'Ask the Expert' session: What’s your biggest regulatory challenge right now?
2025-10-15 11:00 - 12:00 (Europe/London) | Online – Members Portal
Regulation consistently ranks as one of the biggest barriers to innovation. In our Voice of Industry survey, members told us their top challenges include:

Navigating the complexity of the regulatory landscape
High costs of processes
Understanding evolving regulations
Brexit-related import issues
Lack of access to advice

That’s why we’re piloting a brand-new live text-based forum for Medilink Midlands members!
Live text-based discussion opens 15 October at 11am.
Put your questions to global regulatory expertise Sotas – who offer their blend of technical and leadership excellence to deliver state-of-the-art solutions throughout the entire quality and regulatory spectrum.
Join the trial and let’s open the conversation, share insights and address your regulatory challenges.
Booking instructions
Open for all members to attend via the Member Portal.
If you have a question for the Sotas team, visit the Portal ahead of the live text based session to post your question(s) in advance. Link to Ask the Expert Session.
Members only
Keen to join us, but not yet? No problem – Sign up here

Strengthening Transatlantic Ties: Medilink Midlands Trade Mission to Mentor, Ohio
2025-10-26 09:00 - 2025-10-29 17:00 | Mentor, Ohio
Medilink Midlands is inviting expressions of interest from life science and medtech companies across the region to join a strategic trade mission to Mentor, Ohio, from 26–29 October 2025 – deepening a long-standing and productive collaboration between the two regions.
This visit marks the next chapter in a well-established partnership with the City of Mentor, who have previously hosted a UK delegation and made multiple visits to the Midlands to attend our MTI Expo and Conference, as well as 1-2-1 meetings held earlier this year in April 2025. The mission is designed to strengthen trade, investment, and innovation links between the Midlands and Northeast Ohio — one of the USA’s most important biomedical hubs.
Why Mentor, Ohio?
Situated at the heart of a region home to over 700 biomedical firms and globally recognised healthcare institutions such as the Cleveland Clinic, University Hospitals, and Case Western Reserve University, Mentor offers a powerful platform for UK companies looking to expand, partner, or collaborate internationally.
The mission agenda includes:

High-level briefings on the US healthcare and reimbursement system
Insights into venture capital, market entry, and insurance
Visits to leading institutions including Cleveland Clinic Mentor Hospital, STERIS Corporation, and Lakeland Community College’s Health Technologies Facility
One-to-one business meetings tailored to delegate interests
Networking with investors, buyers, and policy leaders, including the Ohio Life Sciences Association and British American Chamber of Commerce.

Delegates will also have the opportunity to join a panel discussion featuring Medilink Midlands CEO Melanie Davidson, alongside US healthcare and medtech leaders, sharing international perspectives on innovation and market access.
This mission offers a unique opportunity to explore market entry strategies, build valuable connections, and showcase Midlands innovation to an engaged US audience.
Interested companies must complete an Expression of Interest form and answer a few short questions.
Submit your Expression of Interest here. Deadline: 5pm GMT, Friday 15 August 2025
Funding criteria
Up to £2k fully subsidised to cover flights and accommodation. This is available to businesses in the EMCCA region. In order to be eligible, the business must either:

Be accessing or researching a new market
Launching a new product into a new market
Creating a job

Any queries, contact: international@medilinkmidlands.com

IN-PERSON EVENT: Medilink Midlands Winter Networking
2025-11-13 11:00 - 15:00 | Chatsworth Estate, Chatsworth House, Bakewell, Derbyshire, DE45 1PP, United Kingdom
Join Medilink Midlands for a touch of luxury as we host this year’s Winter Networking event in the beautiful grounds of Chatsworth Estate.
Enjoy a delicious 2-course Business Lunch, networking and first-hand updates around Medilink Midlands and the sector before heading into the festive Christmas market where you can find some of the finest products to help you get ahead of the Christmas rush.
Agenda:
11am Arrival & Networking
11:30am Welcome from Medilink Midlands and Member Forum
11:50am An interview with Dr Ewa Truchanowicz FRSA and Olivia Simpson, Symbiotex.
Ewa will be questioning Olivia and delving into her passion for innovation and unwavering commitment to environmental and social responsibility.
12:20pm Member Spotlight
12:30pm Guest speaker: Adamson Jones
12:40pm 2-course Business Lunch & Networking

Menu
Main Course
Glazed Chatsworth ham served with roast potatoes, stuffing, seasonal vegetables and gravy
OR
Seasonal Nut Roast, roast potatoes, stuffing, root vegetables, and a vegan gravy (Ve)

Dessert
Chocolate orange tart (Ve/GF)
*Please ensure you disclose any specific dietary requirements when booking, eg. Allergies.

1:45pm Closing Comments
2pm Access to the Chatsworth Christmas Market and depart at leisure

Thank you to event sponsor: Adamson Jones

What your ticket includes:

Car Parking and shuttle bus to event space
Tea or coffee on arrival
Two-Course festive-themed business lunch
Drink to accompany lunch (wine or non-alcoholic cocktail available)
Exclusive update from Medilink Midlands during the Member Forum section
Access to Chatsworth Christmas Market

Tickets:
Member ticket: £35 +VAT
Non-member tickets: £50 +VAT

NB. Please email events@medilinkmidlands.com for booking codes.
*Please note, registration for this event closes at 5pm on Friday 31st October and spaces are limited, book early to avoid disappointment.

Speakers

Dr Ewa Truchanowicz FRSA
Ewa is a business leader and independent advisor experienced in building successful enterprises and providing consulting services to technology-focused organisations ranging from start-ups to multinationals. Until recently, a Managing Director of a health tech company, she is an expert in supporting international companies within digital and med-tech, building highly performing teams and operations, and creating strategic support networks to help innovative companies succeed. Ewa is an educator on tech and health, a speaker at national and international events, a mentor, a health-tech executive, and a NED with experience from Boards governing publicly funded and commercial organisations. She is also a successful published academic and has authored peer-reviewed publications within the highest-ranking medical journals, including BMJ and NEJM. A former bid reviewer for NIHR, an assessor for Innovate UK, an honorary lecturer in a medical school and a visiting industrial fellow at UK Universities.

IN PERSON Event: Innovations Against AMR 2025
2025-11-21 09:30 - 16:30 | Scarman Conference Facility at Warwick Conferences, University of Warwick, Coventry, CV4 7SH, United Kingdom
The 4th annual Innovations Against AMR summit, co-organised by Medilink Midlands and Cytecom, will convene experts and stakeholders from across the antimicrobial resistance landscape to share insights, showcase innovations, and foster collaboration. Covering the spectrum from cutting-edge academic research to real-world implementation, policy, and surveillance, this year’s programme offers essential discussions for anyone working in AMR or related fields.
This year, we will also explore the far-reaching impact of AMR beyond the specialist sphere—shaping policy, influencing cancer care pathways, and protecting other vulnerable patient groups.

Reasons to Attend
1. Be at the forefront of AMR innovation: Connect with leading innovators, researchers, and industry experts driving advancements in combating antimicrobial resistance. Discover the latest breakthroughs and explore potential collaborations.
2. Support SMEs and foster growth: Learn about innovative solutions developed by small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and contribute to their success. Network with like-minded individuals to create new partnerships and drive innovation.
3. Gain valuable insights and knowledge: Attend engaging presentations and discussions on the latest trends and challenges in the field of AMR. Expand your understanding of the issue and stay ahead of the curve.
4. Network with key stakeholders: Connect with representatives from organisations like Medilink Midlands, WMHTIA, Cytecom, University of Warwick and Microbiology Society. Build relationships and explore potential partnerships.
5. Contribute to a global cause: Join the fight against antimicrobial resistance by attending this event. Be part of a community dedicated to raising awareness, promoting best practices, and driving positive change.

Agenda
9:30am Arrival & registration
10am Introduction followed by Opening Remarks from Dame Sally Davies
10:15am Session 1: Institute to Impact – Research to Commercialisation
– Chris Dowson – Warwick AMR Facilities
– Kim Hardie – National Biofilms Innovation Centre

11am Comfort break, poster boards & networking
11:30am Session 2: Diagnostics Panel Discussion
Panelists:

Phil Packer -Innovate UK
Bob Roopra – Roopra Medical
Lucy Lehane – BIVDA and Lehane Consulting
William Finch – Oxford Vacmedix

12:30pm Lunch
1:30pm Session 3: Policy Workshop – Delivered by Microbiology Society
(Will Thompson, Policy and Engagement Officer)
The Microbiology Society is leading the way in tackling AMR through its ambitious and wide-reaching Knocking Out AMR project. This initiative promotes innovative solutions to AMR by fostering cross-sector collaboration and driving policy action. The session will open with a presentation introducing AMR policy and regulation tailored for SMEs, followed by a panel discussion featuring experts working across therapeutics, diagnostics, vaccines and regulation.

2:30pm Session 4: AMR and Cancer/Environmental
– David Eyre – Oxford Biomedical Research Centre

3:30pm Networking and posters to end
4:30pm Depart

If anyone would like to register their interest in presenting a poster, please click the link: Innovations Against AMR – Friday 21st November 2025
*Please register your interest by 5pm on 27th October.

