30 April 2026 | Cutlers’ Hall, Sheffield

Applications are now open for the 2026 Medilink Healthcare Business Awards: the ultimate showcase of talent, innovation, creativity and resilience within the life sciences sector.

As part of Medilink’s commitment to the healthcare sector across the North of England, every year they host a celebration of the achievements of life science companies over the past year and showcase the very best examples of collaboration between industry, academia and the NHS.

From innovative new start-ups to established industry leaders, the Medilink Healthcare Business Awards recognise those who have made a real difference to the sector in the North of England; whether through amazing new technologies, outstanding partnerships or exceptional growth.

The award categories are listed below, and application forms and guidance notes are available on the Medilink website.

Please note: this is a regional award competition, and applicants will need to be located in (or have a partner from within) the North of England.

Health Innovation Manchester are thrilled to be sponsoring the Innovation Award alongside the Northern Health Innovation Networks.

All applications are to be submitted to the Medilink Events Team: [email protected]

The closing date for applications is Friday 20th February 2026.

• Innovation Award
• Export Achievement Award
• Advances in Digital Healthcare Award
• Partnership between Academia & Business Award
• Primary / Social Care Partnership Award
• Partnership with the NHS [Acute Care] Award
• Start-Up Award
• Sustainability Award
• Investment Award
• Outstanding Achievement Award
• One-To-Watch Award

Ticket Purchase

Tickets for the Medilink North of England Healthcare Business Awards 2026 can be booked by clicking the link below and filling out the form. https://medilink.co.uk/product/hcba26-tickets/

30 Years of Medilink North of England

This year, Medilink is also celebrating a special milestone.

It’s hard to believe Medilink is marking its 30th year. From their beginnings as a Yorkshire-based support organisation to becoming a professional association and consultancy serving the North of England, Medilink has evolved in many ways while always staying true to their roots.

Medilink’s commitment to the sector remains strong, and their ability to help organisations grow, connect and succeed has only become stronger. Since 2002, the Medilink Healthcare Business Awards have celebrated the success of organisations across the region. These organisations have worked together in partnership to improve patient care, developed pioneering innovations and expanded into new international markets, changing the face of healthcare for ever. Medilink are proud that the awards continue to grow year after year.

Celebration Evening

The 2026 Awards evening will be held on Thursday 30th April at the Cutlers’ Hall in Sheffield.

The event will start with a complimentary drinks reception with a chance for networking, followed by a three-course dinner with a prestigious awards ceremony and music. The dress code will be black tie.

The Charity Partner

Medilink North of England’s Charity Partner for 2026 is Sheffield Hospitals Charity.

Sheffield Hospitals Charity help Sheffield’s hospitals, community teams and mental health and specialist services to cover costs their NHS budgets can’t.

They fund support for patients and staff, life-changing research and more, so that they can enhance care from birth to the end of life and everything in between.

They provide additional funding to Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust and Sheffield Health Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust who support people at every stage on life’s journey.

Sheffield Teaching Hospitals provide a range of local and tertiary serves to the people of South Yorkshire, Mid Yorkshire and North Derbyshire and highly specialist services to all parts of England.

From welcoming babies into the world on the Jessop Wing, to supporting cancer care at Weston Park, and specialist care at the Royal Hallamshire, Charles Clifford and the Northern General.

Somewhere along the line, their funding is likely to have helped you or someone you love.

As well as funding provisions for patients, their grants also contribute to training, equipment, and wellbeing projects for NHS professionals.

By looking after the staff and services at the centre of patient care, they’re making sure they’re ready to look after you.

The work they fund is only possible through generous donations, fundraising events, corporate support and a coming together of their community.

With your help, they’ll make sure that the care you and your loved ones receive is the best it can be.

For more about the charity, see their website: sheffieldhospitalscharity.org.uk