What are the most powerful arguments for locating a new pharmacuetical
plant in the UK (R&D + Manufacturing), over France or Germany? Data
from a reputable source important. The drug is a new circulatory
ailment.

Employment laws - it is cheaper to sack people

For the R&D, I believe that there is a European centre for drug
validation in London - and most companies have set up PR offices
nearby.

Language - well the Lingua Franca of pharms is not French

Personally I would look at Southern Ireland

Thanks frde for the comments! It's a great start. I'm still looking
for a more complete answer if you any of you researchers are up for
it. I need it within the next couple of days though is possible!

According to my friends in the industry
- London (Docklands) contains an influential EEC licencing body
- EU and US Pharmos have set up base camps round there to get influence

Worth thinking about a small site there 

For research I would go for a major UK University campus, if I were
not confident of attracting people to the wilds,
- for manufacturing, I am not so sure, if it were things like cars I
would go for Northern Spain
- but your product just needs to be air freighted - in the worst case
I would go for maximum tax concessions and maximum local co-operation
- the tax side can be 'folded' elsewhere

Realistically, such locale research is a wasted task, operations are
sited where the (effective) CEO wants them
- save yourself some time, find out wher the scumbag wants to live,
and provide plausible reasons.

My brother in law (British) was in Munich, until the local Europe CEO
(and Crown Prince) was found with his hands in the till.

Personally I would be inclined to set up in Johore, just beyond the
bridge to Singapore, with (easily aquired) accreditation at Sing. and
Mal. universities

- If I were doing real research I would be deep inside China

Mostly I would just look at what your boss wants, and give good reasons.
- the South West of Tenerife is rather nice

- location is rather subjecive