Margaret Irwin

What having a puppy taught me about project deliverables… Nothing. Absolutely nothing. But what having a puppy has taught me is the importance of switching off. Grabbing the training lead, stepping away from the workflows and emails, and taking that lunch hour or evening to disconnect, it’s crucial. With Christmas fast approaching, things can quickly spiral into chaos. Why does this happen every year? Maybe it’s because all those “later” jobs you’ve been putting off suddenly catch up with you. Or maybe it’s the mad rush to tie up loose ends and push through critical deliverables before the well-earned break. 💻 🎄 Whatever the reason, it’s a manic time. And in these dark mornings and evenings, it’s easy to find yourself feeling stuck in the grind. That’s why carving out time to get outside—whether on your lunch break, before work, or even just a quick scutch in the evening—isn’t just “nice to do”; it’s essential. Of course, you don’t need a puppy to do this, but for me. It’s now a non negotiable that sometimes… I’ve fobbed off, to send that last minute email, update a project schedule or jump on a client call, instead of taking time for myself. So, take a moment. Step away. Go for that walk. The inbox will still be there when you get back, and trust me, you’ll handle it better when you’ve had a breather. #Christmas #ProjectManagement #Productivity #Ressettlement #ProjectManager #MentalHealth #Outdoors

19

Q4 madness is well underway! Let’s catch up at BioProcess International in #boston Contract Pharma in #newbrunswick or CPHI in #milan The #pharma #bio contract services world has got so much happening and we’ve got lots to tell you all about so book some time with me using the link below ⬇️ in the comments.

16

1 Comment

90% of the Life Science professionals I spoke to last week feel STUCK. They’re no longer learning or progressing....   And they don’t know what to do about it.   Here’s the thing: it’s pretty natural to outgrow your role.   (After all, if you’re not levelling up, you’re standing still.)   But when you spend too long in a role that’s smaller than your capabilities…   You feel less motivated, less engaged, and more likely to throw in the towel.   Leaders, let this remind you to stay in tune with your team.   Do you know what they’d like to achieve this year?   Do you know what’s holding them back?   If you don’t help your people grow, you’ll lose them to a competitor.   It’s as simple as that.

55

4 Comments

MPS Awareness Day is today. Wear it blue! MPS Society UK, here for those with rare diseases This day is dedicated to raising awareness of mucopolysaccharidoses (MPS) and related conditions. MPS disorders are rare, inherited metabolic disorders that affect between 1 in 100,000 and 1 in 280,000 people, depending on the type. They belong to a family of lysosomal storage disorders. A missing, deficient, or malfunctioning enzyme affects the body’s ability to break down and recycle specific materials. The inability to break down materials leads to an accumulation of long sugar chains in the cells called complex carbohydrates. As these carbohydrates build up, it causes permanent damage to the cells. This build-up affects physical appearance, physical ability, and, in most cases, intellectual ability, as well as the function of the organs. There are several types of MPS conditions, depending on which enzyme is deficient or not working correctly. Each one is named after the doctor who first identified them. MPS I (Hurler, Hurler-Scheie, and Scheie syndromes) MPS II (Hunter syndrome) MPS III (Sanfilippo syndrome) MPS IV (Morquio syndrome) MPS VI (Maroteaux-Lamy syndrome) MPS VII (Sly syndrome) MPS IX (Natowicz) Each MPS has different symptoms, which may not be present at birth but develop over time. The severity of symptoms can differ greatly, even within each type. For more information on each MPS type, visit the MPS Society. https://lnkd.in/eEXdsWUr Diagnosing an MPS disorder involves a combination of methods, including clinical examinations, a urine test, and genetic testing. Prenatal testing is also available. There is no current cure for these conditions. Therapies to replace the missing enzyme, called enzyme replacement therapies (ERT), are available for Hurler/Hurler-Scheie, Hunter, Morquio, Maroteaux-Lamy, and Sly syndrome. ERT slows the progression of these disorders. ERT for Sanfilippo syndrome is still in the clinical trial stage. Living with these conditions requires immense strength and resilience for the individuals and their caregivers, who are often unsung heroes in this journey. For anyone who followed the rare disease initiative I ran in February, (https://lnkd.in/gwySrMJ), look up the inspirational stories of David Oulton (published 14th February), who has MPS II (Hunter Syndrome), and Sadie Rae (published 7th February), who has MPS III (Sanfilippo Syndrome). Sharing these stories may help one person get a diagnosis or access the right support. Be part of someone’s solution. Sadie Rae: Newsweek 90: “My six-year-old has dementia”: Mom shares daughter’s heart‑breaking story. https://lnkd.in/eTfgFMqV

