AXREM Statement on the UK Life Sciences Sector Plan – July 2025

16 July 2025

AXREM welcomes the publication of the UK Government’s Life Sciences Sector Plan and its bold ambition to position the UK as Europe’s leading life sciences economy by 2030, and third globally by 2035. The Plan’s emphasis on innovation, collaboration, and health system transformation aligns closely with AXREM’s mission to advance diagnostic imaging, radiotherapy, and digital health technologies that improve patient outcomes and support NHS resilience.

We are particularly encouraged by the Plan’s commitment to:

• Accelerating clinical trials through the O’Shaughnessy reforms, which will reduce setup times and expand patient access to cutting-edge treatments.
• Establishing the Health Data Research Service (HDRS), a transformative platform that will unlock the full potential of genomic, diagnostic, and clinical data to drive AI innovation and global investment.
• Backing sovereign manufacturing capability, including up to £520 million through the Life Sciences Innovative Manufacturing Fund, which will strengthen supply chains and support high-value job creation.
• Streamlining regulation and market access, enabling faster adoption of medical technologies and reducing barriers for innovators.

As the representative body for suppliers of diagnostic imaging, radiotherapy, and healthcare IT, AXREM stands ready to support the delivery of this Plan. We urge the Government to ensure that procurement reforms, including the proposed NHS ‘Innovator Passport’, are inclusive, transparent, and aligned with the needs of frontline services. We also call for continued investment in workforce development and digital infrastructure to ensure that innovation reaches patients equitably and sustainably.

AXREM looks forward to working with government, NHS leaders, and industry partners to turn this vision into reality, building a life sciences ecosystem that is not only globally competitive, but also deeply rooted in improving lives across the UK.

Sally Edgington, AXREM Chief Executive Officer said “The Life Sciences Sector Plan reflects an ambitious vision that recognises the essential role of innovation in strengthening healthcare systems and driving economic growth. At AXREM, we welcome the Government’s focus on clinical trial reform, sovereign manufacturing, and the smarter use of health data to unlock real-world impact.

Our members, who supply the advanced technologies underpinning diagnostics, radiotherapy, and digital health are at the forefront of this transformation. But to fully realise the Plan’s potential, we must ensure that procurement practices, workforce investment, and infrastructure improvements evolve alongside technological advances.

AXREM remains committed to working in partnership with Government and NHS leaders to ensure that these reforms translate into meaningful benefits for both patients and healthcare professionals.”

AXREM Chairman, Huw Shurmer said “This Plan marks a pivotal moment for UK life sciences, reinforcing the critical link between innovation and patient care. AXREM members are proud to contribute technologies that enable faster diagnosis, improved cancer treatment, and smarter data integration. We look forward to helping deliver the ambitions set out today, ensuring they result in tangible benefits across the NHS and beyond.”

ENDS