The Department of Health welcomes this initiative as a way of identifying the issues specific to SMEs in the UK-based life sciences industries.  We recognise that SMEs are the life blood of industrial innovation.  They therefore have a crucial contribution to make in developing advanced treatments for patients and stimulating a buoyant, competitive domestic market. 

That is why we are working closely with BIS and the medical technology industry, which comprises about 80% SMEs, in developing an agenda to help improve the UK environment for SMEs.  The Government’s recent initiative to support a flourishing life sciences industry has provided a further opportunity for companies to articulate what they need to thrive.

We know it is difficult for SMEs to make their voices hear and express their views collectively to Government.  The Voices of Industry initiative is a welcome step in the right direction.  I hope that SMEs respond positively and submit some constructive suggestions which will add momentum to the existing cross-Government work with the life sciences industry.