Boost For Medical Device And Technology Companies - ERBI Medtech Awards Aim To Increase International Profile Of Regional Specialists

Main Category: Medical Devices / Diagnostics
Article Date: 29 Sep 2008 - 9:00 PDT

email to a friend   printer friendly   opinions  

Ever since Darwin's grandson set up Cambridge Instruments to supply the university with specialist glassware, the medical technology, devices and diagnostic industry has been a thriving part of the regional economy - but one that has been unfairly overshadowed by the biotech sector according to Barnaby Perks of ERBI Medtech.

Barnaby joined ERBI in January to set up a section especially for organisations working in Medtech. An entrepreneur himself in the field of medical devices, Barnaby is very in tune with the needs of this sector.

"Genetic testing, novel drug delivery mechanisms and remote monitoring systems are just a few of the areas which fall under the broad title of Medtech. I have visited some really innovative companies over the last few months. Although these companies operate a very different business model to the pharma and biotech companies firms that form the majority of ERBI members, there is considerable synergy between the sectors. We aim to provide a dynamic environment to facilitate interactions and partnerships."

To promote both emerging technologies and commercial success, ERBI Medtech has announced its first regional awards, to be presented at the ERBI Winter Ball on the 29th November 2008. There are three award categories: Innovation, Export Achievement and NHS Partnership.

International markets are particularly important to this sector and Barnaby is working closely with the government export and inward investment agencies UKTI and EEI. Companies short-listed for the awards will be promoted internationally through these outlets.

The awards are open to all medtech companies in the East of England, not just ERBI Medtech members, as Barnaby is keen that as many companies as possible enter.

"I am aware that we haven't yet reached all the medtech companies based in the region and hope that the awards will encourage more organisations to get in touch. We will be showcasing a shortlist of companies that have entered on our website, so it is not just the winners that will benefit from the promotion."

About ERBI

ERBI is Europe's leading regional biotechnology industry group. Established in 1997, it is a self-financing, non-governmental, membership-based company. Although most of its 430 members come from across the bio-pharma and med-tech community in Cambridge and the East of England, a significant number of members come from other countries and regions. Members range from multi-nationals like GSK and MSD, to venture-backed start-ups.

The primary aim is to help members enhance their global competitiveness. All activities are underpinned by networking - bringing together groups of like-minded people to learn, share best practice, experiences, contacts and knowledge.

Over the last 10 years ERBI has earned a reputation for delivering support that makes a positive contribution to member companies in the key areas of purchasing, facilities management, health and safety, security, IT, finance, corporate governance, training, HR and business development.

ERBI

• Additional
• References
• Citations