A West Yorkshire Business Boost (WYBB) Export Programme participant, Wellola, is accelerating its expansion into the United States. WYBB, delivered by Exemplas with Leeds Beckett University and West Yorkshire Combined Authority, supported Wellola through a blend of tailored export research, specialist workshops and funded market exploration activities, to validate opportunities, strengthen its export readiness and begin forming strategic partnerships in the US healthcare sector.
The achievement is a strong example of how the WYBB Export Programme is helping ambitious West Yorkshire SMEs access global markets and turn strategic aspirations into commercially viable growth.
US expansion powered by tailored export support
Since signing up to the programme in January 2024, WYBB supported Wellola to access vital US market research into prospective US care providers and suppliers to strengthen their export capabilities. Wellola attended a series of workshops and masterclasses run in conjunction with WYBB’s partner, Chamber International, to gain valuable insight into the American health tech market.
In addition, a tailored programme focusing specifically on Minnesota and the East Coast of the US was delivered by WYBB’s partner, Medilink North of England. This centred on US regulation, and technical and clinical protocols, as well as introducing the team to global specialists who advised around data governance and securing HIPAA compliance – one of America’s national standards for protecting sensitive patient health information.
Laying the Groundwork for US Partnerships and Future Growth
A grant provided by WYBB, facilitated a multi-day visit to Minnesota which enabled Wellola to lay the groundwork for collaborations in the US market and forge new links with major players within the American medical tech sector. Minnesota is home to Medical Alley – a health innovation focused think tank, business accelerator and professional network which runs programmes that connect startups with investors and support global expansion for MedTech, BioTech, and digital health companies. Having pitched to potential partners, investors and eminent leaders, Wellola is exploring collaboration with a private healthcare network in the US which will accelerate growth in 2026.
Following its launch in 2016, Wellola has secured major contracts with leading healthcare providers including Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, the Berkshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust and Black Country Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust. The business is further strengthening its stronghold in the UK in the community and mental healthcare sector. Previous deployments also include the North East London Foundation Trust, alongside the Access Group and Birmingham Community Healthcare NHS Trust.
This additional income stream will help fund Wellola’s expansion into the American market, escalating their export capabilities. The business has recently expanded its team by hiring a full time Product Owner and Senior Programme Manager and is currently recruiting for two technical and commercial roles.
Karla Tun, Export Manager at West Yorkshire Business Boost, explained: “We’re delighted that we’ve been able to help Wellola navigate the complexities of operating globally, explore the US market and build meaningful collaborations with innovators, partners and potential investors. The team is making great strides towards achieving its global ambition.”
Sonia Neary, Founder and CEO at Wellola, said: “West Yorkshire Business Boost has played a pivotal role in helping us reach new markets, providing validation, business confidence, insight, tailored research and invaluable networking opportunities as well as sharing our vision. The Export Programme has reinforced the immense potential for collaboration with the US healthcare sector that is constantly evolving.”
Wellola is one of more than 500 SME’s who have benefited from the support that combines university validated, evidence-based and targeted business advice to secure measurable economic returns. Over the last two years, the programmes have generated £16 for every £1 of public investment, created 350 jobs, safeguarded 940 jobs and co-invested £972k by leveraging public investment with private capital.
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