ST MODWEN HOST INTERNATIONAL TRADE MISSION AT BLACKBURN INNOVATION CENTRE

The Medi Knowledge Park based at St Modwen’s Blackburn Innovation Centre, has played host to an international delegation of UKTI (United Kingdom Trade & Industry) commercial officers who are in the region as part of a fact-finding mission into Lancashire’s medical and life sciences fields.

The visit was arranged by The Health Tech Hub, which is an initiative of The University of Central Lancashire (UCLan) and is supported by Regenerate Pennine Lancashire and Blackburn with Darwen Council.

UKTI officers from around the globe enjoyed presentations on innovative products from companies across the Region and met several Lancashire businesses which are seeking export opportunities for their goods and services on 16 February.

St Modwen’s Regional Director, Michelle Taylor said: “The medical sector is particularly strong in Pennine Lancashire with a number of leading edge companies being based in this part of the region. Examples of products manufactured locally include, autoclaves, stainless steel implants, asthma inhalers, operating theatre instruments and equipment, uniforms, medical supplies, sports and fitness supplements.

“To be able to support businesses in this way demonstrates the important role the Innovation Centre plays at the centre of this sector in the region.”

Dawn Oliver, Project Manager for the Health Tech Hub, said: “One firm said it had achieved more understanding of how to export to another country in just half an hour of conversation with the UKTI delegates than it had gleaned over the last 12 years. Many firms across the North West are members of the Health Tech Hub and I’m sure they have all found the experience worthwhile for future business potential.”

The Health Tech Hub is funded through UCLan with additional support being provided via Regenerate Pennine Lancashire and Blackburn with Darwen Council www.healthtechhub.co.uk

Steve Hoyle, Executive Director of Regenerate Pennine Lancashire added: This area made its reputation on the strength of its textiles and textile engineering industries. In the face of declining employment in these sectors we needed to move on and find new growth industries. As the next stage in our planned diversification of the local economy, the area is seeking to build on its manufacturing and service expertise and its inherent skills, to expand its significant stake in the medical manufacturing, biomedical, health care and fitness sectors.

UKTI delegates in attendance were drawn from around the globe including countries such as: China, Cuba, Czech Republic, Germany, Hong Kong, India, Iraq, Italy, Netherlands, Nigeria, Russia, Taiwan, Thailand, UAE and the USA.