IN-PERSON EVENT: Leicestershire Innovation Festival 2024 Workshop: ‘Funding Early Business Growth’
2024-02-14 13:00 - 16:00 (Europe/London) | SHMA LLP, 1 Colton Square, Leicester, LE1 1QH, United Kingdom
Join TBAT Innovation for a free workshop on 14th February as part of the 2024 Leicestershire Innovation Festival. Working in partnership with Shakespeare Martineau, British Business Bank and Rocking Horse Group, this workshop has been designed to empower entrepreneurs and businesses and is is tailor-made to equip you with indispensable tools and insights for navigating the intricate world of investment and funding opportunities.
Led by industry experts in investment and entrepreneurship, this workshop guarantees a comprehensive and engaging learning experience. Esteemed speakers include:
Sam Stephens, Founding Director, TBAT Innovation: Funding your innovation
• Introduction to Grant Funding and the R&D Tax Credit Scheme
• EIS/SEIS
Lisa Botterill, Partner, Shakespeare Martineau – Legal Considerations
• The legal process for obtaining funding
• How to be prepared for the legal process
• Key things to look out for
• What the legal documentation looks like
Lewis Stringer, Senior Manager, British Business Bank – Access to Finance
• An overview of the state of the SME access to finance market both nationally and regionally
• Current trends being seen with innovative businesses accessing funding
• The support available for SMEs and innovative businesses from the British Business Bank
Rob Fabbro & James Davis, Rocking Horse Group UK – Advanced funding solutions
• What is advance funding of R&D Tax Credits and IUK Grants?
• Supporting loss-making businesses
• Make Great British Innovation Great again
Following these insightful presentations, participants will be given the chance to participate in hands-on exercises, have ample opportunities to ask questions and connect with our experts.
In addition, we are delighted to confirm that during this event, TBAT Innovation will officially launch the Innovation Challenge 2024.
Registration details can be found online here.

IN-PERSON EVENT: Intellectual Property considerations for Health Tech companies
2024-02-27 10:00 - 13:00 | Shoosmiths, 103 Colmore Row, Birmingham, B3 3AG, United Kingdom
Are you looking for advice navigating the world of Intellectual Property? If so, this event which will specifically focus on supporting Health Tech companies and their IP journey. Led by the professionals at Shoosmiths and Forresters.
This workshop event, taking place at Shoosmiths in Birmingham will explore the ins and outs of all Intellectual Property considerations. The event will comprise of three sessions:
Patents, designs and IP strategy
• What is intellectual property?
• Patents: what they can provide protection for and how
• Design registrations – the benefits of having them
• Ownership of intellectual property – key considerations
• Strategy – different uses of intellectual property
Protecting your brand
• Brand strategy
• Protecting your key trade marks
• Enforcement of your rights in your brand
Commercialising your IP
• Developing your commercially viable product
• Licensing-out your IP
• Bringing your products to market
Speaker Profiles:

Andrew Brennan, Partner, Shoosmiths
Andrew Brennan is a Partner at Shoosmiths and heads the national IP team. He is recognized as a leading intellectual property lawyer who “knows his IP” and provides “solid, targeted, and fast advice”. Clients find him approachable, pragmatic, agile, and very user-friendly. Andrew’s practice covers all areas of intellectual property law, with a particular focus on life sciences and medical technologies. He works with organizations at all stages, from pioneering SMEs and disruptive start-ups to global tech companies. Andrew is recognized for his excellence in handling complex disputes with a technical element involving patents, confidential information, and software. He also helps technology clients with their strategic R&D programs and specialized IP commercialization arrangements.

Nichola Jenkins, Legal Director, Shoosmiths
With many years’ experience in digital health, combined with over 21 years legal experience, Nichola advises clients in life sciences space, with a particular focus on diagnostic devices and medical technologies. She routinely provides expert advice to her clients in the exploitation of their ideas, inventions, designs and technology, working closely with companies across the whole innovation ecosystem, including FTSE 100 and global technology companies, SMEs with market leading technology and research intensive universities.
Nichola advises clients in relation to research and development agreements; funding arrangements; licensing, joint ventures, revenue sharing agreements or spin outs; and supply and manufacturing agreements.

Dominic Murphy, Partner, Shoosmiths
Dominic is a European trade mark attorney, heading up the national Trade Mark practice at Shoosmiths. His PhD in genetics means that he has a first hand understanding of the life sciences sector, and is able to provide unparalleled assistance to clients with the entire range of Trade Mark work. Dominic’s remarkable ability to handle multiple complex transactions and consistently win new work has established him as an unstoppable force in his area of expertise. Dominic also has extensive experience in advising on and filing and prosecuting Trade Marks and Designs in the UK, EU and Internationally around the world.

Antony Craggs, Partner, Shoosmiths
Antony is a partner at Shoosmiths, specializing in intellectual property law with a focus on patent litigation and commercialisation of IP assets in the life sciences sector. He has extensive experience in leading disputes before the UK courts and handling multi-jurisdictional matters. Described as a “trailblazer” and “an extremely careful, knowledgeable, and commercial solicitor with a close eye for detail,” Antony immerses himself in life sciences, electronics, and medical devices, and is known for going the extra mile to ensure the very best service for his clients.