Speaker Information
Professor Kim Hardie FRSB
Professor Kim Hardie FRSB, Professor in Bacterial Pathogenesis is Co-director of the National Biofilms Innovation Centre (NBIC) at the University of Nottingham and Chair of the Publishing Panel at the Microbiology Society. Kim’s international career investigating strategies that could circumvent the rising issue of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) includes study at the Universities of Leicester and Cambridge. Kim’s research group investigates how bacteria form coordinated communities (biofilms) since these are notoriously hard to treat and have life-changing consequences. State-of-the-art multidisciplinary approaches are combined with realistic polymicrobial infection models to discover novel antimicrobials, more effective combination therapies, or diagnostic biomarkers.

Professor Chris Dowson
Professor Chris Dowson has, for many years, examined the emergence and evolution of antibiotic resistance across a wide range of bacteria. His recent focus has been to better understand how penicillin targets bacteria. He currently holds a personal chair at Warwick University and is a past member of the Medical Research Council Infections and Immunity Board. He has established the Sir Howard Dalton Centre HDC for Translational Mechanistic Enzymology and is co-director of this and the Warwick Antimicrobial Interdisciplinary Centre WAMIC. He enabled the location of the Medicines Discovery Catapult MDC AMR Laboratory facility at Warwick and has been involved with philanthropic research fundraising regionally across Warwickshire for the past 20 years.

Bob Roopra MBA FCIM
Bob has over 25 years of experience in the IVD and medical devices industry, with a wealth of expertise in executive leadership, start-ups, scale-ups, commercialisation, consulting, advisory, strategic planning, and implementation. His specialisations encompass IVD diagnostics, medical devices, point-of-care solutions, informatics, and disruptive technologies.
Bob’s broad experience across diverse sizes of organisation sizes has provided him with deep insights into strategic direction setting and commercial planning. His comprehensive knowledge of the IVD and medical device sectors, combined with his skill in crafting and executing business strategies, ensures outcomes that balance clinical, financial, and operational priorities for sustained commercial enterprise success.

Phil Packer
Phil Packer is the Innovation Lead on AMR and Vaccines at Innovate UK, developing & delivering funding calls, supporting workshops and strategy. This includes overseeing projects funded through IUK funding mechanisms such as the Biomedical Catalyst and SMART programme, and the IUK AMR Global Programme.
Phil is the IUK Responsible Officer for AMR initiative PACE (Pathways to Antimicrobial Clinical Efficacy), a co-creation with LifeArc and the Medicines Discovery Catapult, a UK, £30M, nationally coordinated programme that supports both academic and SME translation, integrated with the UK science base and the international community to contribute innovative and precision therapeutics and associated diagnostics to the global infectious disease pipeline in areas of unmet patient need (especially under-served communities).
Phil is also the IUK lead for the delivery of a £40M DHSC, UK Vaccine Network programme delivering vaccine with outbreak potential in Low- and Middle-Income Countries.

William Finch

Biochemistry, University of Oxford
>34 years experience in biotech sector with a focus on leading SMEs
Wide experience with Dx industry
Amersham, DSL, Beckman Coulter
CEO, R&D Systems Europe
CEO ,Oxford Bio-Innovation
Scientific Committee, UK ACB

Lucy Lehane
Lucy is an independent Medical Diagnostics Consultant who began her career in the National Health Service as a Clinical Scientist. It was here that she gained first hand insights into the importance of diagnostic testing in improving health and disease management, and enhancing patient experiences. Fast forward nearly 25 years, and Lucy has spent her career in the commercial world of diagnostic testing holding leadership roles in Product Management, Technical Marketing and Medical Affairs for several leading diagnostic companies.
In 2023, Lucy established her own consultancy business – Lehane Consulting Ltd. providing medical diagnostics expertise to guide businesses to bring their diagnostic products to market. Lucy endeavours to apply her 25 years of experience in the IVD industry to provide expert advice for product development, market understanding, devising clinical studies and communications to help bring products to life.

Will Thompson
Will studied Biotechnology at the University of Nottingham, followed by a Master’s in Science and Technology Policy at the University of Sussex. As Policy and Engagement Officer at the Microbiology Society, Will has played a key role in shaping the Society’s policy outputs and stakeholder engagement around AMR. This includes a policy briefing on AMR in wastewater and developing AMR international engagement activities with the UK’s Science and Technology Network (STN).

Professor David Eyre
David Eyre is a Professor of Infectious Diseases at the University of Oxford and a Consultant in Infection at Oxford University Hospitals. His research uses routinely collected data to understand who gets different infections and why, and how best to prevent, treat and monitor these infections. He also focuses on developing artificial intelligence tools to help diagnose and treat hospital patients, and to help operational delivery of healthcare. His other research interests include the use of whole-genome sequencing as a tool for understanding the epidemiology and transmission of pathogens and how it can best be used in infection prevention and control.

To read more about Medilink Midlands’ role within the WMHTIA project, click here.
For more information on the wider project, click here to visit the WMHTIA website.
This event forms part of the West Midlands Health Tech Innovation Accelerator (WMHTIA) event series. Medilink Midlands are one of a consortium of delivery partners for the WMHTIA, a project funded by the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology, Innovate UK and West Midlands Combined Authority (part of City Regions).

Online - Monthly Membership Drop-In session
2025-11-25 10:00 - 11:00 | Online – Members Portal
Launched in May, the new Member Portal provides members with access to wider community reach, knowledge sharing, exclusive member offers, forum discussions and access to event & training materials – all in one place.
Member Forum – no registration required, just sign into the portal, head the Member Forum and join the conversation!
If you are a member and not yet signed up to the portal, click here to unlock your access.
Non members are invited to explore open areas of the portal – to receive full access join our membership starting from £275+VAT.
Our Monthly Membership Drop-In Session is an open space for members to ask questions, share feedback, and engage with the Medilink Midlands team. These informal drop-in sessions take place on the last Tuesday of each month.
Each session focuses on a specific topic. The next forum will be held on:
Tuesday, 25th NovemberTopic: Feedback from the Winter Networking & 2025 Medilink Midlands Highlights, plus a discussion on the upcoming events:

27.11.2025: Going Digital – Empowering Innovators to Engage with the NHS of Tomorrow (In-Person)
09.12.2025: WMHTIA Cluster: Community: Driving Local Innovation to Meet Regional NHS Challenges (Webinar)
13.01.2026: WMHTIA Cluster: Prevention – Innovating for a Healthier Future (Webinar)

We look forward to seeing you there!

IN-PERSON EVENT: Going Digital - Empowering Innovators to Engage with the NHS of Tomorrow
2025-11-27 10:00 - 13:00 | Arise Chelmsford Innovation Hub, Alan Cherry Drive, Chelmsford, Essex, CM1 1QT, United Kingdom
Helping innovators navigate digital transformation in light of the NHS 10-Year Plan.
Insight 1: Building Digital Health Tools for the NHS
Medilink Midlands are delighted to be collaborating with Arise Innovation Hubs and Innovate UK in a series of events for autumn and winter 2025/26. The first of these looks at one the common themes in the NHS’s current 10-year plan, which aims to make the NHS fit for the future.
We will explore how to design and deploy effective, scalable digital apps tailored for NHS use — from prototype to practical implementation. Hearing from those who have successfully delivered into the NHS, those currently developing innovations and those who can support the innovator.
How do we create the reality of ‘a doctor in our pocket’
Agenda:
10.00am Registration & networking
10.30am Introduction and Welcome by Arise & Medilink Midlands teams
Event Chair: Dr Beverley Vaughan
10.45am Setting the challenge and how innovators step up – Dr Michael Watts MBA MBChB BSc (Hons) Young Health Tech Leader of the Year 2024, Health Tech World, Co-Founder and CEO, Blüm Health Ltd, NHS Innovation Accelerator Fellow, NHS England Clinical Entrepreneur & Mentor

11.15am Lightening pitches

Matt Lavis, Head of Technology – SkyRocket Phytopharma
Muntazir Panjwani, Director – Vibe Agency
Uzma Sajjad, Founder – RescQ
Jamie Tidman, CEO – ND Lens

11.30am Q&A
11.45am Support available to innovators

Regulatory: John Connah – EG Technologies
R&D Tax: Peter Clark and Younes Fegheh-Hassanpour – RCKPartners
Innovate UK: Mike Herd, Ecosystem Innovation Growth Specialist
Health Innovation East: Lamprini Kaftantzi, PHD – Senior Advisor (Commercial)

12.00pm Networking lunch
1:00pm Depart

Speakers:
Event Chair: Dr Beverley Vaughan, Arise Innovation Hubs Director
Beverley is a scientist by training, having worked in academia, start-up and business sectors, including Cambridge University Teaching hospitals, Stevenage Bioscience Catalyst (SBC), Cell and Gene Therapy Catapult and University of Oxford. Currently, Director at Arise Innovation hubs, part of Anglia Ruskin University, small but beautifully formed and importantly close but not within the golden triangle powerhouses. Beverley has been building a pipeline and success stories in the local environment has involved using knowledge of other clusters and adaptation to a different ecosystem. Collaborating with our community to harness the skills and talent in ARU to support them, on a bespoke and case by case basis. Proud to have delivered programmes such as ABOVE and learnt how being small can make you nimble but success relies on powerful and strategic partnership.

Dr Michael Watts MBA MBChB BSc (Hons), Co-Founder and CEO at Blüm Health
Michael is the Young Health Tech Leader of the Year 2024, an NHS doctor, NHS Innovation Accelerator Fellow and MBA Graduate by background. Over the last few years, he has been the CEO of Blüm Health, an award-winning digital health organisation that collaboratively works with Hospitals, SMEs and Large Corporates to design, build, and scale digital health software solutions, in the hope to empower public and private sector organisations to boost their digital maturity and unlock their innovative potential. Michael has extensive experience in supporting NHS organisations design, build and procure digital health ecosystems and understands the importance of digital inclusivity from a patient, workforce and organisational perspective.

