Biotech specialist Cherwell Laboratories has expanded to a third unit at Launton Business Centre, Bicester (above).

The business, which has been at the centre since 2004, has struck a new deal on its existing two units, as well as signing a new 15-year lease on another to support its ongoing expansion.

As a result, the business will now occupy 35,657 sq ft at the development, which is now fully let.

A stepped renting starting at £65,000 in year one rising to £180,000 in year five has been agreed.

Duncan May, associate director at agents Lambert Smith Hampton, said: “It is not only positive to see further business expansion in the region, but such growth within the specialist manufacturing sector is good news for the broader Oxfordshire/Thames Valley market.

“While Launton Business Centre is now fully occupied, the disposal of unit six to Cherwell Laboratories leaves only one unit between 10,000 and 15,000 sq ft now available in Bicester.

“This highlights a worrying issue whereby the lack of supply could potentially force occupiers to look elsewhere.”