Life sciences sector businesses from across Yorkshire came together earlier this month, to discuss how collaboration can help companies benefit from change dynamics and build future resilience for the sector.
Already a hotbed for innovation in health tech and medical devices, the region has the opportunity to capitalise on its strong healthcare infrastructure by sharing insights and peer-to-peer learning.
The event was hosted by Leeds-headquartered Lhasa, and focused on ‘Building resilience in the life sciences sector: Navigating an ever-changing landscape.’ Woodley BioReg was joined by law firm Clarion, who organised the event, along with international audit, tax and advisory firm Mazars.
Keynote speakers included our principal consultant Dr Ash Ramzan, who used real life examples to discuss regulatory changes across pharmaceutical, biopharmaceuticals, devices and diagnostics; focussing on how businesses can build resilience through consolidation, horizon scanning and future proofing.
Tom Hutchinson, health and life science sector manager at West Yorkshire Combined Authority (WYCA), who talked about the region’s strength in healthcare, and outlined how WYCA is accelerating life science opportunities.
Tarifa Simpson, leading deals in the sector for Mazars, provided an insight into the investment landscape with life sciences continuing to be an attractive sector for investors and funders, and levels of transactions remaining above pre-pandemic levels.
Sue Streatfield, partner in intellectual property at Clarion, gave tips about how businesses can maximise their IP assets by ensuring they are protected in the most resilient way from the idea stage, through to planning commercialisation and creating revenue.
A panel comprising Fabien Rascagneres, Head of Global Supply Planning at global biopharmaceutical business AstraZeneca; Carly Haigh, Vice President of Client Services at medical communications agency Six Degrees Medical Consulting; Asam Malik, Head of Technology & Digital Consulting at Mazars, and Dr Ash Ramzan from Woodley BioReg, then took questions from delegates.
Commenting on the event, Dr Ash Ramzan said: “In today’s rapidly evolving healthcare landscape, businesses must navigate the winds of change with adaptability and foresight. As we discussed during the event, regulatory changes across pharmaceuticals, biopharmaceuticals, devices, and diagnostics are shaping the industry’s future. To build resilience, consolidation, and future-proofing are paramount.
“By analysing emerging trends, disruptive innovations, and regulatory developments, we can steer our organisations towards growth and sustainability. And through embracing agile approaches and staying ahead of the regulatory curve, we ensure that we remain resilient and adaptable to the evolving regulatory landscape.
“The aftermath of Brexit and the shadow of covid cast uncertainty on the regulatory environment. Navigating this shifting circumstance requires vigilance and agility, as new requirements and trade barriers continue to surface. To mitigate risks, businesses must collaborate closely with regulatory bodies, assuring compliance while fostering innovation.”
With speakers and delegates agreeing that collaboration is vital, further events are planned to connect people working in life sciences across Yorkshire.
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