South African pharmaceutical firm to open new office in Leeds

A global pharmaceutical firm is set to open an office in Leeds to support its expansion in the UK, Europe and the Middle East.

Headquartered in South Africa, Ashkan develops and manufactures nutritional supplements for animal health.

The company’s new Leeds office will handle the sourcing of raw materials and sales ahead of the launch of a manufacturing base in the UK.

Eddy Mehta, founder of Ashkan, said: “Leeds is a vibrant city with excellent connectivity to Europe and beyond. Britain is a strong brand that conveys quality in markets around the World.

“I believe the positives outweigh any concerns around recent developments in the EU. If you have a good product and skilled people, companies, wherever they are, will want to trade with you.”

Hentons, the accountancy and advisory firm, assisted Ashkan in setting up the UK operation. The firm provided a full range of tax and business advice to establish the international business.

Ashkan has developed a rehydration block for day old chickens which helps their well-being during transport. The company has signed a licensing deal with an international life sciences group that will enable global distribution.

Ashkan manufactures a broad range of nutraceutical products for animals ranging from sheep to camels and horses.

Simon Gray, a partner of Hentons, said: “It is a testament to the skill base in Leeds and Britain that we can attract leading global innovators like Ashkan.

“This is a company with innovation at its heart that is well placed to grow profitably from its new UK base.”