OBN Welcomes Renewed Focus on Life Sciences in UK Industrial Strategy
Abingdon, UK – June 2025. OBN, the not-for-profit membership network, welcomes the UK Government’s renewed commitment to life sciences as a central pillar of the newly published national Industrial Strategy.
The announcement marks a promising step forward in recognising the strategic value of the UK’s thriving life sciences sector. With a strong heritage of innovation, world-class academic institutions, and a vibrant ecosystem of entrepreneurs, R&D companies, investors and industry partners, life sciences continue to play a critical role in driving economic growth, health innovation and global competitiveness.
As we await further details from the forthcoming Life Sciences Sector Plan, OBN is encouraged by the Government’s recognition of the sector’s potential (along with Advanced Manufacturing) and looks forward to ensuring that the needs of early-stage and scaling businesses remain firmly on the agenda.
The Government’s ambition to become the leading Life Sciences economy in Europe by 2030, and third globally by 2035, is an aspiration that aligns with OBN’s mission to drive growth through connection, investment and opportunity.
Stuart Rose, CEO of OBN, commented:
“The UK has a unique opportunity to lead the world in life sciences innovation, but this depends on building an environment that enables early-stage companies to grow, collaborate and attract long-term investment. We welcome the Government’s recognition of the sector’s importance in its Industrial Strategy, and we look forward to reviewing the upcoming Life Sciences Sector Plan in full. Of particular note is the increased capacity of the British Business Bank to more than £25bn, for investment largely through VC funding. The injection of capital is the most urgent unmet need for our sector. OBN remains committed to supporting the success of our members and the wider ecosystem through helping to secure investment, creating connections and saving time & money.”
To find out more about how OBN can support your growth, visit www.obn.org.uk, and to view the full Industrial Strategy, click here.
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About OBN
OBN is a not-for-profit membership organisation dedicated to catalysing success in life sciences. With a growing network of 520+ members, OBN provides sector-specific networking, partnering, purchasing support, and opportunities to meet, learn, and grow with a particular focus on early-stage UK life science SMEs.
Contact Information
Sophie Beech – Marketing and Communications Manager – communications@obn.org.uk
Stuart Rose – CEO – info@obn.org.uk
