As the United States announces a new wave of tariffs — including a 10% reciprocal tariff on UK exports and a 25% global tariff on vehicles — UK businesses are once again reminded of the complexities of international trade in an evolving global landscape.
But challenge often brings opportunity, and Medilink Midlands is stepping up to help its members navigate these changes and make the most of US market potential.
This week, we hosted a series of exclusive one-to-one meetings with representatives from The City of Mentor, Ohio, a US region actively seeking to attract innovative international businesses. These sessions gave life sciences and medtech companies from across the Midlands a direct route into understanding US market entry, soft-landing incentives, and the support available to grow operations stateside.
Kevin Malecek, Director, Economic Development and International Trade, City of Mentor said:
“While American trade policy may undergo shifts at the federal level, the United Kingdom remains one of the United States’ strongest trading partners. The City of Mentor continues to stand ready to assist UK biomedical companies enter the US market with our unique “concierge-based” approach where we focus on the individual needs of companies looking to do business across the Atlantic – and that offer does not change with alterations in trade policy.”
The US is the largest global market for life sciences and medical technologies, and an essential destination for UK-based innovators with global ambitions. From diagnostics and digital health platforms to surgical devices and wearable tech, UK medtech and life sciences companies have much to offer — and much to gain — from successful expansion into the US.
While many medical devices remain tariff-exempt, increased costs for key components, packaging, or logistics could indirectly impact small and medium-sized enterprises. In such a complex trade environment, it’s more important than ever to have trusted guidance and tailored support.
Melanie Davidson, CEO at Medilink Midlands added:
“Our role is to help life sciences and medtech companies scale, not just in the UK, but globally. The US remains one of the most important markets for innovation-led growth, and while new tariffs introduce additional complexity, they should not deter ambition. We’re focused on equipping our members with the insight, connections and confidence to move forward. Today’s discussions with the City of Mentor are a great example of how we bring global opportunities directly to the doorstep of Midlands innovators.”
Medilink Midlands encourages its members — and the wider life sciences community — to contribute to the UK Government’s formal Request for Input, open until 1st May 2025, which will help shape the UK’s potential response to the new tariff structure.
In an increasingly volatile global landscape, what matters most is having the right partners, the right advice, and a clear path forward. Medilink Midlands will continue to ensure that UK innovators aren’t just reacting to change — they’re driving it.
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For international opportunity enquiries contact: [email protected]