Kate Wilson, Life Sciences UK and European Patent Attorney, Forresters
Kate has a cell biology background and handles patent applications in all areas of biotechnology, with a particular focus on genetic engineering, gene therapy, stem cell technology, antibodies and vaccine technology, and food technology. Kate works for a range of clients from individuals, start-ups, university spin-outs and research organisations to multinational companies. Kate handles all aspects of UK and European patent prosecution, including drafting patent applications at the very beginning of the patent process to post-grant opposition and appeal proceedings at the European Patent Office. Kate also has experience conducting IP Audits for clients to identify where their IP portfolios could be strengthened. Kate enjoys working closely with her clients and getting to know their business and commercial needs so that the IP strategy can be tailored accordingly.

Mark Connell, UK and European Patent Attorney – Chemistry Team, Forresters
Mark’s practice covers metallurgy, composite materials, and polymer chemistry, with a particular focus on adhesives and functional coatings. He also has a dedicated interest in medical devices, such as ostomy devices, stents, and catheters. Mark works with SMEs and family-owned businesses. He particularly enjoys working with companies that have not had much prior experience with IP, so that he can work closely with them to develop an IP strategy that best fits their needs. Mark drafts and prosecutes patent applications. He also has extensive experience advising clients in relation to navigating competitor patents.
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).

WEBINAR: An introduction to IP in the NHS and MidTECH Innovations
2024-02-29 10:00 - 11:30
The workshop is free to staff from NHS organisations within the Midlands region, and attendance from staff in all roles or grades are encouraged.
The NHS recognises that its staff can generate new ideas and concepts, innovative solutions to problems, inventions, or just better ways of working, that may, with the right support, lead to improvements in the running of our hospitals or the delivery of healthcare. Such ideas and concepts are termed Intellectual Property (IP) and, like other kinds of property, can be owned and protected.
Your Trust intends to encourage all its employees to make these sorts of contributions by giving you the advice and support needed to maximise the potential benefits from your good ideas and therefore staff are encouraged to attend the MidTECH IP Workshop for targeted advice and support.
This interactive workshop will explore:
• What is Intellectual Property (IP)?
• Why is IP important?
• What are IP Rights?
• How your research or new ideas can be developed, protected, and commercialised with support available from MidTECH.
The workshop will be held online via Teams. To register for this event or for further information please contact Amardeep Kaur.

IN-PERSON EVENT: Innovation and Funding Masterclass
2024-02-29 10:00 - 13:30 | Scarman Conference Facility at Warwick Conferences, University of Warwick, Coventry, CV4 7SH, United Kingdom
Join Medilink Midlands Entrepreneur in Residence, Christian Kumar for this Innovation and Funding Masterclass.
The masterclass will include:
– Changing Landscape of Capital
– Innovation Challenges, including Tactical Road Mapping
– Presenting your idea
– Delivering the perfect pitch
This masterclass is set to be lively and will present many take aways for yourself/business, avoid disappointment and book your free place today.
Open for all companies from research to revenue generating.
At this event we will also be joined by Richard Fallon, CEO of the Technology Supply Chain (TSC), he will be presenting on “How to Access and Maximise the Grants, Innovation Funding and Support Available”, covering:

The Myths and Facts About Grants
The Basics You Must Have in Place
Local Grants- a run-down of the local grants available to you
National Programmes Offering Grants
NIHR Grants
Innovate UK Grants and Loans
Innovation Funding- Additional support
Funded Support Programmes
Putting it All Together for Maximum Benefit

Speaker Profiles:

Christian Kumar, Chief Executive Officer, MedTech Makers Lab and Entrepreneur in Residence at Medilink Midlands
Christian, a seasoned professional, transitioned from a successful career in investment banking to become a trailblazing innovator and lecturer. In 2019, he established the MedTech Makers Lab, pioneering pathways for global medical technology innovations to thrive in the Midlands. Christian imparts his expertise as an innovation management instructor at six universities spanning five countries and facilitates acceleration labs throughout the EU. His teachings cover strategic roadmapping and funding strategies, empowering companies to navigate the dynamic landscape of innovation. With a passion for transforming ideas into reality, Christian continues to shape the future of MedTech and innovation worldwide.
Dr Richard Fallon, CEO, Technology Supply Chain (TSC)
Richard is the founder of the Technology Supply Chain, co-founder of the Innovation Awards and Chair of SPR. The Technology Supply Chain is a membership for West Midlands manufacturing, engineering and technology businesses. The TSC is a Community Interest Company that connects its members with grants, fully funded support and new opportunities. Their vision is to create a golden age for manufacturing, engineering and technology companies in the West Midlands. Their mission is to help their members to innovate, grow and prosper using the grants, fully funded projects and support available from local universities, organisations, funders and businesses.
The TSC is delighted to be a partner in the West Midlands Health Tech Innovation Accelerator. The WMHTIA is focused on helping companies drive their technologies towards market success. Richard is also the co-Founder of the Innovation Awards. These annual awards recognise, celebrate and reward those companies, organisations and individuals dedicated to innovation. Richard is also the Chair of SPR which connects companies with talent in the West Midlands. SPR donates 100% of its profits to West Midlands charities. Working with Steps to Work, they deliver over £779,600 of social impact per week.
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).

