Member Article

Newcastle Uni research could have 'profound impact' on bio-processing

The grant comes from the Economic Social Research Centre (ESRC) and will fund a three-year project to look at 12 businesses in the bio-processing, film and media and security sectors.

Dr Dan Down, head of the research, said: “By receiving backing from such a highly regarded national agency I would expect the results of this study to help shape future government policy on the issue.”

He added: “Historically most small businesses complain about the onerous nature of red tape on their ability to thrive, now, thanks to this grant, we will be spending the next three years studying the reality of what companies have to contend with.”

The research is scheduled to start in November, and the 12 companies needed for the research have yet to be decided.

The researchers are looking for businesses with between 20 and 50 employees, with researchers spending a week every six months on site, with the aim of causing minimum disruption.

“The advantage for businesses taking part is that they can tell a story that will be heard by Government ministers and ultimately have a hand in addressing regulatory issues in their industry.” Said Dr Down

Andy Lydiatt, Proffessor of Practice at Newcastle University Business School, said: “This is an exciting opportunity to find out how cutting edge firms in the bio-processing sector – those that will provide jobs for the future – really deal with the regulatory environment.

“I’m sure that the research will have a profound impact on policy decision in the future.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Ruth Mitchell .