Matt Lavis, Chief Technology Officer at Skyrocket Phytopharma
Matt is the Chief Technology Officer for Skyrocket Phytopharma, the distributor and Responsible Person for the Neuropad, Sudopad and Sudometrics products in the United Kingdom. Matt collaborates with clinical experts to lead the development and integration of innovative technologies that improve patient care and safety, overseeing product design, engineering, and regulatory compliance.
Matt has spent 25 years leading digital projects in both the private and public sector for diverse organisations such as HMRC, Department for Business and Trade, Sainsbury’s and Argos, with a recent history of delivering a number of key post-Brexit UK trade platforms.

Muntazir Panjwani, Co-Founder at Vibe Agency
Muntazir Panjwani is a co-founder of Vibe Agency, a tech consultancy that builds digital platforms across healthcare, education and the public sector. He leads product direction and delivery, building scalable solutions used by clinicians, staff, learners and administrators. With over a decade of experience, Vibe Agency has delivered learning and workforce platforms and operational tools for NHS organisations, Integrated Care Boards (ICBs), Local Medical Committees and Training Hubs. Muntazir also mentors on the NHS Clinical Entrepreneurs Programme, supporting innovators to build new digital solutions in healthcare.

Dr Uzma Sajjad, Founder at RescQ
Uzma is an interventional cardiology trainee and somewhere between coronary wires and stents, found an interest in improving outcomes for out-of-hospital cardiac arrests. The operational lead for RescQ – a digital solution to support to the forgotten bystanders, who step in during the life or death moments of a cardiac arrest, before help arrives.

Jamie Tidman, CEO at ND Lens
Jamie is an experienced CTO with a 13-year background in software development – 8 of which have included building language AI products in use within the NHS and other healthcare organisations. As CEO of ND Lens, Jamie is leading the development of a platform which uses AI to transform ADHD and autism assessments, cutting wait times and clinician workload. The accessible platform streamlines diagnosis, supports patients during delays, and helps health services tackle growing backlogs efficiently.

John Connah, Software Team Lead at eg technology
John has over 30 years of experience in coordinating cross-disciplinary teams delivering complex software projects to regulatory standards across multiple platforms and development environments. As an experienced software engineer, he offers guidance, mentorship and technical direction on complex projects across the product development roadmap. John leads the software group at eg technology and has worked across a broad section of industry including MedTech, BioTech, AgriTech and Consumer sectors. He has extensive experience in medical software, video and image processing and scientific and biomedical instrumentation control.

Peter Clark PhD, Co-founder and R&D Technical Director at RCK Partners
As an experienced R&D professional, Peter completed an engineering doctorate whilst working within a FTSE 100 central R&D department and subsequently worked in development engineering, refining precious metals, before undertaking management consulting work to implement innovation software. Having worked within one of Europe’s largest innovation funding providers, Peter has worked extensively on engineering, construction, manufacturing, and agricultural R&D claims. With a core background in R&D and Chemical Engineering, Peter can better understand the challenges encountered by his clients, applying technology driven solutions into corporation tax services on behalf of clients.

Younes Fegheh-Hassanpour PhD, R&D Manager at RCK Partners
Younes is Head of Life-Sciences and an R&D Tax Manager at RCK, with a D.Phil in Organic Chemistry from the University of Oxford and a Master’s in Pharmaceutical Chemistry from Queen Mary University. With over six years of experience as an R&D tax specialist, Younes also brings a strong background in industrial drug development. His expertise spans complex drug design, custom synthesis, and process development for regulatory-controlled substances used in Phase I and II clinical trials. He has extensive experience in GMP and GLP environments, including large-scale reactor development, early-stage steroid pharmaceutical formulation, and the synthesis of carbohydrates for targeted disease control. Younes has been closely involved in multiple stages of the drug development lifecycle, from strategy and implementation to hands-on execution of long-term R&D programmes.

Mike Herd, Ecosystem Innovation Growth Specialist
An experienced business advisor, Mike has worked with many hundreds of tech entrepreneurs supporting them to realise the potential of their businesses and themselves.
As part of his Innovate UK role, Mike works with stakeholders across Cambridge to develop the investor ecosystem and to identify and support new high-growth potential tech businesses.

Dr Lamprini Kaftantzi, Senior Advisor at Health Innovation East
Dr Lamprini leads international projects that support overseas companies in navigating the NHS, as well as helping UK companies achieve success in international markets. Additionally, she is the Oncology Lead, helping innovators and SMEs bring oncology innovations into the NHS and supporting providers with the implementation and evaluation of new solutions. Lamprini trained in biology and genetics before completing her doctoral studies on the clinical and commercial translation of advanced cell therapies. She previously worked as a market access consultant, and a Health Technology Assessor of medical devices and diagnostics for one of NICE’s External Assessment Centres.

Current positions:

Innovate UK – Cambridge Ecosystem
Senior Innovation & Growth Specialist / Investment
Visiting Professor – Anglia Ruskin University.
Chair of ARU’s Enterprise & Entrepreneurship External Advisory Panel.
Board advisor for technology businesses.
Holder of the Queens Award for Enterprise.

Mike ran the Sussex Innovation Centre, a leading UK technology business incubator for over twenty years. He acted as a guide and advisor for businesses at all stages from start-up to flotation. He built a high-performing team of advisors and business support staff – including a successful intern scheme. He developed and delivered award-winning entrepreneurial support programmes.
In addition, Mike led on new research commercialisation and student start-up initiatives at the University of Sussex.
Also, an author of novels based on the experiences of start-up entrepreneurs

WMHTIA: Driving Local Innovation to Meet Regional NHS Challenges - Webinar
2025-12-09 10:00 - 12:15 | Online via GoToWebinar
Date: Tuesday 9th DecemberTime: 10:00am – 12:15pmLocation: Online (Goto Webinar)
We’re excited to announce the second in a series of three WMHTIA Cluster Events taking place over the coming months. Focusing on driving Local Innovation to Meet Regional NHS Challenges in alignment with the NHS 3 Radical Shifts 10 year plan.
Event Agenda
Community: Driving Local Innovation to Meet Regional NHS Challenges
Helping innovators tailor solutions to community needs within the NHS 10-Year Plan
Date: Tuesday, 9th December 2025
Time: 10:00 AM – 12:15 PM
Location: GOTO Webinar
10:00 AM – 10:05 AM: Welcome & Housekeeping
Opening remarks, event objectives, and how to make the most of the session.
10:05 AM – 10:25 AM: Insight 1 – Understanding Local Needs through Community-Leve Data
Presented by VUIT Data Labs
Discover how to identify and interpret place-based data to uncover unmet health needs at the community level and shape targeted interventions.
Q&A: 10:25 – 10:30
10:30 AM – 10:50 AM: Insight 2 – Addressing Regional Health Priorities in the West Midlands
Presented by Health Innovation West Midlands
Explore the biggest health challenges across the West Midlands, and how local businesses and innovators can engage with public sector needs to co-develop meaningful solutions. Learn how solving the specific, real-world challenges of Integrated Care Boards (ICBs) and regional trusts can drive more relevant and impactful innovation — shifting from national to hyper-local approaches.
Q&A: 10:50 – 10:55
10:55 AM – 11:15 AM: Insight 3 – Partnerships as Catalysts for Hospital-to-Community Transformation
Presented by Our Health Partnership (OHP)
By leveraging scale, shared infrastructure, and data-driven referral pathways, OHP can empower GPs to act as local coordinators—reducing hospital demand while delivering more proactive, prevention-led care.
Q&A: 11:15 – 11:20
11:20 AM – 11:30 AM: Open Networking Break
An opportunity to connect, share experiences, and find collaborators with shared regional interests.
11:30 AM – 12:00 PM: Interactive Workshop – Tackling Community Health Challenges Through Innovation
Join a practical discussion on the barriers and opportunities for working at the community level — exploring key questions such as:

How can innovators effectively engage with local systems?

What strategies support trust-building and uptake at the community level?

How can businesses co-design solutions with communities and health systems?

12:00 PM – 12:15 PM: Reflections & Closing Discussion
Collective reflections, insight-sharing, and guidance on how to move forward with community-driven innovation in the NHS.

Speaker Profile

Omar Daniels, Healthtech Investor & Accelerator
Omar previously co-founded and scaled a startup into 25% of NHS GP practices in 18 months. He is an operator-turned investor in early stage healthtech startups, while also sitting on the Board of NHS South West London ICB as an Associate NED. Omar founded and leads the Primary Care Accelerator, a recently launched programme to back, accelerate and scale innovation in Primary Care. PCA is embedded within at-scale GP practice groups, bringing real-world customers closer to innovators.

Judith Stewart, Director of Economic, Commercial and Business Development, Health Innovation West Midlands
As the Director for Economic, Commercial and Business Development for Health Innovation West Midlands, Judith support innovators and health care systems to discover, develop and deploy innovations for the betterment of all. Across her 25+ year career, she has been instrumental in economic, employment and community development across the South West and Midlands. With a wide ranging network of contacts and support the organisations, she enjoys tackling challenges with curiosity and creativity, always seeking better outcomes.

