The life sciences sector in the UK has been thriving in recent years and is set to grow further following the recent announcement of a budget boost for life sciences.
As per the latest reports, the demand from biotech occupiers for lab space in the golden triangle of London, Oxford, and Cambridge remains strong.
However, the availability of laboratory spaces for rent in the science clusters of Oxford and Cambridge is extremely limited. This severe shortage of lab rental facilities is a major concern for the UK’s life sciences sector, according to new property data collected by Bidwells, a property consultancy focused on the Oxbridge knowledge economy.
Data from Bidwells shows that in December 2022 there were companies looking for a combined 844.5k sq ft worth of lab space in Oxford – with only 25.1k sq ft available.
Chief executives of biotech companies are warning that the UK will lose out to the US, where Boston alone had nearly 6mn sq ft of lab space under construction in 2021.
For example, Jacob Nathan, the founder of Epoch Biodesign, a biotech startup developing plastic-eating enzymes, had to resort to renting a traditional office building in central London and converting it into a lab space due to a lack of other options. According to Nathan, this was a much more expensive alternative than renting an existing lab, and it depleted a portion of the capital raised by Epoch. “If the UK wants to hang on to its companies and give them an ecosystem in which to scale and grow, we need the space for them. It’s really important”, says Nathan.
All in all, such an incredibly high demand for lab space has been a challenge for many natural sciences businesses, especially for those who are new to the sector or looking to expand their operations.
This is where Oxford Analytical can help. Equipped with top-of-the-line facilities, we offer biotech companies the necessary capacity to conduct comprehensive lab testing.
Lab space for rent
We have a range of available lab space options for rent, from a single bench to a full room, that can be rented for defined periods of time. Our flexible rental options even allow you to hire the lab space for one-off projects. Besides, we have unused warehouse space that can be outfitted for companies with the resources.
In addition to our lab space rental options, we also offer equipment rental services for on-site use. This provides a convenient and cost-effective solution for those who need specific equipment for a project without having to purchase it outright. With plenty of options available to cover various needs and purposes.
Please get in touch with us to enquire and we will find an option suitable for you.
Fully equipped analytical testing facility
Oxford Analytical has been a GLP testing laboratory since its foundation in 1989. Our laboratories are equipped to the highest standard to ensure we deliver high-quality results and superior techniques for our clients.
Analytical techniques used in our labs include (but are not limited to):
- Infrared Spectroscopy (IR Spectroscopy)
- High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC)
- Inductively Coupled Plasma – Optical Emission Spectroscopy (ICP-OES)
- Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS)
- HPLC-ICP-MS
- Gas Chromatography (including GC-FID, MS and Headspace)
- Ion Chromatography
- Liquid Chromatography – Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS/MS)
- Physical testing equipment such as Particle size, Viscosity and ignition testing
Learn more about analytical techniques used in our labs and about our newest pieces of laboratory equipment.
Fully equipped analytical testing facility
At Oxford Analytical, we have extensive experience in product and formulation testing across various areas, from botanical active ingredients to technical grade materials.
Flexibility in Services
At Oxford Analytical, we strive to work flexibly with our customers to meet their needs in an ever-changing environment. Furthermore, with constantly changing product regulations we understand the challenges our customers face. Our customers can get the support they need and choose from a range of analytical services, including full-service analytical support, sample analysis, or custom analytical solutions.
Our Team
We are a small team of highly skilled and committed professionals. Our team includes subject matter experts in areas such as ICP-OES/MS and LC-MS/MS, as well as HPLC, IC and GC methods. With a wide range of skills and backgrounds, we are able to offer a diverse range of services efficiently. We are always looking for ways to stay ahead of the changing face of chemistry and enjoy finding development work to do in our downtime.
In conclusion, the UK’s life sciences sector is booming, but the shortage of available lab spaces in the golden triangle is a major concern for the industry. Biotech companies are struggling to find the space they need, which could lead to the UK losing out to other countries in the global market.
Oxford Analytical can help by offering a range of lab space options for rent, as well as top-of-the-line analytical testing services. With flexible rental options and a team of highly skilled professionals, Oxford Analytical is well-equipped to support the growth of the UK’s life/ natural sciences sector.
Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you.