Government Appoints Life Sciences Business Adviser

Universities and Science Minister David Willetts and Health Minister Lord Howe have announced the appointment of Chris Brinsmead as the Government's Life Sciences Business Adviser today.

Chris Brinsmead will support close and collaborative working on life sciences across Government and with key partners. He will work with the life sciences industry, both in the UK and overseas, and with the NHS and academia to provide independent advice and challenge to Government.

This independent expert will play a vital role in helping to ensure that Government can deliver a supportive business environment for UK life sciences that promotes innovation, growth and ensures that patients have access to the latest medicines and medical technologies.

Universities and Science Minister David Willetts said: "The life sciences are a highly innovative industry and one in which the UK has significant strengths. There is real potential for the industry to contribute to our future economic growth as well as meeting healthcare challenges. To realise this potential, it is vital that Government takes a coordinated approach to policy-making and I am delighted Chris Brinsmead will be supporting Lord Howe and me."

Health Minister Lord Howe said: "The UK has a world class life sciences industry, producing a number of the leading innovative medicines and medical technologies from which patients in the NHS and around the world have benefited. We can be proud of the UK-based life sciences industry which is key to our future health and our future prosperity. We want to maximise the relationship between the NHS and the life sciences sector and I warmly welcome the appointment of Chris Brinsmead in his vitally important role to support us in achieving this."



Chris Brinsmead said: "I know from experience that it is vital for Government and industry to work together to ensure that the UK is a great place for life sciences. I am delighted to take on this role to support the Government in realising the opportunities that exist in this sector."

The appointment recognises that Government policy impacts all stages of life sciences, from investment in the research base, through to enterprise, innovation and finance policy, through regulation and standards, to skills and access to the NHS market.

The Life Sciences Business Advisor will support the NHS to contribute to economic growth and innovation; support communication of health and business policy developments to the NHS, academia and the life sciences industry; and champion the UK both as an investment location and as the trading partner of choice in life sciences.

(BMcN/GK)