PARTNERSHIP FORMED TO HELP FIRMS INNOVATE AND GROW IN THE HEALTH, WELLNESS AND CARE SECTORS

Two local initiatives have formed a new partnership to further enhance the levels of innovation and growth support for businesses already within or expanding into the health, wellness and care sectors.

The newly launched Purposeful Health Growth Accelerator and the the Academic Health Science Network for the North East and North Cumbria ("AHSN") , through their Health Network North, will be working together to deliver a programme of online events to give businesses an understanding of the NHS and how to sell innovative products and services into it.

Events are planned throughout the year, starting with the launch on 21st September 2020 which will provide an introduction to the Purposeful Health Growth Accelerator. Speakers will cover innovation, growth and funding, followed by an introduction to the NHS landscape, its local priorities and the opportunities it presents to SMEs.

The Purposeful Health Growth Accelerator launched in July 2020. It offers bespoke fully funded support packages to businesses with a mission to provide innovative solutions within the health, wellness and social care sectors. The programme is delivered by Northumbria University and NEL Fund Managers, and is backed by funding from Research England. To find out more about the Purposeful Health Growth Accelerator please visit www.purposefulhealth.co.uk

Dr Yvonne Gale, chief executive at NEL says “throughout the Covid-19 pandemic we’ve seen a lot of businesses looking to adapt their offering to support the health, wellness and social care sectors as well as those who have spotted opportunities for growth.

“The Purposeful Health Growth Accelerator and its new partnership with the AHSN will strive to help those businesses achieve their innovation and growth objectives with a blend of specialised expertise and insights”.

The Academic Health Science Network for the North East and North Cumbria was established by NHS England in 2013 to spread innovation at pace and scale – improving health and generating economic growth. To find out more about the Academic Health Science Network for the North East and North Cumbria please visit https://www.ahsn-nenc.org.uk/

Russ Watkins, Commercial Director at AHSN explains “The NHS can often be a daunting market for new or small businesses. It is great to be working with Northumbria University and NEL Fund Managers on the Purposeful Health programme as an opportunity to blend business support with an overall understanding of some of the known barriers to adoption in the NHS”

To reserve a place at the Purposeful Health Growth Accelerator launch event, click here.