Ensuring a business-first environment is imperative to support the UK post-pandemic recovery and a vibrant animal health sector, says NOAH chief executive Dawn Howard.
She says NOAH (National Office for Animal Health) welcomes measures in last week’s Budget to support business and encourage investment in innovation.
NOAH’s priorities were that the budget should ensure viable businesses could be part of the UK’s recovery, by encouraging a ‘business-first’ approach supported by Government, with measures to make the UK an attractive place for business and investment through investment in skills, further business grants and tax breaks.
NOAH said the Budget also marked a time for an appreciation by Government of the huge resource that many businesses have put into their EU exit planning. For the animal health industry, this has been to ensure continued supply of animal health products and services to support both the health and welfare of our livestock industry and the nation’s companion animals. This meant increased costs and logistical and regulatory challenges, particularly with the very specific issues experienced in Northern Ireland trade.
LEADERSHIP AND RESEARCH
“Looking forward, the UK is internationally recognised for leadership in research, the excellence of our scientific institutions, and the innovation in our economy.
“The animal health sector is no exception: our research and development base in the animal science sector is world leading, with multiple centres of excellence.
“Our sector can fully contribute to the Government ambition for the UK’s life-sciences powerhouse. Further innovation requires growing support, for example through tax relief so that NOAH’s members can commit to a UK future which is greener, safer and healthier than before.”
NOAH believes the pandemic and our lockdown experiences have been ‘a true catalyst for change’, and incentivising innovation will be an ongoing priority in the animal health sector.
“NOAH is pleased to see the Government’s commitment in the 2021 Budget to supporting businesses through a range of economic and fiscal measures to ensure they can continue to grow and play an essential part of the UK’s recovery from coronavirus.
“Additionally, NOAH is pleased to welcome the Government’s announcement to launch a formal review and consultation into R&D tax reliefs.”
Dawn Howard said: “NOAH is pleased these fiscal steps have been taken in the Budget to promote a strong environment for businesses, allowing the industry to flourish building an innovative and renewed regulatory climate where the veterinary medicine industry can be the best we can be. We look forward to working with the government to ensure the continued growth of our sector and making the UK a leader in research and development.”