Association of British Healthcare Industries

ABHI activities

ABHI has been representing the medical technology industry for more than ten years, providing the lead and expertise on general and specialist healthcare issues for the industry. A key factor in the Association's success is the active participation of member companies.

12 reasons to join:


Influence legislation
ABHI ensures that companies, small and large, are in a position to hear of, influence and understand forthcoming legal requirements. We were a major participant in drafting the European Medical Devices Directives and continue to influence their implementation at national and European level. ABHI seeks to promote the sensible development and fair application of medical device and environmental legislation.

Influence Government policy
ABHI works with a number of Government departments, including the Departments of Health and Trade & Industry, to promote the needs and views of our members, with a view to improving both the industry's competitiveness and healthcare outcomes.

Influence regulation and standards
Member companies are given the very latest information on regulations and standards and can benefit from ABHI's expertise and experience in technical and regulatory matters, gained through many years of consultation with regulatory and standards bodies. ABHI members can participate directly in drafting standards in the UK and Europe through BSI, ISO and CEN committees.

Influence public bodies and end users
Trading conditions in the UK concern all our members. ABHI holds top-level meetings and Round Tables with the Home Countries' supplies organisations to maintain a working dialogue with purchasers. The Supply Chain and e-Business Working Group, Credit Circle and the Drug Tariff Forum are groups where members work together for the benefit of all participants.

Profit from networking
Most difficult to quantify but the benefit which our members consistently list in their top three. ABHI provides an environment for informed, open, friendly and challenging discussion, exchange of views, and meeting new contacts.

Support for exporting activities
ABHI provides professional support, guidance and assistance to members wishing to increase their exports. Members benefit from rolling programmes designed to enhance the industry profile in target markets. ABHI arranges company portfolio shows, exhibitions, inward and outward trade missions, signposts grants and funding opportunities, and monitors aid-funded projects.

Access new sources of funding
ABHI works closely with Government in order to promote and signpost exciting new funding opportunities for companies.

Information on business development and competitiveness
ABHI facilitates dialogue with companies interested in research and development, especially through its Research and Innovation Forum. With representation on the UK Clinical Research Collaboration, the Association seeks to steer R&D spending in the public sector towards opportunities which offer long-term sustainable growth.

Participate in Special Interest Sections
Much of the work undertaken by ABHI concerns the industry at large, however, some matters are specific to certain sectors and Special Interest Sections are formed to focus on issues unique to these sectors, e.g. Orthopaedics, Surgical Instruments and Active Medical Devices.

Exposure to UK and international business opportunities
ABHI regularly publishes information on significant UK and international opportunities, including announcements by NHS Trusts of new spending initiatives and export sales leads.

Industry news and views
ABHI produces a wide range of publications and information sheets for its members, including our bi-monthly journal Focus, the bi-weekly e-newsletter Primed, Position Papers on topical issues, Market Reports and Guidance Documents.

Access to meeting rooms in central London
Members may request the use of ABHI's meeting rooms to hold meetings with key contacts, or as a base between engagements.

Last updated: 08/08/2007 12:15:19