AstraZeneca has announced a £300 million investment in the UK economy, marking a significant reversal after pausing its expansion plans last year. The pharmaceutical giant had previously halted a £200 million expansion of its Cambridge research site and scrapped a £450 million vaccine plant in Merseyside in 2025.
Reasons for the investment
The decision to proceed with the new investment follows a deal ensuring UK pharmaceutical exports are exempt from American tariffs. Additionally, the UK government pledged to double spending on innovative medicines from 0.3% to 0.6% of GDP, creating a more favorable environment for the company.
Government reaction
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer hailed the announcement as "a major vote of confidence in the UK." He stated that the investment would "futureproof thousands of jobs in Macclesfield and in Cambridge," securing employment in key regions.
Bodycare's return to the High Street
In related retail news, Bodycare is making a comeback across the UK and the Midlands. The discount toiletries and cosmetics chain will reopen stores in six locations, including Merry Hill, Leicester, and Derby, with plans for 19 more by the end of 2026.
These reopenings are the first since the brand was purchased out of administration by an investor group led by former Body Shop chief executive Charles Denton. The new owners have long-term plans for over 200 stores nationwide, following the closure of all 147 Bodycare stores last year.
David Stern, managing director at Bodycare, said: "Since the acquisition of Bodycare, the team has reimagined both the in-store experience and the brand's digital presence. The response from the industry to date has reinforced our confidence to scale quickly and we are looking forward to welcoming customers back as soon as possible. Newmark has been instrumental in supporting us in our ambitious vision."