This event forms part of the West Midlands Health Tech Innovation Accelerator (WMHTIA) event series. Medilink Midlands are one of a consortium of delivery partners for the WMHTIA, a project funded by the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology, Innovate UK and West Midlands Combined Authority (part of City Regions).

WMHTIA - Prevention: Innovating for a Healthier Future
2026-01-13 10:00 - 12:15 | Online via GoToWebinar
Date: Tuesday 13th January Time: 10:00am – 12:15pmLocation: Online (Goto Webinar)
We’re excited to announce the third in a series of three WMHTIA Cluster Events taking place over the coming months. Focusing on helping innovators navigate digital transformation in alignment with the NHS 3 Radical Shifts 10 year plan.
WMHTIA Cluster Event – Prevention – Innovating for a Healthier Future – Helping innovators navigate digital transformation in light of the NHS 10-Year Plan
Event Agenda
10:00 AM – 10:05 AM
Welcome & Housekeeping
10:05 AM – 10:25 AM
Insight 1: Navigating Regulation Between Wellness and Medical Devices
Presented by SOTAS
Understand the blurred line between wellness products and regulated medical devices — including what innovators must know to avoid compliance risks and bring credible, safe products to market.
Q&A: 10:25 – 10:30
10:30 AM – 10:50 AM
Insight 2: Regional Perspectives on Preventive Innovation
Presented by West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA)
Discover how the West Midlands region is driving efforts to build a healthier population, and the pivotal role local government plays in preventing disease before it arises. This session will explore regional priorities, opportunities for collaboration, and how innovators can align their solutions with place-based prevention strategies.
Q&A: 10:50 – 10:55
10:55 AM – 11:15 AM
Insight 3: Case Study – Advancing Prevention Through the Wellness and Mindfulness Market
Presented by QuietNote
This case study highlights a wellness innovation currently operating in the consumer wellbeing space. Through close collaboration with the University of Birmingham, the initiative is beginning to demonstrate measurable preventive benefits for mental wellbeing, showing how market-driven wellness solutions can support and align with emerging prevention strategies across the health system.
Q&A: 11:15 – 11:20
11:20 AM – 11:30 AM
Insight 4 – Using Data-Driven Solutions to Strengthen NHS Prevention Strategy and Value. Explain how BVI, developed in the West Midlands, is a new and valid measure of obesity and health risk prevention for the 21st Century.
Presented by Select Research Ltd
Q&A: 11:30 AM – 11:35 – AM
11:35 AM – 12:05 PM
Interactive Workshop: Overcoming Barriers in Preventive Health Innovation
Join a collaborative discussion to unpack common challenges, such as:

Evidence & Evaluation: Proving value and impact of early-stage preventive solutions.
User Engagement: Building lasting user adoption and trust in low-touch interventions.
Funding & Commissioning: Finding sustainable business models for products that prevent rather than treat.
Regulatory Ambiguity: Managing grey areas between consumer wellness and clinical claim
Equity & Access: Ensuring solutions are inclusive and reach underserved populations.

12:05 PM – 12:15 PM
Reflections & Closing
Wrap-up of themes, key learnings, and how to continue the conversation beyond the event.

SPEAKER PROFILES

Will Crawford, Found and Director of Quiet Note
A UK based company pioneering the QuietNote approach – an innovative healthcare approach based on mindfulness and music. Will studied at the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire where he came up with the idea for QuietNote as his final year dissertation. From 2024 – 2025 QuietNote were successful in receiving a £50,000 grant from Innovate UK which funded a world first clinical study into the QuietNote approach. Will is also the Vice President of the Future Faces Chamber of Commerce.

David Hawkins, CTO and Co-Founder of Sotas
David Hawkins is the CTO and Co-Founder of Sotas, a specialist consultancy delivering regulatory and compliance solutions to HealthTech and MedTech industries. With over 20 years of industry, David brings deep technical and regulatory insight, having worked engineering, quality, compliance, and regulatory affairs. He is a trusted expert in navigating regulatory pathways, often working with complex devices, software, and AI-driven technologies. David has supported clients through challenging MDR/IVDR and FDA submissions. His strength lies in bridging technical depth with regulatory clarity, making compliance achievable, understandable, and robust. David collaborates closely with manufacturers to ensure sustained regulatory performance in dynamic global markets.

Richard Barnes, CEO of Select Research
Based in Malvern, Worcs. Select have been pioneers in human body measurement in 3D for nearly 30 years.
Select developed the sizing standards for clothing retailers using their 3D technology, and since 2004 have developed the Body Volume Index (BVI) and other metrics measured digitally, from a smartphone.
The Body Mass Index (BMI) was invented in 1835. BVI was designed to be a better, and modern alternative, and has now been validated by Mayo Clinic as being a significant improvement on BMI for the prediction of metabolic risk.

This event forms part of the West Midlands Health Tech Innovation Accelerator (WMHTIA) event series. Medilink Midlands are one of a consortium of delivery partners for the WMHTIA, a project funded by the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology, Innovate UK and West Midlands Combined Authority (part of City Regions).

IN-PERSON EVENT: Community - Driving Local Innovation to Meet Regional NHS Community
2026-01-29 10:00 - 13:00 | Arise Innovation Hub, Harlow Innovation Park, Maypole Boulevard, Harlow, Essex, CM17 9TX, United Kingdom
Tackling community health challenges through innovation.
Insight 2: Tackling community health challenges through innovation
Medilink Midlands are delighted to be collaborating with Arise Innovation Hubs and Innovate UK in a series of events for autumn and winter 2025/26. The second of these looks at an overarching theme in the NHS’s current 10-year plan, which aims to make the NHS fit for the future.
As we look to move from research to reality how are we going to enable more of us to be treated within the community, keeping our hospitals ready for those times when we really need them. In a recent paper by the Welcome Trust it becomes clear that we need to put research at the heart of health, we need to improve and equalise outcomes.
We will look at the barriers and opportunities for working with the community addressing the following questions:

How do we enable patchy patient engagement to become a network of proactive and involved citizens?
How do we enable research to be embedded into everyday care, with trustworthy data infrastructure and incentivised for all to engage?
How do we ensure adoption of innovations are widespread, allowing innovations to be scaled?

Agenda:
10.00 – 10.25: Arrival, networking and refreshments
10.25-10.30: Introduction and Welcome by Arise | Beverley Vaughan
10.30-10.35: Welcome by Medilink Midlands | Raghul Senthilnathan
10.35-10.50: Setting the scene I – what does a day in the life of a doctor look like in 10 years? How do remote monitoring technologies change the way the health service operates
Bruce Adams| Clinitouch part of Spirit Health Managing Director
10.50-11.05: Setting the scene II – How do we co-create the digital solutions and support tools for healthcare of the future
Dr Alice Byram| Royal Society of Medicine president of Digital Health and entrepreneur
11.05-11.10: Q&A
11.10-11.30: Coffee & networking break
11.30-11.45: Lightening pitches
Seacrest Care Services | Ebun Ojemuyiwa
11.45-11.55: Q&A
11.55- 12.20: Support available to innovators
-Supporting MedTech innovators working in healthcare
Nicola Thorn| AND Technology and Research Managing Director
-Introducing IUK Business Growth
Dr Lorraine Morley | IUK Business Growth, UK Lead of the European AgeTech Accelerator programme
–Introducing Connected Innovation
Scott Cogman | Connected Innovation hubs Director
-Introducing IP and legal protection for SMEs
Cory Stobart | Senior Associate – Patent Attorney, Adamson Jones, part of Gateley
12.20-13.00: Networking lunch

* If you cannot attend once registered for the event please email events@medilinkmidlands.com
* If you would like to join our waiting list, please enter your details here – Waiting List

Speakers

Event Chair: Dr Beverley Vaughan, Arise Innovation Hubs Director
Beverley is a scientist by training, having worked in academia, start-up and business sectors, including Cambridge University Teaching hospitals, Stevenage Bioscience Catalyst (SBC), Cell and Gene Therapy Catapult and University of Oxford. Currently, Director at Arise Innovation hubs, part of Anglia Ruskin University, small but beautifully formed and importantly close but not within the golden triangle powerhouses. Beverley has been building a pipeline and success stories in the local environment has involved using knowledge of other clusters and adaptation to a different ecosystem. Collaborating with our community to harness the skills and talent in ARU to support them, on a bespoke and case by case basis. Proud to have delivered programmes such as ABOVE and learnt how being small can make you nimble but success relies on powerful and strategic partnership.

Raghul Senthilnathan, Innovation Advisor, Medilink Midlands
A dynamic Innovation Advisor with a master’s degree in Biotech and Pharma Management from UCL, and a strong background in life sciences and healthcare innovation. Founder of two innovative start-ups, with personal expertise in digital technologies. Skilled in leading accelerator programs and supporting early-stage companies to navigate challenges and realize their potential in contributing to the economy. Expertise in coaching, mentoring, and business diagnostics to help innovators avoid pitfalls and succeed.

Dr Alice Byram, clinician, entrepreneur and President of the Digital Health Section at the Royal Society of Medicine
With a background in emergency and primary care, she brings frontline insight to the design and adoption of digital health solutions. Alice works at the intersection of clinical practice, technology and system change, advocating for tools that are safe, equitable and genuinely useful for patients and professionals. In this session, she sets the scene for how communities, clinicians, technologists and policymakers can co-create digital solutions and support tools that meet real NHS needs and shape the future of healthcare together.