Medical Technology UK
2024-03-13 09:00 - 2024-03-14 17:00 | Coventry Building Society Arena, Judds Lane, Coventry, CV6 6GE, United Kingdom
Medical Technology UK is the Exhibition & Conference for medical device engineering.
The two day conference includes speakers from Medtronic, Boston Scientific, Owen Mumford, Johnson & Johnson and our key note speaker is Professor Tony Young OBE, National Clinical Lead for Innovation at NHS England.
You can view the full content programme below at:
Learning Programme
Women in Medtech Forum
In tandem with the conference is the exhibition, which showcases the expertise and knowledge of approx. 130 specialist companies.
Each exhibitor provides a product or service that could potentially enhance and expedite your design to commercialisation process.
See the full EXHIBITOR LIST
The entire event is FREE to attend, as is the car parking and you can REGISTER HERE

Professional Development Training Course: Medical Device Regulation Transition (CANCELLED)
2024-03-18 09:30 - 16:30 | Pennine Healthcare, 300 City Gate, London Rd, Derby, DE24 8WY
Unfortunately this training course is no longer taking place.
Stick or Twist – How do you make the right decision about whether to Transition your products to MDR?
Attend this Medilink Midlands endorsed Professional Development training course on the Medical Device Regulation Transition, delivered by Medilink Midlands member company IMed Consultancy. Taking place on Monday 18th March, so that you can make an informed choice and meet the fast-approaching application deadline of 26th May 2024!
Medical Device and IVD manufacturers are facing a significant deadline on 26 May 2024. After initial publication of the new EU Medical Device Regulations in 2017, the final deadline to decide on whether to transition existing CE Marked Medical Devices to the new is fast approaching.
Manufacturers who have not made a decision to transition their medical devices to meet the requirements of the new European Union regulations and have not taken the relevant steps before the 26 May 2024 deadline, will not be legally able to continue selling their products into the European Union (and potentially other markets including the UK).
This training course will prepare you for understanding whether it may be right for your business to make the decision to (re)certify your medical devices for sale in the EU. The day is focussed on existing manufacturers of medical devices, who currently CE mark their products and will give you practical insights to support your business in making this important decision.
To view the full programme for the day, course overview, target audience, learning outcomes and to view the speakers click here.

IN-PERSON EVENT: Medilink Midlands Members Forum
2024-03-20 09:00 - 12:00 | Renfrew Group International, Rocket Studios, 115 Waterside Road, Leicester, LE5 1TL
Quarterly forum for Medilink Midlands members, for those companies/individuals who want to support ongoing evolution of Medilink Midlands.
The next members forum which will be held at Renfrew Group in Leicester, will be a prescribed roundtable discussion on the two main themes arising from the previous event and key findings report.
Connectivity/Opportunity: – a desire to connect with each other in a personable way to seek opportunities in support of your business growth.
Challenges: – The challenges faced relating back to the opportunity and knowledge sought from our networked community to help you navigate your pathway in a timely manner.
If the invite to this Medilink Midlands member only event hasn’t reached your inbox, please email info@medilinkmidlands.com to receive the details and booking link. Online registration is essential.

TBAT Innovation Workshop: Finance - All you need to know to fund your business growth
2024-03-20 13:00 - 16:30 | TBC, Birmingham, United Kingdom
This free-to-attend online workshop is designed to delve into the innovative solutions you need to know in order to fund your business growth. Discussion around problems, challenges and opportunities highlighted to reduce the effects of funding barriers – supporting you on your journey to commercialisation and being a disrupter in the marketplace.
This workshop, will be run as part of The Innovation Challenge, which has been designed by a group of well established experts, to stimulate and support innovation in SMEs by leveraging the expertise of our unique partner network.
This event is one of four interactive workshops, designed to support growing SME’s through the highs and lows of how to successfully innovate, grow and succeed. All of the workshops are open to the public and free-to-attend, with no requirement to apply to The Innovation Challenge. If you would like to find out more about the application process, please click here.
This informative and interactive Finance workshop sponsored by Modus Accountants will consist of short presentations, Q&A’s, comfort breaks throughout and a panel discussion towards the end. Take a look below at our workshop speakers and the topics they will be covering.

The UK-China Business Forum 2024
2024-03-20 13:30 - 17:30 | London, London, United Kingdom
CBBC’s upcoming flagship event: The UK-China Business Forum 2024 will take place on 20th March in London’s Landmark hotel.
The half-day conference will be followed by CBBC’s Spring Reception, and will focus on the geopolitics of trade: with leading industry experts exploring opportunities in key strategic sectors, including transportation and EV evolution and biosciences and healthcare, as well as considering topics around supply chain and risk management.
The event will offer plentiful opportunities for networking and knowledge-exchange.
Please note: Medilink members are invited to attend this event at the same rate as CBBC members – please email: info@medilinkmidlands.com to receive the code.

Venturefest West Midlands 2024
2024-03-21 09:00 - 17:00 | Eastside Rooms, Birmingham, B7 4BL, United Kingdom
Connecting Investors, Innovators and Entrepreneurs in the West Midlands. Venturefest 2024, brings together regional businesses, universities, science parks and business support organisations.​
Venturefest West Midlands will be held on 21st March 2024 at the Eastside Rooms in Birmingham.
​Being supported locally by business, universities, science parks and business support organisations Venturefest provides entrepreneurs, investors and innovators the chance to meet, engage and exchange ideas for co-operation and collaboration, particularly in the fields of science and emerging technologies.
Medilink Midlands is proud to be gold sponsors of Venturefest. Our Entrepreneur in Residence Christian Kumar will be chairing our session within the conference programme. Be sure to join the conference at 11:10-12pm for Four Ps of successful Product development – People, Planet, Partnership and Profit, speakers include:

