PRA is to develop 100 Swansea jobs

Clinical specialist PRA is to create 100 jobs in Swansea after moving to a new office in SA1.

The premises was previously occupied by law firm Morgan Cole, but PRA opted to move after it reached capacity at its old headquarters at Matrix Court on Swansea’s Enterprise Park, reports This Is South Wales.

Welsh Government officials have backed the decision to relocate, offering £1.29 million of business finance. Economy minister Edwina Hart has also introduced PRA’s job creation programme in Swansea, where the firm is aiming to establish a “life sciences” hub.

Ms Hart explained that it is important for the strengths and weaknesses of the modern economy to be recognised, adding that the country’s historical strengths lie in the steel and coal fields.

She went on to say that she looks forward to seeing more diversity in the South Wales economy.

PRA executive vice-president Steve Powell also told the news provider that PRA has helped bring over 15 clinical drugs to the market.

Mr Powell explained that the new site has picked up “significant” funding from the Welsh government,  meaning higher levels of job creation and more backing for the local economy.

“The new site has received substantial funding from the Welsh government which will mean significant job creation and support for the local economy.

"As a leading CRO, we are committed to the growth of our Swansea team and to transforming clinical trials across all phases of drug development; the new building and jobs demonstrates PRA's commitment to offering a more dynamic service to our customers, both locally and internationally,” he continued.

Modern clinical studies are covering a number of areas, with breast cancer now one of particular importance.

Findings from Cancer Research UK show that one in five breast cancer cases are in women under 50, while the number of females under this age range diagnosed with the disease has now exceeded 10,000.