A response from our CEO, Mayer Schreiber, in light of the Government’s Life Science Sector Plan.

 

“The Life Sciences Sector Plan sets out the Government’s bold ambition to make the UK the leading life sciences economy in Europe by 2030. It’s encouraging to see our sector recognised as one of the UK’s greatest national assets, with policy changes designed to drive economic growth and attract global investment.

The South East (excluding London) generates 30% of the UK’s life sciences turnover, worth over £32 billion – more than any other region. At Discovery Park in Kent, a designated Life Science Opportunity Zone by the Government, we’ve seen this momentum first-hand. The park has doubled its scientific community in recent years, with both homegrown innovators and international companies choosing to build and scale here.

The Government’s plan rightly recognises the need to attract global investment, something we’re already delivering on as home to a growing number of overseas-owned businesses, including Asymchem, which has established its European manufacturing base here. Our tenants will welcome the £520 million Innovative Manufacturing Fund, with Discovery Park infrastructure already built for advanced manufacturing and powered by the £160 million Kent Renewable Energy biomass facility, a significant clean energy FDI project which aligns to national sustainability priorities.

While the Plan’s nationwide focus on manufacturing and innovation is encouraging, I’d like to see stronger recognition and support for Kent’s life science clusters in future phases of place-based innovation, especially given the strength of our community. The life sciences opportunity is clear, now we must build a business-first environment that removes barriers like regulatory complexity and high business rates, so regions like ours can fully deliver.”

 

Read the full Life Sciences Sector Plan, released 16 July 2025: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/life-sciences-sector-plan