Melanie Davidson, CEO, Medilink Midlands (Partnerships)
Dave Phasey, Projects Director, 3P Innovation (People)
Marcelle Batson-Warner, Founder & CEO, One Stop Engineering (Planet)
Mark Evans, Partner, Crowe LLP (Profit)

Medilink Midlands will also be prominent in the exhibition hall with the following invited companies:
MICA Biosystems
Cytecom
Sonotu
B13 AI
​Running alongside Venturefest West Midlands for another year will be Minerva Birmingham Pitch Up, a pitching competition for business owners, giving a unique opportunity for businesses to raise their profile both in the West Midlands and in front of a national audience of investors. Business owners are invited to present their ideas in a pitch for investment and stand a chance of winning one of several awards.
A key feature of Venturefest West Midlands, the programme featuring industry leaders delivering insightful, challenging and inspiring keynote and panel discussions. Running alongside these sessions will include interactive workshop sessions delivered by our expert partners.
View the Venturefest 2024 programme here.
Read more online here

Interactive tool webinar: new product verification, validation and testing
2024-03-22 10:00 - 12:00 | Online
Join The Open University and InterAct for the launch of a tool for designing customer and regulation focused verification, validation and testing (VVT) plans for your new product or technology development. This event aims to demonstrate why the industry should invest and how they can focus on critical product verification, validation, and testing activities focused on key “Voice of customer” (VoC) and “Voice of Regulation” (VoR) concerns.
Many low or zero-emission technologies for decarbonisation are still in prototype phases that need coordinated development and enhanced testing across different uses and stages of development (HM Government, 2021). However, new product/technology verification, validation, and testing processes are highly complex for both technology developers and the industry who want to adopt these technologies.
How will this event benefit my business?
Joining this session will demystify the complex process with case studies, break down the steps of the VVT process, and demonstrate this process using an online interactive tool.
The tool will be freely available for the participants to use in their business context and provide feedback for further development. Participants will also be able to collaborate in future case studies, provide input on the research direction, and co-create useful solutions tailored to them.
Agenda:

10.00 : Welcome and Introduction – Dr Khadija Tahera, The Open University
10.20: Keynote Talk – Dr Andrew Halfpenny, Director of Technology – nCode Products, Hottinger Bruel and Kjaer UK Ltd.
11:00: The process and tool: case study – Dr Khadija Tahera
11.40: Live Q&A
How you can get involved – – Dr Khadija Tahera, The Open University

Click here to book your place.

The Future of Medical Technology Manufacturing Workshop
2024-03-27 09:30 - 15:30 | The Manufacturing Technology Centre, Ansty Park, Coventry, CV7 9JU
The medical technologies manufacturing industry is an essential engine for the Midlands’ economic growth, innovation, healthcare improvement, global trade, skills development, and healthcare resilience. This multifaceted role underscores its importance in both the regional and national contexts.
In this workshop, attendees will:

Explore together the visions and future business models for the sector.
Jointly identify the drivers that change the sector.
Identify the organisational changes required and how to prepare for them.
Suggest the broader ecosystem capabilities needed in readiness for this future.
Co-create a plan of action for the kinds of change everyone can invest in and trust.

InterAct will take you through the foreseeable changes that lie ahead and work with you to develop the flexibility that will allow you to pivot to be equally productive and sustainable in different scenarios, delivering progress with purpose.
The InterAct Future of Digital Manufacturing Ecosystems research team has published a vital report that brings you the information you need, at your fingertips, outlining four potential future scenarios and the associated opportunities for the manufacturing world.
The four potential alternatives for the digital manufacturers of tomorrow we suggest are:

Productivity Powerhouse
Flexibility as Standard
Sustainability Champion
Happy and Sustainable Workforce

This is an important opportunity to anticipate future technological changes and plan to be prepared for developments in AI and other future technologies and make the necessary changes sooner rather than later to keep our region’s manufacturers competitive.
Click here to register your interest.

Digitalisation – The pathway to Net Zero Webinar
2024-04-10 11:00 - 12:00 | Online
Learn more about the Smart Manufacturing Data Hub – a solution for UK businesses to reveal the value in their hidden factory data, backed up by real-world case studies and dynamic Energy Insight/Impact tracker demos. Ready to get involved?

SEHTA are delighted to bring you this webinar session by Smart Manufacturing Data Hub (SMDH) – a project funded through Innovate UK to support small and medium-sized manufacturers to become more competitive by harnessing the power of data.
Cost to attend: £25 +VAT for SEHTA & Medilink members, £35 +VAT for non-members

Presenter – Simon Coward, Director, Smart Manufacturing Data Hub (SMDH)

Simon will explain the SMDH Project and how they can help your business including –

SMDH – The solutions
What is the Value in my data?
Case Study
Demo of our Energy Insight/Impact trackers
How to get involved

Health Innovation East Midlands Surgical Innovation Exchange
2024-04-11 10:00 - 11:30 | Online
Health Innovation East Midlands (HIEM) would like to invite innovators who provide solutions which can positively impact our local surgical pathways (from initial referral to post operative care) to apply to showcase their innovation at our next Surgical Innovation Exchange.

