Birmingham Business Magazine Releases Special Edition Life Sciences Magazine

The Birmingham Business Magazine has joined forces with Life Sciences Week to produce a one-off special edition magazine dedicated entirely to the life sciences sector. This unique collaboration shines a spotlight on one of the fastest-growing industries in the region, offering readers an in-depth look at the opportunities, challenges, and innovations shaping the future of health and science in the West Midlands.

A diverse range of voices

Bringing together a diverse range of voices, the special edition features contributions from stakeholders across the life sciences landscape. From academics pioneering new research, to investors identifying high-growth potential, and politicians working to support innovation through policy, the magazine captures the essence of a sector defined by collaboration. The breadth of contributors underscores just how wide-reaching the life sciences community has become, and how critical partnerships are in unlocking its full potential.

A central theme running throughout the edition is the West Midlands’ emergence as a hub for health and life sciences. With world-class universities, cutting-edge research facilities, and a thriving business environment, the region has become a magnet for talent, investment, and innovation. The special edition explores not only the strengths of Birmingham and the surrounding areas but also how the region’s ecosystem connects with the national and global life sciences stage.

Clarity and insight

Edited by Henry Carpenter, the special edition brings clarity, insight, and analysis to a field that is as complex as it is exciting. The magazine highlights case studies of pioneering work taking place in the region, as well as the voices of industry leaders who are driving forward the next generation of health innovations.

By showcasing the collaborative spirit of the life sciences community, the Birmingham Business Magazine hopes to inspire further connections between businesses, researchers, and policymakers. The special edition ultimately serves as both a celebration of what has already been achieved and a call to action for those who want to be part of the sector’s future growth.

You can read the full blog here: https://lifesciencesweek.co.uk/magazine/ 

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Shabna Raja

Advisory Partner,
Life Sciences Week
+44 (0) 121 227 4156
info@lifesciencesweek.co.uk

Bio

Shabna Raja is a senior leader in enterprise transformation within Life Sciences, with over 20 years’ experience spanning pharma, consumer health and large-scale digital programmes.

She specialises in bridging strategy and execution – helping organisations translate AI, data and digital innovation into tangible business outcomes. Her work focuses on complex transformation
initiatives across commercial, data and operating model domains within regulated environments.

Shabna spent seven years at GSK, where she played a key role in transformation programmes, including as part of the Consumer Health joint venture with Pfizer — one of the most significant integrations in the sector. This experience provided her with deep expertise in  organisational change, integration and operating model evolution at global scale.

More recently, she has spent over three years working closely with Haleon through a strategic
services partnership, leading enterprise client engagement and managing a multi-million-pound account while supporting transformation across a newly independent global organisation.

Her experience spans the end-to-end life sciences value chain, including R&D, commercial, supply chain and patient engagement, giving her a holistic perspective on how technology and transformation can unlock value across the industry.

Amjad Khan

Executive Partner,
Life Sciences Week
+44 (0) 121 227 4156
info@lifesciencesweek.co.uk

Bio

Amjad Khan is a UK-based entrepreneur, AI strategist, and senior technology leader with over 15 years of experience at Pfizer, where he held multiple leadership roles across digital strategy and transformation. As Global Digital Client Partner, he was responsible for digital strategy and execution across Global Business Units covering Vaccines, Hospital, and Medical Affairs. Most notably, he led the commercial launch for the Covid franchise transforming and accelerating the model for how new medicines are brought to market.

Following his tenure at Pfizer, Amjad channelled his expertise into building at the frontier of AI. His work spans AI leadership, stakeholder engagement, and agile delivery helping organisations adopt
and scale emerging  technologies to drive meaningful outcomes.

Dr. Richard Fallon | Business Consultant | WM Life Sciences

Dr. Richard Fallon

Co Founder, Life Sciences Week 
+44 (0) 121 227 4156
info@lifesciencesweek.co.uk

Bio

Dr Richard Fallon is an entrepreneur and ecosystem builder who connects industry leaders, investors and public-sector stakeholders to accelerate collaboration and commercial growth.

As the Founder of the Technology Supply Chain and co-founder of the Innovation Awards, he has spent more than two decades convening influential networks that help emerging businesses find capital, strategic partners and new routes to market.

Richard’s work spans leadership and consultancy across major organisations, alongside building membership and partnership platforms that bring universities, industry and investors into the same room – and turn conversations into practical outcomes.

With his focus on life sciences, Richard supports organisations and people driving breakthroughs in healthcare, biotechnology, medical technology and advanced research. He is passionate about creating the conditions for transformative ideas to move from concept to real-world impact – by connecting innovators with the funding, expertise and opportunities they need to scale.

Through Life Sciences Week, Richard is championing the UK’s world-class life sciences community and helping position it at the forefront of innovation, investment and patient outcomes.

Paul Cadman | Executive Chairman | WM Life Sciences

Prof Paul Cadman

CEO of One Thousand Trades Group & Co-founder of Life Sciences Week,
Life Sciences Week
+44 (0) 121 227 4156
info@lifesciencesweek.co.uk

Bio

Prof. Paul Cadman is a nationally and internationally recognised, award-winning inclusive leader and “knowledge broker”, known for bringing people, ideas and organisations together to turn ambition into deliverable outcomes.

His experience spans Research, Technology, Manufacturing, Consultancy and Membership Organisations – giving him a rare ability to translate between sectors, priorities and professional cultures in a way that builds trust and unlocks progress.

Across his career, Paul has helped take concepts from inception through to scale, including initiatives that have generated £100m+ in turnover. He combines strategic thinking with an extensive network, supporting organisations to drive organic growth, forge partnerships and deliver meaningful business transformation. He is particularly valued for his ability to connect the right stakeholders at the right time, and create the conditions for collaboration to become action.

Through Life Sciences Week, Paul helps convene the communities shaping innovation – bringing together research, industry and investment to strengthen relationships, spotlight opportunity, and accelerate real-world impact.

Amy Deakin | Chief of Staff | WM Life Sciences

Amy Deakin

Event Managing Director,
Life Sciences Week
+44 (0) 121 227 4156
info@lifesciencesweek.co.uk

Bio

Amy Deakin is a Birmingham-based leader specialising in building partnerships and fostering innovation in the life sciences sector. With a degree in Sport and Exercise Science, Amy brings a grounded understanding of human health and performance to her work and a strong interest in the developments shaping healthcare today.

Amy is Managing Director of Life Sciences Week, part of the One Thousand Trades Group, and also serves as Director of One Thousand Trades Events. In these roles, she convenes researchers, clinicians and industry leaders to strengthen collaboration, unlock new partnerships and help accelerate real-world innovation across the life sciences ecosystem.

Her career spans both commercial and third-sector environments. She began in automotive design, delivering projects for Volkswagen, McLaren, Bentley and Jaguar Land Rover, before moving into the third sector with Acorns Children’s Hospice. She later joined Western Union, working as a Partnerships Manager for international payments

An avid netballer, Amy is a committed advocate for health and wellbeing – bringing energy, clarity and connection to everything she builds, and actively involved as a participant in health related research studies.

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