Scott Cogman, Innovation Hubs Manager of Connected Innovation
Scott leads on the Innovation Hubs network within the Connected Innovation Programme, establishing strategic relationships between the hubs, research institutes and academia and facilitating key conversations around issues such as grow-on space, funding, investment and connecting partners with local innovation support.

Bruce Adams , Managing Director at Clinitouch,
a UK-based remote patient monitoring platform. With a background in global health and social technology, he is passionate about how digital health can transform lives worldwide. Clinitouch, part of Spirit Health, is dedicated to making healthcare more accessible, simple, and affordable for all. Bruce joined in 2021 to build on a decade of successful NHS deployments and to expand the platform’s impact internationally. Working closely with the Department for Business and Trade, he and the Clinitouch team have developed a growing global presence, now spanning 30+ partners in 15+ countries across five continents.

Ebun Ojemuyiwa, Founder & Healthtech Innovator of CheckUup,
Ebun Ojemuyiwa is the founder of CheckUup, a preventative mental-wellness platform that identifies early behavioural shifts to strengthen support networks before crisis. ​
With over 15 years’ experience leading governance, risk and transformation across major institutions including HSBC and JPMorgan, she blends data-driven strategy with human-centred innovation. ​
As a Director at Seacrest Care Services, Ebun works closely with vulnerable young people, giving her deep insight into gaps in early intervention and community support. She is committed to advancing trustworthy, preventative digital solutions that ease pressure on NHS services and improve equitable outcomes across communities.

Cory Stobart, Senior Associate – Patent Attorney, Adamson Jones, part of Gateley
Cory is qualified as a UK Chartered Patent Attorney and Registered European Patent Attorney. He joined Adamson Jones in 2017, having initially joined the patent profession in 2015.
Cory has a particular focus on small and medium sized businesses in the medical, sports and engineering sectors, as well as universities and associated companies or spin-outs. He also works with multi-national companies in the field of medical devices, drafting and prosecuting patent applications worldwide and providing freedom-to-operate advice in respect of competitor portfolios, with a view to gaining a majority foothold in this market.

Dr Lorraine Morley, UK Lead of the European AgeTech Accelerator programme
Before Dr Lorraine Morley joined St John’s Innovation Centre as an innovation and growth specialist she had spent ten years working in the area of technology for health ageing. As the UK lead of the European AgeTech Accelerator programme Lorraine worked with companies developing goods and services across the spectrum of ageing needs from falls-prevention, managing cognitive and physical decline, staying active, maintaining good nutrition and hydration to tracking vital signs at home with medical grade devices.
Supporting technically ambitious start-ups through all steps of the innovation journey from ideation to crafting a compelling value proposition to helping understand the best market entry points and business models, Lorraine also holds an international database of age tech innovations from around the world giving the clients she works for an unbeatable insight into the competitive landscape, emerging trends and market forces. Her abundance of experience in the area of age tech and healthy ageing has also created a broad network of contacts who can assist with clinical and field trials, expert advice and investment.

Ingrid Folland, CEO, Japeto
Ingrid Folland is a dedicated advocate for tech for good, committed to local impact. Starting in R&D, she transitioned into the dynamic world of technology, taking on various roles including product design, development, and project management. Ingrid is now the CEO of Japeto, a company focused on creating safe AI solutions for charities, healthcare, education, and more.

Dr Nicola Thorn, Managing Director, AND Technology Research
Dr Nicola Thorn is Managing Director at AND Technology Research, an award winning, purpose-led technology and product development consultancy. Founded in 1980, ANDtr are trusted by hundreds of companies and engineers all over the world, delivering ‘tech-for-good’ innovative software and electronics products with IoT, Energy, Medical and more. Nicola has overseen the successful development, deployment and submission of dozens of products to market from cutting edge VR medical technology, to industrial energy monitoring system. In addition, Nicola is a member of the UK national committee at BSI for medical device, and an external advisor to the University of Essex Enterprise and Commercialisation boards.

IN-PERSON EVENT: Doing Business with China
2026-02-05 16:00 - 19:00 | Mills & Reeve, Botanic House, 100 Hills Road, Cambridge, United Kingdom
Join us for an insightful and practical event designed for those in the Med-tech and Life Sciences sector looking to expand their operations into the world’s second-largest economy. This event will equip you with the essential knowledge, strategies, and cultural understanding needed to navigate the complexities of the Chinese market successfully.
During the event, delegates can expect to be provided with firsthand knowledge and insights through a series of focused presentations, an industry case study, and a lively panel discussion. The event will conclude with a dedicated networking session, allowing you to build valuable connections.

AGENDA
4pm Arrival & Registration
4:30pm Welcome Introduction
4:45pm Focused Presentations

Understanding the Chinese Business Mind/ Culture (Lily Lin – Co-Founder and CEO of Excellence first Enterprise Consultancy)
Legal and IP issues (James Fry – Mills & Reeve)
Case Study: Medical product partnerships in China (Professor Keith Jackson)

5:15pm Q&A Panel Discussion
6pm Networking
7pm Depart

Speakers

Lily Lin – Co-founder and CEO of Excellence First Enterprise Consultancy (EFEC)
Lily Lin – Co-founder and CEO of Excellence First Enterprise Consultancy (EFEC), a UK–China advisory firm established in 2006 to build strategic partnerships across business, innovation and culture. Her work includes contributing to cross-ecosystem initiatives such as the Lingang–Cambridge Network and partnering with Medilink Midlands to support organisations engaging with China. She is currently leading the development of two new EFEC initiatives planned for rollout in 2026 to mark the organisation’s 20th anniversary: the EFEC UK–China Life Sciences Innovation Hub, which focuses on strengthening trust, alignment and governance between leaders of like-minded innovation ecosystems in both countries; and CognateUK, an evidence-led talent capability initiative exploring upstream development pathways for globally minded professionals.

James Fry – Partner and Head of Life Sciences, Mills & Reeve
James leads our full-service life sciences practice, and advises on IP and IP licensing, strategic contracting and cross-border transactions. He has deep expertise in licensing and partnering, research collaborations, supply chains and the development and distribution of life sciences products, including medical devices and pharmaceuticals. James has notable experience working on deals involving life sciences companies in China, particularly in research collaborations and licensing, and has advised on a number of high profile in-licensing and out-licensing transactions involved Chinese biotechs and pharma companies. His clients include biotech and pharma companies, medical device companies, universities, medical research charities and government bodies.

Professor Keith Jackson
Professor Keith Jackson is a Chartered Engineer and Chartered Director with over forty years of experience in British manufacturing, international trade, and business leadership. He has led multi award-winning MedTech companies, where he designed manufactured and exported innovative healthcare solutions to more than 70 countries, building strong links across Asia and China. As The Master Cutler for 2025–2026, Keith champions international trade, education, and healthcare. A former Non-Executive Director of Medilink, he continues to advise scaling businesses in life sciences on innovation, internationalisation, and leadership. Keith also serves as a Non-Executive Chair and Director for high-growth SMEs, including on an international board in Hong Kong, supporting cross-border collaboration and market expansion for British technology companies.

Panelist

Paul Bowman – Barclays
As the Vertical Head of International for Barclays Business, Paul’s role is to support colleagues and SMEs to explore international trade, by providing insight and education and to confirm that whilst international trade may be complex, it need not be difficult. He has created training and support material for trade and has hosted events and webinars focused upon helping businesses grow through importing and exporting. As well as supporting colleagues and clients, Paul also leans into work with product and propositions, and represents Barclays in discussions with Government, Department of Business & Trade and other external agencies. With over 30 years’ experience within the banking industry, he is a keen ally of those looking to broaden access to the opportunities available through overseas trade and activity.

Online - Monthly Membership Drop-In session
2026-02-24 10:00 - 11:00 | Online – Members Portal
Launched in May, the new Member Portal provides members with access to wider community reach, knowledge sharing, exclusive member offers, forum discussions and access to event & training materials – all in one place.
Member Forum – no registration required, just sign into the portal, head the Member Forum and join the conversation!
If you are a member and not yet signed up to the portal, click here to unlock your access.
Non members are invited to explore open areas of the portal – to receive full access join our membership starting from £275+VAT.
Our Monthly Membership Drop-In Session is an open space for members to ask questions, share feedback, and engage with the Medilink Midlands team. These informal drop-in sessions take place on the last Tuesday of each month.
Each session focuses on a specific topic. The next forum will be held on:
Tuesday 24th FebruaryTopic: Upcoming Medilink Midlands Events

25.02.2026: In-Person Event: WMHTC – North Star Workshop 1 – Insight & Evidence
10.03.2026: In-Person Event: Building Resilient High-Growth, Globally Competitive Life Sciences Cluster: Finance and Investment
10.03.2026: In-Person Event: Venturefest West Midlands 2026

We look forward to seeing you there!

IN-PERSON: WMHTC - North Star Workshop 1 - Insight & Evidence
2026-02-25 12:30 - 15:30 | Salts Healthcare, Unit 1, Richard St, Aston, B7 4AA
This activity aims to bring together triple helix partners (industry, academia, and government) to collaboratively establish the West Midlands Health Technologies Cluster (WMHTC) North Star and Action Plan – its Vision, Mission, and Action Lines.
This work will help build a new partnership-based strategy for the cluster, strengthen collaboration, and align stakeholders behind a shared purpose.

Workshop 1 of 3: Insight & Evidence Session
Rather than critiquing the current Vision/Mission (which may dilute engagement), this session will:

Present an evidence base drawing on known exemplars, existing WMHTC materials, and mapped ecosystem insights.

