A new digital hub in Leeds is being launched by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA), marking a significant step in the agency’s long-term commitment to advancing innovation and strengthening its presence across the UK.
Leeds was selected due to its expertise in digital health and strong academic base. The MHRA’s expansion will build on this momentum – driving regional partnerships, attracting skilled talent and local investment.
The digital hub forms part of the MHRA’s broader strategy to enhance regulatory agility, strengthen digital capabilities, and deliver better outcomes for patients, the public and industry. It will also enable closer collaboration with digital health networks, NHS organisations, and leading academic institutions nationwide.
The move supports the HM Government’s Places for Growth strategy, which aims to expand the regional footprint of public bodies and ensure that opportunities and expertise are more evenly distributed across the UK.
Wes Streeting, Health and Social Care Secretary of State, said:
“There is a global tech revolution in healthcare unfolding, and Yorkshire will help our country lead it.”
“This isn’t just about creating new jobs across the region – it’s also about bolstering a city that’s already leading the way in digital health.”
“Driving forward digital transformations like these through our Plan for Change will mean scientists get data for research quicker, inspectors can develop tech to spot problems quicker, and patients get better results.
“As a healthcare innovation powerhouse, Leeds is the perfect place to bring together the MHRA’s regulatory expertise with a thriving tech community, world-class universities, and strong NHS presence.”
Lawrence Tallon, Chief Executive of the MHRA, said:
“We want regulation of health technologies to move at the pace of innovation. As part of our continued commitment to being a truly national regulator, we are opening a new base amongst one of the UK’s thriving tech hubs in Leeds.
“By establishing an MHRA hub in Leeds, we’re strengthening our ability to collaborate with partners across the North of England – bringing regulatory expertise closer to the people, organisations and innovations we serve.
“This hub will play a vital role in shaping the future of regulation, including how we harness technology to deliver regulation that meets the needs of patients, supports the health system, and drives life sciences innovation across the UK.”
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