The group purchasing organisation (GPO) helps member hospitals reduce costs by buying in bulk and it is hoped the deal will substantially grow the market for SI’s Resposable and LogiRange devices. Combining reusable handles with disposable scissor blades, the latter provides surgeons with high quality, cost-effective tools for keyhole surgery.

Surgical Innovations managing director Graham Bowland says: “The 2,200 member hospitals are a considerable proportion of all US hospitals, providing us with significant access to the estimated $150 million annual laparoscopic market there.”

Brandon’s Symposia technology helps surgeons globally to share endoscopic footage and audio visual information via the web and Brandon was named Winner of Winners by the British Chambers of Commerce.

It also scooped the Chambers’ Award for Innovation Through Technology.

Paul Birtles, manufacturing director of Surgical Innovations, went far beyond the call of duty prior to collecting the award for SME Manufacturer of the Year. Rushed to hospital with appendicitis this summer, he ensured the ensuing operation was carried out using the laparoscopic instruments he makes for minimally invasive surgery!

Shortlisted for Innovation of the Year, Brandon Medical’s work was recognised in the development of two new technologies – the world’s first fully integrated tele-video system and impressive new surgical lighting equipment.

And talking of lighting, a deserved and outstanding winner of the innovation section was Harvard Engineering for its brilliant Leafnut monitoring system for street lighting which significantly reduces running costs and the carbon footprint.

Congratulations to everyone who took part – it’s another great way that the skills of manufacturers in Leeds can be celebrated!