There should be no limit to the ambitions of the UK life sciences sector.

Its academic strength, skilled workforce, R&D spend and cutting-edge clusters are a platform to take advantage of increased global demand for health services and the scientific and technological advancement that is transforming diagnosis, treatment and drug development.

With so much in the UK’s favour, the sector’s success should be a given – but only with the right conditions. This means attracting internationally mobile life sciences capital to the UK over and above the US or European markets with a favourable business environment, strong cultures of entrepreneurship, clear innovation pathways, a competitive tax system and the right real estate to foster growth.

Yet for the UK, there is evidence that the supply of life sciences real estate is failing to keep up with demand, particularly for early stage business with high growth potential. The UK risks missing out. Quickly enhancing the UK’s life sciences real estate offer would help to attract life sciences investment.

The right life sciences facilities with the right specifications in the right places will mean higher and sustainable economic growth, employment and R&D. The UK's life sciences sector ultimately needs more room to innovate and more room to grow.