Press Release                                                                   

GAMBICA and BIVDA, the two UK trade associations representing the laboratory supply and the in-vitro diagnostics (IVD) sectors, have formed a strategic alliance focused on driving the next phase of growth for the UK’s life sciences industry. This follows the rapid expansion and success of supply and testing that have been accomplished throughout the Covid-19 pandemic.

The great achievement of the UK in scaling up laboratory capacity and developing and manufacturing test and diagnostic kits over the last year has been lauded around the world, and growth is expected to accelerate over the coming years. The partnership between GAMBICA and BIVDA will help members of both trade bodies realise this potential, as the two associations work together to increase awareness of UK lab suppliers and boost the export power of the IVD industry.

BIVDA, the British in-vitro diagnostics association, has a history of highly successful lobbying and is known and respected in Government and commercial circles. BIVDA will support GAMBICA to help raise the profile of its members with the Government and senior civil servants. The aim is to ensure that key government figures in the health and business departments better understand the strength of the British laboratory manufacturing base, and know where to turn when they need reliable supplies of IVDs, laboratory equipment and Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) – however urgent the demand.

GAMBICA has an enviable track record in helping its members to export their goods. It runs pavilions at major European and World exhibitions, welcomes inward trade missions and runs missions to key territories overseas. It also provides training, information and knowledge exchange on overseas markets and exporting issues and solutions. Participation in all its overseas and UK events will now be open to BIVDA members.

Steve Brambley, Chief Executive of GAMBICA, said: “Together, these twin industry bodies are ideally placed to amplify the voice and support the growth of a key and developing part of the UK life sciences scene. GAMBICA’s focus has been on collaboration to provide the most member value and I am very pleased to work with BIVDA to further develop our support for our life sciences members. This partnership will be vital to maintaining the fantastic momentum we have built over the last 12 months and will take life sciences in the UK to the next level.”

Doris-Ann Williams, Chief Executive of BIVDA, added: “We are committed to helping UK purchasers at national and local levels benefit from the innovation, quality and continuity of supply which comes from engaging with the expert suppliers who are members of BIVDA or GAMBICA. By helping to raise the profile of GAMBICA members, and taking advantage of their exporting skills on behalf of our members, everyone will benefit and the industry will continue to develop.

As with so many things, you can do more together.”

About BIVDA
BIVDA is the national industry association for the manufacturers and distributors of IVD products in the UK. It currently represents more than 95% of the industry and over 100 organisations ranging from British start-up companies to UK subsidiaries of multinational corporations. BIVDA members currently employ over 8500 people in the UK, with a total industry turnover of approximately £820 million.

For more information, please contact BIVDA External Affairs Manager [email protected]