A number of Yorkshire medtech businesses have joined the Leeds City Region Enterprise Partnership (LEP) at the 2019 Arab Health Exhibition and Congress in Dubai.

The LEP, together with medical support organisation Medilink, is leading the delegation which features a variety of exciting companies.

Three ExportExchange patron companies are part of the delegation and will be showcasing their products including scalp-cooling equipment from Huddersfield firm Paxman; medical lighting solutions from Leeds-based Brandon Medical; and surgical sealants from Leeds firm Tissuemed.

The delegation will also feature antibacterial pushpads from Leeds-based manufacturer and ExportExchange member SurfaceSkins, along with oxygen monitors from Bradford firm Viamed.

The delegation aims to connect with buyers in growing markets and boost exports from regional life science and medtech companies.

This activity follows a strong regional export performance. The value of trade in goods exported by Yorkshire and the Humber rose by nearly nine per cent compared with the same period last year, whilst UK-wide trade saw a rise of four per cent.

The Leeds City Region is home to one of Europe’s largest teaching hospitals, four NHS headquarters and 30 personalised medicine centres, making it a leading hub for the healthcare industry and patient records management.

Roger Marsh, Chair of the LEP said: “It’s a natural choice to showcase the best med-tech products from our region at Arab Health. The Gulf, Asian and North African healthcare markets are set for significant growth due to investment in healthcare infrastructure and are looking to British companies to provide trusted, high quality products. We’re home to the UK’s largest medtech cluster so ideally placed to cater to this need. There is a lot of support for businesses to enter these markets. It’s worthwhile getting in touch with the LEP to find out more.”

Brian Waligora, CEO of Harrogate-based Surfaceskins said:“We have had a huge amount of interest in Surfaceskins from the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC). The region’s focus on infection control and hygiene seems ahead of many other regions if the world. Last year, being unfamiliar with Arab Health, the LEP kindly showcased our product. The amount of leads generated was incredible! For this reason Surfaceskins have taken an exhibition stand for 2019 and we have already been inundated with requests to meet up with potential customers. I’m really look forward to it.”

Charlotte Fraser, International Development at Paxman, added: “Chemotherapy-induced hair loss is consistently ranked in the top five most distressing cancer chemotherapy side effects and we are working hard to ensure that cancer patients have a choice against hair loss. We are delighted to be able to offer scalp cooling to Middle Eastern patients and are keen to find new partners from across the region.