Life science industry organisation Medilink Midlands has announced the permanent appointment of Melanie Davidson as chief executive officer, and Andrea Dawson as chief financial and operating officer.
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Having both fulfilled their roles in an interim capacity since March 2023, Davidson and Dawson are now permanently appointed to their new positions.
Medilink Midlands helps life science companies to set up, develop and grow in the Midlands. Working alongside regional organisations including the East and West Midlands Academic Health Science Networks, the West Midlands Combined Authority, the Midlands Engine, and the region’s universities, Medilink Midlands sits at the heart of academia, business, government, and the NHS.
Of her permanent appointment, Davidson, who has worked at Medilink Midlands for over 12 years, said: “I look forward to formally taking on the role of chief executive at Medilink Midlands. Working alongside Andrea and the team has enabled us to set firm foundations for future success. We have a strong proven track record of helping the Midlands life science community to develop and grow and we are making the most of every opportunity for our members, patrons, and the region, to be the voice of the life sciences industry.”
Dawson added: “In my role, I want to ensure that the support we deliver and how we deliver it fully both meets and exceeds the requirements and expectations of the Midlands life science community. I have worked with Melanie and the team to ensure that the service we provide is of a consistent and high standard. As we bring our plans from concept to reality, we will ensure that we do everything we can to be the number one choice for life science business support in the Midlands.”
Professor Martin Levermore MBE DL, chair of Medilink Midlands, said: “The Medilink Midlands Board is committed to helping the Midlands life science ecosystem to develop and grow. As we steer Medilink Midlands into its 20th year, we have a long and established track record and reputation upon which we can look back, but more importantly than this, we are well-placed for future growth and opportunities.
“The foundations that Melanie and Andrea have set in place and the ideas that they and the Medilink Midlands team are bringing to life will give life science businesses new and exciting opportunities to succeed. The formal appointment of both Melanie as chief executive and Andrea as chief financial and operating officer marks an important stage in Medilink Midlands’ development and we as the Board have every confidence in them both to deliver.”
In June 2023, Medilink Midlands celebrated the completion of an eight-year regional business support programme delivered through the INSTILS, SoLSTICE, and ACTIS projects. These were part-funded by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) and helped life science companies to accelerate their innovations, build their workforces, and develop new products and services. A total of £3.5 million was secured by life sciences businesses in the East Midlands. As well as creating over 200 jobs, the grants leveraged investment equating to £47 of private investment for every £1 of public funding.