Over 35 years of guiding medical devices to successful UK market entry
Mike began his career as a Royal Air Force paramedic, where he realised his passion for innovation and patient care. After transitioning into the HealthTech industry in 1989, and undertaking several success sales roles in the UK and Asia Pacific Region, Mike incorporated VNUS Medical Technologies UK as Managing Director, where he began his journey in value-based Market Access, by introducing VNUS Closure® a novel approach to treating varicose veins, greatly reducing recovery times for patients
Mike managed to get the NHS Innovation Centre to nationally recommend this therapy and save the NHS over 50,000 bed days per annum. This became a $5M+ business, and VNUS Inc was subsequently acquired by Covidien for $500m in 2009. Following this, Mike worked for Covidien as their European Market Access & Reimbursement Director. In 2010, Mike founded Device Access UK, a consultancy committed to streamlining UK market access for medical devices.
His expertise helped numerous companies replicate the success of VNUS Medical UK, guiding them in developing market access strategies that delivered real solutions for the NHS.
Under his leadership, the Device Access UK and IGES MedTech sister company, Optimax Access UK team secured over 50 NICE approvals, as well as multiple health economic publications to support their affordability, accelerating the adoption of groundbreaking technologies and ensuring patients benefited faster.
In 2019, Berlin-based IGES Institut GmbH acquired a majority stake in Device Access UK, completing a full acquisition in December 2024.
Building on his passion for driving HealthTech innovation, Mike launched HealthTech Strategies Limited in January 2025. His new venture is dedicated to advocating for stronger government support and reduced regulatory barriers to accelerate HealthTech adoption within the NHS. Leveraging his extensive network, he continues to assess emerging technologies for their real value and support companies in achieving faster market entry, emphasizing the importance of selling the problem their technology solves rather than just the product itself.
Bridging innovation and access, ensuring life-changing medical technologies reach UK patients faster.
To empower medical device companies, accelerating access to groundbreaking healthcare solutions across the UK.
Committed to integrity, collaboration, expertise, and patient-centric solutions for successful market entry.
The HealthTech Strategist is the vision of Mike Branagan-Harris, with over 35 years of experience in medical device market access. Mike's knowledge and extensive network drive every aspect of the consultancy, offering medical device companies unparalleled guidance through the challenges of market access in the UK healthcare system.
Mike views the 4 R's-Revolutionise Recovery, Reducing Regulations as foundational pillars for successful market entry and commercialisation, which enable your technology to thrive in the UK healthcare system.
Previously supported and guided over 50 NICE applications for approval, and 35+ years of experience in supporting innovation into the UK.
A single, trusted partner to manage and coordinate your entire market access strategy.
Connections to leading industry experts, key opinion leaders, and senior NHS and Government decision-makers.
helping you to sell the problem you solve through your technology, we help you become a long term partner to NHS care providers and payers
Book your free 1-hour consultation today and confidently navigate your entry to the UK market.
