Experts 
help firm 
sell new surgical 
lifesaver

A YORKSHIRE-based family healthcare business is poised for rapid expansion after gaining backing from an organisation that supports fast-growing businesses.

GrowthAccelerator helped Sheffield-based Heeley Surgical to present a case for funding that helped it launch a new surgical device called the retractor.

GrowthAccelerator is a private and public sector partnership between business growth experts, including Grant Thornton, Oxford Innovation and the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills.

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Heeley Surgical believes the retractor will help surgeons working in the toughest conditions, such as war zones.

The retractor uses fibre-optic technology to minimise the need for separate lighting during surgery.

The self-illuminated hand-held surgical retractor holds back tissue and can be used in breast, plastic and general surgery.

The business produces more than 7,000 types of hand-held surgical instruments and operates a global operation, supplying more than 300 customers in the UK and overseas.

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It has clients ranging from huge organisations like the NHS to Middle Eastern hospitals and self-employed podiatrists.

A GrowthAccelerator spokesman said: “Being battery-operated with an in-built LED light, the retractor provides up to four hours of light and allows surgeons to manoeuvre easily – without large overhead lighting or cables getting in the way.

“This is particularly useful for surgeons operating in difficult conditions and emergencies – such as those in road accidents and war zones.

“As the retractor is single use and disposable, it also helps healthcare professionals to save time – as typically instruments can take up to two days to sterilise.

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“It could potentially cut waiting times for patients too and bring savings to the NHS.”

Heeley Surgical has a projected turnover of £750,000 a year and employs four staff.

Mr Heeley said that he believes the retractor has got enormous potential.

Andrew Brocklehurst, the regional lead for GrowthAccelerator, works with Yorkshire businesses, across a wide variety of sectors who are experiencing growth despite the tough conditions.

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“Yorkshire businesses show a steady determination in succeeding, whatever challenges the current economic climate may throw at them,” Mr Brocklehurst said yesterday.

“At GrowthAccelerator, we work with a range of exciting companies, supporting them with everything from match funded leadership and management training, to working on their business plans.

“The results and positive feedback from businesses signed up speak for themselves.”

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