BGF has completed a £15 million investment in Seda Pharma Development Services Ltd (Seda), an integrated contract research, development and manufacturing organisation (CRDMO). Headquartered in Cheadle, Greater Manchester, Seda provides end-to-end pharmaceutical development services, supporting companies from early-stage drug development through the clinical phases to registration.
Since receiving its MHRA manufacturer licence in February 2025, the business has transitioned from a contract research organisation (CRO) into a fully integrated CRDMO, combining scientific expertise with a growing manufacturing capability. The company has delivered more than 1,000 projects for 185 customers since inception, serving a growing international client base.
BGF’s investment comes at a time of sustained expansion in the global pharmaceutical outsourcing market, as biotech and pharmaceutical companies increasingly seek integrated partners that are capable of streamlining development timelines, reducing regulatory risk and supporting the manufacture of complex medicines. Demand for specialist development and manufacturing capability continues to rise, underpinned by growing R&D pipelines and increased regulatory scrutiny.
Since its founding in 2015, by Chief Scientist Dr Paul Dickinson and Chief Business Officer Dr Marcel de Matas MBE, Seda has established a strong reputation for scientific depth and technical excellence. Dr Paul Stott joined as CEO four years later, strengthening the leadership team, as the company scaled its capabilities.
In 2023, Seda invested £8 million, installing a manufacturing capability in a 50,000 sq. ft leasehold facility at Cheadle Royal Business Park. With BGF’s backing, alongside new debt facilities from Santander, the business will acquire the freehold of this facility, securing long-term control of this strategically important manufacturing asset.
The investment, combined with value creation support from BGF, will also strengthen business development capability, support international expansion, and fund further investment in manufacturing capacity and development capability, positioning Seda for its next phase of growth.
