In addition to providing data about the trends driving demand for property in the biopharma sector, the study also highlights the key issues that could affect the growth of the clusters. These issues may have implications for global competitiveness with major clusters such as Boston, Massachusetts, Bio Valley (Switzerland, Germany and France) and Biopolis in Singapore in the future.
The reports focus on Oxford and Cambridge, which have global reputations for their innovative biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies. Located close to the regulators and capital markets in London, both cities are internationally recognised centres of excellence in biomedical science.
The research, commissioned by Bidwells, includes analysis of over 600 biopharma companies located in the two clusters which are also home to the UK’s top two pharmaceutical companies, four of 'FierceBiotech's Fiercest 15' companies in the last five years, two universities ranked in the world's top four and five (non-university) research institutes.
The research, which comprises a map of each cluster with an analysis of the companies shown on the maps, was undertaken by Jeanette Walker of letscellit.
Key findings include:
- 93% of companies employ fewer than 250 people.
With burgeoning demand and limited supply, R&D and incubator real estate has become an increasingly rare and expensive commodity. This is especially true for smaller companies which are not always the most attractive tenants to developers and property investors. This issue will affect the majority of companies within the clusters.
- 30% of companies have been established for less than five years.
The expansion of Oxford and Cambridge has been remarkable in recent years. The fact that a significant number of companies involved are still so new demonstrates the sheer potential and innovation of this sector.
- Over 50% of companies are based on a science, technology or research park.
This suggests a preference for co-location with other similar companies. Would this percentage increase if supply of R&D real estate on research parks was more readily available?
The spirit of continued collaboration between Oxford and Cambridge is consistent with the concept of the ’Golden Triangle’ (Oxford, Cambridge and London), which has the potential to be one of the most powerful clusters in the world. Bidwells operates at the heart of the ‘Golden Triangle’ and over the past few years has provided over 1.6m sq ft of lab space for occupiers in this region.
The study clearly highlights the amazing growth rate of the biopharma sector within Oxford and Cambridge, and provides a number of compelling facts, however it also poses a number of important questions for the future.
- Download key facts about the Cambridge cluster
- Download the Cambridge biopharma cluster map
- Download key facts about the Oxford cluster
- Download the Oxford biopharma cluster map
Request copies of the reports from Bidwells
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