A new multi-million pound medical technologies support programme has been launched in the West Midlands to boost small to medium enterprises (SMEs) operating in the Region's growing medical technologies field.

Advantage West Midlands has developed the programme through its business clusters, in partnership with Medilink West Midlands Limited, a regional leader in developing business networks for medical and healthcare companies, and through close consultation with industry.

Funded by Advantage West Midlands, the initiative will be managed by MedilinkWM and aims to take advantage of a growing market and focus on creating further growth through access to new markets.

The main emphasis will be on new technology in the fields of assistive living, digital healthcare, human engineering and the control of infectious diseases. These markets were chosen as all of them have forecasted growth and are matched with the region's industrial strengths and research capabilities.

West Midlands companies will be able to join research networks, managed by MedilinkWM, which will provide access to the latest field data, research facilities and partners, both within the NHS and universities.

Access to market opportunities will be developed through collaboration with the NHS but will also focus on new and emerging markets such as social care, private consumers and private healthcare providers.

Small firms across the region have welcomed the news:

Herefordshire: Steve Wheeler of Herefordshire based medtech company Primasil, welcomes the new programme.

" By drawing on a network of established organisations that have special expertise across the entire medical and healthcare product life, the programme provides companies like us with a unique resource to assist them in succeeding in the healthcare market".

Warwickshire: Steve May-Russell of Coventry based medtech company Smallfry, welcomes the new programme.

"This investment and support into the medical technologies sector represents a great opportunity for businesses like ours. It allows us to get access to new markets and develop new products, which is what we need to see a growth in our clients businesses".

Staffordshire: Tony Kinsella, Chief Executive, for Staffordshire based CERAM, a leading materials testing, analysis and consultancy organisation welcomes the programme.

"This investment and support into the medical technologies sector represents a great opportunity for businesses like ours.  It allows us to build on the success we've already seen in this market by working with other cluster organisations to develop new materials, products and technologies."

Birmingham: Mike Lord of Birmingham based medtech company Minivator, welcomes the new programme.

 "This investment and support into the medical technologies sector represents a great opportunity for businesses like ours. It allows us to get access to new markets and develop new products, which is what we need to see a growth in both our business and our profits".

The investment will support the continuation of existing regional facilities, such as the Intelligent Health Demonstrator, which has attracted national and international attention to the West Midlands in the last year.

At the same time, industry in the West Midlands will gain a powerful voice, with lobbying at a national level to improve conditions for the region's medtech SMEs and reduction in red tape.

Christina Keey-Andersen, Medical Technologies Cluster Manager for Advantage West Midlands, said:  "The West Midlands has become a recognised force in the medical technologies world. Despite difficult times in the last year we have seen the sector go from strength to strength, offering great opportunities for the region's industry.

"The Agency's latest investment and ongoing support will help to drive that growth, giving industry the opportunity to access support that allows it to develop the healthcare technology of tomorrow.

"In line with the West Midlands Economic Strategy, innovative projects are changing lives and boosting the economy across our region. Encouraging companies of all sizes to develop new products and ideas is a key priority for Advantage West Midlands."