10

Struggling to Fill Your Staffing Needs? In today's competitive landscape, Contract Research Organisations and Consultancies in the Life Science industry face immense pressure to find the right talent. Having worked in the UK and EU markets, I understand how crucial it is to secure skilled professionals who can drive your projects to success. Reflecting on recent trends, the demand for experienced life science experts is at an all-time high, yet the talent pool seems to be shrinking. With my extensive network and proven recruitment strategies, I can help bridge this gap. From identifying the perfect candidates to ensuring they align culturally and professionally with your team, I am here to support your staffing needs every step of the way. Let's tackle this challenge together and ensure your organisation thrives in today's dynamic environment. Share your experiences or challenges in the comments below, and let's start a conversation on how we can achieve excellence collaboratively! #LifeSciences #Recruitment #UKJobs #EUIndustry #HRS #Science

4

Organisations often neglect to develop managers to become leaders... Do you agree? Miranda Williams and I are proud to launch our Inspiring Leadership Programme, approved and accredited by The Institute of Leadership We believe that we have an offer that is both timely and relevant for many organisations and if we needed any validation, we were inspired to read the comments of Pete Colby, director at Pragmatism in this month's CIPD People Management. He added, "They often promote according to technical skills rather than people skills." In the same article, Jenny Winstanley, Head of HR at AfterAthena acknowledged and gave further validation and inspiration that "many employees leave managers and not companies" Do you agree? We aim to create a learning experience that enables leaders to understand and discuss their context, their leadership, and the organisational culture and systems that they operate in. #leadershipdevelopment #organisationalculture #learningexperience

14

2 Comments

THE FUTURE OF THE CRA CRA demand has outrun supply for some time now, driven by increasing trial sizes and the rise of more complicated scientific assets (and therefore complex trial data). Side note: this has also been the main driver in the considerable increase of salaries for experienced CRAs. ⏪ Let’s rewind a bit.. 🔍 The CRA in history: Site assessments, onsite visits for data monitoring, face-to-face site contact, site personnel supervision, post-visit report writing and more. So what’s changed?.. 😷 The CRA was one of the most affected roles during the pandemic, with questions over face-to-face contact and patient safety. 🌍 This, coupled with technology revolution and increasing globalisation of clinical trials, gave further permission to the use of decentralized trials (that is where clinical trial activities take place at locations other than the clinical trial site e.g. a patient’s home or nearby care facility) and remote monitoring (that is, virtual data collection with the use of new digital technology). ✋ Both methods enable more patients to participate in a clinical trial, ultimately increasing participation numbers, retention and diversity. What does this mean for the CRA? 💻 With huge increases in data quantity (and arguably quality), coupled with different data formats and collection methods, the CRA will be required to expand their skill set to data monitor, data analyst and risk analyst. ✍ It is also anticipated that AI will take over a lot of the CRA’s admin responsibility such as data collation and document review, shifting their priorities. 🏥 Whilst historically a CRA would often be seen as site owner, demanding travel schedules often prevented full embracement of this role. With less travel comes more time to dedicate to sites, relationship building, patient flow and ultimately being a true site expert. Will CRAs become data scientists? 🤝 Whilst technology advances are changing the role of a CRA, it’s likely that this may increase the need for the ‘human touch’ with clinical trial sites. ⚙ Without CRAs being on hand to train trial-sites, answer queries and engage site staff, clinical trials would not function. 💡 Having said that, CRA training will need to be re-considered: digital tools, altered data handling and collection, virtual monitoring to name a few. 📚 The CRA is being forced to adapt. Different skills are being required and therefore different candidates will be selected to perform the role if they do not keep up, or are not offered appropriate upskilling support. #CRA #Clinicalresearchassociate #Clinicalresearch #Pharma

