Medilink Healthcare Business Awards 2026
30 April | Cutlers’ Hall, Sheffield
Applications are now open for the 2026 Medilink Healthcare Business Awards: the ultimate showcase of talent, innovation, creativity and resilience within the life sciences sector.
As part of our commitment to the healthcare sector across the North of England, we come together every year to celebrate the achievements of life science companies over the past year and showcase the very best examples of collaboration between industry, academia and the NHS.
From innovative new start-ups to established industry leaders, our awards recognise those who have made a real difference to the sector in our region; whether through amazing new technologies, outstanding partnerships or exceptional growth.
And this year, we’re also celebrating a special milestone at Medilink…
It’s hard to believe Medilink is marking its 30th year. From our beginnings as a Yorkshire-based support organisation to becoming a professional association and consultancy serving the North of England, we’ve evolved in many ways while always staying true to our roots.
Our commitment to the sector remains strong, and our ability to help organisations grow, connect and succeed has only become stronger. Since 2002, the Medilink Healthcare Business Awards have celebrated the success of organisations across the region. These organisations have worked together in partnership to improve patient care, developed pioneering innovations and expanded into new international markets, changing the face of healthcare for ever. We’re proud that the awards continue to grow year after year.
Celebration Evening
The 2026 Awards evening will be held on:
Thursday 30th April at the Cutlers’ Hall in Sheffield.
The event will start with a complimentary drinks reception with a chance for networking, followed by a three-course dinner and prestigious awards ceremony and music. The dress code will be black tie.
Ticket Purchase
Tickets for the Medilink North of England Healthcare Business Awards 2026 can be booked by clicking the link below and filling out the form.
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2026 Applications Now Open
Our award categories are listed below, with application forms and guidance notes.
Please note: this is a regional award competition, and applicants will need to be located in (or have a partner from within) the North of England.
Innovation Award
Award Sponsor | Health Innovation Networks
For the development of innovative technology, design and / or processes that have produced a major improvement in business performance and impacted the market.
Achievements may be assessed based on the invention, design, production, performance of service (including advice), marketing distribution and after-sales support.
Export Achievement Award
Award Sponsor | TBA
For maximising opportunities to exploit and develop new markets, or outstanding performance in other areas of international trade.
Applicants should be able to demonstrate substantial growth in overseas earnings and commercial success, to levels that are outstanding for the goods or services concerned and for the size of the applicant’s operations.
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Advances in Digital Healthcare Award
Award Sponsor | TBA
Applicants should demonstrate how digital technologies were employed to enhance current service delivery or create new ways of delivering healthcare.
Applications should include details of the types of technologies included, partnerships needed to make this happen and improvements to patient care experienced as a result.
Partnership between Academia & Business Award
Award Sponsor | TBA
For demonstrating how a partnership or collaboration between an academic institution and a business has (or will have) enhanced current service delivery, or created new ways of delivering healthcare.
Applications should include details of the technologies employed, details of the partnerships needed to make this happen, and improvements to patient care experienced as a result.
Primary / Social Care Partnership Award
Award Sponsor | TBA
For the development of a partnership in collaboration with primary / social care / local authorities that has resulted in a major impact or benefit.
Applicants should demonstrate how their work has improved patient care / health and well-being of citizens and /or enhanced the efficiencies of service provision. Applicants should include evidence of partnerships and technologies employed. Award can be entered by any member of the collaboration but must have a company partner involved.
Partnership with the NHS [Acute Care] Award
Award Sponsor | TBA
For the development of a partnership in collaboration with the NHS that has / will have major impact or benefit.
Applicants should demonstrate how their work has improved patient care and / or efficiencies in the acute care environment. Applications should include evidence of partnerships and technologies employed. Award can be entered by a Company, NHS Organisation or Individual and must have a company partner involved.
Start-Up Award
Award Sponsor | TBA
For newly established companies in the healthcare sector that show a promising future.
Applicants must have been trading no more than 3 years.
Sustainability Award
Award Sponsor | TBA
For a commitment to change within an organisation that has been clearly communicated both internally and externally.
Applicants should be able to demonstrate evidence of a strategy relating to one or more environmental issues, good management & clear communication to stakeholders, leadership in addressing and overcoming climate or environmental challenges.
Investment Award
Award Sponsor | TBA
The Investment Award recognises organisations that have overcome challenges and achieved success in securing and deploying new investment.
This award celebrates businesses that have attracted investment to commercialise new advances in healthcare delivery / prevention, which will result in long term business growth, the creation of skilled jobs, and benefit the wider economy.
Outstanding Achievement Award
Award Sponsor | TBA
For an achievement that has had a significant or vital impact on the company and market.
Applications should include details of the technologies employed, details of the partnerships needed to make this happen, and improvements to patient care experienced as a result.
One-To-Watch Award
Award Sponsor | TBA
The one to watch award recognises those companies that deserve special recognition for their contribution to the sector and achievements in the previous year.
Event Partners
Thank you to our event partners for helping to make our Awards Evening happen:
Our Charity Partner
We are incredibly proud to support our charity partner for 2026, Sheffield Hospitals Charity.
Sheffield Hospitals Charity help Sheffield’s hospitals, community teams and mental health and specialist services to cover costs their NHS budgets can’t.
We fund support for patients and staff, life-changing research and more, so that we can enhance care from birth to the end of life and everything in between.
We provide additional funding to Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust and Sheffield Health Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust who support people at every stage on life’s journey.
Sheffield Teaching Hospitals provide a range of local and tertiary serves to the people of South Yorkshire, Mid Yorkshire and North Derbyshire and highly specialist services to all parts of England.
From welcoming babies into the world on the Jessop Wing, to supporting cancer care at Weston Park, and specialist care at the Royal Hallamshire, Charles Clifford and the Northern General.
Somewhere along the line, our funding is likely to have helped you or someone you love.
As well as funding provisions for patients, our grants also contribute to training, equipment, and wellbeing projects for NHS professionals.
By looking after the staff and services at the centre of patient care, we’re making sure they’re ready to look after you.
Thework we fund is only possible through generous donations, fundraising events, corporate support and a coming together of our community.
With your help, we’ll make sure that the care you and your loved ones receive is the best it can be.
For more about the charity, see their website: sheffieldhospitalscharity.org.uk
