A Newcastle recruitment company has launched its own drive for more staff on the back of growth in the bioscience sector.
Lead Candidate was launched in 2020 when its founders, Raman Sehgal, Fiona Cruickshank and Andrew Mears, saw a need for a better talent solution in the life sciences industry. The solution was to create a talent consultancy that champions partnership, offering strategic advice to help business and individuals in the region and beyond to achieve their goals.
Last year saw the business reach significant milestones in which it trebled in size, hired a vice president to be its first US-based team member, and its also moved into a brand new Newcastle city centre head office at 8 Nelson Street – the former Cafe Royal building that is also home to Mowgli restaurant and which has undergone a £1.5m makeover. This year, the business is looking to grow 30% further, allowing it to create several new jobs.
Andrew Mears, CEO and co-founder, said: “Lead Candidate was created out of a commitment from its founders to unlock the potential of organisations through people and a recognition that the solutions available to businesses in our sector hadn’t kept pace with the market. Today our team of experts are working with customers across the US and Europe to make a positive impact on the careers of individuals and the amazing businesses that occupy the life sciences outsourcing sector.
“It’s an exciting time for us, and these developments enable us to better serve our current and future customers around the globe. With no plans to slow down, we’re aiming to grow a further 30% in 2025, which will create several new employment opportunities in the North East. Right now, we’re looking for multiple talent partners and a customer development manager to join us in transforming the talent landscape.”
The firm specialises in a niche area of life sciences, working with organisations that provide outsourced support to the pharma and bio sectors. The outsourcing companies offer services across the entire process of bringing medicines to the patients that need them.
Mr Mears says the region’s rich expertise within bio sciences places the company well for future growth.
He said: “While the pharma and bio outsourcing sector is niche, it’s a fast-growing market. Although we’re based in the North East Lead Candidate operates globally, partnering with companies all over the world, with a particular focus on the US and Europe. We support our partners in recruiting talent at all levels and functions, from entry-level lab scientists to key C-suite appointments.
"The North East is home to an active life sciences sector, with major organisations such as CPI, who we’ve supported in the past, Sterling Pharma, and Quotient Sciences. There’s also a thriving biotech industry, with hubs like the Biosphere at the Newcastle Helix providing laboratory space for life science innovation and R&D in the region.
“We’re also lucky to be surrounded by some top-tier academic institutions like Newcastle University, Northumbria University, the University of Sunderland, and Durham University. These institutions play a pivotal role in feeding and expanding the local life sciences community, with a thriving start-up community spinning out of academia.”
While poised for growth, Mr Mears added that challenges are evident in the North East.
He said: “There is significant optimism in the industry, driven by anticipated revenue growth due to market expansion. However, there are still challenges in terms of funding gaps. Many companies in the region struggle to secure the financial backing that would allow them to scale. The North East is also impacted by a lack of Government-backed funding which limits growth and opportunities for local businesses. Despite the presence of several prestigious academic institutions, a skills shortage still exists with demand outweighing the available talent.
“Recently, we have seen businesses founded in the region move out of the area to more attractive life sciences hubs in the North West and South of the country due to improved access to funding and skills.”
Earlier this week North East mayor Kim McGuinness called for innovation funding to be spread more equally around the country to boost economic growth in regions like hers. Ms McGuinness told the House of Commons Science, Innovation and Technology Committee that too much funding for research and development went to the ‘golden triangle’ area around Oxford, Cambridge and London, despite places like the North East being good at using its expertise to leverage private investment.