Enable participants to identify the implications of this evidence for WMHTC’s future direction.

Surface strategic opportunities, challenges, and areas of shared importance.

Purpose: Build a common understanding and create momentum for genuine cocreation.

If you are a senior leader or decision maker working within industry, government or academia, and would like to attend this event, please email: events@wmhtc.co.uk.
*Please note: Places are limited.

For information around workshop 2 click here.
For information around workshop 3 click here.

Each Workshop to be facilitated by Alison Partridge – Head of Inclusive Economy at Newable
Alison leads the design and delivery of programmes that create meaningful opportunities for local communities and support the development of fair, resilient, and innovative local economies.
She is an experienced and adaptable economic development professional with deep expertise in inclusive enterprise, entrepreneurship, and place‑based growth across UK and European cities. Over her 35+ year career, she has worked at the intersection of policy, partnerships, and programme delivery, co‑creating and securing funding for initiatives that respond to complex and evolving socio‑economic contexts.
Alison has played a prominent role within Europe’s Cities Knowledge Exchange and Learning Programmes, leading multiple networks of EU cities committed to building inclusive, knowledge‑based economies. Her work has centred on enabling knowledge exchange, strengthening collaboration, and supporting stakeholders to co‑create local action plans.
In 2016, Alison co‑founded OneTech, a catalyst for inclusion in the startup ecosystem, which equips underserved communities with the networks, skills, and confidence to start and grow businesses. Between 2023 and 2025, she co‑led London’s Inclusive Health & Life Sciences Coalition, bringing together eight central London local authorities and MedCity to broaden access, investment, and opportunities across the sector. From 2024 to 2026, she also supported Tech SY stakeholders to co‑create an ambitious action plan to expand the region’s tech entrepreneurship ecosystem.

To find out more on the WMHTC click here

IN-PERSON: WMHTC - North Star Workshop 2 - Co-Creation of Vision & Mission
2026-03-12 12:30 - 15:30 | Park Regis, 160 Broad Street, Five ways, Birmingham, B15 1DT, United Kingdom
This activity aims to bring together triple helix partners (industry, academia, and government) to collaboratively establish the West Midlands Health Technologies Cluster (WMHTC) North Star and Action Plan – its Vision, Mission, and Action Lines.
This work will help build a new partnership-based strategy for the cluster, strengthen collaboration, and align stakeholders behind a shared purpose.

During workshop 2, Participants will:

Codevelop the core thrust of the Vision (direction, ambition, long-termterm aspiration).
Shape the underpinning Mission (purpose, focus, and role of the cluster).
Work within clear guiderails, ensuring discussion remains strategic and aligned to cluster goals.

If you are a senior leader or decision maker working within industry, government or academia, and would like to attend this event, please email: events@wmhtc.co.uk.
*Please note: Places are limited.

For information around workshop 1 click here.
For information around workshop 3 click here.

Each Workshop to be facilitated by Alison Partridge – Head of Inclusive Economy at Newable
Alison leads the design and delivery of programmes that create meaningful opportunities for local communities and support the development of fair, resilient, and innovative local economies.
She is an experienced and adaptable economic development professional with deep expertise in inclusive enterprise, entrepreneurship, and place‑based growth across UK and European cities. Over her 35+ year career, she has worked at the intersection of policy, partnerships, and programme delivery, co‑creating and securing funding for initiatives that respond to complex and evolving socio‑economic contexts.
Alison has played a prominent role within Europe’s Cities Knowledge Exchange and Learning Programmes, leading multiple networks of EU cities committed to building inclusive, knowledge‑based economies. Her work has centred on enabling knowledge exchange, strengthening collaboration, and supporting stakeholders to co‑create local action plans.
In 2016, Alison co‑founded OneTech, a catalyst for inclusion in the startup ecosystem, which equips underserved communities with the networks, skills, and confidence to start and grow businesses. Between 2023 and 2025, she co‑led London’s Inclusive Health & Life Sciences Coalition, bringing together eight central London local authorities and MedCity to broaden access, investment, and opportunities across the sector. From 2024 to 2026, she also supported Tech SY stakeholders to co‑create an ambitious action plan to expand the region’s tech entrepreneurship ecosystem.

To find out more on the WMHTC click here

IN-PERSON: WMHTC - North Star Workshop 3 - Action Lines & Delivery Model
2026-03-17 12:30 - 15:30 | PHTA, No1 BHIC, 2 Bournebrook Way, Birmingham, B29 6TH, United Kingdom
This activity aims to bring together triple helix partners (industry, academia, and government) to collaboratively establish the West Midlands Health Technologies Cluster (WMHTC) North Star and Action Plan – its Vision, Mission, and Action Lines.
This work will help build a new partnership-based strategy for the cluster, strengthen collaboration, and align stakeholders behind a shared purpose.

During Workshop 3, participants will:

Develop practical, measurable action lines to achieve the vision and mission.

Explore partnership-based delivery models and governance structures.

Prioritise initiatives that strengthen collaboration and impact.

If you are a senior leader or decision maker working within industry, government or academia, and would like to attend this event, please email: events@wmhtc.co.uk.
*Please note: Places are limited.

For information around workshop 1 click here.
For information around workshop 2 click here.

Each Workshop to be facilitated by Alison Partridge – Head of Inclusive Economy at Newable
Alison leads the design and delivery of programmes that create meaningful opportunities for local communities and support the development of fair, resilient, and innovative local economies.
She is an experienced and adaptable economic development professional with deep expertise in inclusive enterprise, entrepreneurship, and place‑based growth across UK and European cities. Over her 35+ year career, she has worked at the intersection of policy, partnerships, and programme delivery, co‑creating and securing funding for initiatives that respond to complex and evolving socio‑economic contexts.
Alison has played a prominent role within Europe’s Cities Knowledge Exchange and Learning Programmes, leading multiple networks of EU cities committed to building inclusive, knowledge‑based economies. Her work has centred on enabling knowledge exchange, strengthening collaboration, and supporting stakeholders to co‑create local action plans.
In 2016, Alison co‑founded OneTech, a catalyst for inclusion in the startup ecosystem, which equips underserved communities with the networks, skills, and confidence to start and grow businesses. Between 2023 and 2025, she co‑led London’s Inclusive Health & Life Sciences Coalition, bringing together eight central London local authorities and MedCity to broaden access, investment, and opportunities across the sector. From 2024 to 2026, she also supported Tech SY stakeholders to co‑create an ambitious action plan to expand the region’s tech entrepreneurship ecosystem.

To find out more on the WMHTC click here.

ONLINE EVENT: MeTAP - Technical HIVE
2026-03-18 13:00 - 15:30 | Online via GoToWebinar
The MeTAP Technical Hive is a structured, expert-led growth intervention delivered as part of MeTAP 2.0, a UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) supported business growth programme.
Designed to provide Nottingham City–based innovators with focused access to high-level subject matter experts across regulatory, IP, clinical validation, manufacturing, commercialisation, legal, and funding domains.
Technical Hive is not a general workshop. It is a diagnostic-led, pre-mapped, 1:1 expert clinic designed to accelerate company progression at critical stages of growth.
The intervention will be delivered online and structured around:

Pre-event diagnostic assessment

Strategic mapping to relevant delivery partners

Structured 1:1 breakout consultations.

Consolidated written recommendations post-event

Aimed to accelerate company progression, de-risk key strategic decisions, and deliver measurable growth outputs in line with UKSPF programme objectives.
Agenda
1pm Welcome/ Introduction
1:10pm Pitching sessions
1:50pm Breakout sessions
3:20pm Closing session
3:30pm Online event ends
Eligibility & AttendanceEligibility checks are required prior to attendance. All attendees must register their interest to join the MeTAP Technical Hive by emailing raghul@medilinkmidlands.com. Access details will be provided following eligibility checks.
Invitation only – open to Life Sciences and MedTech organisations based in Nottingham City.
This programme is funded by the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.

IN-PERSON: WMHTC - HR Action Learning Workshop
2026-03-24 09:00 - 12:00 | STEAMHouse Birmingham, Belmont Row, Birmingham, B4 7RQ, United Kingdom
This activity aims to provide a focused, structured forum within a single workshop to explore shared workforce challenges across the NHS and life sciences sector, including:

Recruitment and retention of scarce and specialist talent
Skills gaps across clinical, scientific, digital and leadership roles
Pipeline issues (education, apprenticeships, early careers)
Workforce resilience, wellbeing and productivity pressures

Participants will use the session to surface what is driving these challenges, share what has and hasn’t worked, and identify where collective insight or action could add value, even beyond the workshop itself.
The workshop is also intended to help foster collaboration and support improved delivery.

Who should attend?

HR Directors, Chief People Officers, Heads of Talent / Workforce
Senior operational or executive leaders with workforce accountability

Drawn from:

Large life science and health technology firms
NHS Trusts and system‑level organisations

If you meet the above criteria, and would like to attend this event, please email: events@wmhtc.co.uk.
*Please note: Places are limited.

Workshop Facilitator – Helen Dinsdale
HR Transformation Leader | Facilitator | People & Culture Specialist
With over 20 years of experience across all areas of HR, Helen is a skilled facilitator and leader of people-focused transformation. She specialises in guiding organisations through change, creating clarity, and bringing people along to deliver meaningful, lasting outcomes.
Known for her pragmatic and outcome-driven approach, Helen excels at simplifying complex HR and business challenges, enabling teams to move forward with confidence. Her ability to build trusted relationships and foster a supportive, non-threatening environment helps individuals and organisations navigate change effectively. As part of an outsourced HR team, Helen works as a true extension of her clients’ businesses—offering hands-on, flexible support that goes beyond advice to deliver real results.

