Middle East medtech markets in sight

Healthcare companies are today joining the Leeds City Region Enterprise Partnership (LEP) at the 2019 Arab Health Exhibition and Congress in Dubai.

The delegation, led by the Leeds City Region Enterprise Partnership (LEP) and Medilink, includes business showcases and displays from a range of exciting businesses.

These include scalp-cooling equipment from Huddersfield-based PAXMAN, germ control pushpads from Leeds-based SurfaceSkins,  operating theatre lights from Leeds-based Brandon Medical, surgical sealants from Leeds-based  Tissuemed and oxygen monitors from Bradford-based Viamed.  They will meet buyers in growing markets and increase exports from regional life science and medtech companies.

This activity builds on a strong regional export performance. Whilst the value of UK trade in goods exported increased by four per cent compared with same period last year, the value in Yorkshire and the Humber rose by nearly nine per cent.

Leeds City Region is a leading centre for healthcare and is home to one of Europe’s largest teaching hospitals, four NHS headquarters, 30 centres specialising in personalised medicine and a is a leading centre for patient records management.

Roger Marsh, Chair of the LEP said:“It’s a natural choice to showcase the best med-tech products from our region at Arab Health. The Gulf, Asian and North African healthcare markets are set for significant growth due to investment in healthcare infrastructure and are looking to British companies to provide trusted, high quality products.  We’re home to the UK’s largest medtech cluster so ideally placed to cater to this need. There is a lot of support for businesses to enter these markets. It’s worthwhile getting in touch with the LEP to find out more.”

Brian Waligora, CEO of Harrogate-based Surfaceskins said:“We have had a huge amount of interest in Surfaceskins from the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC). The region’s focus on infection control and hygiene seems ahead of many other regions if the world. Last year, being unfamiliar with Arab Health, the LEP kindly showcased our product. The amount of leads generated was incredible! For this reason Surfaceskins have taken an exhibition stand for 2019 and we have already been inundated with requests to meet up with potential customers. I’m really look forward to it.”

Charlotte Fraser, International Development at PAXMAN added: “Chemotherapy-induced hair loss is consistently ranked in the top five most distressing cancer chemotherapy side effects and we are working hard to ensure that cancer patients have a choice against hair loss. We are delighted to be able to offer scalp cooling to Middle Eastern patients and are keen to find new partners from across the region.”