Global MedTech and healthcare investment officers tour Manchester

Over 20 overseas officials from embassies and consulates across the globe spent almost two days in Manchester last week as part of a Medical Devices and Healthcare Briefing Tour organised by the UK Trade and Investment (UKTI) and Manchester’s inward investment agency MIDAS.

The visitors were accompanied by senior UKTI staff and specialists from across the UK network.  The visit provided an opportunity to showcase the region’s expertise and facilities with a particular focus on how we can support industry work with the NHS.

The officials – who represented the interests of a wide range of countries, including China, Canada, Japan, Spain, Hong Kong, Germany, France, Switzerland, the US and India – toured the Manchester Corridor area to learn about our world-class facilities, as well as meeting with experts.

Keith Chantler, Director of Innovation at Central Manchester University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust and Executive Director of TRUSTECH, presented to the group about the activity and achievements of the NHS innovation hub, which supports the building of commercial relationships between the NHS and industry. Simon Walsh, Head of Procurement and E-Commerce also presented to the group as well as a host of speakers from across Manchester.

Dr Linda Magee, Interim Chief Operating Officer and Business Development Director at Manchester Academic Health Science Centre (MAHSC) and Joint Director of Industry and Wealth at Greater Manchester Academic Health Science Network (GM AHSN), demonstrated the work and success of the two bodies to the group. MAHSC and GM AHSN are working to ensure the best new innovations in science and technology are translated into clinical care effectively and efficiently by working together to close the gap between the laboratory and healthcare services.

Dr Magee said: “This was a fantastic opportunity for MAHSC and GM AHSN to widen our relationships with global investors and enhance the strong ties we already have with our Japanese and US colleagues.

“It was a pleasure to meet such a large group of officials and to have the opportunity to showcase some of the world-class infrastructure and research we’re so proud of in Manchester.”

Keith Miller, Life Science Lead for MIDAS, said: “The Manchester leg of the UK-wide Medical Devices and Healthcare Briefing Tour was chosen to provide the most significant element of the UK briefing tour based on a growing understanding of the importance of Manchester in the UK offer.”

“The health and MedTech sector is an important and growing contributor to Manchester’s economy and our region attracts great interest from industry partners, with Manchester leading the nation on commercial trials in the life sciences industry. We work closely with MAHSC and our other colleagues to deliver investment opportunities within our region in order to continue enhancing our international reputation in this field and provide employment for local people.”