Supporting UK Companies with Their US Strategies
Having established a strong network of relationships across Texas, I was delighted to lead ABHI’s sixth trade mission the State in June.
The bespoke, week-long programme was the ideal opportunity to support UK companies with their US strategies and help enhance growth and return on their US investment.
What was really special about this particular mission was that, as well as taking a number of HealthTech companies and Innovation Hub members, we were also joined by other healthcare representatives, such as Imperial College Health Partners, MIDAS - Manchester’s Inward Investment Agency, Health Innovation Manchester and Sheffield Hallam University. The mix of industry, academia and health support organisations was a strong reflection of the UK’s diverse and cutting-edge healthcare landscape.
Visiting Houston, Dallas and Fort Worth, delegates were given the opportunity to meet with hospital system senior leadership teams, Presidents, Chief Operating Officers and procurement departments. These meetings proved invaluable and a number of trials have been agreed between hospitals and UK companies as a result of them. We will be able to announce more details on this over the coming months.
One of the meetings that really stood out was with Parkland Health & Hospital System, a large hospital in Dallas. We spent time with the hospital CEO, the President and the leadership team, which gave us an insight into how the hospital works, the challenges they face and what innovations they are looking for to address these clinical needs.
Another key meeting was with private insurance company Blue Cross Shield, one of the country’s leading insurers. It was good to understand more about the company and personal US insurance policies, and strong relationships were developed during the session. One of the leadership team has agreed to join our US Mentors Network, a group of senior US HealthTech experts that we have put together to help UK companies with their operations Stateside. All of our ABHI Hub Members can speak to the mentors and tap into their local knowledge and we have some truly amazing people who have signed up to be mentors. Their knowledge will be invaluable as companies looks for support on a whole range of issues such as as reimbursement, FDA approval and market access.
To complement this, the ABHI have been asked to be an honorary member of the Austin Healthcare Council (AHC) - a healthcare industry association serving the Austin, and wider-Texas community. Healthcare is one of Austin's largest and fastest-growing industries and the AHC wants to make sure Austin is at the forefront in innovation and leadership. Through education, mentoring, networking, and international programmes, they foster a supportive environment for healthcare and bring together a wide spectrum of organisations. Being a member of this means any of our Innovation Hub companies can attend these meetings, and tap into the networks, working groups and events that the council runs.
Overall, it a busy, but productive week. A lot of positives have come out of it, which will come to fruition over the coming weeks and months.
Each time we go Texas, the relationships are embedded deeper and we understand more about the shared challenges that both countries face. I am proud to be part of this and look forward to our next mission in the Autumn.
If you are interested in taking part in our next mission, or becoming a member of our newly expanded ABHI innovation Hub then please do get in touch with me.
Paul
