Twenty UK life science firms showcase their areas of expertise on USA Trade Mission

Organised in conjunction with the Department for International Trade (DIT) and One Nucleus, a not-for-profit membership organisation for life science businesses, the four day event provided a platform for the UK firms to showcase their areas of expertise and build new relationships and contacts.

The firms attended the BIO 2018 International Convention, which is hosted by the Biotechnology Innovation Organization (BIO), representing more than 1,100 biotechnology companies, academic institutions and related organisations across the United States and in more than 30 other nations. Participants also attended a series of networking events including a visit to the Cambridge Life Sciences Corridor and a tour of its world-class bio medical facilities.

Adam Payne, US Country Specialist, Santander UK, said:

We are delighted to support these businesses as they target the US market for potential growth opportunities. Life science is an important part of the UK’s rich manufacturing history and ably demonstrates that the UK remains at the cutting edge of research and development in the industries of the future.

It was great to see firms based in Cambridge in the UK sharing ideas and talking about new opportunities with their counterparts in Cambridge, Massachusetts. The trade mission to Boston for the BIO 2018 conference demonstrates our commitment to helping British businesses grow internationally.

The majority of firms that participated in the mission are based out of Cambridge in the UK and covered all aspects of the sector from drug development to providing regulatory advice. Cambridge, Massachusetts, was chosen as the destination for the trade mission as it’s a global hub for the life sciences industry with world-leading universities, hospitals, research and development facilities, as well as a thriving SME and start-up business culture.

The recent trade mission is part of our focus on helping the UK life sciences sector to invest for growth and, importantly, capitalise on international trade and export opportunities.

Helping SMEs to export is a core priority for Santander. Our trade missions are unique in the wider SME banking market. We regularly and proactively get UK firms out to markets to meet buyers and network with key stakeholders. Previous trade missions have covered Singapore, Poland, Chile, Argentina, Spain and the United Arab Emirates.

To help businesses looking at the US, we’ve worked with the British American Business Council (BABC) to produce a guide on Trade and Investment in the US.

Find out more about how we could help your business prosper internationally on our International hub.