Enterprise M3’s animal MedTech industry is to be showcased internationally to secure inward investment after the government formally recognised it as an asset to the UK and global economies.
The Department for International Trade (DIT) has designated the sector a High Potential Opportunity (HPO) because of its expanding cluster of high-tech Animal MedTech businesses and organisations which are delivering innovative solutions to global health issues, including combating the transfer of viruses from animals to humans.
Making the announcement, International Trade Secretary Liz Truss said that the HPO recognition would lead to greater trade as well as the creation of more highly skilled jobs, boosting the economy.
Trade, the investment it brings and the deals we’re negotiating will benefit every part of the UK and help us build back better across the country
More investment will help to provide strong foundations for a robust economy in the years to come, boosting productivity and creating jobs, whilst demonstrating the crucial role that foreign investors from our key trading partners play in boosting our regional economies.
The EM3 area has almost 200 organisations in the MedTech sector, focusing on animal health and welfare and its impact on human health. They include the Pirbright Institute, a world-leading centre for preventing and controlling livestock disease, the School of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Surrey, and the Animal and Plant Health Agency, a government body at Weybridge, specialising in animal and plant health
These research institutions are part of a network of highly successful private companies including Fitzpatrick Referrals, specialists in animal orthopaedics and neurology, founded in Surrey by TV’s Supervet, Professor Noel Fitzpatrick, as well as Zoetis, the global animal health company.
Dr. Theo Kanellos, Director of Business Development and Commercial Alliances at Zoetis said:
Exciting times ahead with the critical support from government and a network formed from forward thinking partners. We are honoured to be a part of this effort and hope that it will drive investment in the animal health sector delivering innovative solutions enabling better health and wellbeing for animals.
Enterprise M3 LEP’s Trade and Investment Coordinator, Francesca Caramelle, said:
The Government’s recognition of the existing strength and potential of the animal health industry in the Enterprise M3 area is excellent news. It means the businesses and organisations in our area will have the full support and expertise of the Department for International Trade behind them as they seek international investment – that is good news for local jobs and the regional economy.
The area’s private sector strengths are underpinned by the availability of a range of local specialist training and education institutions, including, the Universities of Southampton, Surrey, Royal Holloway and Winchester; and further education colleges, Merrist Wood College in Surrey which has a new animal health management centre and Sparsholt College in Hampshire with its Animal Health and Welfare Research Centre and land and environment –based courses.
Professor Alasdair Cook, Head of vHive, the veterinary Health Innovation Engine, at the University of Surrey, said:
In our homes, our farms and our countryside, healthy animals enrich our lives. The excellence in animal health in the EM3 area delivers research, education and business opportunity supported by regulatory agencies, providing new data and insight for our community. Sharing the data amongst our partners augments their individual strengths and this HPO will promote our cluster. We look forward to exciting times creating innovative solutions to improve animal health, which will bring benefits for everyone in the future.
From 1 April 2024, the responsibility for LEP functions across the Enterprise M3 LEP region has transferred to Hampshire County Council and Surrey County Council.
The Enterprise M3 Board met for the last time in March 2024 and Enterprise M3 LEP is no longer operating as an organisation.
For any enquiries relating to economic development across the counties of Hampshire and Surrey, please visit the Hampshire County Council website and Business Surrey respectively.
Please note that Enterprise M3 LEP staff have transferred to Hampshire County Council to continue to deliver services and activities in Hampshire, including the Growth Hub, the Careers Hub, work on key business sectors, and trade and investment.
They can be contacted at economic.development@hants.gov.uk.
Collaborate with us to connect with organisations, people and ideas