Covance is a pharmaceutical company based in the United States, which has a base in Alnwick. The future of the site is currently in doubt, but, having raised the issue in Parliament, Anne-Marie has secured the support of Life Sciences Minister George Freeman MP, who has ensured the Office of Lide Sciences is able to offer as much support as possible for the future. You can read the Parliamentary exchange HERE.
A regional taskforce has been convened and held its first meeting in which it discussed a range of options for staff and for the future of the site. Members of the taskforce include representatives from: Northumberland County Council, UK Trade and Investment, the North East Chamber of Commerce and The Centre for Process Innovation (CPI).
Anne-Marie said:
“I am pleased that the county council’s Taskforce Group is now up and running. Following guidance from the Minister and the Office for Life Sciences at the Department of Business, Innovation and Skills, I have drawn together regional business leaders who will bring their expert knowledge of the pharma industry to the taskforce.
“I am under no illusions that for the US owner of the Alnwick site, Covance Inc, a swift solution is the focus of their input so it is imperative that the regional players pool their knowledge to find a going-concern solution for the site. While all the employees in Alnwick are highly-qualified and employable anywhere, it is vitally important to Alnwick’s economy and the region’s growing leadership in the pharma sector, that this taskforce does all in its power to find a buyer. I continue to be available night and day to assist all parties in any further way I can.”