North West life sciences firms explore new Irish partnerships

Sunday, 9 November 2025 21:59

By David Murphy

A joint Mayoral trade mission to Ireland has brought together life sciences companies from Greater Manchester and Liverpool City Region to strengthen cross-border collaboration.

Eleven life sciences businesses from across the North West joined a two-day Mayoral trade mission to Ireland this week, led by the Mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham and the Mayor of Liverpool City Region Steve Rotheram.

The visit was designed to build new relationships within Ireland’s evolving healthcare sector, which has seen major transformation through policy reform, new investment, and a growing focus on digital health.

Eight Greater Manchester firms and three from Liverpool City Region took part, supported by the GM Business Growth Hub and inward investment agency MIDAS. The companies were chosen to showcase the strength and diversity of the North’s fast-growing life sciences industry.

During the visit, delegates met Irish healthcare leaders and visited the Health Innovation Hub at St James’s Hospital and University College Dublin’s NovaUCD innovation centre. They also attended networking events at the British Embassy in Dublin and Glencairn House, the official residence of the UK Ambassador to Ireland, Kara Owen.

Among the attending businesses were Manchester-based MolMart, which offers genetic testing to help prospective parents assess hereditary health risks, and Alderley Lighthouse Labs, a laboratory providing advanced diagnostic services.

Dr Markella Mikkelsen, Chief Executive and Founder of MolMart, said the visit helped the firm understand Ireland’s healthcare landscape. “We are confident that MolMart’s mission to empower future parents to plan for healthier families will resonate strongly with the Irish market,” she said.

Mark Wigglesworth, Chief Executive of Alderley Lighthouse Labs, said Ireland’s healthcare reforms were creating new space for collaboration. “The way healthcare is changing in Ireland presents an opportunity for private laboratories to work with health authorities in a different way,” he said. “I’m looking forward to building on the opportunities developed through this mission.”

Janine Smith, Director of GM Business Growth Hub, said life sciences were a cornerstone of the region’s economic growth. “It’s an area that has so much room to grow, and the opportunities domestically and internationally are really exciting,” she said. “Our businesses are best placed to make the most of these.”