In this episode, Kate wraps up the end of this mini-series with Kerry Lummus. They discuss insights gained from the series so far and leave listeners with key takeaways of what to consider when bringing new products into the healthcare market.

As a change from the norm this episode with Gail Jackson, CEO of Solving Kids’ Cancer, brings a challenge to our listeners. As innovators and fresh thinkers, what ideas do you have to overcome research challenges in childhood cancer treatments? Did you know that in 2022 only £80,000 was paid by the central government for neuroblastoma research? How can we find better, less toxic treatments for children when funding and regulation work against us? Calling all innovators, listen to th...

Jill is a Chartered Accountant and owner of EBS Chartered Accountants. In this episode, Jill discussed some important steps for a new business, such as when/whether to register as a limited company, the pros and cons of VAT registration, and R&D tax credits. Creating new products in MedTech isn’t just about the technology, you have a business to run too!

Chris is a Recruitment Operations Manager at Evolve and specialises in recruiting sales staff for MedTech and pharmaceutical companies. He has worked with many companies when they first brought their products to market and discusses the pros and cons of distributors, headcount, and outsourced sales teams. Find out when to start thinking and preparing for recruitment to sell your product to a wider audience, how much it will cost, and how long you must be prepared to wait to get results.

Dr Desai is a Consultant Gastroenterologist and Director of Eureka Inventions Limited. Eureka focuses on patient safety, and their first product has been developed to prevent the retention of swabs during surgery. Dr Desai and his wife, also an NHS Consultant, have successfully navigated the innovation support structure for UK Health Innovation to get the right help, advice, and funding. Hear about their journey and how they balance their business with clinical practice.

Alex is the Deputy Director of Health Innovation West of England (previously known as West of England Academic Health Science Network (AHSN)). Alex and I discuss the change from AHSN to Health Innovation Organisation, part of the 15-strong network of Innovation organisations that cover the UK in the Health Innovation Network. The help and support offered to innovators includes networking and introductions, support with implementation and funding. The Innovation Network ca...

Do you need a clinical trial? Nicola and Elizabeth are co-founders and directors of Afortiori Developments, a Contract Research Organisation (CRO), that has worked with companies of all sizes but is particularly familiar with SMEs and new market entrants. We discuss what needs to be considered when planning a clinical trial, which units and clinicians to work with, and the differing levels of evidence that may be required.

In a break from the norm, this episode is a discussion between Kate and mother and son, Laura, and Elias. We discuss ADHD, podcasts, dementia, and how to go about creating effective technology. Also, what happens when your great idea doesn’t quite make it? Talking from the perspective of the problem rather than the solution.

Vicki Munro is a very experienced Health Economist and Senior Associate at Pym’s Consultancy. We discuss the role of Health Economics in bringing a new product to market and the vital part Health Economics plays in NICE Approval. Thought passing regulatory hurdles was enough? Think again, what does your Cost Per QALY look like?

The Chief Executive of Gain (Guillan Barré and Associated Neuropathies), a national charity, discusses the reality of being a patient living with a neurological condition, and how the charity works with companies trying to improve patient lives. In previous episodes, we have discussed the importance of patient and public involvement. In this episode, you find out what is involved.

This episode explores commissioning new services from the perspective of those involved in writing the invitation to tender. Rachel was a key member of the team at Midlands Partnership NHS Foundation Trust which commissioned the Mindler Sandbox to provide a digital mental health and wellbeing service (listen to Tim Hamer’s interview to hear about this being their first NHS contract). How was this invitation to tender written, and how was the final decision made?

Craig is a Partner and IP Attorney at HGF. As our “go-to guy” for Intellectual Property questions and solutions, Craig specialises in creating an IP plan to keep costs within budget whilst making a positive contribution to the company's commercial strategy and long-term planning. What is IP? What value does it represent for the company? When do you need to start planning your approach to IP?

In this episode, Dr Alex Graham, Co-Founder of Abed Graham Group, talks about compliance. This takes us on a whistle-stop tour of DTAC, DCB0129, DPIAs, GDPR and the NHS Data Security Tool Kit. Does your product pose a threat to NHS data security? What potential risks does it pose to patients, staff or data if used incorrectly, or if it fails to work properly? How and why to comply with these standards – and the competitive edge they could give you.

Achala is the Founder and Managing Director of Entec Health, a MedTech company working in wound care. The company was founded in 2012. This is a success story about creating a sustainable business through building relationships with clinicians, listening to their needs, helping clinicians to help patients understand their treatment, and the value of following advice to improve their outcomes. Join us in this fascinating talk about wound management medtech!

Jackie Leach Scully is a Professor of Bioethics at the University of New South Wales. We discuss PPIE – Patient and Public Involvement and Engagement, a mandatory requirement for any project which receives grant funding. A hurdle to overcome, or a vital element of product development and market entry?

Quentin is the Commercial Manager for SurePulse. SurePulse provides vital signs monitoring solutions for newborn babies. How does a new MedTech company become part of the expert team in such a highly sensitive and emotive area? How do you build relationships that can lead to trial and adoption? Quentin has over 30 years experience of in bringing new products to market and has some very valuable insights.

In this episode, we talk about some of the Innovation Infrastructure for health and care. Ben Roberts is an Innovation Advisor for Medilink Midlands, a membership organisation for companies wishing to engage with the NHS and social care. Ben talks about the support offered to Medilink Midlands members and also explores the topics of Social Impact and The Green Agenda – an opportunity, not a challenge to be overcome. We also meet Ben’s dog!

Costa has decades of experience supporting businesses and individuals entering healthcare markets working as part of Medilink. Now semi-retired, he focuses on networking and the importance of a broad network of contacts across the health and care innovation infrastructure. Costa shares his knowledge of ensuring that an innovation is worth further investment in time and money.

Sanjay Gohil is another of Pym’s Consultancy’s associate consultants. Sanjay has wide commercial experience in pharmaceutical and medical device sales. He has a strong belief in starting with the right business structure, and strategy. Just when you thought these podcasts have given enough things to think about... here is more. It doesn’t matter what industry you are working in, you still need firm business foundations!

Gordon Barker is CEO and Co-founder of Microbiosensor, he is a serial entrepreneur having helped found 4 university spin-out companies. Microbiosensor are the makers of a new point of care testing device, QuickCheck, which gives an accurate white cell count in peritoneal dialysis effluent, an essential measure in the early detection and treatment of PD peritonitis. QuickCheck has been purchased by multiple NHS hospitals within its first year of launch and is in regular use in h...