BioHub at Alderley Park, operated on behalf of Manchester Science Partnerships by life science incubation specialist, The BioCity Group, has been named as "Best UK Life Science Incubator" at the OBN Awards.

The OBN Awards celebrate innovation and achievement across the UK life sciences Industry, with categories covering Biotech, Medtech, Synthetic Biology and Digital Health and recognise achievements from emerging to late stage R&D companies to large pharma and life sciences investors.

Judges were asked to consider which incubator provides the best service to start-up and emerging companies, with areas of assessment including location, facilities, resources, business support, exposure to investors and networking opportunities.

BioHub was singled out for "doing an outstanding job" and a "top notch" entry by the judges, who referenced access to regional funding and expert staff, "amazing facilities and collaborative spaces."

In just under three years, (with support from AstraZeneca and Manchester Science Partnerships) BioHub has supported 181 companies and more than 600 entrepreneurs.

It's programmes have resulted in the creation of 56 virtual companies and 10 physical companies. In order to create the optimum environment for emerging businesses to thrive, the BioHub offers 97,000sq ft of world class state-of-the-art laboratories and flexible commercial office space including shared services through an Open Access Lab in partnership with Waters Corp. In addition to facilities, BioHub also provides training workshops, business support and advice, one-on-one coaching, access to an Expert Network (composed of over 90 industry experts, serial entrepreneurs and VCs).

The BioHub is unique in that the on-site support is also complimented by funding from two investment funds. In recent months, Alderley Park Ventures (APV), the investment fund created in late 2014 by AstraZeneca and managed by BioCity, and the GM & Cheshire Life Science Fund, managed by Catapult Ventures, together have invested over £3.5m in more than eight BioHub companies.

Ned Wakeman, Director of BioCity, which manages the BioHub commented;

"This recognition is the result of the hard work from the team here at BioHub, and the many people within the growing ecosystem supporting the companies. We work closely with site owners, Manchester Science Partnerships, and other regional and national stakeholders who are all committed to providing support.

"It is an honour to be recognised by OBN for the framework and enabling function within which this all happens, but ultimately our success will be measured by the success of the people and companies within it."

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