The event will take place virtually and will allow innovators to present their solution to an audience of NHS colleagues across the region.
Health Innovation East Midlands consulted with patients and stakeholders in the East Midlands to outline the key challenges experienced both working in and navigating through the local surgical pathways. The innovations and innovative solutions that they will be selecting to showcase at this event will directly address these challenges. Presentations from innovators will be followed by a Q&A session with NHS colleagues, and HIEM can help to facilitate connections between NHS colleagues and innovators following the event.
Click for more information and to apply for your place.
*Application window open until Tuesday 19th March 2024 at 12pm.

Avoiding FDA holds - import with success into the US
2024-04-11 12:00 - 12:45 | Online
Details
Webinar hosted by YSDS Life Science
Avoid FDA Holds
The essential steps for importing your FDA related product into the US with success.
As thousands of other pharmaceutical companies, you may be struggling with importing your pharmaceutical products into the US.
The FDA (Food & Drug Administration) is an agency with rigorous rules & regulations that acts as a protective wall around North America, and only allows products to pass that have checked every single box on their long lists.
Join our webinar to learn:

About the FDA, their purpose and processes
The important steps of meeting FDA regulations
What to do if your product is put on an “FDA hold”

Our speakers will unravel the way towards FDA clearance and give you the best tips & tricks for succeeding with your US imports.
Please click here to register your place.

Engineering Supply Chain Show 2024
2024-04-15 - 2024-04-19 | NEC Birmingham, Hall 2, Birmingham, B40 1NT, United Kingdom
We’re pleased to announce we’ll be joining over 500 exhibitors with a presence at MACH24, as part of the Engineering Supply Chain Show 2024, co-located in Hall 6 of the NEC. Attendees will also have the chance to hear from InterAct Co-director, Professor Jan Godsell, as she discusses all things InterAct.
InterAct will be based on a stand located at 6-681 on the show floorplan, by the Seminar Theatre. We’ll be engaging with businesses from across the manufacturing sector, sharing the latest insights and outputs from the wide range of projects we’ve funded.
As part of our participation, Professor Jan Godsell will be delivering a talk entitled ‘From Human Insight to Human Action – InterAct and the Future of Manufacturing’. Taking place as part of the seminar programme on the Seminar Theatre stage from 14:00 – 14:30, Tuesday 16th April. This talk will provide an overview of our full programme of research. Professor Godsell will be highlighting some of the key themes of our work and showcasing how our insights can support sustainability, resilience, productivity, and wellbeing.
To register your place, please click here.

Partners and Pastries - Business Networking Event
2024-04-16 08:00 - 10:00 | Charnwood Campus Loughborough, LE11 5RB, Charnwood Campus Loughborough, Loughborough, LE11 5RB, United Kingdom
Join TBAT Innovation and Medilink Midlands for the Partners and Pastries Breakfast Networking Event.
The event will take place at Charnwood Campus in Loughborough on Tuesday 16th April, from 8am.
Attendees can expect:

Speed networking: Engage with a diverse group of professionals in a relaxed setting
Breakfast refreshments
Introduction by Sam Stephens, Founding Director, TBAT Innovation
Brief overview of Medilink Midlands by Jo Bekis, Head of Partnerships, Medilink Midlands
90-second pitch opportunities from TBAT partners

Please note: Partners are invited to take a 90-second pitch slot – selected Partners will be advised prior to the event. If you are interested in pitching, please email jor@tbat.co.uk.
Attendance is free of charge, but registration is essential. Please register using code MM15 (limited to one place per organisation).
Click to book your place.

IN-PERSON EVENT: Important Regulatory Matters for Medtech Companies
2024-04-17 10:00 - 13:00 | Scarman Conference Facility at Warwick Conferences, University of Warwick, Coventry, CV4 7SH, United Kingdom
Join Medilink as we host a Regulatory event as part of WMHTIA, created in collaboration with Regulatory experts JensonR+.
Sessions will focus on the following topics:

Design for Compliance: Early approaches to regulatory compliance in the design phase.
UK Regulatory Roadmap for Medical Devices – Looking to cover both hardware and software based medical devices.
Access to Medical Device Markets: Access to Medical Device Markets: UK, EU, Switzerland, US and China offers significant strategic and growth potential.

Speaker Information
Tom Wood, Regulatory Manager, Medical Devices, JensonR+
Tom has many years of experience in both medical device companies and in notified bodies as an auditor and technical expert. He has worked in both CE and UKCA marking alongside ISO 13485, ISO 9001 and MDSAP. Tom joined JensonR+ Ltd in May 2023 to lead their medical device services. Since joining JensonR+ he has worked with many of our clients both new and existing in developing their quality management systems, preparing regulatory submissions and supporting drug device combination products for our pharma clients.

Victoria Caldy, Business Development and Marketing Director, Cisema
Victoria has over 25 years’ experience in diverse health-related companies including helping to build a class III medical device company from the bottom up which included navigating international regulatory approvals. More recently, Victoria has been advising Life Sciences, Cosmetics and Health Food companies worldwide, from start-ups to MNCs, on the best regulatory pathways to market in China and how to maintain compliance in such a complex market.

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).

People & Recruitment Workshop - Retaining the best people you can
2024-04-17 13:00 - 16:30 | TBC, Birmingham, United Kingdom
This free-to-attend online workshop, running as part of the Innovation Challenge, is designed to delve into the people and recruitment solutions you need to know in order to support your business growth. Discussion around problems and challenges with opportunities highlighted to reduce the effects of barriers within people and recruitment – supporting you on your journey to commercialisation and being a disrupter in the marketplace.
The Innovation Challenge has been designed by a group of well established experts, to stimulate and support innovation in SMEs by leveraging the expertise of our unique partner network.
This event is one of four interactive workshops, designed to support growing SME’s through the highs and lows of how to successfully innovate, grow and succeed. All of the workshops are open to the public and free-to-attend, with no requirement to apply to The Innovation Challenge. If you would like to find out more about the application process, please click here.
This informative People & Recruitment workshop will consist of short presentations, Q&A’s, comfort breaks throughout and a panel discussion towards the end.

