Duke of York inaugurates new research facility in Bude
His Royal Highness The Duke of York has opened Tripos' new
His Royal Highness The Duke of York has opened Tripos' new £16m drugs research facility in Bude, North Cornwall.
The Duke was visiting the Tripos Discovery Research Centre in Bude in his capacity as UK Special Representative for International Trade and Investment.
American-owned Tripos has completed a major expansion at its Bude facility, creating more than 65,000ft2 of laboratories offices and 100 new high-tech jobs.
The expansion was assisted by £1.3m from the South West Regional Development Agency and £2.4m in the form of a Regional Selective Assistance grant from the Department for Trade and Industry.
Dr John McAlister, ceo and president of Tripos, said: 'Tripos is proud to be part of the Bude community and honoured that His Royal Highness The Duke of York participated in the inauguration ceremony at the Tripos Discovery Research Centre.
'We're excited about the innovative research we are doing here as we continue to help our customers transform their ideas into new products to treat diseases.'
Geoff Wilkinson, chief executive of the South West Regional Development Agency, said: 'This expansion has proved to be a huge boost for North Cornwall and demonstrates the region's ability to attract high value-added, knowledge-based industries in a sector that remains a key target for the South West RDA.'
Danielle Atkins, investment manager with inward investment service Cornwall Pure Business, said: 'Cornwall is developing as a centre of excellence for companies in the healthcare, medical and pharmaceuticals sector, as increasing numbers of business are drawn to the talented skills, services and support networks that the county offers. This coupled with a work/life balance second to none offers a perfect environment for health-related businesses to thrive.'
The Tripos Discovery Research Centre, which is based on the Bude Stratton Industrial Estate, offers cutting-edge expertise in medicinal chemistry and other life science specialties by attracting high calibre scientists from throughout the UK and Europe.
The expansion was necessary to meet global demand from pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies to accelerate the discovery of new drugs.