Jane O’Driscoll
Executive Director, BioUK
The UK has no shortage of world-class science or entrepreneurial ambition. The challenge (and opportunity) now is to ensure that these innovative companies have everything they need to grow, scale and succeed right here.
At BioUK, we work closely with founders, investors and industry leaders. One message consistently emerges: companies that progress fastest are rarely those trying to do everything alone. They are the ones that build relationships early and seek advice before challenges become critical. These founders understand the impact of surrounding themselves with a network of trusted experts and advisors.
Build industry support early
Whether it is attracting investment, finding the right Chair, protecting intellectual property, navigating the regulatory landscape or developing a commercial strategy, engaging with experienced partners early gives founders a stronger platform for growth. As one founder told us recently: “If you have a problem, say it out loud.” Evidently, the right conversation at the right time can unlock the expertise, partnerships and opportunities which are essential to accelerating progress.
Scale through collaboration
Investors consistently remind us that they back more than just the science. They invest in people and value leaders with commercial thinking and teams that are willing to listen, learn and be open to coaching. Great science creates opportunity; however, it’s the openness to building an expert network and learning from others that can have the biggest impact on whether a business achieves its full potential.
They invest in people and value leaders with commercial thinking
and teams that are willing to listen, learn and be open to coaching
Finding full potential
For the UK to lead global life sciences, we must continue investing not only in innovation but in the people and support networks around them, which are best placed to help founders scale with confidence. If we do that well, we help build resilient and globally competitive businesses that can achieve their full potential right here in the UK. The future of UK life sciences won’t be shaped by the challenges we face, but by how well we come together to help innovators overcome them.