60

9 Comments

Childhood cancer affects approximately 3,755 new families in the UK each year, and for many, support beyond the hospital can be limited. That’s where The Joshua Tree comes in. Founded in 2006, this children’s cancer charity provides essential support to families across the North West of England and North Wales, with a centre in Cheshire and a new one opening in Conwy. What makes The Joshua Tree unique is its holistic approach—recognising that cancer affects the entire family unit. They offer bespoke programmes not only for the patient but also for siblings, parents, grandparents, and extended family. The charity focuses on improving emotional wellbeing and helping families navigate life through trauma and beyond treatment. From family fun events and weekly play sessions to counselling, play and art therapy, The Joshua Tree provides a space for families to heal, grow, and enjoy precious moments together. What’s more, there is no end date to their support—families can engage with the charity at any stage of their cancer journey. As CEO Richard Driffield puts it, “Whilst it is a monumental milestone to finish cancer treatment, the emotional impact, the healing, and the processing of what has happened does not end there.” Currently supporting 352 families, The Joshua Tree continues to grow. However, their ability to keep offering these vital services depends on the generosity of donations and grants. Your support could make a difference. Visit The Joshua Tree’s website (https://lnkd.in/eeWbfdpE) to learn how you can help provide emotional and practical care to families facing the unimaginable. Together, we can ensure no family faces childhood cancer alone. #TheJoshuaTree #ChildhoodCancerAwareness #SupportFamilies #ChildhoodCancer #CancerAwareness 

17

It's encouraging to see that the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) and the British Menopause Society have updated their guidance, now recommending hormone replacement therapy (HRT) as the first-line treatment for menopausal symptoms. This shift reflects a growing recognition of the diverse and often challenging symptoms women experience during menopause, beyond just hot flushes. The increased awareness and open discussions in recent years have been instrumental in bringing about this change. By sharing their personal experiences, women have highlighted the need for individualised care, acknowledging that different doses of estrogen may be appropriate depending on each case. This personalised approach ensures that treatment plans are tailored to effectively address the unique needs of each woman. It's great to see these sensible and productive conversations, fostering a supportive environment for women navigating this often misunderstood stage of life. Continued dialogue and education are essential to ensure that all women feel informed and supported throughout their menopausal journey. https://lnkd.in/ePQdnSsQ #menopause #perimenopause #HRT

17

Head of Contracts – Life Sciences – UK & Europe - £48-£55k basic -London (hybrid) This well-established Life Science specialist, like many other agencies, has seen some change over the past 3 years and like so many others in this sector, is now seeing serious growth within their contracts division. With existing contractors working within pharma, biotech, medtech, digital health and medical device companies in the UK and Europe, this newly created role is suitable for an experienced contracts recruiter looking to step up into a more strategic, progressive and dare I say it, lucrative role. The reason I say lucrative is because you will inherit some of their existing contractors with the view to managing the candidate, the client, inheriting the generated revenue and ideally extending their contracts. I want to tell you exactly how much they generate each month and I will, over a call 😉 This business has a gap for someone who has reached the point in their career whereby they know how to run a #lifesciences contracts desk, but they want more excitement, challenge and visible growth trajectory. They want to be able to develop their own contracts DIVISION rather than just a run a desk. You will line manage the current Delivery Consultant and come to me when you need to recruit your own team of contract recruiters as you bring in more clients (🌞) and run your division as you see fit. There is an existing team of perms recruiters in place which means that you have a platform to leverage new contract clients from and a US division which is thriving. It matters not which vertical within life sciences you operate in as they are more interested in your appetite for career development and ability to manage a small division single handedly. You will have all the autonomy/support you require and a transparent career development framework to Director in place from day one of your employment. Co bens include: 🌞 EMI Share Scheme  🌞 25 days + BHs rising annually 🌞 Early finish on a Friday 🌞 WFH days allowance giving you flex to choose when you WFH 🌞 Outsourced Management Training course over 6 months Book a call to find out more! #recruitment #flexibleworking #recruitingrecruiters #lifesciencerecruitment

