York Guides

There'll be 10 per cent growth, predicts chief

Greg Wright
Deputy Business Editor
Yorkshire Post Today

YORKSHIRE'S bioscience sector is expected to create 1,000 jobs over the next five years, as more academics move from the lab to the boardroom.

This prediction was made by Julian White, the chief executive of the White Rose University Consortium, at an event to showcase the talent of Yorkshire's bioscience community.
The White Rose Bioscience Forum at York's Central Science Laboratory gave bioscience leaders the chance to network, forge deals and discuss possible flotations.
Delegates included representatives from biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies, academic and research scientists, professional advisers and investors.
Speakers at the two-day event offered advice about opportunities and pitfalls. They included Dr Simon Ward, the chief scientific officer, at York Pharma, who described his experiences of listing on the Alternative Investment Market (AIM).
Mr White said Yorkshire's bioscience cluster is one of the most exciting in the UK.
He added: "Already employing over 10,000 people, the region's bioscience industry is predicted to grow by over 10 per cent in the next five years, particularly with respect to small, entrepreneurial drug discovery and development companies. A high level of university spin-outs, due to the strong links between the region's companies, universities and hospitals, contributes to the development of the cluster."
The White Rose University Consortium is a partnership between the universities of Leeds, Sheffield and York which aims to improve links between academics and the business community.
Other speakers included Alex McWhirter, head of enterprise at Yorkshire Forward, who said the development of bioscience was crucial to the region's economic growth.
He added: "We continue to support programmes across a number of key areas of the cluster which back this continued development, such as bio2work, which aims to ensure bioscience graduates in the region have the skills employers really need, and the Specialist Business Advisory Service, which aims to provide business advice for bioscience companies."
There were cautionary words from Victoria Sergeant, the director of bioscience head-hunters Aggio Partners, who claimed many smaller companies were hiring the wrong managers. Many board members also lacked commitment.
"If you're going to look for people to fill senior management positions yourself, you should remember that technical qualifications are not enough," said Ms Sergeant.
"It's amazing how many companies choose people for the wrong reasons. There are crucial characteristics that the best senior managers display that you should be looking for. For instance, a great CEO should be able to provide evidence of being commercially driven, opportunistic, highly-networked, energetic and organised. All of these qualities are vital.
"And having a great CEO is only the start. Take a look at your board. Every single board member should be an ambassador, constantly using their contacts, knowledge and expertise for the good of the company."
Ms Sergeant recommended drawing up role descriptions and agreeing time commitments for the board.