After months of preparation (and two extra weeks due to cancelled flights), our group of digital health and medical device companies finally made it to Manchester and Liverpool to explore the UK Life Sciences & Health (LSH) market. We had an incredibly productive trip, thanks to our collaborations with Anastassia Bolotkova, MBA, Nikesh Patel from MIDAS Manchester’s Inward Investment Agency, Maxime Dalida from the Netherlands Business Support Office Manchester, and Vicky Hincks and Matt Biagetti from the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority. Here are some highlights from our visit:
Manchester:
8th of July: Hosted by Addleshaw Goddard, we kicked off with insightful presentations from high-level experts like Ben Davies of Praetura Group, Dr. Claire Flanagan of PNO Consultants Ltd (UK), and Addleshaw Goddard on the growth of the LSH sector in Manchester.
9th of July Morning: Nikesh Patel led a tour of the LSH ecosystem on Oxford Road, followed by an in-depth presentation by Anam Nazir on the role of the NIHR Clinical Research Network Greater Manchester in expanding health innovation.
9th of July Afternoon: The day continued with a dynamic pitching and networking session where companies showcased their innovations and discussed market entry strategies with various LSH stakeholders. Special thanks to Sigurd Mikladal from Health Innovation Manchester for highlighting opportunities for international companies in the Manchester LSH market.
Liverpool:
10th of July: Our Liverpool visit started with an insightful tour of the Liverpool Clinical Laboratories (LCL) with experts Jayne Abley and Angela Parker. Richard Fitzgerald from NIHR Liverpool CRF provided valuable insights on conducting clinical trials, while Dave Burrows from Damibu shared practical tips on entering and working with the NHS. Kevin Moreton from Health Innovation North West Coast discussed the do’s and don’ts for international companies. The day concluded with an inspiring presentation from Boleslaw Charles W. at the Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, showcasing their global collaborations.
A few takeaways from our visit to the UK include:
- Strategic Funding and Support: The UK offers extensive support for innovation through various funding bodies such as Innovate UK and the Department for Science and Technology, emphasizing strategic priorities like net zero, health and wellbeing, and digital technologies.
- Importance of Collaboration: Success in navigating the UK healthcare and innovation landscape often hinges on effective collaboration between public and private sectors, including partnerships with NHS entities and leveraging support networks like the Health Innovation Network.
- Digital Health and Innovation Focus: There is a strong emphasis on digital health innovations, aligning with strategic goals to enhance connectivity and referrals across healthcare systems. This focus is evident in initiatives aimed at improving primary healthcare and patient outcomes through technological advancements.
- Comprehensive Support for Innovators: The ecosystem provides broad range of support available to innovators, from market opportunity analysis and regulatory advice to business planning and patient engagement, aiming to streamline the process from idea to commercialization and ensure successful integration into the healthcare system.
We extend our heartfelt thanks to all participants and organizers for making this visit a success!
If you’re interested in meeting some of the UK experts, join us at the World of Health Care event this September in Rotterdam. Register on the website.