City of Mentor Lunch Networking Event
2024-04-19 11:30 - 14:00 | Hill Dickinson, Broadgate Tower, London, 20 Primrose Street, London, EC2A 2EW
Join the City of Mentor, Ohio, USA for their SME Delegation Visit to the UK and hear from the CCO of the Cleveland Clinic London.
The City of Mentor, a regional economic hub just 20 minutes east of Cleveland, Ohio, USA is integral to the healthcare ecosystem that exists in Northeast Ohio with two-hundred plus manufacturing firms and special emphasis in the Medtech/Biotech space as the home of STERIS Corporation.

The US delegation will highlight opportunities for business in the United States and will be joined by William Rowberry, Chief Commercial Officer from the Cleveland Clinic London, recognised as a world-class health care provider and also has a hospital in Mentor, Ohio.
Maximum limit of 20 companies to attend this event – registrations accepted first-come first-serve so apply early
Target audience: UK SMEs from Lifesciences, MedTech, Healthcare, Health Technology, Diagnostics, Medical Devices, Digital Health, IVD, Innovators, Clinicians, Academics sector, who are interested in accessing US markets.

IN-PERSON EVENT: City of Mentor Networking
2024-04-22 17:00 - 19:00 | The Alchemist, Colmore Row, Birmingham, B3 2DA, United Kingdom
The City of Mentor, a manufacturing, professional, and retail economic hub located just outside Cleveland, Ohio, USA that is Ohio’s 5th largest manufacturing center and 6th largest retail center can be your company’s gateway to the US market.
With their connections with numerous entities in the United States, particularly in healthcare, aerospace, and precision manufacturing, the City of Mentor’s concierge-based approach can provide many benefits for small to medium sized firms looking to explore connections and investment opportunities in the North American market.
The Greater Birmingham Transatlantic Chambers of Commerce and City of Mentor invite you to join them at an exclusive Business Reception at The Alchemist, Birmingham.
Join us for the opportunity to meet with key contacts as part of this delegation that have travelled to the UK to explore business partnerships.
Schedule

5:00pm: Guest Arrival/Networking
5:45pm:Welcome from GBTCC/City of Mentor
6:00pm: Networking
7:00pm: Event close

Refreshments and canapes will be provided.
Why attend?
Some of our international members will be at this event and you can join us to celebrate our fantastic international partnerships.
This is a fantastic opportunity to network with your fellow transatlantic members!

Booking
Member Price: Free
Future Faces Members: £15
Non-Member Price: £50
Book Here

Event sponsorship available for just £250+VAT

IN PERSON: Making Pharmaceuticals 2024
2024-04-23 - 2024-04-24 | Coventry Building Society Arena, Judds Lane, Coventry, CV6 6GE, United Kingdom
The UK’s leading free-to-attend Pharmaceutical Exhibition and Conference takes place in person at the Coventry Building Society Area. This annual event brings together expert speakers, leading suppliers and hundreds of industry professionals from across the whole supply chain, for two days of new thinking, new products and new connections.
Key event features include:
– 7 conference streams dedicated to GMP and GDP
– 90+ speakers
– 100+ Exhibitors with products and services to support your business from discovery to distribution
– 3 networking zones
– Awards dinner
– Free parking and breakfast when you arrive before 10am
For more information on attending or exhibiting, visit www.makingpharma.com

WEBINAR: How a LIMS Supports Cybersecurity
2024-04-25 14:30 - 15:30 | Online
Concerned about your lab data security? Interactive Software are delighted to be hosting a free, live webinar on Thursday 25th April from 2.30pm – 3.30pm for Laboratory Managers and professionals who would like to understand more about how a LIMS can support cybersecurity.
The agenda will include:
Training and Awareness
Protecting User Accounts
Regular Software Updates and Patch Management
Access Control and Privilege Management
Network Security Measures
Backup and Disaster Recovery Planning
Data Encryption
Continuous Monitoring and Threat Detection
Vendor and Third-Party Risk Management
We will guide you through how a centralised, secure laboratory information management system that uses modern data encryption methods, authentication protocols and technology can protect your valuable data while still providing connectivity with your other systems to give scientists what they need to carry out their research and testing activities.
For more information and to register your interest, please visit: https://loom.ly/_dcthJ8

IN-PERSON EVENT: Planning Ahead for Clinical Evidence
2024-04-30 10:00 - 13:00 | Leonardo Royal Hotel Birmingham, 245 Broad Street, Birmingham, B1 2HQ, United Kingdom
Join Medilink and partner Afortiori Development for an in-person event which will be about planning ahead for clinical evidence and preparing adequately for this.
The event will cover:

Part 1: Introduction to Commercial Clinical Development. What is a clinical development plan? Why do I need one?
Part 2: Trials and trial design considerations , Regulatory requirements & guidelines, ethical considerations, trial set up, trial oversight, site selection, systems requirements
Part 3: Trial oversight, patient recruitment, quality assurance, safety monitoring, trial data reporting

