BHTA conference about the future of medtech described as “informative” and “extremely interesting”

On 13 May 2025, the British Healthcare Trades Association (BHTA), in coordination with AXREM, hosted a conference about the future of medtech, offering valuable and informative talks for attendees.

‘The Future of MedTech: Innovating for Tomorrow’ brought together BHTA and AXREM members to hear from senior leaders and experts from across the NHS, DHSC, MHRA, and more to explore the latest advancements and strategies in medtech.

Taking place at the Mercure Northampton, delegates had the chance to network with industry peers, get involved in engaging panel discussions, and learn about some of the most important topics in the medtech sector today.

Engaging presentations throughout the day included topics on sustainable procurement, how suppliers can meet the NHS’ net zero targets, the economic outlook for UK manufacturers, the future regulatory framework for the UK medtech sector, the DHSC’s upcoming work on building a MedTech Compass, and more.

Speakers throughout the day were:

• David Lawson, Director of Medical technology & Innovation at DHSC
• Alexandra Hammond, Associate Director, Net Zero & Sustainable Procurement for NHS England
• Dr Rob Reid, Deputy Director, Innovative Devices at the MHRA
• Josh Crosley, Design for Life Co-Lead from DHSC
• Anastasia Chalkidou, Programme Director for Healthtech Guidance Delivery at NICE
• Heather Hobson from the Office for Life Sciences
• Nata Zaman, Deputy Director of Equipping New Hospital Programme at NHS England
• Paul Gaffney, Director of Tendo
• Daniel Laing, Senior Account Director for Tendo
• Chris Corkan, Region Director & Affiliate Partnerships at MakeUK
• Chris Taylor, Sustainability & Social Value Focus Group Convenor at AXREM
• Matthew D’Arcy from Highland Marketing

The Future of MedTech conference has received positive feedback from attendees.

Shona Macdonald, Director of Market Access & Reimbursement, UKI, at Convatec, commented: “The BHTA and AXREM conference proved to be a highly relevant and extremely interesting agenda. It provided me with an invaluable opportunity for networking and engagement with stakeholders and peers.

“I was particularly encouraged to hear that collaboration with industry through the NHS transformative changes is both invited and welcomed by the system.”

David Dawson, Market Access Director, UK/Ireland for BD, said: “I found the BHTA conference both interesting and informative. The varied subject matter and speakers provided a good mix of important issues. I especially enjoyed the afternoon presentations and panel discussion.”

Diane Hargrove, Sales Director at BES Healthcare, stated: “I thought the quality of the speakers was excellent, and it was refreshing to hear that there seemed to be an understanding of some of the real challenges that face industry in bringing new innovative technologies through to the healthcare market.”

Richard Holland-Oakes, Co-Founder and CEO of Recare, noted: “Certain parts of the day were very interesting with the NHS and social services and the government finally trying to work together. 

“I must say it appeared the presentation to be more hospital-related savings with the AXREM companies rather than the companies of BHTA and the products of which you support, NHS/community and the private sector and of which our products are bespoke to the individuals requirements, and of these products that are prescribed from the hospital environment for home use is a hard to manage and deliver a better service and savings without changing this structure that is in place at present. But it can be done!”