The sixth annual Life Science Competitiveness Indicators report has been published, comparing the UK’s performance in life sciences internationally to the end of 2019. The publication of the report had to be postponed due to the COVID-19 crisis, however the document confirms that the UK was one of the best locations for life sciences work across the globe in 2019. A quarter of a million people were employed in the sector during that year and it generated almost £81bn in annual turnov...

BIVDA comments on Life Science Competitiveness Report BIVDA has welcomed the publication of the Life Science Competitiveness Indicators 2020, a report that gives a comprehensive outline of the state of the UK life sciences sector covering research funding, import-export levels and investment, amongst other key indicators. Life sciences continue to be a crucial pillar of the UK economy generating almost £81bn annually and employing over 250,000 people. In terms of Government activ...

Don’t Wait; Act – is our initiative to re-start routine, non-COVID testing in the NHS for patients with long term conditions or who have new symptoms that could be caused by issues such as cancer, undiagnosed diabetes, heart disease and who could become unintended victims of the pandemic.  The initiative needs to be poised and ready to start as soon as the current lockdown eases and NHS capacity recovers but for that we need your support! We are engaging the London Agency to hel...

BIVDA Comments on Health and Care White Paper BIVDA Chief Executive Doris-Ann Williams and Chief Operating Officer Helen Dent have commented on the publication of the Health and Care White Paper by the Health Secretary Matt Hancock.  Commenting on plans to promote integrated care in the health service, Doris-Ann said; “The new White Paper offers an opportunity to promote joint working and collaboration in the NHS across different teams, department and disciplines. As part of...

Please find attached a helpful summary of the different customs models used at the various UK ports. The full details are included in the Border Operating Model, but hopefully this standalone summary maybe a helpful guide. As ever, we can take any questions you may have to colleagues at the MDCC and Office For Life Sciences so do contact Jon or Helen. 

A review has been announced into the use of health data for research and analysis by Government. The rapid review will take place until April 2021 and focusses on the more efficient and safe use of health data for research and analysis for the benefit of patients and the healthcare sector. Government has asked Dr Ben Goldacre to carry out the review and present his findings in two months. Dr Goldacre is Director of the DataLab, Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences at the Universit...

The International Trade Secretary Liz Truss has announced the signing of an Enhanced Trade Partnership between the UK and India, along with the announcement of 1,500 highly-skilled technology jobs for the UK. The agreement paves the way for deeper economic inter-relationship between the UK and the world’s largest democracy and a potential trade deal in future. On Saturday, Liz Truss agreed the outline of the ETP with India’s Minister of Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyal on her visit...

The Government’s push for community testing uptake from local authorities is showing a high-uptake level. Nine in ten local authorities are now enrolled into the testing roll-out programme. The regular testing is searching for asymptomatic cases of coronavirus and uses rapid, lateral flow devices. More than 70% of authorities are already offering this rapid testing to those who are unable to work from home during lockdown restrictions. A new postcode checker has also been launched to allow...

NICE has launched a new consultation, the third in recent times, on proposals on changes to the processes which NICE uses to develop its guidance on medicines, medical devices, diagnostics and digital health technologies. The public consultation will be open for submissions until 15th April 2021 and forms part of the largest ever review undertaken by NICE, looking at the potential changes to methods and processes the organisation carries out to produce essential guidance. Opportunities to be exp...

As you all are aware, BIVDA and others have been calling for for recognition that key industry workers such as service engineers, need to be vaccinated against COVID-19. We have finally received a letter (attached below) from the Minister for COVID vaccine deployment, Nadhim Zahawi MP, which agrees this providing employers agree their staff meet the 3 criteria established by the JCVI. BIVDA are looking for a simpler mechanism to register your eligible staff to be vaccinated but in the ...