To find out more on the WMHTC click here.

IN-PERSON EVENT: Perspectives on Preventative Innovations in Healthcare
2026-03-24 10:00 - 13:00 | St Johns Innovation Centre, Cowley Road, Cambridge, CB4 0WS, United Kingdom
Insight 3: Perspectives on Preventative Innovations in Healthcare
Arise Innovation hubs are delighted to be collaborating with Medilink Midlands and Innovate UK in a series of events for autumn and winter 2025/26. The final of these looks at an overarching theme in the NHS’s current 10-year plan, around how prevention is better than cure.
The third of the pillars in the NHS 10-year plan is ‘from sickness to prevention’, with a focus on reaching patients earlier to prevent illness, where-ever possible. To achieve this, we need to look across key areas including health surveillance, genomic science, standardised data collection and thoughtful deployment of digital and AI technologies. Reshaping the ways we innovate to make every one of us proactive citizens.
Challenges we will address in this session include:
-What needs to change to improve the focus on prevention?
-How do we use health surveillance data to inform and accelerate new preventative health programmes?
-How do we move to a data-driven and personalised approach throughout our lives?
Agenda
10:00 – 10:30: Arrival, networking and refreshments
10:30 – 10:40: Introduction and Welcome by Arise and Innovate UK
Dr Beverley Vaughan| Director | Arise Innovation Hubs
Stephen Goddard | Job Title | Innovate UK
10:40 – 10:45: Welcome by Medilink Midlands
Raghul Senthilnathan | Innovation Advisor | Medilink Midlands
10:45-11:00 Setting the scene I – What does the future look like, in an ecosystem of health promotion and protection UK Health Security Agency
Nadia Shivji Brown | Senior BDM | UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA)
Dr Jörg Hoffmann | Regional Deputy Director, East of England | UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA)
11:00 – 11:15: Setting the scene II – From Body Mass Index to Body Volume Index
Richard Barnes | CEO | Select Research
11:15 – 11:25: Q&A
11:25 –11:40: Coffee & Networking Break
11.40 -12.00: Lightening Pitches
Imran Haq | Managing Director | The Sample Network
Hasan Avcu| Co-Founder & Managing Director | Tesu Health
Dr. Shaobin Wu | Co – Founder | C-Prio Ltd
12.00-12.20: Support available to Innovators
Dr. Anne Blackwood | Chief Executive | Health Tech Enterprise
Stephen Goddard | Senior Innovation and Growth Specialist | Innovate UK
12:20 – 12:30: Q&A
12.30-13.00: Networking lunch

A POLITE REMINDER REGARDING EVENT ATTENDANCE
We’re seeing an increase in late cancellations and no‑shows at programme events. While we understand that plans change or unexpected circumstances arise, not informing us in advance has a real impact.
When participants do not cancel their ticket or send apologies, it results in unused catering, wasted resources, and limits our ability to plan effectively and offer places to others who wish to attend.
Please be considerate: If you are no longer able to attend an event, let us know as soon as possible, or cancel your ticket via Event Brite, or email events@medilinkmidlands.com, so the space can be reallocated.
Additionally, the presentation slides will only be shared with those who attended the event.
Thank you for your understanding and professionalism.
Speaker Profiles

Event Chair: Dr Beverley Vaughan | Arise Innovation Hubs Director | ARU
Beverley is a scientist by training, having worked in academia, start-up and business sectors, including Cambridge University Teaching hospitals, Stevenage Bioscience Catalyst (SBC), Cell and Gene Therapy Catapult and University of Oxford. Currently, Director at Arise Innovation hubs, part of Anglia Ruskin University, small but beautifully formed and importantly close but not within the golden triangle powerhouses. Beverley has been building a pipeline and success stories in the local environment has involved using knowledge of other clusters and adaptation to a different ecosystem. Collaborating with our community to harness the skills and talent in ARU to support them, on a bespoke and case by case basis. Proud to have delivered programmes such as ABOVE and learnt how being small can make you nimble but success relies on powerful and strategic partnership.

Raghul Senthilnathan | Innovation Advisor | Medilink Midlands
A dynamic Innovation Advisor with a master’s degree in Biotech and Pharma Management from UCL, and a strong background in life sciences and healthcare innovation. Founder of two innovative start-ups, with personal expertise in digital technologies. Skilled in leading accelerator programs and supporting early-stage companies to navigate challenges and realize their potential in contributing to the economy. Expertise in coaching, mentoring, and business diagnostics to help innovators avoid pitfalls and succeed.

Richard Barns | CEO | Select Research
Richard Barnes is CEO of Select Research, based in Malvern, Worcs. Select have been pioneers in human body measurement in 3D for nearly 30 years. Select developed the sizing standards for clothing retailers using their 3D technology, and since 2004 have developed the Body Volume Index (BVI) and other metrics measured digitally, from a smartphone. The Body Mass Index (BMI) was invented in 1835. BVI was designed to be a better, and modern alternative, and has now been validated by Mayo Clinic as being a significant improvement on BMI for the prediction of metabolic risk.

Hasan Avcu | Managing Directors | Tesu Health
Hasan is a physician and health technology entrepreneur, and Co-Founder and Managing Director of Tesu Health, a Cambridge-based company developing evidence-based digital tools for chronic disease prevention. His work focuses on the behavioural management of cardiometabolic risk, with an emphasis on scalable interventions that support personalised prevention. Hasan has a background in clinical practice as well as medical and regulatory affairs within the pharmaceutical industry.

Stephen Goddard | Senior Innovation and Growth Specialist | Innovate UK
Stephen Goddard is an experienced business development, sales, and marketing professional with deep sector knowledge across:

Accounting (PwC, KPMG, HW Fisher)
Banking (Lloyds, Clydesdale)
Legal (Ashton Legal, Attwaters Jameson Hill, Woodfines)

Stephen also brings hands-on experience from running his own consultancy and working as a business advisor in the region.

Imran Haq | Managing Director | The Sample Network
Imran’s experience spans top tier universities (University of Cambridge, UCL), large pharma (AstraZeneca, GlaxoSmithKline), founding successful companies (Cellomatics, Ignite Life Sciences, The Sample Network), government funded entities (Medicines Discovery Catapult), and non-profits (Pistoia Alliance).
As Managing Director of The Sample Network, Imran is tackling barriers in relation to clinical collection. Inability to access samples rapidly, delays biomarker and diagnostic development.
The Sample Network resolves this via access to proven sites that can rapidly start studies, in defined timeframes, and with complex study design. The company has been growing 300% YoY and can now count upon a global client base.

Dr. Anne Blackwood | Chief Executive | Health Tech Enterprise
Dr. Anne Blackwood is a prominent leader in the UK’s health innovation ecosystem, currently serving as the Chief Executive of Health Tech Enterprise (HTE). With over 20 years of experience in technology transfer and intellectual property management, she has dedicated her career to bridging the gap between clinical research, academia, and the commercial market. Prior to leading HTE, Anne spent several years at Cambridge Enterprise, the technology transfer office for the University of Cambridge, where she honed her skills in IP management and spin-out formation. She holds a PhD in Chemistry, providing her with a rigorous scientific foundation that informs her commercial decision-making. Beyond her role at HTE, she is an active voice in the medtech community, often contributing to regional innovation boards and national committees aimed at improving patient care through technological advancement.

Dr Jörg Hoffmann | Regional Deputy Director, East of England |UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA)
Jörg is a specialist in Public Health and a medical doctor and is the Regional Deputy Director leading UKHSA in the East of England. Previously he worked as Deputy Director for Health Protection in Public Health England. Before that he held consultant posts in Public Health Wales and the Health Protection Agency. He trained in Public Health in the East Midlands and worked as a technical Officer for the European Region of the World Health Organisation in Copenhagen, Denmark. Before embarking on a public health career in 2002, Jorg worked clinically in both Germany and the United Kingdom having trained originally in Ulm and Kiel Universities in Germany.

IN-PERSON: XR Hub - Health & Life Sciences Matchmaking for Innovation & Collaboration
2026-03-24 13:00 - 16:00 | STEAMHouse Birmingham, Belmont Row, Birmingham, B4 7RQ, United Kingdom
The XR Health, Care & Life Sciences Hub is hosting a structured matchmaking session designed to create practical collaborations between challenge owners, XR solution providers and enabling partners across healthcare, life sciences, manufacturing, training and related sectors.
This includes clinical applications, workforce development, simulation and training, advanced manufacturing, and other areas where immersive technologies can improve outcomes, efficiency or innovation in the health and life science sector.

Agenda
1pm Arrival & registration
1:30pm Welcome
1:45pm Challenge Showcase
2:15pm Matchmaking Session
4pm Depart

To find out more on the WMHTC click here.

