Yorkshire hosts global healthcare workshop

A team of 20 UK Trade & Investment (UKTI) commercial staff from across the world – including China, USA, Brazil, India, Malaysia and Thailand – visited Yorkshire to gain a deeper understanding of the British healthcare sector.

Helping to further support UK businesses internationally, the week-long visit offered a valuable insight into the UK healthcare technology sector, highlighting the expertise across Yorkshire and throughout the rest of the country.

Arranged by UK Trade & Investment and Medilink Yorkshire and Humber (Y&H), the programme included leading speakers from the healthcare world and experts from areas such as advanced wound care, laboratories technologies, diagnostics, telehealth and orthopaedics. 

Also on the agenda were a number of workshops. Subjects included the structure of the UK healthcare sector, latest developments related to the UK Life Science Marketing Strategy and an insight into the NHS purchasing and supply chain – valuable information which will help the commercial officers to promote the UK healthcare industry’s interests and capabilities in overseas markets.

Healthcare technology companies from across the region also benefited from the visit; as they had the opportunity to meet with the international trade officers on a one-to-one basis to find out more information about accessing global markets. 

Staff visited from the following countries: India, USA, Saudi Arabia, China, Brazil, Malaysia, Thailand, France, Netherlands, Morocco, Ireland, Singapore, Lebanon,  Indonesia, Greece, Sweden, Turkey, Pakistan and Portugal.

Robert Kipps, senior sector manager of the Lifesciences Team, UK Trade & Investment said: “This is a fantastic programme, and a great opportunity for our international colleagues to spend time and network with healthcare companies and trade associations. Our expectation is that following this visit, participants will be better prepared to undertake their work in our Embassies and Consulates around the world. 

“Healthcare is a global industry and with partnering one of our main activities, it is essential that our overseas staff know how to identify strong companies in their markets to forge alliances with UK companies.”

Event organiser Charlotte Fraser, who is international manager at Medilink Yorkshire and Humber and regional specialist for UKTI, said: “Yorkshire has one of the largest concentrations of health technology companies and universities within the UK and therefore is an ideal location to host an international event of this scale. The visit offered a fantastic opportunity for local healthcare technology companies as they have the opportunity to speak to worldwide representatives about export opportunities.”