Enterprise Zone deal creates new pharmaceutical jobs in Tees Valley

Posted on 9 October 2013 · Posted in News

A leading UK manufacturer in the medical research field is to expand its North East base and create new labs for high skilled jobs.

Cambridge Research Biochemicals (CRB) is expanding their premises on Belasis Business Park in Stockton, 1 of the 12 sites that make up the Tees Valley Enterprise Zone.

CRB is a specialist manufacturer of custom-made peptides and antibodies – both key tools in drug discovery.  They supply some of the world’s largest pharmaceutical companies and leading research institutes.

The move was made possible due to Enterprise Zones benefits and £65,000 from the government’s Regional Growth Fund.

Emily Humphrys, CRB‘s Commercial Director, said:

“The expansion will allow us to strengthen our team and operating base and gives us ample room to grow again in the future.  We knew we needed to expand to take advantage of new markets and opportunities.  The financial support from this grant and the Enterprise Zone 5 Year Business Rate relief scheme has made the difference in ensuring that this project can go ahead sooner rather than later.”

The grant is part of a £30 million Regional Growth Fund (RGF) programme designed to help fund research and development projects that create or safeguard jobs in the North East of England.

The grant will support a £900,000 investment programme including the purchase and refurbishment of 10,000 sq ft to create a mixture of new laboratories and office space.

Alison White, CRB Operations Director, added:

“This move to new premises is our second in 12 years and represents a significant step for our company.  In particular, it allows us to start our expansion plans sooner and to fast-track our growth from overseas.  In Japan, for example, we have seen at first-hand how we can rapidly grow our business by accessing Far-East markets.”

Councillor Mike Smith, Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Transport at Stockton Borough Council, said:

“Stockton Council has been working closely with Cambridge Research Biochemicals to support their expansion in Stockton Borough.  We are delighted that they are now able to bring their expansion plans to fruition and will look forward to the creation of a number of high-quality jobs to support their aspirations for the future.”

Neil Kenley, Director of Business Investment at Tees Valley Unlimited added:

“CRB is a local company which epitomises the skill and innovation that we are fortunate to have here in Tees Valley. 

“Every day these people are working on life changing projects and to further enable their progress is a testament to the Enterprise Zone offer.”

For more information on Tees Valley Enterprise Zone see https://www.teesvalleyunlimited.gov.uk/tees-valley/enterprise-zone.aspx.