Stockport pharmaceuticals firm acquires Cheadle Royal Lakeside property

Stockport based pharmaceuticals business, Seda, has acquired the freehold for the Lakeside building it occupies at Cheadle Royal business park following a £15 million backing from investors, BGF.

Acquisition of the 40,000 sq ft Lakehouse building from Seneca Property follows an £8 million investment into the building by Seda to enable its transition from a contract research organisation (CRO) to a manufacturer since securing its receiving its MHRA licence in February 2025.

BGF’s £15 million investment into Seda will also enable the Stockport firm to invest in its business development and manufacturing capabilities, and pursue international expansion. The global pharmaceutical outsourcing market is enjoying a sustained period of growth 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 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.

Dr Paul Stott, CEO at Seda, said:

“BGF’s investment marks a pivotal moment in Seda’s growth. It unlocks additional capital to scale our integrated CRDMO platform and enhance our technical capabilities to meet client needs. Securing the freehold of our manufacturing facility gives us long term control and positions us well to expand into new markets and support the development of increasingly complex medicines.”

The deal was led by Harry Jones, Partner at BGF, supported by Emma Cassidy and Elle Swire from the Manchester office. Harry joins the board of Seda as Investment Director and Emma as Observer. Harry Jones said:

“Seda operates in a fast-growing, innovation-led market where integrated development and manufacturing capability is increasingly critical. The company has built a differentiated proposition underpinned by scientific depth, regulatory expertise and a loyal customer base. We are looking forward to working with Paul and the team to support their ambitious international growth plans.”

Mayor of Greater Manchester, Andy Burnham, said:

“Our city region is becoming a globally recognised hub for life sciences innovation. It’s fantastic to see a home-grown company attract investment that will help it grow internationally, while creating high-skilled, high-value jobs here in Greater Manchester. As well as being a significant milestone for Seda, this is another huge vote of confidence in Greater Manchester’s ability to produce world-leading businesses in the life sciences sector.”