NSW Going Global Export Program: From One Product to a Global Platform

When I travelled to the United Kingdom through the NSW Going Global Export Program, I expected to spend the week talking about one product.

I came home with something much more valuable—a broader understanding of how our technology could contribute to healthcare on a global scale.

NHS ConfedExpo, Manchester UK

The opportunity to participate in NHS ConfedExpo and visit health innovation hubs in London, Manchester and Birmingham was far more than a trade mission. It was an opportunity to listen, learn and better understand how innovation becomes patient care within one of the world's largest healthcare systems.

Throughout the week I met clinicians, healthcare leaders, researchers, innovation organisations, distributors and commercial partners, each providing a different perspective on the challenges facing modern healthcare. While every organisation had its own priorities, one message was remarkably consistent: healthcare systems around the world are searching for practical, patient-centred innovations that improve outcomes while fitting into everyday clinical practice.

That validation was incredibly encouraging.

For ChezLeon, it reinforced that the need for better solutions to support lymphatic health, post-surgical recovery and rehabilitation extends well beyond Australia.

One of the most interesting aspects of the visit was seeing the different approaches taken by health innovation ecosystems. The collaboration between hospitals, universities and research organisations was impressive, and highlighted the importance of bringing together clinical expertise, research and industry. It also reinforced a challenge shared by many countries—including Australia—of ensuring that innovation successfully transitions beyond research into commercial products that reach patients. I was particularly encouraged by Birmingham's strong focus on industry collaboration and patient outcomes alongside innovation.

Perhaps the biggest personal takeaway was a change in perspective.

When ChezLeon was founded, the goal was simple: develop a better solution for women experiencing swelling and discomfort following breast cancer treatment and surgery.

Today, while that mission remains unchanged, the conversations throughout the UK highlighted something much bigger. Our patented Differential Pressure Therapy (DP-Tx™) technology has the potential to become a broader therapeutic textile platform supporting recovery across breast care, lymphatic health, rehabilitation, trauma, orthopaedics and, in the future, wellness and sports recovery.

That shift in thinking will shape the next stage of ChezLeon's journey.

Equally important were the relationships that have continued to develop since returning home. One of the biggest lessons I took away is that international business isn't built during a single trade mission—it begins there. The real value comes from the conversations, introductions and collaborations that continue long after the flights home. Through the ongoing support of Investment NSW, Austrade and the many people we met along the way, opportunities continue to emerge that simply wouldn't have existed without taking that first step.

As a Newcastle-based Australian company, it is incredibly rewarding to see genuine international interest in technology developed from lived experience and a determination to improve quality of life.

I would like to sincerely thank Investment NSW, Austrade and everyone involved in the NSW Going Global Export Program for creating opportunities that help Australian companies build meaningful international relationships. The experience has strengthened our export strategy, expanded our thinking and reinforced our belief that Australian innovation can make a meaningful contribution to healthcare worldwide.

This trip may have started with one product, but it finished with a much clearer vision of the global potential of the DP-Tx™ platform.

Innovation only changes lives when it reaches patients.