The Life Sciences industry in Ireland now accounts for over half of total industrial production. With total exports of over €44 billion also accounted for over half of the total exports in 2008. Seen as a key industry for the future growth of the Irish economy and resilient to the ups and downs of economic cycles as showed in the export figures for 2009, where the export of Chemicals & Pharmaceutical products grew by 12% and the Medical Devices grew by 4% (see IEA Year End Review 2009), an increased number of companies are developing new products and services to serve the Life Sciences industry.

The complex legal framework for Life Sciences companies, with an increase in regulations and Government controls, combined with the rising competition is making the industry to rapidly change its structure to adapt to the environment. Because of these changes, there is increased utilisation of third party R&D, Manufacturing and Logistical/Supply Chain companies, which mean more opportunities.

But to gain access to Life Sciences industry companies must ensure that the systems, procedures and personnel are properly aligned with the requirements that the Regulator demand to Manufacturing companies in the Life Sciences sector.

In order to assist its Members, the Irish Exporters Association organized a series of face-to-face Clinics to assist companies to start the process of developing new businesses with Life Sciences industry companies. The Clinic, fully booked in just few hours after its announcement, provided companies with a snapshot of the current and expected future structure of the industry and general guidance regarding business development strategies. Participants also discussed with our Consultants (Mr. Patrick O’Loughlin and Mr. Eric Furey) their organization’s current position regarding quality systems, procedures and facilities, and worked out a GAP analysis to identify what type of investment and the areas was needed.

After the Clinic, Mr. Pascal Lally, from DNFS, commended the IEA ‘for the quality of the workshops and briefings that you have run over the last year. Each of those has been a rewarding experience and provided key information on a diverse range of topics. DNFS attended the workshop on June 30th led by Patrick O’Loughlin and Eric Furey on the topic: How to become a Suppler to Life Science Sector. They both had an enormous level of expertise and experience in this area and gave generously of their knowledge and time. I would have no hesitation in recommending their professional approach and I am looking forward to an active series of events in the coming months through the IEA.’

Because of the popularity of the Clinic, the IEA Life Sciences Ireland is organizing an extra session (dates to be confirmed). The Clinic is structured in confidentially hourly sessions with individual companies. The main target participants are:
• Contract Manufacturers
• Contract Testing NAD R&D Laboratories
• Plastic, Packing & Precision Engineering Manufacturers
• Starting Material Suppliers
• Logistics, Warehousing & Transportation Companies
• Equipment Suppliers

If you are interested in attending this Clinic complimentary for IEA Members please send us an email to: raulmolina@irishexporters.org