Mayor Paul Bristow visits two businesses which are proving that life science is happening all over the county

Mayor Paul Bristow visits two businesses which are proving that life science is happening all over the county

Paul Bristow at Coloplast. Picture: Combined Authority.

Mayor Paul Bristow visited two Peterborough based innovation businesses, who are advancing in the life sciences sector. Cambridgeshire and Peterborough has been in the spotlight for the on-going science and technology work taking place in Cambridge, however these visits proved that it isn’t the only city making huge steps forward in our medical-tech and agri-tech sectors.  

The day started with Coloplast, which is a company that is aiming to make personal care easier for those dealing with related health conditions, such as stoma care, continence, wound care and bowel conditions. They make products that help people manage life-changing conditions and distribute them nationally and globally to healthcare providers.  

Peterborough is home to Coloplast’s major UK distribution operation, and they process around 6,000 healthcare orders every day. As well as quality products, the business also provides specialist nurses, who deliver direct support to patients in their homes and community settings across the region. 

It’s not only the life sciences sector that it’s boosting, but it’s also supporting our local economy through proving jobs. The site employs around 170 people locally, and they are actively supporting T Levels, apprenticeships, Speakers for Schools and local careers initiatives, which the Combined Authority is committed to supporting. 

Paul Bristow at Coloplast. Picture: Combined Authority.

Hannah Gagen, Head of Government Affairs and Patient Advocacy said: “We were delighted to be able discuss the important contribution that community HealthTech makes to both healthcare and the UK economy. Innovation in life sciences not only supports better care and greater independence for people living with intimate healthcare needs, but also creates opportunities for research, skills development, investment and high-quality jobs. We welcomed the opportunity to explore how the sector can continue to drive growth in Peterborough, the wider region and across the UK.”  

Speaking after the visit, Mayor Paul Bristow said: “It was fantastic to visit Coloplast and see first-hand how a global medical technology company is creating skilled jobs in Peterborough, while improving the lives of patients across the UK. Life sciences is such a growth area for Cambridgeshire and Peterborough, so I’m 100% behind supporting it.” 

Next on the list was NEPsource Spirulina Farm, which is a business that is aiming to build a new way to produce nutrition, focusing specifically on a blue-green microalgae called Spirulina. 

Paul Bristow at NEPsource. Picture: Combined Authority.

The company was founded in 2024 and moved its Headquarters to Peterborough following a £50,000 grant from the Agri-Food Launchpad. The Innovate UK Agri-Food Launchpad was designed to accelerate growth, research, and commercialisation within regional UK agri-tech and food technology clusters. 

Founder, Dhan Ghale, wanted to establish a dependable, localised method for producing high-quality nutrition, focusing on sustainable, indoor microalgae cultivation. During the tour, Mr Ghale showed the mayor how they are practicing Climate Resilient Farming. The company utilizes advanced research and specialized indoor cultivation methods to optimize biomass growth despite the unpredictable UK weather conditions.  

Following the visit, Paul Bristow said: “It’s great to see businesses choosing Peterborough for growth, whilst also building on our strong agri-tech and agri-food sector. My Mayoral Authority gave 21 businesses an AgriFood Launchpad grant, to help boost local economic growth, productivity, and green innovations in the food chain. This is important work, and I’m glad to see such innovation happening in all areas of our county, not just Cambridge.”  

Dhan Ghale from NEPsource said: “It was a real honour to welcome Mayor Paul Bristow to NEPSource and to have the opportunity to showcase the work we’re building here in Peterborough. For an early-stage company, visits like this are incredibly valuable because they help raise awareness of local innovation and give us the opportunity to share our vision for developing scalable, climate-resilient indoor farming technology to produce clean, nutritious food and help strengthen food security while contributing to the region’s future.”

Both companies sit within priority sectors of the region’s Local Growth Plan, which includes a Mayoral ambition to triple the size of the economy by 2050. World class innovation is happening in our county, and that makes our economy stronger. All contributing to the mayor’s goal of creating a healthier, wealthier and happier community.