BGF, the UK and Ireland’s most active growth capital investor, 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 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 Chief Executive Officer 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 the facility, securing long-term control of this strategically important manufacturing asset. The investment, alongside BGF’s value creation support, will also support international expansion, strengthen business development capability and fund further investment in manufacturing capacity and development capability, positioning Seda for its next phase of growth.

Since 2024, Seda has been part of the Greater Manchester International Scale Up programme, where it has worked closely with GC Business Growth Hub to strengthen its global strategy and explore new international markets. As part of this support, Seda participated in the Osaka–Manchester Business Roundtable in September 2025, where Mayor Yokoyama met with Greater Manchester start-ups to discuss collaboration opportunities and the Osaka startup ecosystem during Japan Week 2025. This engagement has helped Seda build valuable connections in Japan and further accelerate its international ambitions.

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.”

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."

Janine Smith, Director of GM Business Growth Hub, said: “Seda’s rapid evolution into a globally competitive CRDMO is a testament to the strength of Greater Manchester’s life sciences ecosystem. Through the International Scale Up programme, we have supported Seda in identifying international opportunities and building the foundations for sustainable global expansion. This latest investment will accelerate their ability to reach new markets and reinforces Greater Manchester’s position as a world-class hub for innovative, export‑ready businesses.”

Susana Cordoba, Head of International Trade Services at GC Business Growth Hub, said: “We are incredibly proud to support Seda on their international growth journey. Their transition from a CRO to an integrated CRDMO demonstrates the ambition and capability that define so many of Greater Manchester’s high growth firms. Through the International Scale Up programme, our team has worked closely with Seda to strengthen their international strategy and connect them with global opportunities. This investment provides the momentum they need to scale their impact worldwide.”

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.”