Cheshire medical firm sees export market surge after Queen’s Award

A consultancy business that supports the development of pharmaceutical and biotech products for patient benefit has reported record-breaking growth in its overseas turnover in the 12-months since it was recognised with one of the UK’s most prestigious awards.

Boyds received The Queen’s Awards for Enterprise, International Trade for Outstanding Short-Term Growth in overseas in April 2018.

The Crewe-based business has seen overseas turnover leap by 15%, as well as grow its team with four senior appointments and open new offices in Dublin and at Alderley Park, with an eye to post-Brexit trading.

Founder and chief executive, Prof Alan Boyd, said: “Last April Boyds was awarded the Queen’s Award for Enterprise in recognition of our work supporting the development of cell and gene therapies.

“One year on from the award win, Boyds has experienced double-digit growth in overseas turnover and a significant growth in exports, of around 15% in overseas turnover in 2018/19, as well as growth within our team and presence across the UK.”

The Queen’s Award was presented to Boyds at an official visit to its office by Her Majesty’s Lord Lieutenant of Cheshire, Mr David Briggs, last September.

Prof Boyd said: “I was amazed and deeply honoured. I felt especially proud of the team and all we have achieved, particularly through our work in cell and gene therapy and helping clients across the globe to translate their research ideas into medicines to treat human diseases.

“The recognition we have received from the accolade has had nothing but a positive impact on Boyds. We have experienced a significant increase in the number of companies seeking our support and advice for their projects, particularly in the USA.

“Internally, the award has been a real boost for morale, and it meant so much to everyone to be recognised for the work they are carrying out.”

Boyds has made the four new appointments in its regulatory and medical areas, in direct response to the increase in projects for existing and new clients.

It is also set to grow through a merger with another consultancy, which is currently under way.

In spite of the uncertainly surrounding Brexit, Boyds’ exports continue to grow, particularly in Europe and the USA.

As part of its expansion strategy, Boyds opened its Dublin office earlier this year, which was also a step to ensure the continuity of service to global clients post-Brexit.

Prof Boyd explained: “The Dublin office will provide Boyds with the foothold we need in Europe to ensure our clients can continue to benefit from access to the European Medicines Agency (EMA).

“We work with clients across the globe who come to us for our regulatory expertise and who wish to benefit from the easy access to the EMA that allows them to get development advice and gain market authorisation for their drugs and medical devices.

“In establishing the Dublin office, we ensure we are positioned to continue this vital work with the EMA, who we remain close to, allowing us to keep up to date with the latest developments and updates in regulations.”

He added: “We continue to work with clients across the world and are attending the 2019 BIO International Convention in Philadelphia next month, where we hope to build further relationships with businesses operating internationally.”