A REGION-WIDE hunt for the best talent in healthcare and life sciences has resulted in a record number of entries for the Business for Life Awards.
The shortlisted companies were announced last night at the monthly HealthConnect networking event hosted by Cels. BBC presenter Wendy Gibson announced the shortlist to an audience of more than 100 at the Great North Museum.
The Start-Up Award, sponsored by Marks & Clerk LLP, received the most entries, demonstrating that entrepreneurial spirit is very much alive in the North East. The HealthConnect Award, a category to celebrate the talents of an individual in the sector, will be fiercely contested by some of the leading researchers and scientists in the region. Other categories will recognise excellence in innovation, export and technology.
The Business for Life Awards, which are now in their third year, are organised by Cels, the organisation driving the growth of the healthcare and life sciences’ sector in North East England. Despite the current economic downturn the industry continues to thrive and in the last year Cels has helped to create 17 new healthcare companies and secure £7.8 million of new funding for regional businesses.
Mike Asher, CEO of Cels, said: "There are hundreds of healthcare and life sciences companies doing fantastic work right here in the North East and we want to make sure that everyone knows about it. The quality and number of nominations has been outstanding and the judges were impressed with the progress and development of the companies who entered this year.
"Cels’ Business for Life Awards is an opportunity to highlight the great work that is taking place in our region and to recognise the teams that are making it happen. It’s important that the region is at the forefront of healthcare and life sciences in the UK to ensure that we are well equipped to compete globally."
The winners will be revealed at a glittering black-tie ceremony on Thursday 19 November at the Hilton Newcastle Gateshead. The evening will once again be presented by television presenter Wendy Gibson and will feature an after-dinner speech by Phil Hammond, comedian, GP and commentator on health issues.
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