York Biotech Campus is 'well positioned to support businesses in 2026'
Some international pharmaceutical firms are choosing to invest outside the UK due to the impact of Brexit, according to a senior business figure.
However, Liz Cashon, the estates manager at York Biotech Campus, said she expects to see expect continued interest in lab space the North, driven by regional initiatives and the high costs of space around London, Oxford and Cambridge.
Looking back on 2025, she added: “It’s been a year focused on supporting occupier growth. Labskin Limited has doubled its headcount over the past 12 months, and is now a team of 10.
"Medical test manufacturer Abingdon Health, also based onsite, continues to report rapid growth, clear signs of a strong regional bioscience sector and the value of quality lab space.
“We’re nearing completion of a major project for our long-standing occupier, Fera Science Ltd and the relocation and rebuild of a state-of-the-art Insect Quarantine Unit following multi-million-pound investment. This specialist facility will officially launch in early 2026.”
She added: “While there are many positives, we’ve also recognised challenges in attracting new occupiers.
“Investment in life sciences often focuses on very early-stage start-ups rather than scaling businesses that need more office and lab space. Brexit’s impact also persists, with some international firms choosing to invest outside the UK, particularly in pharmaceuticals, making this market less buoyant than before.”
“The York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority continues to champion the bioeconomy in the region, naming industrial biotechnology and agritech as key inward investment sectors. Their
commitment to attracting more businesses in these areas is a positive driver for growth."
Ms Cashon said collaboration is strengthening with the recent announcement of a new bio-industrial cluster between York & North Yorkshire Combined Authority, Tees Valley Combined Authority, the University of York and Teesside University.
She added: “This initiative aims to bring more jobs and businesses to the North, reinforcing the north’s position as a hub for innovation.
“With a diverse mix of laboratory, office, and warehouse space, many of which are ready for immediate use, York Biotech Campus is well positioned to support these new businesses as they establish and grow.”
Retrofitting and repurposing space will remain a dominant trend in 2026, Ms Cashon said.
"Building new lab space is extremely costly, so converting offices or warehouse areas into laboratories offers a practical and sustainable solution to meet demand. We expect continued interest in the North, driven by regional initiatives and the high costs of lab space in the Golden Triangle. This makes locations like ours an attractive alternative for growing businesses.”