MSD life sciences deal a ‘huge vote of confidence in industrial strategy’

Pharmaceutical giant MSD, otherwise known as Merck, is investing in a life sciences research facility in London, which is expected to create around 950 jobs.

MSD UK and Ireland managing director Louise Houson said: “We believe London to be a unique bioscience centre of excellence and a key component of the established golden triangle for academic science of London-Oxford-Cambridge.”

Investments by world-renowned companies like MSD and Qiagen demonstrate that the UK’s science base is truly world-leading

Sir John Bell

Business secretary Greg Clark added: “Our life sciences sector is one of the UK’s fastest developing industries, with a turnover in excess of £64 billion, employing 233,000 across the UK.

“MSD’s commitment today, and the wider Sector Deal investment we have secured, proves the process outlined in the Industrial Strategy can give companies the confidence and direction they need to invest in the UK. It will ensure Britain continues to be at the forefront of innovation and represents a huge vote of confidence in our Industrial Strategy.”

Meanwhile, German diagnostics firm Qiagen is developing a genomics and diagnostics campus in Manchester, and has confirmed it will expand its operations in the city, with the potential to create 800 new jobs.

John Bell, chairman of the Life Science Industrial Strategy Advisory Board, said:"Investments by world-renowned companies like MSD and Qiagen demonstrate that the UK’s science base is truly world-leading and an exceptional national strength."

Both deals were confirmed as part of the government’s industrial strategy, which it published on Monday (27 November).