Jobs boost as global clinical researchers choose Edinburgh
ICON are a global provider of outsourced development services to the pharmaceutical, biotechnology and medical device industries specialing in the management and analysis of clinical studies that support the development of new medicines. The company, which is headquartered in Dublin, Ireland employs over 6000 people globally across 36 countries.
“Edinburgh’s excellent infrastructure and highly skilled labour force made it an obvious choice for our first Scottish operation,” said Alan Morgan, President ICON Clinical Research, Europe. “The help and support we received from Scottish Enterprise also made our decision easier compared to the other locations we looked at.”
The global market for outsourced clinical research is estimated to be around $14 billion with projected growth rates of around 13 per cent and Scotland is increasingly becoming an attractive location for this industry.
The Scottish Government’s Enterprise Minister, Jim Mather said: “This is a tribute to Scotland’s strengths in clinical sciences and great news for Edinburgh. Scottish Enterprise funding of £100,000 will help with the fit-out and preparation of ICON’s new facility, a clear demonstration of the benefits of refocusing Scotland’s public sector to support our aim of increased sustainable growth.”
Lena Wilson, Scottish Enterprise’s chief operating officer said: “ICON is one of the leading companies operating in this fast expanding market and I’m delighted to welcome them here. They are exactly the type of company that can ultimately help Scotland develop, attract and retain high quality talent in the rapidly growing life sciences sector.”
The company expansion move was also supported by Scottish Development International.
“This project will significantly boost Scotland’s reputation as a location for contract research and is another sign of our continuing ability to attract top quality jobs through our inward investment agency Scottish Development International,” added Ms Wilson.
Craig Cowbrough
Scottish Enterprise
Tel: 0141 228 2651
Mob: 07887 833099
Email: craig.cowbrough@scotent.co.uk
Susan Dempsey
Marketing Manager
ICON Clinical Research
South County Business Park
Leopardstown
Dublin 18
Tel:+353 1 2912000
Email: dempseys@iconirl.com
About ICON
ICON plc is a global provider of outsourced development services to the pharmaceutical, biotechnology and medical device industries. The Company specializes in the strategic development, management and analysis of programs that support clinical development - from compound selection to Phase I-IV clinical studies. ICON teams have successfully conducted over 1,900 development projects and over 2,300 consultancy engagements across all major therapeutic areas. ICON currently has approximately 6,150 employees, operating from 69 locations in 36 countries. Further information is available at www.iconplc.com.