COMPANIES at the cutting edge of the North East’s healthcare industry have named as finalists in this year’s Business for Life Awards.
The names of the 24 finalists in the competition run by Cels, the organisation which supports life science and healthcare companies, are revealed today.
Dr Mike Nicholds, managing director of Cels, said: “We are delighted to be holding the fifth annual Business for Life Awards, giving recognition to the excellent work that is being done in the healthcare sector across the North East of England.
“Through events like this we can help to keep the North East at the forefront of healthcare and life sciences in the UK, and in turn increase the region’s profile and success on a global scale.
“As always we have received some extremely impressive and inspiring nominations, proving the quality of work and the progress being made in the region.
“We decided to hold the Expo event in addition to the awards, in order to give SME’s an opportunity to hear about trends in the sector and how they can capitalise on these. We hope to receive their nominations for next year’s awards!”
There are eight categories recognising excellence in export, innovation, start-ups, outstanding growth, technology and partnership with the NHS.
The HealthConnect Award, a category to celebrate the talents of an individual in the sector, will be fiercely contested by some of the leading researchers and scientists in the region.
For the first time ever there will also be a primary care award, which recognises companies that have produced innovative products or services leading to better outputs for patients; for example better clinical results, reduction in waiting lists, new point of care services or contribution to significant cost savings.
The Business for Life Awards, which are now in their fifth year, are hosted by Cels, a specialist organisation that provides a comprehensive range of support and commercial services to healthcare and life science companies.
Cels delivers a range of business and technical services to customers and stakeholders in the region and beyond, which serve to drive economic and business success in healthcare and life sciences.
Keynote speaker at the awards will be Jo Pisani who is a Partner of Global Pharmaceuticals and Life Sciences at PricewaterhouseCoopers. Jo will give an overview of the sector nationally and globally and look at new trends and emerging markets.
Taking place on the same day as the awards, Cels will be hosting the first ever Cels Expo, a unique opportunity for healthcare and life science companies, as well as those who want to branch out into these sectors, to find out specialist information about the key developments in these sectors and how to capitalise on them.
The free event, which is expected to attract over 300 companies, will feature masterclasses from experts in healthcare and life science, seminars to help with marketing, exporting and other commercialisation activities.
Delegates will also have the opportunity to develop new business leads and collaborations, and build their profile in the sector.
The winners will be revealed at an awards ceremony at St James’ Park in Newcastle on November 9.
Open to all, ticket prices for the awards ceremony are £39 for members and £47 for non members; to attend please visit http://businessforlife2011.eventbrite.com to book.