MSP signs drugs discovery firm to Alderley

Drug research company Concept Life Sciences has taken 12,400 sq ft of laboratory space across two different parts of Alderley Park in Cheshire.

The move will create 75 science jobs at the site, including 55 medicinal chemists and biologists.

The company, which has its corporate headquarters in Manchester, was formed in 2014. Its core research and analytical insights are used across a wide range of sectors, including pharma, biotech, food, environmental and agrochemical. Concept has grown organically and by acquisition and now has over 700 employees.

The company is moving into the Park’s Mereside campus, where it has taken 10,100 sq ft of laboratory space for its chemistry team and a further 2,300 sq ft for its biologists.

“This significant investment will enable us to put in place the expertise to support Concept Life Sciences’ projected growth into 2018 and beyond,” said Michael Fort, executive chairman, Concept Life Sciences. “Our expansion to the Mereside campus at Alderley Park is a pivotal step in the development of the group’s corporate and commercial profile to its international client base, opening new opportunities for collaboration and growth, markedly increasing the depth of our scientific offering and capitalising on Concept’s strong track record of delivery.”

Dr Chris Doherty, managing director at Alderley Park, part of Manchester Science Partnerships, said: “Concept was looking for world class science facilities and access to talent – and we have both. Their track record shows a great deal of progress in a short space of time. Their new Alderley Park base will increase the company’s scientific capacity by over 30%, providing the laboratory and office infrastructure to help maintain that momentum.”

The work conducted at Alderley Park will be focused around Concept’s drug discovery services, which encompass medicinal chemistry, pharmacology screening, assay development, and ADME, supporting biotech and pharma companies by adding value and IP to their small molecule discovery programmes.