7

The Clinical Research Industry - How has 2024 matched up to previous years? One question I have been asked consistently by my Clinical network over the past few months has been, "when will things get better?". It has been a difficult 12-18 months within the Life Sciences industry as a whole, although one area that has been affected more so than others, is the Clinical Research side. As businesses understandably shift their focus to commercialised assets, driving sales to recoup losses and mitigate a slow investment environment, those working before the point of approval/near-approval are feeling the turbulence, with both a lack of available resource and countless layoffs/restructurings. Over the past decade, we have seen (mostly) steady increases to the volume of clinical trials globally YoY: 2014: ~7,500 trials initiated 2015: ~24,000 trials initiated 2016: ~26,000 trials initiated 2017: ~27,500 trials initiated 2018: ~30,000 trials initiated 2019: ~31,000 trials initiated 2020: ~33,000 trials initiated 2021: ~37,000 trials initiated (peak year) 2022: ~35,000 trials initiated 2023: ~34,000 trials initiated 2024: ~16,000 trials initiated (projected by end of year) Although, post 2021, we have seen a steady decline, followed by a sharp drop this year. It is clear that 2024 in particular has been one of the toughest. So, when will things get better? When will companies start re-investing in their early-stage pipelines? The truth is, no one knows, and it certainly won't be an overnight solution. What is true, however, is that our industry is cyclical. Once sales start to bring in revenue, and organisations return to a more stable setting, there will be a need to re-focus efforts on R&D or risk falling behind to competitors. Essentially, we don't know when it will get better, just that it will eventually, and there are certainly some positive signs investment-wise to suggest this will be sooner rather than later. Interested to know my networks thoughts- do you think we've weathered the worst of the storm? or is there more to come? Data source: https://lnkd.in/eERrckwH #clinicalresearch #lifesciences #clinicaltrends #clinicaloperations #clinicaldevelopment

7

2 Comments

Should I work with a Pharma or Biotech? ... a question I often get asked by candidates. I always try and answer this question in as much detail as I can as there are pros for both that will complement the key objectives and working style of that individual, so it's extremely important to make sure these are highlighted and aligned early on to ensure they make the most out of their career. Here I have outlined the main differences between working in Pharma and working in Biotech: 1) Focus and Scope: The pharmaceutical industry primarily focuses on the development and manufacturing of drugs and medications. Pharmaceutical companies typically have a broader range of products, including both small molecules and biologics. In contrast, the biotechnology industry emphasizes the use of biological processes, organisms, or systems to develop products and technologies, often with a focus on biologics, such as vaccines, gene therapies, and recombinant proteins. 2) Research and Development (R&D) Approach: Pharmaceutical companies often have well-established R&D pipelines and invest heavily in drug discovery and development. They may have dedicated research divisions and conduct extensive clinical trials to gain regulatory approvals for their products. Biotech companies, on the other hand, tend to be more research-oriented and innovative. They often focus on developing breakthrough therapies, leveraging novel technologies, and exploring new treatment modalities. 3) Organizational Structure: Pharmaceutical companies are typically larger and have well-defined hierarchies and departments. They may have separate divisions for research, clinical development, manufacturing, marketing, and sales. Biotech companies are often smaller and more agile, with a leaner organizational structure. They may have interdisciplinary teams that collaborate closely on various aspects of product development, blurring traditional departmental boundaries. 4) Innovation and Flexibility: Biotech companies are often perceived as more innovative and risk-taking compared to traditional pharmaceutical companies. They may pursue cutting-edge scientific advancements and explore niche therapeutic areas. Due to their smaller size and less bureaucratic structure, biotech firms can be more agile and adaptable in responding to emerging scientific trends and market demands. 5) Funding and Financial Considerations: Pharmaceutical companies tend to have more stable financial resources, with established revenue streams from existing marketed products. They may have larger budgets for R&D and marketing activities. Biotech companies, especially early-stage startups, often rely heavily on external funding, such as venture capital, grants, or partnerships. They may have a higher degree of financial risk and volatility, with success or failure often tied closely to specific product development milestones. #pharma #biotech #medicalinsight #lifesciencecareers #lifesciencejob

