On Friday 17th October, Visbuzz were lucky enough to attend the Arthritis Research UK Marketplace. The event aimed to speed up the realisation of ideas and maximise the impact for people affected by arthritis, improving quality of life.
Arthritis Research UK is the charity dedicated to stopping the devastating impact that arthritis has on people’s lives. As well as new treatments and therapies, good inclusive product design, aids and adaptations can have a transformative effect in enabling people to live well with a long-tern condition.
There were multiple opportunities to meet people involved in the funding, design, development, manufacture and sale of innovations that can help people with arthritis live pain-free, independent lives.
We were able to share ideas, network with and learn from the experts and receive important information and advice. The event had a packed itinerary including VIP speakers, workshop sessions delivering a mixed and interactive programme, and themed exhibitor zones.
Speakers included Baroness Sal Brinton who provided the key note speech. She has been a Liberal Democrat peer in the House of Lords since 2011 and she was appointed co-chair (and Liberal Democrat spokesperson in the Lords) for health in November 2013, an area she has personal experience in as she has rheumatoid arthritis.
We heard from Professor Alan Silman – Medical Director and Director of Policy and Health Promotion, Arthritis Research UK, discussed why innovation within product development is important and how it is key to listen to those affected by Arthritis when developing products.
Liam O’Toole is the Chief Executive Officer, Arthritis Research UK and responsible for leading their workforce in their fight against arthritis. Liam helped us to understand more about Arthritis Research UK and the work that they are doing.
Visbuzz also attended a talk from Allyson Reed – Director of Corporate Relations, The University of Warwick, providing information on how universities can support the innovation process.
The day was informative and energising and it was excellent to listen to some of those affected by arthritis, hear their stories and get their perspective.
