16 November 2006
Biotechnology achievements showcased at glittering awards ceremony
Last night Bionow, the Northwest Regional Development Agency's (NWDA) biotechnology cluster support group, held the annual Northwest Biotechnology Awards at the Mere Golf and Country Club in Cheshire. The event attended by 185 guests was a resounding success, showcasing the very best of biotechnology in the region.
The prestigious awards ceremony was introduced by Dr Linda Magee, NWDA Biotechnology Sector Director and Head of Bionow, with the help of Dr Kevin Cox, President of Avecia Biotechnology who is Chairman of the Bionow Steering Committee and who also chaired the judging panel.
The winners were as follows:
• Biotechnology Project of the Year, sponsored by Pannone LLP, was awarded to DxS for 'Therascreen'.
• Young Biotechnologist of the Year, sponsored by Nature Publishing Group, was received by Stephen Richardson of the University of Manchester.
• Biotechnology Start-Up of the Year, sponsored by Addleshaw Goddard, was presented to Myconostica.
• Bioprocessing Project of the Year, sponsored by Avecia Biotechnology, was awarded to Dr Christopher Ward of the University of Manchester.
• Biotechnology Company of the Year, sponsored by AstraZeneca, went to Farfield Scientific.
• Northwest Bionow Personality of the Year was awarded to Professor Mark Ferguson, Chief Executive of Renovo.
Professor Mark Ferguson also brought the awards ceremony to a close with a stimulating after dinner speech on his experiences in the world of biotechnology.
Dr Linda Magee, Head of Bionow, NWDA, said:
"I was extremely pleased to host the 5th annual Northwest Biotechnology Awards, which recognise excellence within the biotechnology industry. Home to some 200 biomedical companies, England's Northwest is the highest exporter of pharmaceuticals in the UK. This success is testament to the companies and organisations that make up the biotechnology cluster, which employs more than 20,000 people in the Northwest. It is only right, therefore, that we celebrate the achievements within this vital sector."
- Ends -
- Photographs available on request.
For further information please contact Laura Hampson, Press Officer on 01925 400256 or 07980 713287 or Laura.Hampson@NWDA.co.uk
For further information and to view previous press releases visit us at www.nwda.co.uk
The Northwest Regional Development Agency (NWDA) leads the economic development and regeneration of England"s Northwest and is responsible for:
• Supporting business growth and encouraging investment
• Matching skills provision to employer needs
• Creating the conditions for economic growth
• Connecting the region through effective transport and communication infrastructure
• Promoting the region's outstanding quality of life