22

Sepsis Awareness Day is just under a month away on 13th September. Did you know Sepsis is the number one cause of preventable  death in the world. It is an indiscriminate, deadly condition that can kill a previously healthy adult in a matter of hours – and that’s despite all the advances in vaccines, antibiotics and intensive care, making sepsis one of the least well-recognised medical conditions as it can be hard to diagnose due to the similarity of symptoms in other illnesses. Please make sure you know the symptoms, and why not get your company involved in spreading the word and together we can save lives ... https://lnkd.in/eXQm84Mg #sepsisresearch

4

Hi, I’m Sam. I’ve had lots of new followers recently, so I thought it was time to reintroduce myself and what I do. I began my career as an Operating Department Practitioner (ODP) within NHS England. Back then, it was all about patient care, teamwork, and ensuring safety in high-pressure environments like the operating theatre. I loved the clinical setting—mentoring others, making a difference, and being part of a high-performing team. But the lack of sunlight and relentless shift work just didn’t suit my body or soul. One morning, as I stood in the changing room putting on my theatre uniform, I just knew: I needed to resign. So, there and then, I wrote my resignation letter. There was no looking back. Since then, I’ve been fortunate enough to work with some of the most incredible blue-chip pharma, medical device, and biotech companies. My career has spanned sales, management, training, education, product management, marketing, and, for the past decade, a deep specialization in market access. What a journey it’s been—I feel incredibly fortunate. Despite the shifts in roles and industries, one constant has defined my career: embracing change while leading with care, compassion, and purpose. I’ve discovered that my true purpose is helping individuals and organizations unlock their full potential, creating ripple effects of growth and transformation. For me, leadership isn’t just about professional success—it’s about showing up fully in every area of life. It’s about tapping into joy, embracing purpose, and trusting that destiny will meet us when we lead with intention. Now, I help individuals and organizations step into their purpose and lead with heart. I specialize in: • 1:1 Coaching: Supporting leaders to show up authentically and with courage. • Organizational Coaching: Building purposeful leadership and mental fitness within teams. • Workshops & Keynotes: Cultivating clarity, mental resilience, and a culture of coaching. If this resonates with you—or you’re curious to learn more—drop me a message. Let’s explore how we can create meaningful impact together. Contact me: 🌐 www.samanthabramley.com 📧 [email protected] 📸 @samanthabramley.coach #PurposefulLeadership #MentalFitness #LeadershipDevelopment #WomenInLeadership #PersonalGrowth #TransformationalCoaching #SelfLeadership #OrganizationalGrowth #ExecutiveCoaching #ClarityAndPurpose #UnlockPotential #HeartDrivenLeadership #LeadWithHeart #CareerTransformation #CourageousLeadership #LeadershipCoach

87

6 Comments

Could the hiring market be improving? 💭🤔 It's been a difficult year for many medical device companies within the UK, facing the aftermath effects of the current Economy, Brexit and Post Covid-19 Pandemic. However, we have seen some slight improvements across the UK, which will hopefully spark some motivation and hope for any job seekers! This year we have seen: - Increased Job Postings: The UK has seen a rise in job postings, now 42% above pre-pandemic levels, indicating a robust demand for talent in the medical device sector. - Technological Expertise: There is a growing demand for candidates with skills in artificial intelligence, data analytics, and IoT integration, as companies seek to innovate and improve their product offerings. - Competitive Compensation: Due to talent shortages, companies are offering competitive salaries and benefits, including sign-on bonuses, especially in light of the ongoing cost-of-living crisis. What trends are you seeing in your organization? #MedicalDevices #HealthcareJobs #UKJobs #HiringTrends

3