Medtech Business - The stars of Midlands medtech

The stars of Midlands medtech

Meeting international needs for infection control solutions and cost-effective manufacturing tools has helped five businesses to win the Medical and Healthcare Business Awards 2010, organised by medtech industry specialist MedilinkWM.

The Awards highlight the success of companies in the West Midlands Medical Technologies Cluster, supported by Advantage West Midlands.

• Newtech Ortho was acclaimed as Best New Start-Up. In its first year of trading, the firm is already supplying more than 170 NHS and private hospitals in the UK with implant systems.

• MediFilm UK, which has worked with Derby Hospital NHS Foundation Trust to develop an antimicrobial worktop guide to the Aseptic Non Touch Technique for clinical staff, won the Award for Partnership with the NHS.

• The Award for Innovation went to ITCM for its high-speed machine for packaging strip-based medical products. This flexible and efficient solution reduces the cost, time, noise and energy use of the packaging process.

• Dermal Technology Laboratory Ltd, provider of a non-animal method for measuring dermal absorption, received the award for Outstanding Growth. The company's turnover has increased fourfold in its two years, while its staff numbers have increased by 50% in the last year.

• Kimal PLC, which supplies devices for diagnostic and interventional cardiology, radiology, renal disease and oncology, earned the Export Achievement award by increasing export sales by more than 25% and gaining certifications in China, Brazil, Venezuela, Columbia, Hong Kong, Canada and Germany.

Tony Davis, CEO of MedilinkWM, commented: "West Midlands companies have seen the real commercial benefits of trading within the Medical Technologies market in the last year. These awards are dedicated to businesses that have achieved exceptional research, innovation, business success, entrepreneurial flair and growth in the sector."

Kimal and MediFilm are shortlisted in their respective categories for the national MedilinkUK Awards. The national winners will be announced in March.