Britain's biotech potential (part II): world-class science, second-class support?

By Emily Letton | Published: 29-Apr-2026
Finance

In part one, Manufacturing Chemist explored the UK’s world-class science base and early-stage investment appeal. In this second instalment, attention turns to the structural gaps that are limiting its ability to scale

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In the second half of this article, the limitations become clearer as companies attempt to scale. Readers can explore part one here.

Government support seems to be where frustration runs deepest. Both Steve and Sai Life Sciences paint a picture of a country whose policy apparatus has not kept pace with the ambitions of its science base … and which is falling measurably behind its nearest European competitors as a result.

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Britain's biotech potential (part I): world-class science, second-class support?

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The UK produces top-tier life sciences research, offers favourable conditions for early-stage investment and hosts a growing network of internationally competitive clusters. So why does the capital keep leaving?

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  1. You need to be a subscriber to read this article.
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    Britain's biotech potential (part I): world-class science, second-class support? The UK produces top-tier life sciences research, offers favourable conditions for early-stage investment and hosts a growing network of internationally competitive clusters. So why does the capital keep leaving?
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