IN-PERSON EVENT: Medilink Midlands Members Forum & Workshop
2026-03-25 10:00 - 13:00 | Shakespeare Martineau Solicitors, 35 Station Street, Nottingham, Nottinghamshire, NG2 3DQ, United Kingdom
Date: Wednesday 25th March 2026
Time: 10:00am – 1:00pm
Location: Shakespeare Martineau Solicitors, 35 Station Street, Nottingham, NG2 3DQ
Join us for a relaxed and engaging morning hosted by Medilink Midlands, designed exclusively for our members. This is a great opportunity to connect with the Medilink Midlands team, hear updates on our latest activities.
The session will also include a focused workshop on Employee Mental Health and Wellbeing, delivered by Nathan Shearman. Nathan is a qualified psychotherapist and mental health trainer who integrates current psychotherapy and neuroscience research with innovative delivery methods, alongside the development of effective, high-impact training solutions. We’ll explore best practices, share useful resources, and open the floor for discussion.
Agenda Highlights:

Arrival Networking
Updates from Medilink Midlands
Member Q&A session
Employee Wellbeing & Mental Health Workshop

Agenda:
10:00am – Delegates Arrival/Refreshments
10:20am – Introduction from : Ed Wright | Partner | Shakespeare Martineau
10:30am – Welcome from : Laura Shakespeare | Membership Lead | Medilink Midlands

Intro & Welcome

Member updates

10:40am – MMIB & MTI Expo update : Lucy Alexander | Medilink Midlands
10:50am – Events update: Reena Mistry | Events Officer | Medilink Midlands
10:55am – Q&A – Your chance to ask the Medilink Midlands Team
11:15am – Networking Break
11:30am – Employee wellbeing & Mental Health Workshop: Nathan Shearman | Manging Director | Red Umbrella
1:00pm – Finish
Not a member yet? There’s still time to join and enjoy all the benefits of Medilink Midlands membership, including attending this session. Discover what you get and sign up here or email membership@medilinkmidlands.com.
Speakers

Nathan Shearman | Managing Director | Red Umbrella
“Nathan is a qualified psychotherapist and mental health trainer who integrates current psychotherapy and neuroscience research with innovative delivery methods, alongside the development of effective, high-impact training solutions. After ten years in retail management, the loss of someone close to suicide, alongside his own experiences of anxiety, Nathan now pursues a career in mental health, and is steadfastly committed to reducing stigma and improving access to support, with the emphasis on prevention as well as crisis intervention. Since joining Red Umbrella, he has trained over 2,000 people, designed 65 courses, and delivered training globally.”

Ed Wright | Partner | Shakespeare Martineau
Ed is a specialist commercial lawyer advising clients on a wide range of non-contentious contractual, IP, data protection and competition law issues.
He primarily advises on the creation, ownership, and exploitation of IP, including licensing, R&D/technology transfer and agency, distribution, reselling, and franchising arrangements. Ed also specialises in drafting and negotiating agreements governing IP licensing and the supply of goods and services. He works across all sectors, with particular expertise in healthcare and life sciences, sport, technology, and media and communications.
Ed is recognised as a ‘Leading Partner’ in the Legal 500 UK 2026, and as a ranked lawyer in the Chambers UK 2026

In-Person Event: Business Awards 2026
2026-04-23 18:30 - 23:30 | Empire Banqueting & Conference Hall, 1 Foundry Lane,, Leicester, LE1 3WU, United Kingdom
Innovation, Collaboration, and Excellence Celebrated at Medilink Midlands Business Awards 2026
The region’s most innovative and impactful healthtech and life sciences companies will be recognised at the Medilink Midlands Business Awards 2026, taking place at the Empire Banqueting Hall, Leicester on Thursday April 23rd 2026.
Organised by Medilink Midlands, the awards aim to bring together industry leaders, clinicians, academics, and investors to celebrate organisations driving innovation, improving patient outcomes, and delivering economic growth.
Applications are now open including a new nomination method.
For further information on categories and sponsorship opportunities, please click here.

Ticket Prices:

Individual ticket (standard non-member rate) = £185 +VAT
Individual ticket with member discount = £150 +VAT
Table rate (standard fee based on 10 people) = £1,700 +VAT
Table rate (based on 10 people) with member discount = £1,400 +VAT

Tickets/Tables: Medilink Member discounts are available, to receive the code email: events@medilinkmidlands.com
CLICK TO BOOK YOUR PLACES TO ATTEND

Introducing our host – Dr Michael Akadiri
Stand-up Comedian | Resident Doctor | Health Commentator
We’re thrilled to welcome Dr Michael Akadiri as our host for the Medilink Midlands Business Awards!
A multi award-winning comedian and NHS doctor, Michael blends medical insight with sharp, observational humour, making him the perfect host for a night celebrating innovation in healthcare and life sciences.
You may have seen him on Comedy Central, ITV2’s The Stand Up Sketch Show, or Channel 4’s Stand Up to Cancer, and heard him sharing expert health commentary on BBC Newsnight, LBC, and The Guardian.
From the wards to the world of comedy, Michael brings wit, warmth, and a doctor’s perspective on the lighter side of life in healthcare.

Entertainment announcement
Emily White | Award winning singer-songwriter
Emily brings a unique blend of jazz, soul, and timeless classics from the 70s through to today. We can’t wait for Emily to bring her rich sound and signature style to the Medilink Midlands Business Awards 2026, it’s set to be an unforgettable evening.
An award-winning singer-songwriter whose soulful vocals and jazz-inspired piano style have captivated audiences across the UK.
See more here.

Adding something truly special to the line-up, Totally Vocally will be bringing their incredible a cappella magic to the awards.
From NYC stages with Pentatonix to sold-out shows at Nottingham Playhouse with Gareth Malone, this Nottingham-based choir is known for soulful harmonies, funky grooves, and an infectious energy that will light up the room.

Leicestershire Innovation Clinics 2026
2026-06-25 12:00 - 16:30 | Charnwood Campus Loughborough, LE11 5RB, Charnwood Campus Loughborough, Loughborough, LE11 5RB, United Kingdom
Date: Thursday 25 June 2026

Venue: Charnwood Campus, Bakewell Road, Loughborough, LE11 5RB
A partnership between Medilink Midlands, The Institute for Precision Health – University of Leicester and Charnwood Campus Science Innovation and Technology Park offers expertise support to individuals or companies already in, or transitioning into, the life sciences, medtech, health tech sector within the locality of Leicester and Leicestershire.
We are delighted to be able to feed into the new Leicestershire Academic Health Partners Health Innovation Hub, which will widen our ability to provide clinical insight into the value and delivery of new innovations.
First launched in October 2022, the Innovation Clinic programme successfully provided innovators access to expertise across the University, NHS and business innovation support network, to supply a clear pathway on how to grow and develop their innovations
To continue supporting pioneering innovation ideas across the region, a new series of clinic sessions has been launched.
Hosting these sector-specific workshops collaboratively, enables innovators to benefit from confidential discussions regarding the development of new products, from advice on funding and product development all the way through to engaging with the NHS, without having to engage with each organisation separately.
Expertise will include:
Academic, clinical, IP, regulatory, clinical adoption, innovation test beds, signposting and sectoral networking opportunities.
Who should apply?

Are you a student, health professional or company, developing new products or services?
Do you need insight on how to develop your research idea into a tangible product?
Looking to understand how to approach the NHS?
Want to know what funding is available?
Need guidance on PPI, value proposition, and/or cost/benefit analysis?
Looking to increase your competitive advantage?

Booking information:
If you would like to discuss your innovation project, new product development or understand the landscape, please complete this short online application form here.
These workshops have proved extremely popular, so early booking is recommended.
Deadline for the Leicestershire Innovation Clinics is Friday 29th May.
Note: Applications will be kept open until further notice as there will be ongoing support mechanisms.
Please note individuals/companies can only attend one innovation clinic session throughout the series. This programme is supported by the Leicestershire Academic Health Partners Health Innovation Hub, consisting of:

Health Innovation East Midlands
Leicestershire Academic Health Partners
University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust
Leicestershire Partnership NHS Trust
Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland Integrated Care Board
University of Leicester

Funded through the University of Leicester’s Medical Research Council Impact Accelerator Account.

IN-PERSON: Medilinks - Meet The Neighbour
2026-07-07 12:00 - 16:00 | Wildes INNS, Worksop Road, Clowne, Chesterfield, S43 4TD, United Kingdom
Don’t miss this fantastic opportunity to connect, collaborate, and grow your network this summer!
Join Medilink Midlands and Medilink North for an exciting afternoon of connection, conversation, and collaboration at our Meet Your Neighbour – Summer Networking Event.
You’ll also enjoy a delicious two course summer buffet in a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere, set in the beautiful surroundings of WILDES INNS, Chesterfield.
Whether you’re looking to strengthen existing relationships or spark new collaborations, this event offers a great opportunity to network in a friendly, laid-back atmosphere.
Agenda
12:00 – 12:45 | Arrival & welcome refreshments and networking
12:45 – 13:00 | Welcome & opening remarks Medilink Midlands & Medilink North
13:00 – 13:15 | Welcome from Browne Jacobson
13:15– 13:25 | Guest Speaker 1
13:25 – 14:25 | Informal networking & two course buffet lunch
14:25 – 14:35 | Guest Speaker 2
14:35 – 15:50 | Discussion networking & interactive activities
15:50– 16:00 | Closing remarks
Important information:
Ticket Prices:
Members: £20.00 + vat
Non Members: £30.00 + vat
Please email: events@medilinkmidlands.com for your exclusive discount code.

Accommodation
If you would like to stay overnight, they are able to offer a discounted rate of £99.00 for a single occupancy room, including breakfast.
To access this rate, you will need to book directly with WILDES INNS, either by phone or email – please reference Sam Otter – “Meet the Neighbour”
T +44(0)1246 387 386
E corporate@wildesinns.co.uk

We look forward to welcoming you for an afternoon of great conversation, connections, and summer networking.

Thank you to our Event Sponsor
