GSK Taskforce — Simon Fell MP

Securing a legacy for the GSK site in Ulverston

I was deeply disappointed by the news that GSK has sold its antibiotics business in Ulverston and Barnard Castle, putting 130 local jobs at risk.

This comes as a real blow to the community and, of course, to those who work there. It is difficult at such a time to look at the bigger picture and to find any positives, but there are some. In the wings are Lakes BioScience who are keen to open a new contract manufacturing plant adjacent to GSK.

We badly need UK sovereign manufacturing capability so my job over the next weeks and months is going to be working with GSK, the community, and Government to make the site attractive to buyers and secure a good legacy for GSK and its employees, preferably in the same kind of business.

The GSK Taskforce was set up by my predecessor, and I’m pleased to have inherited the role of Chair of the group.

I’ve built this page on my site to keep local people informed of the Taskforce’s work and our plans to secure the future of the site, to create jobs and sustain the Ulverston and Furness Peninsula Economy.