Have you considered joining a trade association?

UK healthtech trade association, Association of British HealthTech Industries (ABHI), explains how the Covid-19 crisis has highlighted the importance for small UK businesses to join the trade body.

Healthtech is the largest employer within UK life sciences with 3,860 companies, and 89% of its businesses fall into the SME category.

Throughout the Covid-19 pandemic, ABHI has been supporting the members of its community so they are able to continue providing vital health technologies to the National Health Service.

Additionally, ABHI has also delivered expert regulatory guidance to key government initiatives, such as the ventilator challenge, and is currently working with the health service to ensure industry can safely support the restart of planned care. The ABHI is also planning a sustained programme of government engagement to further strengthen the UK’s healthtech sector.

Phil Kennedy, managing director, Eschmann Technologies and ABHI chair, said: “Businesses, and in particular, SMEs, need a strong and effective trade body like never before.

“We are seeing companies around us disappear and suppliers close their doors. For our business, we have never faced a challenge like this in our 180-year history. And so, we have been delighted with the efforts of our friends and colleagues within ABHI, who are sharing practical and useful advice with us almost daily. It’s encouraging to know our interests are being represented so effectively.”

James Urie, sales and marketing director, Mediplus, commented “ABHI has been great at answering any and every question we have had on all things Covid-19 related. Their thinking ahead to whatever the new normal is, and putting across the industry viewpoint to the government, has been terrific, and long may it continue.”

Managing director of Bristol-based P3 Medical, Simon Talbot, added: “Running a smaller business can sometimes be a lonely place and I have relied on ABHI to help bridge the gap between a corporate mothership and an independent SME. The support offered has been invaluable and I strongly recommend membership.”