Keynote Speaker George Kennedy, CBE
11:15 - 12:00 Monday 22 September | The Development of Global Healthcare Markets Role of Governments and Trade Associations by George Kennedy, CBE - Chairman of Eschmann Equipment and President of the Association of British Health Care Industries
Presentation
Abstract
Healthcare markets around the world develop in response to a number of drivers and influences, some
historical perspectives will be considered and views offered on future developments. Key amongst the
influencers are the attitudes and positions of Governments in the manufacturer's home base and in the
potential markets. What are the Emerging Markets that we should be concentrating on? Every Company
has its own priority but do we take advantage of the databases held by Government Agencies on key
Markets? Government Departments can be a major source of assistance for Companies entering
Overseas Markets, in particular they can help in areas of political sensitivity. Within the UK the Trade and
Industry Marketing Strategy Board is a new venture that brings together all aspects of the UK Medical
Industry and the NHS to determine what opportunities exist for the wider good of the UK. It will
encourage closer coâ€operation between all stakeâ€holders and bring about a closer understanding of the
needs of key customers worldâ€wide. Its brief will cover Export and Inward Investment as well as
Research and Development. Likewise Trade Associations (such as ABHI within the UK) can be effective
sources of assistance for business development, addressing national and international issues in regulatory
matters, trade promotion and Government relations.
President of the Association of British Health Care Industries
George Kennedy spent 30 years as head of Smiths Industries Medical Division and was appointed Commander of the British Empire, CBE, by the Queen in 1997 for services to the Healthcare Industry and Export. Delegates will gain a unique insight into the presures and drivers that will determine the development of healthcare provision and its supporting industries both European and other international markets.
George Kennedy oversees the principal trade association in the UK for manufacturers and distributors of sterile and non-sterile medical devices. He has participated in various Cabinet Office studies; is a Non-Executive Director of the Medical Devices Agency; and, on behalf of the Department of Trade and Industry, chairman of the Africa and Middle East Trade Advisory Group. George Kennedy now chairs the Healthcare Sector Group for the re-construction of Iraq. He is Chairman and Director of a number of international healthcare companies and is an active contributor to UK initiated Trade Missions to various countries around the world. He has a unique insight into the pressures and drivers that will determine the development of healthcare provision and its supporting industries in both European and other International markets. George is also President of Kent County Cricket Club!