21 March 2012 -- The BioIndustry Association (BIA) welcomed the continued support for the life sciences sector outlined by the Chancellor of the Exchequer in the Budget.
Glyn Edwards, BIA Interim Chief Executive, said:
“We are pleased that the Chancellor recommitted the government to supporting the life sciences sector in the Budget. The Chancellor’s plans to help enable the commercialisation of research, invest £100 million in new university research facilities and to increase the Enterprise Management Incentive Scheme grant limit are to be welcomed.
“However, the BIA believes that this commercialisation will be helped if innovative companies have access to additional sources of funding, such as that offered by our proposed Citizens Innovation Funds. These funds would make the government an enabler rather than a provider of much needed investment in innovative businesses.
For further information, please contact Robert Winder, Communications Manager, 020 7630 2191; mobile 07825 942 934.
BIA Budget representations on the Citizens Innovation Fund: http://bit.ly/bia_cif
BioIndustry Association
Founded over 20 years ago at the infancy of biotechnology, the BioIndustry Association (BIA) is the trade association for innovative enterprises involved in UK bioscience. Members include emerging and more established bioscience companies; pharmaceutical companies; academic, research and philanthropic organisations; and service providers to the bioscience sector. The BIA represents the interests of its members to a broad section of stakeholders, from government and regulators to patient groups and the media. Our goal is to secure the UK’s position as a global hub and as the best location for innovative research and commercialisation, enabling our world-leading research base to deliver healthcare solutions that can truly make a difference to people’s lives. For further information, please go to www.bioindustry.org
