Healthy ageing and longevity in the North East
Exploit the growing national and international demand for new products and services that support health and independence into older age.
The UK has nearly 12 million people over the age of 55. The 85+ age group is set to double by 2041, dramatically expanding the demand for innovations to meet the needs of an ageing global society.
To address this, there’s an opportunity to design, test and commercialise smart assistive technologies and health management solutions in the North East of England.
The region offers a testbed for developing products, plus it’s supported by well-established clusters that can connect investors with customers, supply chains and innovation partners.
Location:
North East
Investment type:
Foreign direct investment
Sector:
Healthcare and life sciences
Take advantage of this opportunity to expand your business in the UK
Find out howSector and market opportunity
Collaborate, develop and commercialise technologies and solutions that keep people learning, socialising and moving, helping them to live better, longer and more independently.
Work with the National Innovation Centre for Ageing, the Centre for Process Innovation and the National Healthcare Photonics Centre to co-develop and bring products and services for healthy ageing to market. Access specialist expertise ranging from self and remote care management, to diagnostics, to advanced therapies and biopharma.
Growth prospects
The over 60s now make up over 10% of the world’s population and this is likely to rise to over 20% by 2050. The need for healthy ageing solutions is a strategic priority for the UK government.
Location
The North East is a collaborative, compact place to trial and de-risk new products and solutions that can help people to live healthier and independent lives for longer.
The region is home to a strong network of companies working across different disciplines in the healthy ageing sector. Collaborate with players from large, international companies such as Nissan to smaller, more dynamic companies like Biosignatures.
Connectivity
International logistics and passenger hubs are nearby, including Newcastle International Airport and Teeside International Airport.
You can reach London in under 3 hours, thanks to direct services from major train stations in the area.
There’s also excellent road infrastructure, with the north east having some of the least congested roads in the UK. There are 4 deep-sea ports, which are highly strategic hubs for businesses serving northern England and Scotland.
Local talent and skills
Access the talent you need from a region that has the highest density of science, technology, engineering and mathematics graduates in the UK. Over 6,000 students graduate in these fields each year, with over 55% of them remaining in the North East after graduation.
The North East Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) has seen a 22% increase in those employed in the life and health science sector compared to 9% nationally.
Region Spotlight
North of England
The North of England is recognised as a global centre for creativity and design and attracts thriving international investment. This heritage of expertise and manufacturing know-how is well established on the world stage, and historically gave birth to the Industrial Revolution.
Research and expertise
Gain insights into ageing research and access a network of industry, technical skills and academic partnerships.
Work with research institutions such as:
- Newcastle Biomedical Research Centre (BRC)
- Clinical Ageing Research Unit (CARU)
- Newcastle Joint Research Office
- Campus for Ageing and Vitality (CAV)
The Newcastle Hospitals Trust also provides a valuable clinical partner for industry and academia, while the Academic Health Science Network North East and North Cumbria (AHSN NENC) can support product adoption in the National Health Servce (NHS).
Local and national government support
The UK is investing in healthy ageing, meaning your company can capitalise on vital investment pouring into the sector from bodies such as UK Research and Innovation (UKRI). The Life Sciences Vision aims to build on recent scientific successes to tackle future disease challenges including dementia and ageing.
Local councils can provide recruitment and training, financing and potentially reduced business rates for investors. There are a range of financial incentives available for companies investing in North East England.
These vary across the region and include potential grant funding as well as other soft-landing incentives.
