Frank Bugg, senior vice president of UK and Europe operations at Piramal Pharma Solutions, has spent his entire career in the pharmaceutical industry and has 16 years of experience spanning cancer and infectious disease research, cell and gene therapy and senior operational leadership.
Drawn to science from an early age, Frank studied biology at university before going on to complete an MBA. He describes his interest in science as tackling “a gigantic puzzle” every day, a mindset that has shaped his approach to complex technical and operational challenges throughout his career. Straight out of university, he entered the pharmaceutical industry and never left, going on to hold senior roles across America before moving to the UK.
Today, he leads operations for Piramal Pharma Solutions across the UK and Europe, responsible for three key sites, Morpeth, Grangemouth and a facility in Amsterdam. For Frank, being part of a cluster is not a “nice to have,” it’s a strategic necessity. NEPIC provides what he describes as a “tight, strong-knit community” across the North East’s pharma and process industries, where organisations of all sizes can come together.
When asked what he finds most beneficial about being a NEPIC member, Frank commented: “It creates a space where open conversation is encouraged. We can share knowledge, compare experiences and talk candidly about pain points, whether that’s regulation, skills, technology adoption or funding. Instead of grappling with these issues in isolation, we can learn from one another.”
Frank also commented on the value of networking within the pharmaceutical industry, saying, “Networking goes far beyond exchanging business cards. It’s about building trusted relationships, spotting opportunities to collaborate and realising just how many connections already exist within the region.”
“Through NEPIC, Piramal has gained a more holistic view of the North East industrial landscape and a clearer sense of where it can contribute and grow alongside others. NEPIC helps connect the dots between companies, academia, training providers and policymakers, which in turn supports a stronger pipeline of skills and innovation.”
The North East Combined Authority (North East CA) collaborates closely with NEPIC to support and grow the region’s pharmaceutical and process sector. As an industry-led cluster, NEPIC fosters innovation across pharmaceutical, biotech and chemicals throughout the North East. This partnership is focused on enhancing competitiveness, securing investment and building on the region’s high-value manufacturing strengths, including its significant pharmaceutical manufacturing base.
As NEPIC celebrates its 20th anniversary, he sees the cluster as central to the region’s future, fostering collaboration, encouraging honest dialogue and helping members navigate shared challenges. In doing so, NEPIC strengthens the North East’s position as a competitive, attractive home for pharmaceutical and process industries and sets the foundation for the next 20 years of growth.
Together, NEPIC continues to champion the pharmaceutical sector with funding and support from the North East Combined Authority to deliver sector-specific events across the region. By bringing pharmaceutical companies and local supply chain experts together, alongside collaboration with academia, NEPIC are increasing the resilience of the network within the North East and reinforcing its long-term sustainability and growth.
To book your place at our next Pharmaceutical event: https://www.nepic.co.uk/events/category/nepic-events/list/