Key Objectives for attendees:

Know what your Sponsor responsibilities are where a trial is concerned
Be clear about what happens and when in planning and undertaking a clinical trial
Identifying preliminary project timelines for any project and be able to see how various changes impact overall timelines

Speaker information

Dr. Nicola Wall, PhD and Chief Executive Officer at Afortiori Development Ltd
Nicola founded Afortiori Development to address the need for improved clinical trial design, planning and management to promote efficient and cost effective clinical trials. She has an exceptional background within the pharmaceutical, medical technology and healthcare sectors with over 20 years of diverse experience. She has managed multiple projects across a range of therapeutic areas for a number of large and small clients spanning all areas of clinical development including regulatory, data management, safety, quality and organisational effectiveness. Nicola has also managed global clinical trials in Oncology and Neurology with responsibility for 29 countries across the entire clinical trial process. She excels in strategic planning, process re-engineering, systems implementation and organisational design. She has also worked for a number of years as an independent consultant for the UK national health service working on hospital operational planning, business cases and ways to implement new models of care.
Nicola is passionate in her desire to work with highly motivated and respected peers in addressing unmet medical need. Nicola believes that integrity, transparency and efficiency combined with experience and motivation results in the most successful projects and clinical studies.
She attained all three of her degrees at the University of Manchester in the UK including her PhD in Economics that focused on patterns of innovation in the pharmaceutical Industry.

Liz Ralph, BSc and Chief Operating Officer at Afortiori Development Ltd
Liz has worked in a variety of roles in the industry for over 20 years across clinical operations groups in a global CRO environment. She has monitored and managed a large number of clinical trials in all phases, healthcare settings and a number of countries before moving to a quality, process and training role, which included experience of regulatory inspections. This allowed her to develop a sound and extensive knowledge base to foster a strong embedded quality culture with a focus on continual process innovation and effective training for those working in clinicaloperations roles.
Liz has additional valuable experience in patient perspectives of participation in clinical trials gained whilst working in a large UK Clinical Research Facility actively delivering hundreds of clinical studies across 2 hospital sites in a large UK teaching hospital. During this time she led in patient and public involvement in clinical research for the Facility and worked nationally as part of a UK wide patient and public involvement network which aimed to ensure that patient and carer voices are prominent in research delivery in the National Health Service in the UK.
Liz is committed to designing and delivering clinical research with the potential to add significant value to the lives of patients and their families by developing accessible treatments for unmet clinical need.

Helen Hunt, Assistant Programme Manager – Knowledge Mobilisation at Health Innovation West Midlands
Helen has worked for Health Innovation West Midlands for 8 years and previous to that she has worked as an operational manager in the NHS acute care setting for 16 years. During her tenure, she has undertaken multiple roles, starting with frontline patient-facing positions right up to senior management positions overseeing large departments. These positions have covered a large cross-section of NHS landscape including cancer services, operational management, health informatics and R&D. Helen is a trained Prince 2 practitioner, with her post graduate certification in Health Management specialising in Quality Improvement & Patient Safety. She is passionate about connecting people through knowledge mobilisation to allow real world evidence to be generated.

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).

IN-PERSON EVENT: Rehabilitation Technologies Strategic Innovation Gateway
2024-05-01 09:00 - 14:00 | Charnwood Campus, Bakewell Road, Loughborough, LE11 5RB
In Association with:
Medilink Midlands are delighted to be sharing that our first Strategic Innovation Gateway Event on Rehabilitation Technologies will take place this May.
Join us, Loughborough University, University of Nottingham and Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust to find out “What the National Rehabilitation Centre (NRC) can do for you?”.
The NRC’s aim is to bring research, innovation, education and training alongside clinical practice to drive excellence in rehabilitation
The NRC programme received formal Government approval in 2023 for the £105million plans. Work is now progressing in earnest to create the 70-bed, purpose-built and highly energy efficient new facility as part of the Government’s New Hospital Programme.
The specialist NHS facility will be built on the Stanford Hall Rehabilitation Estate near Loughborough, home to the Defence Medical Rehabilitation Centre, and will open to patients in 2025.
The aim of this event is to look at opportunities to build partnerships with a vision to harness funding opportunities.
Programme:
9am – Registration, refreshments and networking
9:30am – Welcome, Melanie Davidson, Chief Executive Officer, Medilink Midlands
9:40am – The National Rehabilitation Centre (NRC) Programme, Miriam Duffy, NRC Programme Director, Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust
9:55am – Defence Medical Rehabilitation Centre (DMRC) Rehabilitation Priorities, Wg Cdr Alex Scott – Consultant Rehabilitation Medicine and NRC Interoperability Project Lead
10:05am – Rehabilitation Sciences – Working with Industry, Professor Mark Lewis – NRC Academic Lead, Loughborough University and Professor Pip Logan – NRC Academic Lead, University of Nottingham
10:20am – Case Study Project Spotlight, Dr Jacqueline Hicks – Research Network Manager, EPSRC Network+ in Rehabilitation Technologies, University of Nottingham
10:30am – Panel Q&A Session
10:50am – NIHR i4i Programme Review, Dr Helen Compton, Stakeholder Engagement Manager, NIHR
11:00am – Break, refreshments and networking
11:30am -Working with the NRC to overcome pragmatic barriers and challenges in the use of rehabilitation technology, Praminda Caleb-Solly – Professor of Embodied Intelligence, University of Nottingham
11:45am – Breakout groups: what would be useful to industry when looking to do R&I within the NRC, with university and clinical partners?
12:20pm – Feedback from breakout groups
12:50pm – Closing remarks and next steps
13:00pm – Lunch and networking
14:00pm – Close
Cost and tickets:
£20 plus VAT for members of Medilink
£40 plus VAT for non-members
To receive the member discount code email info@medilinkmidlands.com
CLICK HERE TO BOOK YOUR PLACE

Introduction to Healthtech Insurance Webinar
2024-05-01 11:00 - 12:30 | Online
Medtechs are at the bleeding edge of innovation in healthcare, which can often make sourcing suitable insurance a challenge.

