BioCity Scotland, the centre for life science businesses in Newhouse, Lanarkshire has signed a deal with the Select Pharma Group which sees its expanding contract testing laboratory services move onto the site this month

Select Bio Laboratories is acquiring 2500sq.ft of bespoke office and laboratory space to provide GMP (Good Manufacturing Practice) pharmaceutical microbiology and biochemical analysis to global pharmaceutical clients. This will help the Group meet its strategy of providing a one-stop shop for pharmaceutical testing.

Named as Scotland’s Best New Life Science Company in the Scottish Enterprise awards this year, Select Pharma is anticipated to grow its Biolab at Newhouse from three to ten staff over the next three years. Providing highly-specialised testing services to major pharmaceutical companies has become a major source of revenue as the global industry contracts out. Select Biolabs can expect to win further contracts from manufacturers based in North America and Asia whose drug development must comply with EU regulations. BioCity has overseen the re-fitting of the laboratories; a sterile testing area and bespoke microbiological and biological laboratories, fitted out to meet Select Bio Laboratories specifications.

Steve Hastwell, Technical Director for Select Bio Laboratories is overseeing the move into the new facility: “BioCity Scotland is an ideal base for us. The quality of the laboratory facilities is world-class so the additional re-fitting gives us exactly what we need. We also want to be associated with BioCity’s success in establishing itself as a major provider of support to Scotland’s life science businesses. I have no doubt that being based here will bring opportunities to promote our services to the wider life science community in Scotland.”

Select Pharma Laboratories was established in 2010 by David Clapperton and Joanne Parkin, industry professionals with extensive experience in pharmaceutical manufacturing and contract testing services. The laboratory in Stirling achieved MHRA approval in October 2010. Since then the company has grown rapidly with an absolute focus on customer service throughout the organisation. This has produced consistent delivery of high standards of service. In November 2011 a second facility was commissioned in Stirling, housing a specialist Stability Storage suite, and the latest addition to the Group activities is Select Bio Laboratories at Biocity. The company has received valuable assistance from Scottish Enterprise and Scottish Development International.

The arrival of Select Bio Laboratories brings to eleven the companies now benefitting from the BioCity Scotland facilities and support. Launched in January this year, the company has worked hard to bring the 130,000 acre site and highly specialised laboratory equipment into use again, and has also brought several corporate partners alongside to provide professional services for tenants. Select Bio Laboratories will have access to legal, accounting and IP experts who now deliver regular workshops on site.

Fraser Black, MD of BioCity Scotland says: “We are delighted to count Scotland’s Best New Life Science company amongst our growing group of tenants. The calibre of management and scientific expertise shown by the team is testament to the strength of the Scottish life sciences sector, and BioCity is just the location for such as aspirational organisation. We look forward to helping them with their growth plans.”

Potential tenants, university representatives and organisations interested in becoming involved with BioCity Scotland should make contact via the website www.biocity-scotland.co.uk