ABHI announces partnership to support UK & US healthtech companies

The Association of British Healthcare Industries (ABHI) is set to provide trade support for healthtech companies through a new partnership.

ABHI is partnering with Southern California’s business accelerator Octane and the Greater Irvine Chamber of Commerce in a strategic three-way collaboration.

The partnership offers UK companies the chance to connect with technology communities within the US and to develop their market entry and growth strategies.

ABHI CEO Peter Ellingworth said: “This particular district of Southern California is a real Health Technology hub and we are actively exploring opportunities for British businesses in the area. By creating these sustainable two-way trading bridges, healthtech companies can bring significant benefits to patients on both sides of the Atlantic.”

ABHI will also support California-based companies navigate the UK’s healthcare market, to help drive growth and investment in the UK.

The announcement follows a recent business tour to the UK by Octane and the Greater Irvine Chamber.

Linda DiMario, Greater Irvine Chamber’s executive vice president, charged with Economic Development & Tourism added:

“Following our second visit to the U.K. in February, we are excited to more concretely establish a working relationship with ABHI, its membership and the UK’s healthtech community. Irvine/Orange County is at the core of Southern California’s world-renowned life science industry and the epicentre for medical device and health care innovation. We hope that this agreement will encourage UK-based companies to explore, connect and engage with the region as they consider expansion into the U.S.”

Commenting on the news, Octane’s president & CEO, Bill Carpou added: “By connecting ideas and people with resources and capital, Octane has created one of the nation’s most dynamic ecosystems for driving technology growth. We are uniquely positioned to link UK companies to this environment and to help guide them as they explore this world-class marketplace.”

The ABHI has been developing partnerships with business groups in America through its US market entry programme. In November, the association announced its Innovation Hub at Austin's Dell Medical School.