The Medilink North of England Healthcare Business Awards 2026 returned to Sheffield and the iconic Cutlers’ Hall, not only to recognise excellence and innovation in healthcare, but also to mark 30 years of championing innovation and growth across the UK’s life sciences sector.
The event, supported by Equans Sci-Tech, was held on Thursday 30th April and brought together leaders from across industry, academia, and healthcare to recognise outstanding achievements in areas such as medical technology, digital health, and innovation. Over the past three decades, Medilink has played a key role in connecting businesses, fostering collaboration, and accelerating the development of cutting-edge healthcare solutions across the UK.
Tom Elliott, Chief Executive Officer at Medilink, commented: “This year’s high-profile awards event was exceptional. Nearly 300 delegates gathered in a full ballroom at the Cutlers’ Hall in Sheffield for an unforgettable evening, marking our 30-year milestone while celebrating the achievements and innovative progress across the healthcare community. Congratulations to all the shortlisted organisations, especially to this year’s winners and thank you to all our sponsors, especially the support from Equans Sci-Tech.”
The business awards ceremony was hosted by magician Paul Martin and opened with a welcome address from Sir James McKey, CEO of NHS England. He praised the companies for their ongoing commitment to innovation across the North of England.
Beth Crackles, CEO of this year’s charity partner, Sheffield Hospitals Charity, then delivered a presentation, followed by keynote speaker Professor Shafi Ahmed, a multi-award-winning cancer surgeon, teacher, futurist, innovator, entrepreneur, and humanitarian, who gave an inspiring and positive talk on the future of healthcare and technology.
Sponsors for this year’s business awards ceremony included: Equans Sci-Tech, HLK, Health Innovation North West Coast, Health Innovation Manchester, Health Innovation Yorkshire and Humber, Health Innovation North East and North Cumbria, Clear Capital Exchange, MFL Insurance Group, Hill Dickinson, Yorkshire MedTech, Leyton, MHA/Baker Tilly, Brewin Dolphin, Swift People Services, UKRI, CPL Life Sciences, B Braun, Medipex, Medtech Global Trade Partners and Sheffield City Council.
This years’ winners of awards from across the North of England included: Mitotype Precision Labs for the Start-up Award, JRI Orthopaedics for the Innovation Award, Lablogic Group Holdings for the Export Achievement Award, Open Medical for the Advances in Digital Healthcare Award, SANOFI for the Partnership with the NHS Award, Depuy Synthes UK and the University of Leeds for the Partnership between Academia and Business Award, Mast Group for the Primary/Social Care Partnership Award, Abingdon Health for the Sustainability Award, NunaBio for the Investment Award, COVVI for the One-to-Watch Award, LightOx for the Outstanding Achievement Award.
Medilink North of England is a professional membership association and specialist consultancy for the life sciences sector, part of Medilink UK, they help businesses and organisations to innovate and prosper by improving sector connectivity and identifying opportunities, as well as helping organisations to grow by providing cost-effective consultancy support to become more competitive and profitable.
For more information about the 2026 awards please visit here