Luckily, healthtech insurance specialists Superscript will be sharing everything you need to know to protect your start-up in this webinar.

SEHTA has teamed with Superscript – an insurance broker for small businesses, sole traders, landlords and high-growth tech firms – to bring you this webinar session.
As the first UK-based insurtech to become a Lloyd’s of London broker, Superscript offers advisory and broking services, alongside a fully self-serve online platform. Its proprietary machine-learning technology and unique multi-carrier model streamline service and delivery – regardless of risk complexity, geography or industry.

FREE TO ATTEND

Presenter – Ella Henderson, Medtech and Tech Specialist Account Manager

Ella will cover the fundamentals of healthtech insurance including –

Why healthtechs should bother with insurance
The types of insurance available to healthtech companies
The do’s and don’ts of insurance
What to do once you have insurance

IN-PERSON EVENT: Medilink Midlands Business Awards 2024
2024-05-09 19:00 - 23:30 | Athena Leicester, Queen Street, Leicester, LE1 1QD, United Kingdom
Join us for the Medilink Midlands Business Awards 2024.
The evening will provide a stage to showcase the very best collaborations between industry, academia and the NHS across the Midlands. The evening will also be a celebration of 20 years of Medilink Midlands.
We come together each year to celebrate the achievements of life science companies, which for 2024 will be held at the Athena, Leicester, a Grade II – listed events venue in the cultural quarter of Leicester City Centre.
This is a fantastic opportunity for the Midlands life science community to gather together, celebrate and network.
Ticket Prices (excluding VAT):
Individual Member Fee – £120.00
Individual Non-member Fee – £155.00
Table of 10 (member) – £1,200.00
Table of 10 (standard fee) – £1,500.00
*Bookings are now closed for this event, for any queries please contact: info@medilinkmidlands.com.

Bio Integrates 2024
2024-05-15 08:30 - 17:00 | Angela Ruskin University, East Road, Cambridge, CB1 1PT, United Kingdom
Engage with top executives in biotech, CDMO, supply chain, and funding & investment to discuss the major challenges impacting the Biotech sector. Please click here to read the full agenda and learn more about the guest speakers. Medilink members have access to 25% discount. Please email info@medilinkmidlands.com for the discount code.
YOUR IN-PERSON PACKAGE AT BIO INTEGRATES 2024 INCLUDES:

A delegate pass to attend the in-person event in Cambridge
Access to all keynote interviews, plenaries and panel discussions on the day
All refreshment breaks, networking luncheon and drinks reception
Access to the exhibition

Please click here to register.

IN PERSON Event: Design for Health & Med Tech Innovation
2024-05-16 10:00 - 13:30 | Conference Aston, Aston University Aston Street, Birmingham, B4 7ET, United Kingdom
Join Medilink Midlands for a comprehensive exploration of design in health and medical technology innovation, hosted by Aston University as part of the West Midlands Health Tech Innovation Accelerator. This event will dive deep into various aspects critical to bringing your groundbreaking ideas to life, including:

Intellectual Property - Protecting your innovations and securing a competitive edge.
Sustainability - Designing with a focus on environmental responsibility.
Manufacturing - Understanding the complexities of bringing your product to market.
Human Factors - Ensuring your design prioritizes user needs and safety.

Who Should Attend:

Health and med tech innovators (start-ups, entrepreneurs, researchers).
Product designers and engineers in the healthcare sector.
Investors and stakeholders interested in the future of health and med tech.

Event Highlights:

Part 1 – Engaging Presentations & Interactive Discussions (Morning): Gain insights from industry experts on the importance of each design factor.
Part 2 “Dragon’s Den” Style Workshop (Afternoon): Pitch your current design to receive valuable feedback and advice from a panel of experts.

*You can register your interest to participate in the morning and afternoon sessions on the registration page, though due to limited places on the “Dragons Den” Style workshop, companies on the WMHTIA will be prioritised.

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).

Product Development & Protection Workshop - Design and protect your innovation
2024-05-22 13:00 - 16:30 | TBC, Birmingham, United Kingdom
This free-to-attend workshop, which will run as part of the Innovation Challenge, is designed to delve into the innovative solutions you need to know to fund your business growth. Discussion around problems and challenges with opportunities highlighted to reduce the effects of product design and protection barriers – supporting you on your journey to commercialisation and being a disrupter in the marketplace.
This event is one of four interactive workshops, designed to support growing SME’s through the highs and lows of how to successfully innovate, grow and succeed. All of the workshops are open to the public and free-to-attend, with no requirement to apply to The Innovation Challenge. If you would like to find out more about the application process, please click here.
This informative and interactive Product Development & Protection workshop sponsored by Forresters IP will consist of short presentations, Q&A’s, comfort breaks throughout and a panel discussion towards the end.
