Medilink

Yorkshire Healthcare Technologies companies are poised to do record export business after a highly successful exhibition at MEDICA - the largest medical technology fair in the world.

Held in Dusseldorf, Germany and celebrating its 40th anniversary this year, MEDICA is the leading event for healthcare professionals and over the four days attracted 138,000 trade visitors from over 100 countries.

Throughout the show regional companies exhibited their cutting edge innovations on the Yorkshire Pavilion, which was co-sponsored by Medilink Yorkshire & Humber (Y&H) – the organisation dedicated to the growth of the Healthcare Technologies sector - and Yorkshire Forward, the regional development agency - with wider support from UKTI - the government agency set up to promote the interest of UK companies trading overseas.

The 10 companies on the Pavilion included Biosign, Brenmoor, METRC, Paxman Coolers, Platts and Nisbett, Surgical Innovations, Tissuemed, Trio Healthcare, Tomorrow Options and Zilico.

Speaking from the show Paul Brennan of Brenmoor – a West Yorkshire company who design and manufacture printed wristbands to prevent patient identification errors, said: “MEDICA was incredible for us. Our objective was to raise our profile overseas, which we have achieved.”

“We met a number of potential new partners from around the world who we are hoping to do business with over the coming year. MEDICA gave us great exposure and as a result we can take our product, which is made in Yorkshire, to new global markets next year.”

Jim Farmery, Assistant Direct for Business at Yorkshire Forward, said: “Healthcare innovation is one of the region’s rapidly emerging industries and these companies, through their innovation, have earned the chance to fly the flag for Yorkshire and Humber across the world.

“Their success should act as a catalyst for further investment in the region and encourage the progress of other businesses in the sector.”

Some of the pioneering Yorkshire products on display at the show included Sheffield based Zilico’s hand-held device that offers a more accurate detection of cervical cancer in real time; removing several weeks of waiting for a diagnosis.

The next generation in scalp coolers was also unveiled at the show by Paxman Coolers from Huddersfield. It provides cancer patients with the best possible chance of retaining their hair whilst undergoing chemotherapy treatment.

Doncaster based Biosign launched their new range of signs that kill 99.99% of superbug bacteria including MRSA at the show. The signs have silver ionisation layer which provides a robust anti-microbial protection that stops bacteria building up on the surface.

Also from Sheffield, Platts & Nisbett used the event to highlight their bespoke ‘made to measure’ surgical instrument service. The company manufacture all their products in-house, which means they are able to accommodate unusual and bespoke requests.

Finally a world leading laparoscopic device, which is described as an ‘innovative cost effective solution’ by surgeons worldwide gained worldwide interest at the show. Showcased by Leeds based Surgical Innovations, The Logi™Flex is a flexible laparoscopic device which uses pioneering flex technology to offer surgeons better rigidity during delicate surgical procedures.