Brandon Medical Welcomes Mayor Tracy Brabin for the Launch of West Yorkshire’s £160 Million Investment Zone

A Landmark Moment for Investment, Healthcare Innovation, and the Region’s Future

Brandon Medical was proud to welcome Tracy Brabin, Mayor of West Yorkshire, to its Leeds headquarters on 8th April 2025 to officially launch the region’s £160 million Investment Zone — a transformative initiative designed to position West Yorkshire at the forefront of investment healthcare innovation.

Mayor Brabin’s visit marked a milestone not only for the region’s economy but also for the UK’s healthtech sector, with Brandon Medical chosen as the launch site in recognition of its trailblazing work in SMART operating theatre technology and its deep roots in the local innovation landscape.

Mayor Brabin Leads with Vision and Action

Mayor Tracy Brabin has been instrumental in putting healthcare innovation at the heart of West Yorkshire’s growth strategy. Her £7 billion Local Growth Plan, unveiled earlier this year, prioritises investment in the region’s fastest-growing sectors — with healthtech chief among them.

At Brandon Medical, the Mayor unveiled the first phase of the Investment Zone: a £4.5 million Healthtech Accelerator that will provide world-class support for up to 240 healthtech startups and scaleups. Delivered in partnership with Health Innovation Yorkshire & Humber, the Accelerator will offer access to finance, regulatory guidance, mentorship, and collaboration opportunities to help businesses grow and commercialise breakthrough medical technologies.

The Mayor’s remarks reflect a long-term commitment to boosting healthcare innovation, unlocking opportunity across Leeds, Bradford and Huddersfield, and creating thousands of new jobs in the process.

Adrian Hall: “We Want the Best of the Best for Tomorrow”

Brandon Medical, a multi-award-winning designer and manufacturer of advanced medical equipment, was selected to host the launch due to its reputation for innovation and its leadership in British-designed SMART healthcare systems.

“We’ve always believed in building things that solve real problems.” said Adrian Hall, CEO of Brandon Medical. “That’s what drives our work — designing SMART systems that make operating theatres safer, more efficient, and ready for the future. We want the best of the best for tomorrow. We understand our part in transforming global healthcare, forging the train tracks to lead towards that future.

This Investment Zone, and the Healthtech Accelerator in particular, is a huge step forward. It brings together the support, skills, and partnerships that businesses like ours need to grow — and to keep pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in healthcare.”

Empowering West Yorkshire’s Innovation Ecosystem

The new Investment Zone forms part of a ten-year plan that will:

• Unlock £220 million in investment,
• Support 2,500 jobs, and
• Strengthen West Yorkshire’s reputation as a global health innovation hub.

It will be anchored around three key innovation sites:

• The Digital Health Enterprise Zone at the University of Bradford
• The National Health Innovation Campus at the University of Huddersfield
• The Leeds Innovation Village at Leeds General Infirmary

These locations will see targeted capital investment to create cutting-edge labs, co-working spaces, diagnostics facilities, and business incubators — providing essential infrastructure for research, development, and collaboration between clinicians, academics, and healthtech companies.

Brandon Medical: Built in West Yorkshire, Designed for the World

With over 75 years of manufacturing excellence, Brandon Medical continues to lead from its base in Leeds, supplying healthcare providers across the globe with intelligent medical technology — from surgical lights and pendants to integrated AV systems and ultra-clean ventilation.

At the heart of Brandon Medical’s mission is a drive to bring innovation to life — supporting clinicians, improving patient outcomes, and future-proofing hospitals through SMART, connected systems.

Mayor Brabin’s visit included a tour of the company’s state-of-the-art SMART theatre demonstration centre, an introduction to the R&D team, and conversations with local apprentices — highlighting Brandon Medical’s role not only in innovation, but in nurturing skills and employment in West Yorkshire.

A Shared Vision for the Future of Healthcare

As West Yorkshire enters a new era of investment and innovation, the partnership between public leadership and private enterprise will be key. Mayor Tracy Brabin’s ambition and Brandon Medical’s engineering excellence are just two examples of how the region is forging ahead — building a future where healthcare is smarter, faster, and more connected.

Learn More

Explore Brandon Medical’s Healthcare Solutions
Read More About the West Yorkshire Investment Zone