Life Sciences 2024 Employment Outlook South West

As we progress through Q3 2024, the Life Sciences sector in the South West continues to innovate and grow. With the emergence of new incubators and strategic partnerships, the region is poised to become a powerhouse for scientific advancement.

This snapshot offers some insight into the current Life Sciences employment landscape and looking into the rest of the year.


Sector Overview
The South West continues to thrive as a life sciences hub and is the 3rd fastest growing Life Sciences sector in UK for employment. Science Creates is driving growth through its expansive innovation ecosystem. The upcoming third incubator, focusing on quantum and bioengineering, is set to host up to 275 new companies, further solidifying the region’s status as a center for deep tech startups.


Partnership Announcement
Thermo Fisher Scientific’s partnership with Science Creates offers unprecedented support to healthcare and sustainability startups, providing access to advanced equipment and strategic pricing services, essential for emerging companies.


Talent Overview
The talent pool in the South West remains strong, with universities like Bristol and Bath producing over 11,000 life and health sciences graduates annually. The competitive cost of living continues to attract top talent, positioning the region as an ideal alternative to traditional life science hubs.


Skills in Demand
Demand for expertise in Molecular Biology, Biomedical Science, Clinical Science, and other disciplines remains high. The sector’s resilience and adaptability suggest a positive employment outlook for the remainder of 2024.


Employment Outlook
The UK life sciences sector is poised for growth, with government investments and technological advancements creating new opportunities. Employment trends indicate a steady demand for skilled professionals, with a slight increase expected by the end of 2024.


You can read what we had to say about the Life Sciences sector earlier this year here.

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Principal Recruiter

Materials, Polymers & Coatings

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Zoe Davies