulatory standards are hailed the world over.