MidTECH ‘do lunch’ with the Prime Minister

The luncheon was organised by The West Midlands Labour Finance and Industry Group (WM LFIG) which exists to facilitate constructive dialogue between the Government and prominent persons from Industry, Finance and the Professions within the West Midlands.

The WM LFIG events provide an opportunity for government ministers to listen to a wide range of views and opinions across the West Midlands business and professional community.

MidTECH was invited to exhibit and also given the opportunity to sponsor a table at the event. Invitations were extended to their contacts at Advantage West Midlands, Medilink West Midlands, Mercia Technology Seed Fund, GE, University Hospital Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust, Sandwell & West Birmingham Hospitals NHS Trust, Medical Devices Technology International Limited and Heart of England NHS Foundation Trust.

Dr David Gleaves, chief executive of MidTECH, said: “We are honoured to be part of such a prestigious luncheon and have been particularly impressed with the Prime Ministers positive comments regarding the work that MidTECH does in the West Midlands region. This is very encouraging news due to the importance that the Prime Minister attached to the healthcare sector as being one set for economic growth following Lord Darzi’s review last summer.

“We are also particularly proud to be chosen as the healthcare innovation lead – supported by the Medical Technologies Cluster, representing our regions Strategic Health Authority as part of the West Midlands Regional Minister, Ian Austin’s Working Groups.”

MidTECH is part of a national network of NHS Innovation Hubs, established by the Department of Health to identify, protect and commercialise innovative ideas from the NHS.

This includes helping to patent or otherwise protect the ideas, linking up with industries that may help to commercialise them – and aiming to ensure that a share of the profits go to the inventor and the NHS Trust where the projects were born.

Pictured from left to right: Dr David Gleaves, chief executive of MidTECH, Rt Hon Gordon Brown MP, David Lock, chairman of WM LFIG