An Oxfordshire science park which is home to more than 250 science, business and technology firms, welcomed measures in Wednesday's Spring Budget to support the sector.

Philip Campbell, commercial director at MEPC Milton Park, near Didcot, said: “We welcome the Budget measures to accelerate Research and Development (R&D) tax relief for life science and advanced manufacturing companies, providing a further boost to the UK’s ambition of becoming a science and tech superpower.

“Similarly, the announcement of an additional £360 million across life sciences, automotive and aerospace sectors is a step forward in helping to turbocharge the UK’s world-leading R&D capabilities across leading innovation clusters.  

“Together, these measures will likely help strengthen the demand for flexible laboratory and commercial space across the UK’s life science ecosystem.

"Having a streamlined approach to planning, such as the 10-day Local Development Order in place here at Milton Park, will be required to help meet this growing demand now and in the future."