Boost for Biomedical and Life Science Companies in the South West

A consortia comprising Business West and Medilink South West Ltd has won the prestigious Medilink SW franchise with strong links to the University of the West of England and the Academic Health Science Networks of the South West and West of England.

The contract means the consortia will now run the operations of Medilink UK in the South West of England.  This important national network and membership organisation aims to stimulate the commercial growth and success of the UK life science industry and already boasts many hundreds of members from across UK.

The network not only provides specific support services to businesses and academia but also acts as the voice of the sector  to Government and will help create critical mass in this important  area.

Professor Richard Luxton, Director of the Institute of Bio Sensing Technology at UWE, will chair the company and the Board will comprise senior representatives from some of the region’s leading businesses and organisations.

Richard Luxton said: “This is an exciting time for the life science and med tech sectors in the South West as the Medilink South West franchise will provide new opportunities for businesses to expand and develop.  This is enabled through a range of activities such as networking events, technology show cases, a wide range of business support packages and other events designed to build new collaborations with academic, clinical and industrial partners. ”

Phil Smith Managing Director of Business West said: “Biomedical and health care issues will increasingly dominate the future of the UK and in this region we have a large number of innovative micro, medium and large organisations that have a significant role to play in addressing the challenges we all face.

“So, we’re delighted to be part of the consortia that will run Medilink South West.  Business West is one of the most influential business leadership organisations in the UK, and represents over 16,000 businesses in the South West. We can provide the expertise, specialist advice and skills that businesses in this sector need to improve their commercial position, engage with local and national  Government  and thrive in this vital sector.”